On Looking into “Xenophobia in the Cloak of Progress – How English Liturgies Hurt the American Orthodox Church” by Katherine Kelaidis A Response by P. Stamatis, M.A. The above article appeared on the Public Orthodoxy site on March 12, 2025. At first glance, the intriguing title pulled me in to read, only to become confused by the attached sub-title: “How English Liturgies Hurt the American Orthodox Church.” If the author ascribes to the Orthodox Church in America the moniker “American,” how can using the English language hurt the Orthodox Church? That’s like saying: “How Greek Liturgies Hurt the Greek Orthodox…
Browsing: Steven P Stamatis
by S. P. Stamatis. M.A. Many years ago, an Orthodox bishop of Great Britain was asked this question during a gathering. His reply was simple, but profound: “It’s the Church that Celebrates the Divine Liturgy” –Bishop Timothy “Kallistos” Ware On the surface, this statement by Bishop Ware suggests that it’s the primary mission of the Church. But before we allow the 1960s song “Is That All There Is?” to fall from our lips, let’s take a closer look at the Holy Rite from a lay perspective. Indeed, the bishop’s focus showcased the Liturgy as the “Main Event” that defines…