2004 & 2005 Archives of:
A Message From Our Primate
(c) Copyrighted Logo, Luna County, New Mexico, 2003, 2004, 2005
American Orthodox Church, Inc. (California), Webfriar Ministries,
and His Eminence
Metropolitan Archbishop Joseph Thaddeus, SSJt., Ph.D. - Primate
All Rights Reserved and may not be used without the explicit consents in writing of the owners and use by any other person(s) or entities may be prosecutable.
His Eminence, +Joseph Thaddeus, SSJt., Ph.D.
December 2005
A Closing of the Old Year in Preparation for the New Year...
Even though we have volunteer people (Lay and Clergy) here in Deming, New Mexico now... some who are Internet and tech savvy ... this unworthy repentant one still does some of the work associated to the web pages at apostle1.com.
While one would normally expect something religious and, hopefully, even spiritual, as regards a New Year's message... I have opted to address for one last time an issue that had to be dealt with recently for reasons explained in a letter or "posting" to one of the e-groups or e-lists.
The desire here is to close an issue of the old year which has reared its ugly head again; and hopefully then move on so that we will all be able to deal with those things more important which has to do with the new year in aiding and helping those whose relationship with God is not what it could be or has been broken by the likes of those who commit spiritual fraud.
Those who are "Religious" are more often dealing with things economic, political, day-to-day things... things that do not relate to our relationship with God and our need to struggle in this life in order to come even closer to Christ before the time arrives when we cross over to the next life.
As a result of these concerns, we allowed to be posted, under the "Quotes From Father Thaddeus" page, what can only be entitled (thank you Father Nguyen (of California for the work)... "Q&A on Internet Terrorism against Vladyka +Thaddeus". Should you have trouble accessing from this link, go to the "Quotes From Father Thaddeus" page and click on the embedded link". Then come back to this page to continue.
One of the main issues that arises is this:
"While it is true that "Once a Priest always a priest"... this understanding is based on TRUTH and FACT. But when one has come by the Priesthood under false and misleading ways, (Ed's addition: misinformation, lies) or statements, the "Once a Priest always a Priest" no longer holds validity, and is therefore not true! In fact, they commit spiritual fraud on the public and the Church herself."
If you have read the linked pages above then you will understand that as a result, all the consecrations of the one who had been originally ordained ordained a priest is based on a sheet of lies which carries through to his multiple consecrations for the lie is maintained for it will not have been and cannot be abrogated (even under Confession prior to a consecration for the action committed was spiritual fraud through which the Canons require laicization, or) until they reduce themselves and leave the clergy ranks altogether for a lengthy period of time before they truly struggle out of pain of heart for the Priesthood once again where true confession, repentance and forgiveness from victims and offenders can be obtained... Thereafter, he or they may be called (not asking for themself or himself) entrance into the ranks of an Apostle (Bishop). All the other self-accredited titles and honors of "Schema-monk" they gained through deceit and lies are also affected because of the initial lie that falsely got them to the priesthood errantly. The "scam" causes the breach which carries down through time and history. Therefore, he must abjure himself, that is to recant through self laicization if he holds to a true struggle for the true spirit of the faith.
This self-laicization is required by Canon Law more especially so when there is no other over him or them, even when he/they have no SYNOD who could pronounce against them/him, laicization when the facts become known. One cannot just go to confession and obtain resolvance for the canons require true fruits of repentance to be shown through laicization. It is also for this reason that some will not and cannot follow the mandates of a SYNOD OF BISHOPS because they want to work and act as Pope with complete authority and control. Laicization by any method means they loose total control and even be refused back into the priestly ranks. Their actions often speak louder than words no matter what they say or write. The operation of Canon Law is for one primary reason... spiritual truth about themself! It makes the difference between those who are "Religious" and those who are truly struggling to be "Spiritual". It is the difference between Judas Iscariot and St. Thomas the Apostle or even St. Peter. It means the difference of being a real Priest or a fraud!
Thus the self-laicization of anyone so concerned must be accomplished and if they seek to re-enter the priesthood, go to Confession, Seek true repentance and obtain true forgiveness from their former victims. Otherwise, failing to do such, they continue to commit spiritual fraud against Jesus Christ and are one with Judas Iscariot.
Civil authority is the only ground upon which they continue at present.
The issue may not necessarily be one of "The Church" (Faith) as all the more it involves the dealing with Civil Authority as has been explained in the "Quotes" page too.
The real issue is the individual themself; the content of one's heart (spirit) mind and soul. The real issue is their eagerness for things of God or things of man. If one is struggling in this life for the things of "man" then one is about pomp, ceremony, image, politics, economics and more ... and they continue with the lie and all the more instigate hardships, distresses, acrimony, even blackmail and threats against those whom they received truth but feel they have been hurt by. If one is for the things of God, then the titles and honoraria they obtained through fraud and deceit means nothing and they would give up that which they did not receive honorably or even rightfully.
Back in 1981 when this unworthy one was consecrated to the episcopacy, I did not ask for it, I was told that I would be consecrated. No arguments accepted. That is a fact. I initially refused because I felt that St. Jude's Halfway House and other activities for the Church would be abandoned by other duties and responsibilities. I was fearful of the obligations and responsibilities of becoming a Bishop in the Orthodox Church Catholic. Yet, my heart also leapt for joy only because that was the instigation of pride brought on by the Evil One too. A certain amount of this kind of action takes place in all of us in this life because of the assault of selfish pride, vanity and other things. It is something that needs to be ripped out of our very being by all means possible ... and it is not (as it was not for my unworthy self) something that can be easily achieved; and yet we continually struggle with this demon. Being young as I was then, not knowing Orthodox Spirituality as I do in these present times ... a certain amount of selfish pride did infect me as it does for everyone without exception. That is a human condition. But one that an individual can overcome with great pain of heart for the humility of Jesus Christ, the Holy Apostles, Martyrs and many other Saints. We have trouble in our spirit unto the end of our very life.
