Quotes From Father Thaddeus

This Page is devoted to various "Quotes" - "Comments" - Answers to Questions by our Vladyka +Thaddeus

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"There are those, over the year or two that the "Quotes from Thaddeus" have been up, who take issue because they feel that a monk, be he Metropolitan or Archbishop, or priest, should say little to nothing but let silence be the teacher. If this was a perfect world, that might be the best approach.

In prayer, a group of us who are Orthodox Benedictine from mainline and non-mainline Orthodox jurisdictions have sought answers to questions and find that His Eminence's "Quotes" page is a necessary thing more especially for those who are not strugglers on the path of "Orthodoxy". Many who say that he should say nothing are more involved with self-interests and 'politics'.

Some of us are not even associated with the Jurisdiction under His Eminence but belong to a large prayer group across the North American Continent. We have unanimously agreed that much that could be posted by His Eminence, has not been posted, even such as we have suggested because we find that he is less imbued with 'politics' and being a Metropolitan Archbishop as he is with prayer and being a spiritual father to many of us who have called on him for guidance. Thank you!"

Quotes from Father Thaddeus is a series of questions and answers placed in a "Basic Theme" format. The questions and answers are based on real events, actual happenings, news, letters and information garnered from throughout the world and questions posed.

Some questions under the "Basic Theme" may not necessarily reflect on the theme itself, but have (as a side issue) some relevance. The questions come from real people around the world. You may wish to send us your question by clicking on the following image scroll:

Each Month's "quotes" is added to as new communications arrive. It is suggested that you, the viewer and visitor, come back time and again to see what new postings are made during the month. Some of you may find answers to your questions in the Quotes Archive for 2004 ... Quotes Archive for 2005 ...

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We direct you to something new that has been created to answer questions that have been piling up which our vladyks +Thaddeus has not allowed to be posted until now.

The format is different, but we hope you will find that the information in this special posting will suffice.

Q: Dear Father Thaddeus, I left the Roman Church and became a member of one of the Protestant congregations about 15 years ago. I am very displeased and dissatisfied with the congregation I had belonged to because their outlook has been the "hell, fire and brimstone" approach from the Old Testament with no spiritual uplift. I came back to the Catholic Church by joining with an Orthodox Catholic Church where I've found myself very pleased and uplifted. My question is this. The Protestants of the congregation have started and continued a campaign by spreading malicious rumors about me which have now reached some of the parishioners of the Orthodox Church I belong to. The priest of the church has warned his flock to put aside the gossip and not believe in it but to come to the one being talked about in order to get to the truth of the gossip. What can I do to stop the Gossip?

A: Like a sand storm, it will pass and die out. However, to suffer the storm of rage you are faced with is a true test of your faith. The devil is in many disguises. Many of the Protestant cults like the Mormons, Jehovah's Witnesses, Church of Christ, Pentecostals and others (but not all of them) are a very vengeful lot because they do indeed believe they practice "Christianity" as being Bible believers unknowing that they have forsaken Jesus Christ of the New Testament while following the path of man a Sanhedrin of the Old Testament who crucified Christ. If you are a 'political' type of person, you could take an ad out in the local paper, go on radio, etc. but I doubt if you would want to do that. The other idea is to send a letter to your former Protestant congregation's so-called "minister", naming names of those spreading the maliciousness and put in it such as is posted here. Let them know that you know who they are and that if it continues you might consider taking the problem to the news media and filing charges against them as well. Remember, not all who adhere to those false heresies are not necessarily to blame, but their so-called ministers and pastors are. Those are just a few ideas. But, as an Orthodox Catholic Christian you might better be served by keeping this in mind.... He who sufficiently knows and judges himself has no time to judge others. But those who incessantly judge others is running away from the very things they should judge as regards themselves and the gates of hell are waiting for them for they do not follow the Life and Teachings of Jesus Christ!

Q: Rev. Father, your blessing. I am a divorced man because I realized late in life that I am definitely gay. I had been leading a double life for most of my married life. I've recently come to the realization that I am akin to an alcoholic when it comes to sex. I'm not actively sexually, but my mind, when I'm not working (even sometimes when I am) preoccupied with sex when I see someone who is attractive. I'm not really sure what to do because I'm afraid of the repercussions that might result since psychologists today have an attitude of turning every thing around and believe one must therefore be guilty of some sex crime. What can I do?

