Thank you very much for your kind words and support. They are truly appreciated. Your historical reference is quite interesting and I did not know this – although I am not surprised that Archbishop Iakovos did not reach out to AIDS patients. Although having said that, I do know numerous Orthodox priests who did minister to people with HIV and AIDS including participation in ecumenical worship services – I was one of them in Boston. While certainly not directly supporting gay people, these brave priests did minister who those who needed their services, many of whom were gay.
Concerning the gathering in New York – wow – do you think that this is progress? I hope so. If done respectfully, and some priests will have to set the tone, it could be very good. I would not presume to give advice as to the particular New York needs or support or resources.
Andriy

Thank you for comment, I truly appreciate your words. In my opinion it is fear – fear of the government, (in the case of Russia) fear of reprisal by other bishops or powerful laymen, or perhaps for the worse reason – they themselves are hiding something and do not want to “push the envelope”.
Andriy