It was when I met and conversed (intermittently) with (for that period of time in the 1960's-1970's) Father Seraphim Rose and then Vladyka (now Saint) John Maximovitch that I first learned something of what it means to really begin a spiritual struggle of all struggles that has never ended, even unto this very day... which will go on until I draw my last breath. As a fledgling and having only intermittent contact with those Holy men; even though I was not part of the Russian Community or even the Russian Orthodox Church, I had serious difficulties because of what was aroused in me by them which was fighting inwardly with the things of this world around me in those times past.
So, dear ones, the truth about ordinations and consecrations is not something one should take lightly. Ordination: one can prepare for and eventually be ordained when TRUTH is provided. But, as to consecrations, you do not ask for, or make demands through blackmail, threats and such in order to become an apostle of the Lord or a "Schema-monk". You are selected! For those that have done so and those that do, they are apostles of Satan the Great Deceiver, the Liar, the cheat and stealer of souls.
Therefore, know that the ordination and consecration of the un-named one whom I refer to are invalid, totally, based on the fact that one's own honesty when ordained a priest, was not just faulty, but was in fact fraudulent with misinformation lacking of TRUTH for such was based on his admitted trickery of faking his own death (verified through others) under another name. Thus the multiple consecrations are wholly and totally invalid, illicit and not even worth the paper they are printed on because there has been one scam after another.
The attempt to scare, to intimidate, to blackmail, to change his name and jurisdiction names over the last five years alone is only valid in the eyes of civil, not ecclesiastical, authorities. The Secretary of State for the state in which he resides has an internet web site to peruse the numerous jurisdictional names, etc. used... and there are many! It had been alleged that even signatures on the forms were not of or from some of the clergy so appended. And, if statements to this unworthy one are true by those who claim they never signed such documents, one can only wonder as to what other forgeries have been committed.
When one individual gained the very use of the name AMERICAN ORTHODOX CHURCH, it was supposed to be TEMPORARILY, but he failed to honor that altogether, declaring himself CEO (so-to-speak), as he also did with being a "Schema-monk" and other things. Spiritual Fraud in all things he has done... Knowing the truth of and about my unworthy self, his honesty did not show forth when we finally arrived in Ohio. Knowing we left California because we (my unworthy self and those with me) had been shot at, caused for us to accept his invitation and therefore it was to him we went as a last minute decision and as a result of his artful words and rhetoric of deceptive lies and outright fraud. His very statements in these present times concerning the Seals of the Confessional as pertaining to my unworthy self and news articles is a means to create confusion in the minds of readers, especially those who less and less maintain Seals of the Confessional themselves as priests. Again, none of the printed news articles said “the court prevented him from breaking the Seals of the Confessional” (No Basis, no Foundation for his statement whatsoever... except his own intentional mis-interpretation so that others will not want to discover TRUTH for themselves)… all the News Articles actually said was that it was a “Debate” or that such were being “Debated”. No, the court wanted, in fact, to know what they contained, but I did not violate them, for if I did, there would have been no conviction under pain of threat and intimidation by a court that was also in conflict with itself which was later learned. Read the link relating to the posted e-mail again….
This is one of the reasons why we have become the exclusive target of internet terrorism, attack and mud-slinging. We have the copies of court documents. He has only news articles from which he creates confusion and distrust. This is a FACT! And, fool that I was in times past, this is the root of all the trouble. That is why he can and does break the seals of the confessional... for he is NOT A PRIEST and never was a true PRIEST and he know it! It took me time to ferret out that information, but it was found and verified. Others who also had been and continued in their own struggles to ferret out the information, informed my unworthy self so that I too might be able to know the truth and verify it for myself and those with me.
Therefore the attacks and misinformation on his part was to create confusion which is an artful and political action, and is based not on spiritual struggle or even truth itself. It is a means to throw the spotlight of attention on others who know where the proverbial bones are buried on him for his aim is to do and say anything to protect himself from being found out as having less than an honorable image, but a deceiving heart and mind!
So as to set the record in proper perspective the following is a quote from our web page concerning what has been and is going on as to why the individual is not valid whatsoever! Any of their ordinations and consecration fall on their face altogether which also invalidates any ordinations they have done. And the answer concerning civil authorities is why they are able to continue in the public eye and on the internet to create what can only be opined is Internet Terrorism and confusion which did, in fact, indirectly cause for our having a gun shoved to the back of our head here in Deming, New Mexico in the last year. Their use of mentally challenged person(s) out of another state close to them is now also well known; a dysfunctional family at best with a history of conflict with the law involving child abuse on two separate occasions as well as prison terms. And this is why the following is said as a part of the "Quotes From Father Thaddeus" page is made....
If you have read much of the content of this web site as you say, then you also know of and about three important documents that are linked from here... (1 Lines of Succession) (2a Discovery of Truth) (2b Resolving the conflict ) (3 Question of Repudiation answered) As often repeated time and again.... and since we will not be adding to the "Quotes" until next year... we repeat what our Metropolitan Archbishop has often reminded us:
"It would be better to have ten (10) true repentant X-felons who ask for and give true forgiveness than it would be to have one (1) non-x-felon or common person whose self-righteousness exceeds even the Pharisees, Sadducees, the gossip mongers, slanderers and un-repentant; for the repentant x-felon understands the true meaning of the Church's purpose as being the spiritual hospital." (siq) +Joseph Thaddeus, OSB, SSJt., Ph.D., Metropolitan Archbishop, Archabbot, Primate
Yes... "Prejudice Makes Prisoners of the Hated and the Hater..." (1992-Fr. Alan Stanford)
One can ask, "What part of 'Prejudice' and 'hate' do you not understand? Are you a complacent person? In light of the saying, examine yourself! You may be surprised if you are honest with yourself for your soul may convict you before Jesus Christ convicts you in the times to come!
"When
tested by some trial you should try to find out not why or through whom it
came, but only how to endure it gratefully, without distress or rancor."
St. Mark the Ascetic.
"Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is
covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity, And in
whose spirit there is no deceit."