A: From your lengthy letter that the question comes out of I can only assume you live in a remote area of the Idaho. There are a couple of things I would suggest. First: Locate the nearest organization for referral called Sex Addicts Anonymous. The second thing I would suggest is to remember when your mom or grandmother used to say, "Feed a cold, starve a fever" or something like that? I would say, "Feed your soul and starve your passions!"

Q: The End Times is a hot topic in many parts of the world as promoted by the cultic Protestants. The question of "Forgive a child molester" is another. Do they intertwine each other?

A: Both subjects, as well as politics and economics intertwine the whole subject of the Protestant's errant teachings of the End Times. The subject itself and the errant teachings by the cultic Protestants of today, as discussed, along with many of the Roman Jurisdiction of the Catholic Church and some Orthodox is one of the major causes for why FORGIVENESS is not to be forthcoming from many who call themselves "Christian" when, unbeknownst to themselves, they are becoming more Antichristian in spirit and truth as a result of the falling away from the Life and Teachings of Jesus Christ that were handed to us through time and space to the present day. For a better understanding of the End Times, Click here to gain more insight and understanding as the very subject itself impacts every aspect of, question concerning today's society.

A: Read St. Matthew 10: 37 "He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me." The "Love" of Christ, Jesus, which include His teachings or Commandments is the most important of all things which include repentance and forgiveness for without both there is no true love of Christ Himself! If one has not true in-depth Orthodox Catholic Christian understanding of repentance and forgiveness how can one truly be One with Jesus Christ? To understand those important meanings is not enough. One needs to inculcate them into their daily life as though they were automatically a part of one's very being. This is most difficult. I know! I'm still working on that aspect of my life as every true clergyman, monk and nun works on it for themselves.

A: Pray tell indeed! As if there wasn't enough to provide you guidance into true Orthodox Catholic Christian understanding. As for my unworthy self, I can only say that those who actually and physically take advantage of children where there is factual proof, should indeed be sentenced. But where everything is 'hear-say' especially where independent psychologists and psychiatrists even have an inkling that a child has been manipulated to testify against the alleged perpetrator, the courts should be extremely cautious. For often it has been found that, after a conviction has been handed down against someone, it was later found that a disgruntled girlfriend (unmarried mother) had a gripe against a former boyfriend, or a former husband against his divorced or separated wife, even a neighbor against another neighbor who may have a different non-violent lifestyle. So often is this kind of false activity on the rise that the ones who really get hurt the most are both the children and the so-called perpetrator who has had to suffer the many indignities and disgraces, even taking a false conviction all based on hear-say... and often the children are coached, without realizing the harms they are about to do, setting up the alleged perpetrator as a result.

One of the other problems involved in these kind of cases is where a teenaged girl or boy is actually the perpetrator who intentionally and knowingly made advances on the adult without forethought of the consequences and often at times when the adult was either drunk, high on drugs or such. There is no excuse for the adult! Of that we can be sure! However the problem in these kind of situations lies in the fact that the child's own education and family life are lacking whereby "self-control" is minimal as they desire to experience all the things they can in a rush for adulthood before they have arrived. This is dangerous and oft times deadly not only to the psyche of the child, but to the adult as well.

As for the adult in these kind of situations, alcohol or drugs should not even be allowed in the home but placed under lock and key. I say drugs because it is also, according to statistics, become a norm for adults to abuse their prescription drugs as well. There should be no "cabinet over the sink" for such kind of medications, but under lock and key. This also deters the curious child from gaining access... Even the adult's own bedroom drawer next to the bed or dresser is not safe to keep such.

It seems that a single parent has little time while pursuing income means to support the household to take enough time on a day-to-day basis to sit and talk with his/her child(ren) to get involved in honest, sincere and deep discussions or to take the time to more closely 'bond' in such a way where good habits are formed that lead the child(ren) into self-control methods, ideas, and understandings.

