Orthodox Iconographer Elias Damianakis Archon Maestor Great Church of Christ
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Echoes of Orthodoxy: Navigating Faith, Tradition, and Modern Challenges

2/28/2024

 
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​With Lent on the horizon, it's time to reflect, renew, and make positive changes. I'm saddened by the Orthodox Church's current state. Some leaders speak out against the Muscovite church’s abuses, while others remain silent or even perpetuate Cyril’s malevolent phronema. 

Patriarch Bartholomew, Archbishop of Constantinople and Ecumenical Patriarch, has denounced the Patriarchate of Moscow for its attempts to “justify an unjustifiable, unholy, unprovoked, diabolical war against an independent country.” He has reminded us that “the Russian Church must share the blame for the crimes committed in Ukraine.” Despite the few rational voices within my church, silence implies approval, and I do not endorse it.

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The Orthodox Deplorables Instigators of Schism

2/13/2024

 
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​The Orthodox Deplorables, Instigators of Schism

Throughout the annals of Church history, ecclesiastic unity persisted even in the face of acknowledged errors, ecclesiological disparities, and doctrinal heresy. Unity is a paramount virtue of Orthodoxy, a straightforward concept that Moscow appears to struggle with.

Orthodoxy, the timeless beacon of wisdom, in Russian hands will be reduced to a flickering candle in the hands of those who seem to mistake obscurity for enlightenment.

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Kariye Djami

2/8/2024

 
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The Kariye Djami -From Byzantine Sanctuary to Controversial Mosque
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The Kariye Djami, originally known as the Chora Monastery or the Monastery of Christ (Μονή του Χριστού της Χώρα), stands as a captivating symbol of Istanbul's rich history. Nestled in the Roman Capital, Constantinople, present-day Istanbul, Türkiye, this ancient structure resides near the Charisios Gate (Edirnekapı) and south of the Palace of the Porphyrogenitus (Tekfur Sarayı). The term "chora" (χώρα), suggesting "land" or "in the country," resonates with the rural nature of its location, originally beyond the city walls constructed by Constantine. The site likely remained sparsely populated even during the Ottoman era, contributing to the mystery surrounding Chora's early history.

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The Tyranny of Russian Ecclesiology

1/11/2024

 
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​In the grand tapestry of Orthodox Christianity, the Muscovite church's insatiable expansionism strives to assert authority over the entire ecclesiastical and political realm. Since the 15th century, this far-fetched narrative has utilized deceit to undermine canonical ecclesiology. As in modern Ukraine, the Moscow Patriarch seeks to delegitimize the local Church, thereby making their desired territory available for ecclesiastic invasion. The Moscow Patriarchate's trajectory toward apostasy has reached its culmination, prompting Orthodox observers, theologians, and historians to grapple with deciphering and clarifying for the layman an understanding of the Moscow Patriarchate’s problematic evil conduct.
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Russian Church and State

9/26/2023

 
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​The connection is profound, marked by a symbiotic relationship that some perceive as parasitic while others consider commensalism. Regardless of the viewpoint, it is evident that the Russian people are firmly entwined in this intricate and incestuous Church-State relationship, with no discernible alternative reality, since the inception of the Muscovite church, which customarily pursues its desires without concern for consequences.

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Navigating the Complex Legacy

9/22/2023

 
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​Navigating  a Complex Legacy:
The Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Russian Church
 
Within Orthodoxy, a narrative - voiced solely by Russian hierarchical circles - persists that seeks to equate the Ecumenical Patriarchate's privileges, those endowed by the ecumenical councils, with actions similar in intent to Roman Catholicism's Papal throne (infallibility) as many Russkiy mir bishops retorted a few years back: “If we wanted a pope, we'd go to the real one.” Nevertheless, in this narrative lies a profound truth that transcends theological discourse: the recognition that no institution, no matter how revered or esteemed, is immune to the human frailty of fallibility. Recognizing these imperfections, we embark on a journey to explore the seldom-discussed moments when the venerable Ecumenical Patriarchate, a paragon of wisdom and righteousness, succumbed to worldly fallible judgment. Through the annals of history, we unveil these compelling episodes with a measured dose of introspection, discernment, and a commitment to the pursuit of truth.
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Albania Grow Up

9/19/2023

 
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​I am embroiled in an absurd exchange with an unexpected party: the autocephalous Church of Albania. My assertion that "International Oligarchs" contribute to the reconstruction of the devastated Orthodox church has been met with resistance. I remain steadfast in my unwavering belief that this proposal is valid and beneficial for Tirana as long as no nefarious activities occur.
Furthermore, I contend that the Albanian Church should redirect its passionate efforts towards addressing the real issue within Orthodoxy: the simulacrum patriarch Cyril. This diversionary focus on a humble iconographer from Florida is a misguided attempt to deflect attention from more severe transgressions against humanity.