Psalms
32:1-2
I pray for forgiveness to God Almighty every day for all that I do or have done unintentionally that might be offensive or harmful to any other human being. Yet, I also pray, and pray again, and even again. I have found that in praying, I talk to God. But I have found the sure means as to how to listen to God with all my heart, all my mind, and all my soul. I know God does answer prayer. He has many times answered the prayers of this unworthy repentant one.
I do not pray to God for anyone's destruction, although it is not against Holy Writ to do so; for that - they do unto themselves by their thoughts, their words and their actions... in the eyes of man and in the eyes of God. None of us have to do anything for they do it to themselves and those with them.
Actually, as said in the linked pages, we have truly benefited by their attacks and viciousness... something we did not expect or realize until more recently. God does have a plan for each and every one of us if we struggle out of pain of heart in this life to become more in conformity to the commandments laid down by Jesus Christ.
I pray for their eventual Salvation unto the Glory of God.
This life in which we temporarily reside is the chance to make correction while there is so very little time left. If one spends one, two or even three hours a day in Prayer alone, God does listen and I personally know that He does respond... Not necessarily in the manner we would expect. But God does answer prayer...
Jesus Christ never, ever, guaranteed that those who are His Apostles (Bishops) would ever have a 'good life' but that indeed they would face many trials and tribulations. He did guarantee to them, which includes their successors; that if one remains true (according to their spiritual nature and degree of ability), the Holy Ghost, being the Holy Spirit, would indeed lead them into all truth and inner peace. This I can attest to personally!
May you be blessed as I ask for your prayers to guard, guide, protect and aide all who are true spiritual strugglers in this life for the life to come. I did say "spiritual strugglers" not "religious strugglers" for there are many who are "Religious" but not "Spiritual". There is the difference.
And because the Orthodox (Old Calendar) Christmas (Nativity) celebration will be on January 7th (2006)... know that from the Christmas Prayer I had also posted, the following applies not just to these many things discussed, but to the future too:
"Unto us, who have lost our innocence and sense of wonder, a Child is
born.
Unto us, who have hardened our hearts and misplaced our joy, a Son is
given…"
May this be the last we have to deal with the subject and the personage of those who are vicious and malicious, robbers of souls, are like thieves in the night with false, misleading information, slanderers, gossipers and forgers for they are one with Judas Iscariot and the leader of lies, Satan.
May the information and understandings associated with the issues they pertain to, be a lesson for both the spirit and mind of each one of you... Let this be closed once and for all, even if those whom we refer to continue to attack as a means to make themselves look or appear as a true bishop, for they are committing spiritual and ecclesiastical fraud, lacking in true humility.
I pray forgiveness from those of you who view this post, especially it it meets you offensively, for truth is sometimes offensive; In its offensiveness it can carry spiritual content too.. yet, it shall be the last on my and our part relating to this matter for ever again. There is no defense against what is written here, and for those who attempt to defend themselves, such a defense is from a deceiver, a liar, a cheat who cheats the very Commandments of Jesus Christ by being a Judas and one who is with the Chief of Liars, Satan. He has done many harms not to my unworthy self alone, for if it were so, I would indeed say nothing and let it be a means by which the Lord chastises me only. But the harms done have gone much further than any man could imaginably cause which has affected so very many worthy men of clerical rank and parishioners too as regards their marriage in some instances having been unnecessarily destroyed when they could have been salvaged, others have left the Church herself while yet others have lost money and even their very means to maintain themselves, while others have altogether turned away from the Church.
Let us ring out this year with prayer and thanksgiving and greet the new as one greets the Holy Child at birth as did the three wise men, the shepherds and angels.
Know also that in all that I have done and for all that I may do with what time remains for me on planet earth, time that the Lord Our God has allotted to me, know that as an unworthy repentant sinner who continues to struggle in the vineyard for the Glory of God, I am praying for you and those with you;
+Joseph Thaddeus (Stanford), OSB, SSJt., Ph.D.
Metropolitan Archbishop, Archabbot, Primate
A Joyful blessing to you and all whom you hold near and dear...
Two events for us in North America is about to take place and not necessarily in their order most would think.
The first event is the Nativity Celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. For most people it is celebrated on December 25th. For others who follow the Old Calendar, it will be on January 7th. There are a few who celebrate the Joyful Life and Teachings of Jesus Christ's Birth on the 24th of December for the spiritual and material, while celebrating the 7th of January for its implicit spiritual importance and meaning. The 7th, for the later people who celebrate the Joyful Birth, have such a depth and inner light that it outshines all those who hold to the December 25th holiday for most of society.
The second event is the ending of the year 2005 of the Christian era.
Each year the same Christmas messages of greetings and remembrance are issued by most hierarchs and clergy... and everyone is in expectation of such without the slightest forethought about the consequences of the birth of Jesus the Christ, His Life and Teachings... They either fail or refuse to understand the more intrinsic meaning, implications and responsibilities for Christians involved... preferring to accept the joyous news of His birth in a form and manner that is filled with the idea of "gifts" giving and receiving for self, also promoting the "Santa Claus" myth.
Where is the self-less-ness in Christmas? Where is the true depth of the spirit within? Where is the mark of the true struggler and follower of Jesus Christ in those of today's people?
While Christ is born in the mind, the heart grows cold with false ideas about things of material, earthly concern; things that will rot and decay in due time after the body has gone into the ground.
The words these days by many pastors, ministers and priests about the Nativity no longer have the robust, aggressive sting upon the mind, heart and soul of the hearer concerning his or her true purpose and responsibility in this earthly life whereby the importance of certain Christian celebrations must be of the heart as well as with action... for the heart speaks from one's spirit and the action speaks of one's worship in truth... be it daily by one's thoughts, words or deeds in this material life. Thus, one is either acting out their “Christian” membership or intensely struggling with foreknowledge that they are strugglers in this temporary, earthly life for Jesus Christ’s promises for the life to come for those who do struggle in their spirit and in their day-to-day words, thoughts and actions
In all the Joy of the birth of Christ on earth of more than 2000 years ago, the birth was for us... and we owe Him our whole being in spirit and in truth!
