Source: Orthodox Christian Laity
By Roy Synder
Recently, after the Patriarch of Antioch ordered that the American Clergy cease their involvement with the Assembly of Bishops, I took an action to voice my disagreement with this decree. It was a small thing – no big oratory, grandstand or “snit.” Someone asked me what I thought I would accomplish and I replied: “I suppose it’s tantamount to a flea biting and elephant’s butt, I did not think that I should be silent.”
Reflecting, I realized that there would be no notice from any level of hierarchy. I am not well known, influential, wealthy, or powerful in any manner. My puny action will not be felt and have no impact. Then I realized that what was needed was not someone with lots of money, renown or power – what was needed were more fleas.
The Old-World hierarchs, whatever their motivations may be, are not interested in an American united autocephalous Church. Their representatives in America, Metropolitans and Archbishops, are either not interested in an American Church or will be obedient to their Patriarchs. The bishops will also align themselves with their leadership and the Priests will remain silent (no matter what most of them may think). There is no one that will listen to the Laity of the many jurisdictions in America that long for our own American Orthodox Christian Church. There is no one to take up our cause.
“There is no one left . . . none but all of us.”[1]
Only The Body of Christ.
Only an Army of Fleas.
The OCL website offers a petition to be sent to the Old-World Hierarchs. If you agree with the statement contained on the document, please add your name. Ask your household to consider adding their names. Share the petition (via link or email) with your friends so that they may add their names.
[1] S. S. McClure, “Concerning Three articles . . . and a Coincidence That May Set Us Thinking.” McClure’s (January 1903) p. 336. Quoted Found in: Goodwin, Doris Kearns, The Bully Pulpit. New York, Simon & Schuster, 2013
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