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We must not mind insulting men if by respecting them we offend God.

9/15/2023

 
"We must not mind insulting men if by respecting them we offend God."
​~ Saint John Chrysostom


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​The feast day of Holy Euphemia is celebrated on September 16. She was martyred for not offering sacrifice to Ares, the Greek god of war. On July 11, the miracle of her relics that decided the 4th Ecumenical Council was held in Chalcedon, 451 AD. Two significant symbolic Orthodox gestures. First not to sacrifice to war or conflict and second to maintain the proper Orthodox teaching. 

​Our beloved All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew says, “We call once again for an immediate end to the fratricidal war, which, like any war, undermines human dignity." And Patriarch Cyril says, dying in the fratricidal war against Ukraine "cleanses away all sins."

Archbishop Anastasios, you and those silent hierarchs are on the wrong side of history.

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surprising twist CHURCH of Albania

9/13/2023

 
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In a surprising twist, the Albanian Autocephalous Church and Archbishop Anastasios, who consistently assert that they are not aligned with the Russian worldview, have resorted to employing tactics reminiscent of the Soviet era. Following yesterday's extensively documented disclosure by archonelias.com, which highlighted that "every synodal press release since Pascha were attacks upon the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s Hierarchs, Clergy, and Archons by the Albanian Synod," they have scrubbed all but one of these "Press Releases" from their website. 

The alterations made to the Albanian narrative are rather amusing, as they have introduced (edited) a feeble propaganda attempt to support Russian claims over Ukraine. They continue relying on sentimentalism and an emotional appeal rather than adhering to canonical principles. 

​This leads to the query of whether the facts were enough, or it was my recommendation to defend “her" (for those in the know), or the hint of "further developments" that played a role in influencing this shift in their position.
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When they throw stones, we build churches
​​I hope that this situation can be resolved, 
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Archbishop Anastasios, provide a demonstration of reconciliation, as you are known for, in your interactions with others and reconnect, publicly, with the Mother Church.

The Church of Albania, even in its restored state, needs a catharsis.
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September 12, 2023

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It's important to note that discussing religious or cultural matters can be sensitive, and different people may have varying opinions on what changes or actions the Church of Albania might need. "Catharsis" typically refers to a process of emotional release or purification. In the context of the Church of Albania, this could be interpreted in various ways:
  • Historical Context: The Church of Albania has a complex history, which includes periods of suppression and restoration. The church needs to confront and heal from its historical traumas or conflicts.
  • Internal Reforms: The Church of Albania needs internal reforms or a renewal of its spiritual and moral values to cleanse itself from perceived impurities or Soviet corruption.
  • Reconciliation: A need for reconciliation within the church or various communities within Orthodoxy.
The specific nature of the catharsis and the reasons behind this statement depend on the context and perspective from which it is made and how it is received. 


​WHAT HAS CAUSED ANASTASIOS TO LOSE HIS BARINGS

9/13/2023

 
There is more to come...

Perhaps even some Patrologia lessons.

Or simply putting the laundry to dry...
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Archbishop Anastasios journeys along the trail, in pursuit of Patriarch Cyril, to the brink's edge they sail.
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Since Pascha (Easter) 2023, every "Official Press Release of the Synod" attacks the Hierarchy, Clergy, and Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. To the delight of the Russian propaganda machine...

Από το Πάσχα του 2023, κάθε «Επίσημο Δελτίο Τύπου της Συνόδου» αποτελεί επίθεση σχετικά με την Ιεραρχία, Κλήρου και Αρχόντων του Οικουμενικού Πατριαρχείου
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What else can you say? Τι άλλο να πεις; Çfarë tjetër mund të thuash?
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You can explore the Albanian website firsthand and witness how the state of affairs has plunged to such depths.  https://orthodoxalbania.org

Archbishop Anastasios' ATTACKS with
​FAR-REACHING DIGITAL Footprint

In at least five languages

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Russkiy Mir in action

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I am embarrassed by the public decline of the most eminent 20th-century missionary.
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In Tirana, His Beatitude's office visited and offered continued support to the missionaries and Albanian efforts to rebuild the long-suffering church.
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    Αγιογράφος
    Ηλίας Δαμιανάκης
     Άρχων Μαΐστωρ
    της Μεγάλης του 
    Χριστού Εκκλησίας

    Author 

    By 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. 

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Orthodox Iconography
by the hand
Sub-Deacon
Elias Damianakis
Hagiographos (Iconographer)
Archon Maestor of
The Great Church of Christ
Archon of The Ecumenical Patriarchate 

[email protected]
727-372-0711
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​ο Άρχων Μαΐστωρ της Μεγάλης του Χριστού Εκκλησίας 
 Υποδιάκονος Ηλίας Δαμιανάκης -Αγιογράφος 

​Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed on this site are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any organization I have been, currently, or will be affiliated within the future. 
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