All the lights on the tree, the house decorated in merriment and other things associated with Christmas does not evoke the spiritual content of one's spirit or heart for Jesus Christ if one's thoughts, words and actions are not in balance. Thus all the decorations are rubbish, false, misleading and a sign that the evil one has entered in.
When we see in the electronic news media of how men and women rush in to the opening of merchant stores, in a stampede fashion and fight over toys and other material things... such actions show that there is no concern for Jesus Christ, but for Gold, Silver, material things and such that has no real bearing on the more intrinsic meaning of the birth of Jesus Christ. In fact, such an outrageous display of actions and activities shows how much more those people are infected by the Evil One who has entered into their hearts with concerns for things material and self-image with a cold and calculating heart and mind. Less is the true meaning of the birth of Jesus Christ. Less is the true understandings of the Pillars of the Church established by Jesus Christ and the Holy Apostles. Less does confession, penance, forgiveness have meaning in their spirit for such becomes words without foundation or substance in their daily walk and talk. Thus it becomes easier for them to condemn and judge others without forethought, without regard for whether the other they are judging is truly convicted by man’s law or falsely convicted.
Even the true story about who "Santa Claus" is ... has been taken away from the true history about Saint Nicholas from whom the "Santa Claus" myth has sprung. Children are fed this piece of pulp rubbish to such an extent that it is no wonder when they reach their age of maturity and mental stability that they consider much a lie and believe their parents and grandparents as well as society as a whole have been duplicitous, lied to them (in the recesses of their mind that is). Later on, as the children have become teenagers, then adults, their morality takes on a tinge of grey, even black, moving away from true Christianity to a kind-of-christianity that is filled with false and misleading understandings, even going to the entertainment mentality of approach.
Parents, Grand-parents and society as a whole is to blame, in their mind and heart, their spirit, for their actions have created these things, even my own unworthy self and all others who have in times past advanced those pieces of phantasmagorical rubbish which is beautiful in story form, but a lie in truth. Teaching things, in part, moral and immoral.
As a result, we have those whose ethnic foundations have become brittle and they look for other things to reinforce their color or race with false and misleading music of evil undertone, styles of dress that is of another religion altogether, unbeknownst to them that they are being psychologically manipulated on the basis of their insecurity and false machismo. Thus they become mixed up with and engaged in "gansta wrap," "heavy metal," "sexsta tunes" and worse. The upraising, the music, the dress styles; all become a part of the individual that evokes a reason for turning away from Christianity to a false christianity, to lying, no longer holding themselves from staying as virgins (male and female), disrespecting others and worse.
Where is Christian truth during the holidays? Would it not be more and more wrapped up in the fantasy? The Harry Potter series and now the Narnia movie capture our children's minds and hearts, promoted by those who call themselves "Christian" by making comparisons which is a way, through psychological means, to preach the 'Gospel of Narnia' while believing it is a way to spread the message of Jesus Christ, a means to bring them to Jesus Christ. What a bunch of marketing hyperbole by men... placing their false trust in themselves as a means to make/earn silver and gold from fantasy and Jesus Christ. The author of Narnia, C. S. Lewis, did not write a Christian book which the movie is based on, and these pastors, ministers and priests are wolves in sheep's clothing for the sake of their own self-image and pocket-books.
But for those who are true strugglers in this life for the life to come, there is a lesson to be learned from all of this. Part has already been said. That is the pointing out of the false from the true, what is true versus what is false and misleading.
The other part is what you are going to do with this knowledge? If you are going to assimilate the truth, and ensure its survival to all others, then there is hope in the salvific plan and cause for the birth of Jesus Christ.
May the Joy of the birth of Jesus Christ be in and with you this Christmas time. And there is one last bit of knowledge of most importance. The very word "Christmas," once upon a time in history gone by, was known and spelled "Christ-Mass" meaning the Mass of Jesus Christ or the Divine Liturgy of the Nativity of Jesus Christ. Its meaning and importance is obvious.
+Joseph Thaddeus (Stanford), OSB,
SSJt., Ph.D.
Metropolitan Archbishop, Archabbot, Primate
November 2005
Thanksgiving Day - 11/24/2005
Our Church is not about having a "Financial Flow chart mentality" but about the Faith. Each Diocese, and each priest, is required NOT TO RECEIVE or take a "salary" from the coffers, but to follow the example of the Holy Apostles of Jesus Christ. It is not about "how much money" but about the quality of one's spiritual life. It is not about how many priests or bishops we have, but about the people and the direction they are taking in this life in preparation for the next life.
As regards "Clergy" - - - This unworthy one has made a statement time and time again. I repeat it for you once more, especially for a clergyman in the Santa Clara - Silver City Area of New Mexico who says he has no internet access ... (Everyone has access to the internet, even through the public library facilities and other organizations)....
"The workings of Holy Spirit will not be daunted by those who attempt to cause disruption! It is for these and other reasons that you are urged to read what true repentance and forgiveness means for real "Christians".
"It would be better to have ten (10) true repentant X-felons who ask for and give true forgiveness than it would be to have one (1) non-x-felon or common person or clergyman whose self-righteousness exceeds even the Pharisees, Sadducees, the gossip mongers, slanderers and un-repentant; for the repentant x-felon understands the true meaning of the Church's purpose as being the spiritual hospital." (siq) +Joseph Thaddeus (Stanford), OSB, SSJt., Ph.D., Metropolitan Archbishop, Archabbot, Primate
Yes... "Prejudice Makes Prisoners of the Hated and the Hater..." (1992-Fr. Alan Stanford)
+Joseph Thaddeus (Stanford), OSB,
SSJt., Ph.D.
Metropolitan Archbishop, Archabbot, Primate
Can you "forgive" another of their sins and actions against you? Can you forgive the man or boy who killed your daughter or son when they were out partying? Can you forgive the woman who set up her child against you and brought you a false conviction? Can you forgive the person who shot at you? Can you forgive the husband who beat you up after a drunken stupor took hold of him? Can you forgive the neighbor? Can you forgive the son or daughter who put you in a rest or convalescent home against your wishes? Can you forgive the woman who had sex with your young boy or the man who raped your daughter? Can you forgive the thief? Can you forgive the murderer? Can you forgive yourself?