Therefore the parent becomes the responsible cause for the errant actions of the child(ren) whether they want to accept the fact or not! A child or children who try to abuse and misuse the favors of an adult, especially when the child(ren) have reached their 13th to 14th year, should equally be held responsible in some measure for their actions. Instead, they are coddled and favored with things that do not inhibit but become permissive. Electronic gadgets, games, diverse other activities formerly not available for many of us who were teenagers, are now less creative and have outlet needs that must be addressed in a more holistic way which should involve family (be it a family of one single parent or both)...

There are actual incidents and cases, which also have become more numerous where the deed was a fact and the sentence was most proper. The problem in many of the cases, as statistics have shown, is that the perpetrators are found to have stunted and confused sexual identity problems.

This is just a short understanding and not in-depth! If this does not answer your question to some degree then you stuck in a rut and hung up on something that shows forth your lack of Love for all things appertaining to the Life and Teachings of Jesus Christ!

Q: Are you against individuals or people of various protestant denominations?

A: Only those who, as clergymen, use errant theology, use an entertainment mentality of approach instead of true worship and those who have a cafeteria style of approach to Holy Writ and the Life and Teachings of Jesus Christ?

Q: Are you against individuals who are not clergy of various protestant denominations?

A: No! Not the individual if they are not clergy of the various protestant denominations and those of the Roman jurisdiction of the Catholic Church. We are against the heretical theology which the Orthodox Catholic Church has always been against. We attempt to provide answers as to why as per the links at apostle1.com’s web pages which go into allegorical approaches in some instances. Other instances may be more direct.

Q: What about the Catholic Church? Aren’t you against the Catholic Church?

A: The “Catholic” Church is not based in Rome, although Orthodoxy has often and errantly misled non “catholics” and protestants into the false belief that “Catholic” is automatically “Roman” when, in fact “Catholic” comes from that which is ORTHODOX CATHOLIC from which the Roman jurisdiction of the Catholic Church schismed in 1054 A.D. as history shows. However, the term and phrase that should always be used is either “Roman Catholic” when speaking about the Holy See of Rome (the Latin Church or Vatican) and Orthodox Catholic when speaking about the other Holy Sees such as the Moscow Patriarchate or the Holy See of Constantinople, etc. The electronic news media over these many years have also imbed of this errant approach when speaking of the Orthodox versus those the "Catholic" Church of Rome...

Q: Is the information at your web site of apostle1.com your own version of information and understanding of what the Orthodox Church (Eastern and Western) is all about?

A: No. The information is provided as it comes from the various Eastern jurisdictions of the Orthodox Church (ie: “Orthodox” meaning right thinking, true belief, correct worship which the Greek Orthodox, Russian Orthodox, Coptic Orthodox, Syrian Orthodox, Syro-Chaldean, American Orthodox / North American Orthodox, and other nationalistic “Orthodox” names belong to.

A: No! Apostle1.com has many monks, nuns and other clergy who work on the various web pages and collectively review the contents for accuracy where possible and the information provided so as to be in conformity with our Orthodox heritage and view. While it is that I, myself, aide and add content from time to time; I most often listen to and review what our five primary monks, nuns and other clergy have to say as to what does or does not get posted. I have a certain amount of discretion as do all who participate, but insofar as the errant idea that APOSTLE1.COM is the persona of my unworthy self, I would have to deny that mistaken idea. Usually that idea comes from those who belong to a cultic Protestant group who usually hold to a stunted way of viewing things as though they are being singled out as individuals. Might it be they have guilt feelings for knowing the truth and that they hold to false theological beliefs thus single out our unworthy selves as though they falsely think we are attacking them? Usually these types of people are often self-centered with grandiose ideas, some are very well educated in many areas except the area of the history of the Christian Church from the times of Jesus Christ, the Holy Apostles, Patristic Fathers, the Seven Oecumenical Councils, and more. These people often are the great grand-offspring of Rome, Martin Luther, etc. and have taken upon themselves such self-centeredness that encompasses Synchrestic Ecumenism and an entertainment mentality with a cafeteria style approach to Holy writ and more, which leads to that which was prophesied in Holy Scripture (Apocrypha) as to the End Times when viewing the Revelation of St. John toward the end of the Holy Bible.

Question: The Protestant Fundamentalists and Evangelicals predominant in North America today have a strangle-hold over the political affairs in the U.S.A and it is rather large. Can they be trusted?

