ADDRESSING UNFOUNDED ATTACKS AGAINST MYSELF, METROPOLITAN EMMANUEL, AND THE ECUMENICAL PATRIARCHATEIn the digital information age, it is not uncommon for long-settled matters to resurface in a new wave of misinformation and unfounded attacks. Recently, a coordinated social media assault has emerged targeting myself, Metropolitan Emmanuel of Chalcedon, and, by extension, the Ecumenical Patriarchate. It appears that some parties, with ulterior motives, are determined to rehash issues that have long been resolved, creating a misleading narrative aimed at discrediting the venerable institution we represent. However, we, the Orthodox Christian community, stand strong and united, resilient in the face of these attacks. The Context of the Verbal Attack It is crucial to grasp the broader context in which these attacks occur. The Ecumenical Patriarchate, as the spiritual center of the Orthodox Christian world, often finds itself at the intersection of various political, religious, and social currents. Its leadership, including Metropolitan Emmanuel, is tasked with navigating these complex waters while upholding the values and traditions of our faith. This duty can sometimes place us in the crosshairs of those who, for various reasons, seek to undermine our efforts and sow discord within the community. Moscow circles usually urge them on, as is evidently the current case. A Resurgence of Settled Matter The current wave of attacks is not based on new evidence or revelations but rather on rehashing previously addressed and settled matters: “Was St John Maximovitvh Schismatic.” These allegations are neither fresh nor substantiated, yet they are presented as if they hold new weight. This tactic is not only misleading but also deeply harmful to the fabric of our religious community, as it seeks to erode trust in its leaders through misinformation. My response to Bernard Le Caro, author of the initial attack, explains the situation in point-by-point detail. Upholding Integrity and TransparencyThroughout our service, both Metropolitan Emmanuel and I have consistently upheld the principles of integrity, transparency, and accountability. Our decisions and actions have always been guided by a commitment to the well-being of the faithful and the preservation of the Church's unity and sanctity based on ecclesiastical facts and not sentimentality. We have never shied away from scrutiny and have always welcomed dialogue and constructive criticism aimed at fostering understanding and growth within the Church. This unwavering commitment to transparency and integrity should instill trust, confidence, and clear discernment in our Church’s leadership. The Importance of Fact-Checking In today's digital age, it is crucial for individuals to exercise critical thinking and fact-checking when confronted with sensationalist claims online. Misinformation can spread rapidly, particularly when propaganda is provided by seemingly authentic sources like monasteries or hierarchies. However, when the “Orthodox” source is Russian, and without proper verification, false narratives can take root. It is imperative for the faithful and the general public to seek information from reliable sources and to question the motives behind the sudden resurgence of these old and settled issues. There really is no dispute, except among those attempting to validate their stance through virtue signaling by claiming to "defend" a particular saint. The Coordinated Nature of the Attack The seemingly coordinated nature of the recent social media attacks raises questions about the underlying motives. Why now? What do the attackers hope to achieve by reviving these unfounded allegations? While we cannot definitively answer these questions, it is clear that these efforts are aimed at undermining the credibility of the Ecumenical Patriarchate at a time when its leadership is actively engaged in crucial dialogues and initiatives for the betterment of the Orthodox Christian world. A Call for Unity and ResilienceThe Orthodox community must remain united and resilient in the face of these attacks. Our strength lies in our shared faith and our commitment to the values that define our Church, not in the perverted ecclesiastic desires of any particular autocephalous church. We must not allow divisive Soviet/Marxist tactics to erode Orthodox unity or distract us from our mission. Instead, we should respond with reaffirmed dedication to our faith and to each other, supporting our leaders as they navigate these challenging times. Moving Forward with Confidence I am confident that Metropolitan Emmanuel would agree with me believing truth ultimately prevails. We stand by our records and unwavering commitment to the Great Church Church of Christ and its followers. We are heartened by the support and trust of those who recognize the baseless nature of these attacks and continue to stand with us in faith and solidarity. Conclusion As we confront this latest wave of unfounded attacks, let us do so with grace, patience, and a steadfast commitment to the truth. Under the guidance of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and its dedicated leaders, the Ecumenical Patriarchate will continue to serve as a beacon of faith, unity, and integrity for the Orthodox Christian world. We ask for your prayers and support as we work together to overcome these challenges and uphold the sanctity and mission of our Church.
In closing, let us remember Saint Paul's words: "Let all that you do be done in love" (1 Corinthians 16:14). It is through love, understanding, and unwavering faith that we will emerge stronger and more united than ever before.
Mixalis
5/21/2024 09:18:02 am
I belong to a Greek Orthodox Archdiocese myself and I do hear daily attacks on Greek Hierarchs......when I confront them about it sadly they use the narratives of the Russian Hierarchs......Greeks don't fact check they believe all the crap from the michalopoulos, stamatakis, jatras, hatzidakis, kirill and so on.... Comments are closed.
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Ηλίας Δαμιανάκης Άρχων Μαΐστωρ της Μεγάλης του Χριστού Εκκλησίας AuthorBy the Grace of God Archon Elias Damianakis has ministered in the study of Holy Iconography since 1980. In his biography you can read about Elias' life and on his portfolio page you can see where he has rendered some of his hand painted iconography or visit the photo galleries to see some of his work. There is a complete list of featured articles, awards and testimonials which you can visit, as well as a list of notable achievements here below. Please contact Elias for more information or suggestions for this website, thank you and God Bless. |