Without forgiveness in your heart and soul, the Lord our God cannot forgive you! It must be a real forgiveness, a true forgiveness and sincere forgiveness!
Can you repentant? Will you go to confession? Do you expect to take the Body and Blood of our God in the real presence of the Eucharistic meal? Forgiveness is a necessity. Forgiveness has to be real and sincere for all these things to take place.
Without forgiveness, without true and sincere repentance, nothing we can do will make our other celebrations good, good, good before God in Heaven... Neither our celebrations at Christ-mass, neither our Paschal (Easter) celebrations, nor any other celebration of a holy day will be acceptable in the eyes of God. For such will be false celebrations unless we seek to forgive and accept forgiveness.
When we forgive, then our hearts, once darkened and weighed down by the sins of resentment, are made light and free. We receive the ability to attain true, pure prayer, undistracted by any cares or anxieties about ourselves, or by any fears and apprehensions. We live in simplicity of heart, free from care, for, as the Scripture says, Perfect love casts our fear (I John 4:18). This is simplicity, this peace and lightness, is a foretaste of the heavenly blessedness that awaits all those who follow the commandment of our Lord Jesus Christ: FORGIVE.
I believe the following poem by St. Nikolai Velimirovich, entitled "Forgiveness" will sum up everything that has been thus far said:
That God may forgive us, let us forgive men.
We are all on this earth as temporary guests.
Prolonged fasting and prayer is in vain
Without forgiveness and true mercy.
God is the true Physician: sins are leprosy.
Whomever God cleanses, God also glorifies.
Every merciful act of men, God rewards with mercy.
He who returns sin with sin perishes without mercy.
Pus is not cleansed by pus from infected wounds,
Neither is the darkness of the dungeon dispelled by darkness,
But pure balm heals the festering wound,
And light disperses the darkness of the dungeon.
To the seriously wounded, mercy is like a balm;
As if seeing a torch dispersing the darkness, everyone rejoices in mercy.
The madman says, "I have no need of mercy!"
But when he is overcome by misery, he cries out for mercy!
Men bathe in the mercy of God,
And that mercy of God wakens us to life!
That God may forgive us, let us forgive men,
We are all on this earth as temporary guests.
[St. Nikolai Velimirovich, The Prologue of Obrid, vol. 1, pp. 208-9]
+Joseph Thaddeus, OSB, SSJt.,
Ph.D.
Metropolitan Archbishop - Abbot
October 2005
October 18, 2005 - HOLY PROPHET HOSEA, HOLY HIEROMARTYR ANDREW IN 'THE JUDGMENT', ST COLMAN OF KILROOT, HIERARCH, ST LOUTHIERN, HIERARCH
On thinking long and hard on these days in which we live... I am drawn to the very subject of Ecumenism. It is not only a very important issue, but one that can lead to harmful effects for all of us if we do not have a more intrinsic understanding of its present day bastardization of true Oecumenicity as it was initially understood in times past, from the times of our all Holy Fathers. This brief missive cannot and will not go so deeply into the subject but deal with more immediate needs. Ecumenism as it exists today is widely misunderstood and most of those who do not understand it and who have visited this web site, continue in their ignorance to understand it falsely... Thus, I must repeat some statements made in various web pages for purposes of hopefully causing you to question within so that your own spiritual struggles in this present day life will aide you.
It should be emphasized that Orthodoxy is not a religion, not even the best of religions. It is the CHURCH: the self-revelation and manifestation of God in history. Orthodox is conscious of its Oecumenicity (Universality) and of the Truth regarding Christ which it possesses, and this is why it is not afraid of its relationship with non-Christians.
It knows, however, the limits of these relationships as these have been defined by the Patristic Tradition and by its own mysteriological experience. For example, St. Gregory Palamas, under the cruel conditions of captivity, debated with the Ottoman Turks. He did not hesitate, however - even at the risk of losing his own life - to tell the truth and to reproach their delusion and erroneous beliefs. Moreover, how did the Holy Martyrs confront the idol worshippers, and how did the New Martyrs confront the Muslims (Religion of Islam)? Did they not confess the truth? Could we imagine them praying together with them? In that case we would not have any martrys!
Our Church, then, refuses to sacrifice its uniqueness on the altar of expediency, and to accept the ecumenical slogan (of these times) that "in all religions, under different names, the same God is worshipped." The Orthodox Church firmly believes that man is saved only through Jesus Christ, in accordance with the apostolic dictum: Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:12).
Undoubtedly, we are living in a period of cosmic change. Events, seemingly direct, race forward at a frantic pace. Today's Ecumenism, as it is presently understood and practiced, is evolving within the destructive, leveling viewpoint of globalism, which is being pushed by very powerful economic-political (and so-called) religious organizations. No one within true Orthodoxy any longer takes seriously the the viewpoint that ecumenism can offer a visible and viable solution to the problem of Christian unity.
As Orthodox Catholic Christians, we should neither retreat to our ivory tower nor relax our vigilance. If we truly value and respect the life of people, if we truly have pain of heart for the people of the world who are tormented by dead-end religious traditions, as well as those who are caught up in demonic delusions, we have an obligation to remain devoted to our Holy Church.
We must keep the traditional faith and practices of our fathers pure and unadulterated, and to live authentically within our daily struggle for our own personal holiness and thosis. The right faith and a strict and precise life will make us capable of witnessing to Orthodoxy, and to witness it ---- and why not? - - - unto martyrdom if and when the times demand of it, for there shall come a time in which martyrdom will again be our lot for those who exist in this life...
Adherence to Orthodoxy, that is, to genuine life in Jesus Christ, and perseverance in the truth that frees and saves, is not egotism, fanaticism or intolerance. Rather, it expresses the ecumenical (universal) dimension, the love and philanthropy of the Orthodox Church. It constitutes the last possibility for a radical spiritual change in the world both East and West, and also for a way out for those from their captivity to false gods.
