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»Governance & Unity Essays»Musings of The Executive Director – Pastoral Letter of His Eminence, Metropolitan Isaiah

    Musings of The Executive Director – Pastoral Letter of His Eminence, Metropolitan Isaiah

    1
    By Webmaster on September 30, 2018 Governance & Unity Essays, Governance & Unity News, OCL News, Orthodox Christian Laity
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email Telegram WhatsApp Copy Link
    George Matsoukas, Executive Director of Orthodox Christian Laity

    Source: Orthodox Christian Laity

    I would like to share this pastoral letter sent to Orthodox Christian Laity by His Eminence Metropolitan Isaiah of Denver as OCL  gathers in Cleveland October 17-20 for its 31 Annual Meeting. His letter provides the opportunity to thank all the dedicated supporters past and present who served and continue to serve on the board and advisory board of OCL. Board members serve at their own expense and contribute $1,000 yearly to support the organization. Without their prayers, time, talent and resources, we could not continue our ministry.

    We are especially grateful to the hierarchs and clergy who have been and who presently serve as  advisory board members. Father Steven Vlahos has been a member of the advisory board for 31 years. We are blessed to continuously receive his insight and advice.  We are grateful to Father Michael Massouh and Father Dr. Timothy Cremeens.

    We remember Father Eusebius Stephanou of blessed memory who also was an original advisory board member and hosted OCL at the Renewal Center in Destin, Florida.  He is the father of the spiritual renewal movement within Orthodoxy worldwide.  May his memory be eternal. We also remember advisory board members of blessed memory, Father Thomas Hopko,   Father Peter Gillquist and Father Gordon Walker. Each one of them guided our proceedings with love and broadened our understanding of the Orthodox Christian faith.  Memory Eternal.

    We thank his Eminence Metropolitan Isaiah who was assigned to be our spiritual advisor when OCL was started and has observed and guided our movement for thirty years.  He is presently a member of the advisory board. We appreciate his wisdom and prayers. We also are grateful and appreciate the guidance and prayers of Archbishop Michael of New York and New Jersey and His Eminence Archbishop Benjamin of San Francisco and the West.

    We are most grateful to His Eminence Archbishop Nathaniel of Detroit and the Romanian Episcopate.  He has been a member of the advisory board for 20 years, and in all this time, has missed only 3 meetings.  He keeps reminding us that Christ is love and light, and that we must work prayerfully and lovingly. His wisdom and direction inspires the organization.

    Our prayer is that God grant all of our supporters many years!

    George Matsoukas, Executive Director

    Click here or on the letter below to view the PDF version.


    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email WhatsApp Copy Link
    Previous ArticleREGARDING THE GRANTING OF AUTOCEPHALY TO THE CHURCH OF UKRAINE
    Next Article EXCLUSIVE: The dialogue between the Patriarchs of Constantinople and Moscow during their meeting at the Phanar

    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

    1 Comment

    1. Gary Conrad on January 2, 2019 10:08 pm

      Blessed Advent your Eminence and thank you for your service to our country and our church.

      I read your letter regarding Orthodox unity in this month’s OCL pamphlet.
      I agreed when you said all Orthodox are united in the love of Christ, so administrative unity is less important (paraphrased).
      That we are a spiritual family under God and wherever love exists, there is no need to stress constant rules and regulations…

      Fortunately or unfortunately, we live in a world where business has to be conducted and the business of unifying the Orthodox Jurisdictions falls mainly to the Bishops/Metropolitans in America.
      I would say those Bishops/Metropolitans who have loyalty elsewhere in the world, should go back to that part of the world, or come to the realization that they live in what could potentially be the most Orthodox country on earth and work towards its unification and growth.

      Honestly your Eminence, I’m sure there are very few among the Orthodox Hierarchy in the United States, who would prefer administrative unity. I can understand why with the many compromises that would have to be made. The differences in financial assets between jurisdictions, the process as to how Bishops would be appointed to various cities throughout the country, jurisdictional pay scale differences for clergy that would have to be worked out. A whole host of issues and problems to resolve. That is however the directive that was given to you and your brother Bishops/Metropolitans to accomplish from Patriarch Bartholomew.
      I believe what is paramount in the decision making process for many American Bishops/Metropolitans, is this loyalty to their respective Patriarchs and ethnic clans.
      Our Bishops/Metropolitans do not see themselves as American Orthodox first and foremost. That is precisely why an American Orthodox Church must be established.
      Loyalty to an American Orthodox Church would then be the only option available for the hierarch to continue in his Bishopric. That would end any mixed alliance issues going forward.

      I would also speculate, that the foreign Patriarchates are more concerned with getting a piece of the American pie and less interested in forfeiting their franchised operations in the United States.

      It’s up to you your Eminence, along with your fellow Bishops/Metropolitans, to unite administratively, so Orthodoxy can be evangelized with one voice to the American people. The people with whom our full attention should be given.
      I wish you God’s speed.

      Reply
    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

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

    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
    • 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
    • Webmaster 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

    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.