Anthony,

Thank you for your email and support of this website. The story about your sister is indeed a sad one and one that is all too often repeated throughout the Orthodox world. It is a shame and sad that the priest felt he could rejoice at the death of a once loving relationship. If his sister was married to a man, the Church would refer to the end of that relationship a tragic failure. And yet the priest rejoices at the death of his sister’s marriage. It may sound like a cliché to ask the question, but in this instance it is fitting: “what would Jesus do?” Would He rejoice or be saddened at the end of a committed relationship?

Thank you again for your comment. Please stay in touch,

Andriy

This after the document put out my the Antiochian Archdiocese, entitled: “Resolution to Oppose the Recent U.S. Supreme Court decision that held the ‘Defense of Marriage Act’ Unconstitutional” http://www.aoiusa.org/antiochian-orthodox-church-affirms-traditional-marriage/

It seems this document was dated in 2013, but it was recently distributed to all parishes in the Archdiocese in the past couple of weeks,

Seraphim,
I agree with you that bishops and priests, especially the ones who self identify as gay, need to create a movement. We also need to hear from those “straight” bishops and priests who support the protection and inclusion of LGBT Orthodox in the parishes. Until a bishop or two speaks out or a group of priests are willing to be removed from the ranks of the clergy over defending their flock, the struggle will be difficult. I would shout AXIOS from the rooftops at your ordination and support your endeavor. However, you must first find a bishop, with credibility and a viable diocese to ordain you with the understanding that you would not be silent on your support for LGBT inclusion in the parish. That might prove more than difficult in the current climate. You have my support.
May God bless and guide your steps,
Andriy

Fr. Andre
Tobdlindquist@gmail.com

Seraphim,
Thank you for your comment. Indeed, it would be great to have more priests and at least one bishop take a stand in support of LGBT Orthodox Christians. We know that there are priests and bishops who are gay and are in relationships with other men. The mental gymnastics that it takes to sign encyclicals against equality in marriage while being in a relationship is something that I can’t fathom. While I understand that not everyone who is “paid by the church” can be open, it is the hypocritical ones that are the most worrisome.
There are of course priests who are supporting of LGBT parishioners, but feel that they can’t be public about their support. They also have to make a wage and take care of their families. If they had the support of their hierarch, it would go a long way in supporting those brave priests who would be willing to take a public stand.
While starting an inclusive, non-judgmental parish is a great idea – all of our parishes should be inclusive and non-judgmental.
I commend you in your quest to seek ordination. I know that there are bishops who visit the website, perhaps one will contact you.
I wish you well,
Andriy

Father,
Perhaps I did not express myself correctly regarding setting up an Orthodox parish. What I meant that the MCC was originally set up to serve LGBT Christians who were unwelcomed in other churches. Over time the Church became a greater refuge for supporters of LGBT rights and others who did not feel welcome in traditional parishes. This is NOT something that I would support for the Orthodox Church. I would rather the Orthodox Church, from the hierarchy to the laity begin to fully accept LGBT Orthodox Christians, fully welcome them into the parishes, and provide the mysteries to them including the service of crowning. Therefore I agree with you that the possibility of a gay oriented Orthodox parish within a mainstream jurisdiction would not be realistic or even desired. I do know of priests that have ministered to the few AXIOS groups. They either functioned in complete anonymity or were priests from non-traditional Orthodox jurisdictions. While I recognize that such groups are vital, as support groups, I would not welcome them becoming their own parishes.
Andriy

thanks for your response. I think we could converse for hours (and I’d like that!) but one comment I’d make here is that I find your comment about an ‘Orthodox MCC” interesting. Do you mean setting up an Orthodox oriented parish within the MCC? This might be a ‘solution’ for some; but it would certainly mean a break with mainstream Orthodoxy. As to you question: “what priest, what bishop? …” … as for the priest — maybe me (or you); Bishop? none that I can think of would go for this. i guess it would be an MCC Bishop (do they have them?).
I guess what I’m saying here is that I don’t see any possibility for a gay oriented Orthodox parish within ANY mainstream jurisdiction. Any priest who came out as gay and/or was ministering to/giving the Mysteries to gay couples would be immediately suspended, I think. The only answer seems to be setting up a gay parish within one of the non-mainstream Orthodox jurisdictions you speak of; or indeed; within the MCC (which I’ve looked into some; and my overall impression of MCC is that there is something “off” about it. …. Well; sorry for such a rambling and “all over the place” message. I’d really like to keep this dialogue going.

Father,
Thank you for your comment and support. Concerning your point about an Orthodox parish that served primarily the LGBTQ community, I understand your desires. An Orthodox MCC might be the answer. However, what priest would serve it and under what bishop would it fall? I know that there are smaller Orthodox jurisdictions out there, outside of mainstream Orthodoxy, that accept openly gay clergy, but there needs to be a change within the larger Orthodox Church. One can also not forget our LGBT brothers and sisters in countries where the Orthodox Church is predominant.
I wish you well in the New Year. Please stay in touch.
Andriy

Would I be willing to minister such a parish? I’m still struggling with that one. …

ps. I just discovered this website today and have to say, am ecstatic to know that it exists !