False gods is not just the worship of statues and money, but ideas and beliefs never before held by the ancient church established by Jesus Christ and the Holy apostles and patristic fathers.
Many there are who hold to false idols who call themselves "Christian" but, unknowing to themselves, are worshippers of the Anti-Christ, the deceiver and are led by pastors and ministers who continually teach those errors and falsehoods. Even when they are confronted with such errors and falsehoods, they become belligerent to the point of calling everyone else "heretics" who do not believe and accept their erroneous ways.
Read: Ecumenism - An understanding for Today!
Also Read: MISSIONARY CONVERSATIONS WITH PROTESTANT SECTARIANS
And: A Reply to Protestant Sectarian Article
The following was posted Early October 2005:
Blessings to you who visit our website and to those of our brothers and sisters in worship and work in the vineyard... Blessings indeed...
The kids are in school or institutions of higher learning... Mom and Dad are able to take a brief respite and breather... Yeaaaa.... sure.... Ahhhh!
The memories of summer are hopefully safeguarded in the photo album... or, at least, in other forms where one may look back at the fun, and those irritating disasters.... Yes, All Hallows Eve is around the corner and other autumn and winter holidays are fast approaching.
What changes will you make in your life and the lives of your family to make these times in which we live less stressful than what the electronic news media provides... Yes, Gloria, the electronic news media has become a trip down the path of what is going wrong with this country and this world.... Yet, we must go forward on a day by day basis to deal with the family, friends, higher prices at the pump, heating and electric increases and much more... Stressful, isn't it?
Even many of our clergy look at the same things you do and find life is just as stressful for them too... Yet, often times those stressful moments can be reduced by simple means of taking time out to contemplate, meditate and pray as an individual, as a family and as a local community of faithful.
Recently I was asked why it seems to appear that in the U.S.A., and actually many other countries too... the "Catholic" Church is besought by so much sex scandal, not the Protestant Churches and other religions especially Islam (Muslim) since the teachings and practices of Islam allows for pedophilia? Good Question. One that I am not sure If I can properly answer. But, in short, I would have to say that this country is ruled by a mostly Protestant people... and they have been 'dumbed down' to that of an entertainment mentality in most of their churches... And, they are more the ones to be protected from the incursions of sex scandals even if they have had sex offenses within them. The politicians and public at large will protect them. Remember, this country has never really been a PRO "Catholic" country (Roman or Orthodox) whatsoever and the politics of this country is heavily Protestant oriented. It is said that this country practices separation of Church from State, but remember that both the law, the government and everything else is done by people... people equates to individuals... and those who are atheists are few in number in comparison.
The fact of the matter is that even the churches, be they Roman Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, etc. are also made up of human beings. Yet, again, it is politics that governs many of them... especially those who have the approach of one infected with the disease of scholasticism and correctness, even ethnicity!
Predominantly, this country is Protestant controlled by those whose politics is to say nothing from their secular (civil) office on the subject of religion, but their faith based ideologies controls their involvement and response to a variety of issues and situations, knowingly and unknowingly. The Evil One's involvement in those other churches against anything "Catholic" is because "Catholicism" (be it Roman or Orthodox) is the base of all Christianity... And that is something the Evil One has been, and continues, to be out to destroy by any manner and means possible. Does it not stand to reason that those not "Catholic" even those not "Christian" or even those not "Jewish" would be the doorway to destruction in the physical realm of life and living...????....???? Yet, it will more likely be the R. C. Church which, in its having been beaten down by the enormous scandals, who will bend and is showing signs of bending to other non-Catholic faith beliefs as a means to maintain its supremacy in the world... and by which the Evil One will actualize the alleged "Whore of Babylon" ideology in the future as said in Revelation... It hasn't happened yet, but many believe the R. C. Church will be the vehicle in the end times (of society) to become the seat and bastion of the Evil One... Only Time will tell.
Yet, that does not mean that Orthodoxy itself has fallen in step with the R. C. Church either... even though they are becoming more viciously attacked....
Prayer, Meditation, Confession, Repentance, Seeking and granting Forgiveness, and partaking of the Holy Mysteries, the Body and Blood of our Lord and Savior will maintain one's balance in this life for the life to come...
+Joseph Thaddeus
(Stanford), OSB, SSJt.,
Ph.D.
Metropolitan Archbishop - Archabbot - Primate
AMERICAN ORTHODOX CHURCH
AMERICAN ORTHODOX CATHOLIC CHURCH
NORTH AMERICAN ORTHODOX CHURCH
MONASTIC COMMUNITY OF ST. JOHN MAXIMOVITCH
and the HOLY THEOTOKOS
September 2005
September Again...
Katrina has passed and Rita has been hitting the Gulf Coast as I write this short missive.
How much more punishment can the Gulf Coast takes before the nation's resources are drained and our people are taxed in terms of patience, faith and finances is yet to be seen.
Our Government is faced with many decisions that need to be made. Yet, are they the right ones? It would almost seem to appear that the Lord is not testing us, but allowing for us to see the beginning of a punishment for the sins of this nation in abandoning its faith to such an extent that the "Almighty Dollar" (Silver and Gold) is become the "idol" while also betraying the trust implanted in this nation to stand firm (side-by-side) with Israel. Our nation has turned or is turning from Israel by our Government's action to bring to bear upon Israel which forced it to abandon the West Bank to the PLO.
It has now come to light that the PLO's taking over of the land left by Israel has included Islamic (Muslim) Jihadists as seen on the electronic news media in these past days. This surely is evidence of what our Government has backed by its insistence upon Israel to abandon the West Bank. Now the terrorism is closer! Yes... Closer for Israel and closer for us.
All of these things are dependent upon FAITH and the requirements of FAITH... Yet, here too we must understand that our country has abandoned the FAITH and only gives lip service to FAITH by acts of "show and tell"... as an image....
These are good examples for how Christian clergy also act in these times... Words mean little to many, actions are greater as a means to prove one's true FAITH. Yet. Faith to what?