Answer: They are no different than every other person. They, as individuals, have their own political agendas too. There are many who are Pentecostals, Church of Christ, Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons, so-called Non-Denominational (for it is an invention of their stunted form of cafeteria styled Christianity) and many others. They do not believe in the Seals of the Confessional. Their two-faces can be seen when they talk to you, as a person, but be careful for their talk, behind your back, is not as Christ, Jesus, would have us be... Thus, since you are a priest who believes in the Seals of the Confessional, you need to walk lightly and carry a big stick to advance the true evangelism of the Holy Apostles... It is better to be up-front and honest than two-faced! By your vows, you have a duty and obligation to both our Lord and his children the people. No matter what you show them or say... they will be nice to your face, but because of their intrinsic hold to un-truth... they will not accept anything about Seals of the Confessional and do what they do behind your back as a means to turn others away from you! They are more of Caesar than of God while acting and speaking things appearing to be 'of God' ... They ride two horses and try to serve two masters and they have honed their skills as an art! They do not say they "judge" but that they do not "judge"... while, their actions are actually a display of their duplicitiousness in their cafeteria styled faith beliefs. They hold no respect for the likes of you or the Seals of the Confessional or what you have done to protect them!

More and more you will see the abomination in places never before thought possible, but was predicted by Holy writ. You will see them in many of the Cultic Protestant Churches, even (more and more) the Roman Jurisdiction of the Catholic Church and now, a few of those who are "Orthodox Catholic"... Remember, these particular protestants have no conception of the Seals of the Confessional, have no care, but many follow the "eye for an eye" ... and ... "tooth for a tooth" attitude which Jesus Christ considered as an abomination. These very same people and their faith have no conception of how or where the Seals of the Confessional come from... not realizing that the Holy Bible actually shows forth its origin, but only to those who have spiritual eyes to see and spiritual ears to hear truth! These people, unbeknownst to themselves are under sway of the Evil One, who disguises himself as an Angel of Light! Look at the Entertainments on-going in their so-called churches as well as their belief that they have 'gifts' of the Holy Spirit while standing up in their congregations, hand-clapping, raising hands and talking in gibberish while refusing to believe that those "tongues" spoken of in Holy Writ has to do with those who come from other countries and speak in foreign languages. These cultic protestant self-interpretations of holy Writ has become, in most of them, an unholy alliance with the Anti-Christ!

May you be blessed and accept these facts as a part of what it means to be a true Priest and Servant of our Lord... If they Crucified our Lord, which it says was done, and it is true they did... how much more can you do to accept the fate of what it means to be a true priest?

Answer: No! The house of God (naous in Greek, which comes from nays, ship) is the building or temple which houses the Church. A building is made of wood or stone, and wood and stone are material things. But the Church is composed of men and women and angels of "living stone" as St. Peter tells us (1 Pet. 2:5). It is certainly appropriate for Peter to make this statement since he himself was called "Peter" (which means "rock") by Jesus Christ. After he told Jesus "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Mt. 16:16), Jesus called on him to become "a living rock" placed on the "corner stone" which is Christ Himself (1 Pet 2:6-7). Jesus then said to him, "You are Peter, and on this rock [that is, on you who recognize Me as Christ and Son of God] I will build My Church" (Mt. 16:18). And the Church is in fact built of living stones who, following Simon Peter's example, believe in the Lord as Christ and God. The meaning itself has taken twisted turns to insinuate that it means the Primacy of the Bishop of Rome, the Pope... which is false and errant. It has no relevancy to the Bishop of Rome whatsoever! It has relevancy only to the faith!

Question: I understand. The Church is the assembly of apostles, bishops, and priest who carry on Christ's work.

Answer: No! A bishop can only be the bishop of a city or of a group of people. He cannot be a bishop alone, just as a head cannot exist without a body. In the same way a priest must serve a parish or a monastery. A father can be a father only if he has children.

James C. (Columbus, OH.) June 14, 2006: I have been waiting for your updating of the Clergy Database which your website has said would be coming back online soon. When and why the delay?

