Comments on: Death of a Matushka

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 01:39:03 +0000

All is in the love of the Holy Spirit

By: andre

andre — Sat, 16 Nov 2013 02:19:29 +0000

Noel,
Thank you so much for your kind words and support. I do not defend the bishops who make statements against gay and lesbian people, but I think that there are two problems that they face. I am sure that many Orthodox bishops are gay and they have been erroneously taught – by the Church, society, and their family, that being born gay and loving someone of the same sex, is an evil to be hated and combatted. This is what they learn and therefore, live. When they are ordained to the episcopacy they join other men who were taught the same things. As they mature or live amongst their people, they may no longer believe this, but they are now part of an earthly institution which has made opposing gay people one of its calling cards. They say the words that they have not examined – because it maybe too close to them – or they say words they themselves no longer believe in – or they say the words which they contradict by their own actions and lives.

Numerous Orthodox people live in holy, loving and nurturing Christ centered relationships. The Church has in the past and in a few instances even now, blesses them. God willing, the Church will one day accept and bless our unions openly.
Andriy

By: Noel Warren

Noel Warren — Mon, 11 Nov 2013 22:04:38 +0000

Very poignant !. So many ordinary people can relate to what you say even if they require a bit of reflection first. Somehow the bishops mostly fail to have that basic humanity. Yet they claim apostolic succession. I wonder how it is possible to be an apostle of Jesus and hate gay and lesbian people.
I think the Church should be happy to bless all loving committed relationships when the partners ask for it in sincerity and good faith. It should not just be resticted to the sacrament of marriage. Keep this sacrament separate for lifelong committments if you wish. The Church should also be humane enough to understand that these relationships can form,grow and sometimes fall apart. The Church should be there for them at this time as well, acknowledging, offering love, healing ,and encouagement to all those involved.
Noel.

By: andre

andre — Wed, 06 Nov 2013 01:36:06 +0000

In reply to Rachel.

Rachel,
Thank you for your very kind comment. It makes me happy that you find some solace in the writing that I publish. I am sorry that you have not been able to attend Divine Liturgy since Easter. I do hope that you will be able to solve the problem of transport and get to a different Orthodox Church soon, because I know that your heart desires it so much. Perhaps asking a friend, doing one kindness for another to borrow a car or get a ride. A chance to be at Liturgy at a different parish could bring you some hope and peace.
Please know that you are in my prayers.
I do wish you well and bid you peace and much true joy.
Andriy

By: Rachel

Rachel — Mon, 04 Nov 2013 06:11:13 +0000

Another beautiful article, thank you. I love coming here and reading what you have to say. Gives me so much to think about.

I haven’t attended Liturgy since Easter, and I really miss it. I’ve still been contemplating attending another Orthodox parish but have been having issues with transport. On top of that, I’m pretty nervous considering what happened last time.
I want very, very much to be chrismated.

God bless you,
Rachel