Many are being duped into believing they are "Christian" because the messages they receive caters to their desire for entertainment, less struggle in both material things and spiritual things. Yes, this country has become a country of people who have accustomed themselves to "soft" living ways. Oh, yes... there are many who have practically "slaved" to amass money through work... but yet, they spend their money for selfish causes and reasons... Yes! SOFT! Their faith we question is a faith based on the easy ways of life and living, catering to a materialism which is sanctioned by the Evil One, the Deceiver, Lucifer, Satan!
Many there are, including clergy of every stripe, who have, unbeknownst to even themselves, become the servants of the Evil One for the sake of money, self-image, power and glory. These are the false prophets of our time... and they are the majority of those which we call "anti-Christian" while calling themselves "Christian," "Orthodox," "Catholic," and so many other identities of Protestantism.
What is your FAITH all about? Does it impact your way of life and living? Do you follow the Life and Teachings of Jesus Christ or the stunted form given off in these times which is artificial, superficial and false?
Where does one learn the TRUTH? Peruse this website's many pages and you will have just begun to learn!
+Joseph Thaddeus
(Stanford), OSB, SSJt.,
Ph.D.
Metropolitan Archbishop - Archabbot - Primate
AMERICAN ORTHODOX CHURCH
AMERICAN ORTHODOX CATHOLIC CHURCH
NORTH AMERICAN ORTHODOX CHURCH
MONASTIC COMMUNITY OF ST. JOHN MAXIMOVITCH
and the HOLY THEOTOKOS
Oh Katrina, Katrina, you are a naughty girl... You've done a horrible thing to man and animal alike... you brought your venom, your anger and hostility to a people impoverished in soul and body alike... Yes, Katrina, many there are who do not even know the lord but call themselves "Christian" while not abiding by the faith they claim.
Yes Katrina, you brought out the bad and good in mankind in that area of the U.S.A, but you've really been naughty, naughty, naughty... You brought death and destruction in your wake... almost as though Satan was let loose on a people who do not know their way...
Yes Katrina, we know... we heard your howling, your vicious tears that slashed and whipped the faces of people; men, women, children and even babes in arms...
Your message is one, but has many parts... but the ignorant cannot fathom the Lord's allowing you to enter and destroy...
Even the politicians have had their say, but you kept on a coming, in spite of it all. And are you just the harbinger of what is in store for a country that has gone astray and lost its faith along the way... that has given in to other violent beliefs and practices?
Oh Katrina... you may be the first that has had such devastating impact...
but you won't be the last...
unless mankind turns to prayer to the heavenly, the Divine...
to begin to assess its errors, its sins of the past in due time...
its horrible turnings to things unholy that will not last.
The gangsters, the sinners, the griping moaners and complainers
have no clue about you... Oh Katrina...
A message to all that is lost in the mix
of political ambitions and self-image is nix...
For in the end of it all... we learn something true...
God will have his way, and Katrina is only the first disaster too.
America was God's, in thee we did trust...
But America has gone astray,
like a whore that turns to dust...
Oh Katrina... You are God's messenger for sure...
to a nation that is lost and giving away much more...
without bolstering her people who are dying in the flood...
The jobs that have gone over seas...
The money that is in need....
The people who have less are bleeding indeed...
but the government like Caesar is going bust...
The war that is tearing the heart of a country that was true...
is surely loosing its way .... from God who was true...
But now Oh Katrina... some see your destruction to be
just a beginning of world ventures
where man will turn further from God and Divine Truth.
Oh Katrina, you've been so very naughty, that is true...
I am humbled by the depth
of what is coming to fore in time too.
(A horrible attempt at a non-rhyming poem of sorts sent to us recently... but sense it does make)
August 2005 - Updated
Blessings to you my Dear Brothers and Sisters, Blessings indeed...
We are going through some heavy times it would seem to appear... But, and this is the B I G B U T.... The Lord shakes us up, turns us upside down and around as flak is shaken from the wheat. Thus we are going through some heavy times. Yet, in all that is happening, we find that Vladyka Herman's prediction of many months previous has come true, as some of you fully understand what had been said.
But to the many of you who have not known... let us, at least, say that we are still on solid ground even though we have had more recently those who are the same as "Judas Iscariot" the traitor in spirit and truth. The wisdom given to the many of you by the Love you hold for Christ, Jesus has shown that we do err, we do sometimes leave ourselves open to those who misuse and abuse the Life and Teachings of Jesus Christ that we are commanded to follow... and in the doing, yes... we get hurt, we scrape our knees a bit... but through it all, because we maintain to the very faith according to our individual nature and degree of ability, we are strengthened from within as also we are provided for in those things necessary in this material world.
We have a new deacon here in Deming, New Mexico. His religious name is Father Deacon Francis and he's 70+ years old, well versed in those very things necessary. His 40+ daughter lives with him because of his health issues which seem to be on the mend. His mind is sharp and very, very active. He is a wealth of information that is actually very Orthodox in many respects although he comes from the Roman jurisdiction of the Catholic Church through the Mennonite Church and thence to us.
We do ask for your prayers for the healing and health of Metropolitan Archbishop +David Francis (Wigley) in Canada, as also for numerous others posted on the Request for Prayers page.
The Desert area, such as we live in, is a most proper place for us and our goals. We have found that since coming here, while having faced many problems and difficulties along the way to get here... we are not daunted whatsoever, but very much active and happy.
Our spiritual life has been blossoming. Our health seems to improve. Our problems are material ones for the most part. But a joyful noise are we able to make unto the Lord.
It would be a venture for some of you who desire a life as a monastic (monk) in the desert and away from the major metropolitan areas. And there is no place better than where we are. It is challenging to be sure. Yet, it is such a challenge that invigorates the spirit.
With the Love of Jesus Christ for each and every one of you, I ask for your prayers for this unworthy repentant one in the vineyard.....
+Joseph Thaddeus
(Stanford), OSB, SSJt.,
Ph.D.
Metropolitan Archbishop - Archabbot - Primate
International Headquarters of the:
AMERICAN ORTHODOX CHURCH
AMERICAN ORTHODOX CATHOLIC CHURCH
NORTH AMERICAN ORTHODOX CHURCH
MONASTIC COMMUNITY OF ST. JOHN MAXIMOVITCH
and the HOLY THEOTOKOS
JUNE - 2005
My Dear Brothers and Sisters
who struggle out of Pain of Heart
for the Faith once delivered by our
Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ... Peace!
