Close Menu
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    Trending
    • Livestream Services for the Glorification of the Righteous Olga of Kwethluk
    • Washington state targets priests, confidentiality of confession with discriminatory law
    • Archbishop George of Cyprus Speaks Exclusively to “The National Herald” on the Dethroned Metropolitan Tychikos of Paphos
    • ‘The heart of Orthodox monasticism’: Historic monasteries on Mount Athos damaged by earthquakes
    • Ecumenical Patriarchate Issues Statement on Status of Saint Catherine Monastery of Sinai
    • Council of Nicaea anniversary is call to Christian unity, speakers say
    • Call for Nominations: 2025 Medal of Saint Theodora Award
    • Save the Date: October 11, 2025 – Frederica Mathewes-Green to Headline OCL’s 38th Annual Conference
    Orthodox Christian Laity
    Facebook X (Twitter) YouTube
    • Home
    • OCL
      • About OCL
      • Leadership
      • OCL News
      • OCL Publications
      • Focused Study and Research Topics
      • OCL Archives at DePaul University
    • Orthodox News & Links
      • Orthodox News Stories
      • Headlines & News Archives
      • Governance & Unity
        • Governance Top Stories
        • Governance & Unity Essays
        • Grassroots Unity in Action
      • OCL Forums
      • Orthodox Christian Laity News
      • Web Links
    • Audio & Video
      • Audio Index
      • Video Index
    • Contact
    • Make a Donation
    Orthodox Christian Laity
    You are at:Home»Governance & Unity News»An Army of Fleas

    An Army of Fleas

    0
    By Webmaster on April 10, 2014 Governance & Unity News, Grassroots Unity in Action, Orthodox News, Orthodox News Top Stories
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email Telegram WhatsApp Copy Link

    A OCL 150Source: 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

    [subscribe2]
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email WhatsApp Copy Link
    Previous ArticlePan Orthodox Fellowship Weekend: May 30 – June 1, 2014 / Akron OH
    Next Article Retired army general wants Egypt’s St. Catherine’s Monastery demolished

    Related Posts

    June 17, 20251 Min Read

    Livestream Services for the Glorification of the Righteous Olga of Kwethluk

    June 16, 20254 Mins Read

    Washington state targets priests, confidentiality of confession with discriminatory law

    June 15, 20256 Mins Read

    Archbishop George of Cyprus Speaks Exclusively to “The National Herald” on the Dethroned Metropolitan Tychikos of Paphos

    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Register for OCL's Annual Conference - October 11, 2025

    Sign the Declaration for Orthodox Christian Unity

    Enter the Slogan Contest

    Share this page
    DISCLAIMER

    All articles represent the views of the authors and  not necessarily the official views of Orthodox Christian Laity (OCL). They are posted to encourage thoughtful discussion on topics and concerns relevant to Orthodox Christians living in a pluralistic society. OCL encourages your comments.

    Stay Informed!

    Subscribe to our Newsletter

    WE WELCOME YOUR INPUT AND SUPPORT!

    Your donation impacts and helps advance the unity of the Orthodox Church of America.

    DONATE NOW

    THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT!

    Upcoming Events
    There are no upcoming events.
    Recent Comments
    • Angela Skinner on Orthodox Christian Unity in America – Papers in Support (New: See Paper No. 5)
    • Procopius on Leading Liturgists Reaffirm the Ordination of Women to the Diaconate
    • Procopius on How will the Female Diaconate Help Prevent Abuse?
    • John Fronime on Archbishop Elpidophoros Proposes Separation of Church and State in Greece
    • Nn on HAVE WE HIT ROCK BOTTOM? REFLECTIONS OF A NOT-SO-INNOCENT BYSTANDER [witnessing the present decline of the Orthodox Church as an institution]
    • Member on Ex-Clergyman, Sexually Abused at 17 by His Priest, Attempted Suicide
    • Bonnie Belknap on Archbishop Elpidophoros Proposes Separation of Church and State in Greece
    • Bonnie Belknap on Archbishop Elpidophoros Proposes Separation of Church and State in Greece
    • Bonnie Belknap on Archbishop Elpidophoros Proposes Separation of Church and State in Greece
    • Luke on Egypt nationalizes ancient monastery’s grounds, fraying ties between Athens and Cairo
    OCL Archives Online
    Project for Orthodox Renewal
    renewal-resize
    OCL Digital Newsletter

    Subscribe to our Newsletter

    MAKE A DONATION

    Sign the Declaration for Orthodox Christian Unity

    St. Symeon the New Theologian and St. Photini are the Patron Saints of OCL

    footer-fnl

    Orthodox Christian Laity
    PO Box 6954

    West Palm Beach, FL · 33405
    561-585-0245

    Sponsored by Ann Souvall in memory of husband George

    DISCLAIMER: All articles represent the views of the authors and  not necessarily the official views of Orthodox Christian Laity (OCL). They are posted to encourage thoughtful discussion on topics and concerns relevant to Orthodox Christians living in a pluralistic society. OCL encourages your comments.

    ©2025 Orthodox Christian Laity (OCL) ·  Login

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.