I use bits and pieces of a message from Metropolitan Archbishop +Randolph (WOCA), he and those with him are members of our Holy Synod of Bishops... along with many others. Thus our ministry is not about the "I" "me" "my" and "mine" as some would have you falsely believe. His message is most appropriate and proper in these times on which we have come under assault by those who call themselves "Priest(s)" "bishop" or "bishops" but fail the test of what it means to be truly "Orthodox" and "Catholic" - for they have departed from that which was taught by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ... Let me explain further... Metropolitan Archbishop +Randolph and those with him are most honorable men and servants of Jesus Christ in the vineyard for whom all should pray for the safety and security of their heart, mind, body and soul, for they are truly blessed...
"But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues: And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles." (Matt: 10:17-18) What a message for Us here in Deming, New Mexico... it speaks right to the heart of the matter concerning our past experiences and onslaught against those who have sullied the Seals of the Confessional with lies, half-truths and more. "their synagogues" can be understood to mean their churches or jurisdiction(s). For they themselves are covenant breakers and a stealer of your souls... Their attempt to drive a stake through the heart of our ministry is dulled and thwarted by God's Love and Compassion for Truth, not half-truths, deceit and outright lies.
Then we learn, "And the brother shall deliver up brother to death," (Matt 10:21) is an attempt in these times to cause for character assassination which is similar to that of attempts to kill the spirit of another supposed brother in the vineyard... What a test! This is similar to what many a priest of Russia and other countries had gone through prior to and during WWII before they were either put in prison or to death because many of their own brother priests/bishops did aught against them in order to maintain their own image and safety or security for "Caesar" (government) and the people who also felt that to maintain their own safety and security; they would opt for an appearance of acceptance of all things "Caesar" desired or demanded, when the Faith taught much against such corruption of the heart, mind, body (lips) and soul of a nation ("Caesar").
Then we also learn, "And ye shall be hated by all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved." (Matt. 10:22) ... Now, here again we are reminded that even though we are human, even though a brother priest/bishop is still acting like the first encounter Peter had with the people after Jesus was captured and brought before the chief priests for examination and sentence... Peter denied him... not once, not twice, but three times. Our errant brother priest/bishop in another northeastern state continues to deny Christ and actually aids in why the nailing of Him who is our Lord and Savior, to the cross...
In Matthew 10:23 we learn another lesson ... "But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come." I have had to personally learn that under the pain of being threatened at the point of a gun in 2003, that we (those with me) had to flee... not because of anything else errantly said about us as "running away from any investigation" for even so, the court threw out all the charges because there was a lack of evidence provided by those whose animosity and hatred is no better than the one(s) in another northeastern state who continues to act like Peter did in denying Christ by seeking to divide the Church, the fabric of the faith delivered by Christ Himself for all of us to follow in spirit and truth. And, in Toledo, Ohio... we left for two reasons... (1) the evil, animosity, and hatred promoted both by action and word which continues even to this day by the priest/bishop there was such that it would have done us no good to remain there under a dictator who had temporarily usurped proper authority and dignity of the offices to which we were elected... (2) after having lived in an environment that was affecting serious health issues, we could do no less but to remove ourselves from that city and state... The nation of "Israel" may be understood in these times as the nation of faithful to the Life and Teachings of Jesus Christ.
The end result is that we realized that Holy Spirit was and is truly acting in and with us... that our patron saints have been and are aiding us. That our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, keeps providing us lessons both from the past concerning His Life and Teachings, but such as is applicable even now... For indeed He said, "And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. " (Matt. 10:28).
Our very local ministry here in Deming, New Mexico is growing as we have gained not just another clergyman, but a family and several individuals who live apart from us. We find that in spite of what anyone else has had to say about our past, even the present times, our very ministry and living accommodations (not an RV now), that it doesn't matter where clergy reside, but what resides in the very heart and soul that is the determining factor if Jesus Christ through Holy Spirit is the measuring stick or thermometer of one's work in the vineyard.
Our daily activities and schedule is in proper form for monks who do indeed pray every morning, through out the day, and into the evening, often using the hesycast (spiritual movement in the Byzantine Empire (fourteenth century) developed on Mount Athos, Greece. The term means "to be quiet" and signifies the system of spiritual development through meditation, contemplation and perfection to the degree of absolute union with God (theosis). It is one of the forms of Orthodox Mysticism and is still practiced in the Orthodox world.) form of prayer during those times in which we cannot attend to community services. At sundown we attend to our evening prayers and services.
"Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows," is most aptly stated by our Lord toward those who may become a bit weak and tired by the continuous onslaught by those who call themselves priests/bishops but fail to walk the walk and talk the talk in tandem with each other. One can only put on a facade before it will be found that either one or the other (walk Vs. talk) is not in synch or balance. This means the spirit of the individual clergyman is dark and has gone astray as Peter did when he denied Jesus Christ once, twice and three times... So when we, as clergy, bespeak evil of another without good cause... we speak against Jesus Christ, the Holy Apostles, Saints, Martyrs and the patristic Fathers of the undivided Church. When we speak lies, half-truths, and make outrageous statements about another without solid foundation in fact... we do err. Thus, for ourselves, while we do not consider ourselves (as Metropolitan Archbishop, Archabbot, and Primate) blameless in these things... we convict ourselves because we did not stand silent but took action defend ourselves to correct untruths.
I ask that each of you visit and read the complete Meditation provided by Metropolitan Archbishop +Randolph (Click Here).
I would therefore ask that you who read this, pray for me and those with me as we can only say, "Lord, Jesus Christ... Son of God... and Son of man... have mercy on me, a sinner that I am!"
+Joseph Thaddeus
(Stanford), OSB, SSJt.,
Ph.D.
Metropolitan Archbishop - Archabbot - Primate
AMERICAN ORTHODOX CHURCH
&n