Kirk D. (Salt Lake, UT) May 23, 2006: Bless Father. I am living alone now that my parents passed away recently and have overcome the loss and getting on with life and living. I am a monk who, when I found that my blood relations wouldn't do anything for my parents, I received permission to leave the monastery I had belonged to to take care of my parents. Although Roman Catholic from birth to the present day, I am not going to return to the monastery because they have, since the new pope, been taking a path that is unwholesome to the faith and to our monastery, even our rule of life. I've gone through the internet and found many things good and bad. I saw your site and called several of my own personal contacts and have learned a lot. Your community and your faith makes me believe you are on the right path, but until we can meet, I'll not know for sure.

In the meantime I have been having serious bouts of what I call spiritual depression not because of the loss of my parents, but the loss of my being with monastics who hold to the old ways in thought, word and practice. And I find that I often feel that traveling this earthy path with many daily sins on my conscience, I can only believe that I am unworthy and will be cast into hell. Can you help me?

Father Thaddeus replies: Alas poor fool... you are similar to my unworthy self. I cannot help you! But, I do know someone who can... Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, the Holy Theotokos Mary who is the Mother of God as well as one's patron Saint. I call upon St. John Maximovitch and his spiritual son, blessed Father Seraphim Rose. They and all the saints can and will help!

As odd as it may seem, it is possible that the Good Lord did you a favor with what you have said concerning the monastery you were attached to. The call to go home to your parents in their last days is possibly the means by which the Lord was calling you out to get away from that which was not approved by Him and to set you apart so that you can get back to the path He approves of. Thus, your parents may have been the vehicle for your being called.

Do not lose heart, O soul, do not grieve; pronounce not over thyself a final judgment for the multitude of thy sins; do not commit thyself to fire; do not say: The Lord has cast me from His face. Such words are not pleasing to God.  Can it be that he who has fallen cannot get up?  Can it be that he who has turned away cannot turn back again?

Do not be ashamed to turn back and say boldly: I will arise and go to my Father.  Arise and go!  He will accept thee and will not reproach thee, but rather rejoice at thy return.  He awaits thee; just do not be ashamed and do not hide from the face of God as did Adam.  It was for thy sake that Christ was crucified; so will He cast thee aside? He knows who oppresses us, He knows that we have no other help but Him alone.

Christ knows that man is miserable.  Do not give thyself up to despair and apathy, assuming that thou hast been prepared for the fire.  Christ derives no consolation from thrusting us into the fire; He gains nothing if He sends us into the abyss to be tormented. Imitate the prodigal son: leave the city that starves thee.  Come and beseech Him and thou shalt behold the glory of God.  Thy face shall be enlightened and thou wilt rejoice in the sweetness of paradise. Glory to the Lord and Lover of mankind Who saves us!

Danny C. (Dearborn, MI) May 22, 2006: Your Blessings Father. As a retired priest from R. C. Church, I've read your Jurisdiction's recent posting concerning "Apostasy" and am pleased to see something happening to warn everyone. It's about time. Yes, there is a lot of information on the internet, but I admit that what I've seen has come mostly from the Protestants who have as yet to get it right! They don't and they won't because they're too stubborn, bull-headed and more out for themselves and their brand of false witness. When I saw the commentary article on the Sedevacantists, I thought I'd fall over. I guess this is more of my commending you than asking a question, although I don't take the attitude that I 'know it all' because I don't and you certainly have admitted to not knowing many things too.

As a retired priest I have seen a lot of things happening in the RC Church over the last 40 years before I retired. Things both horrible and blessed. I'm glad I retired when I did which was just four years ago.

Your many special articles on the subject of 'apostasy' that you've receive and posted, plus your comments and notes seem to me to be right on the mark. I know of the book you commented on ... it too is filled with much truth but again, having gone through the experiences I've gone through... I admit that we are inculcated with an attitude of sometimes being indifferent and cold toward people, other clergy even though the surface appearance is something else. Its almost like a nurse in a hospital who takes a cold-indifferent approach to patients because of the trauma, hurts, emotional harms they suffer. When seeing this for so long, one almost becomes numb and takes a 'care-less' attitude of approach. But when it comes to all others who are not RC, we are trained to be rather cold, indifferent and very calculating so that those clergy of other churches not RC are quickly, and often times effectively, put down and destroyed publicly through the back-door of friendships and political action. This is the same as those who you have just written about... it continues even with them I guess.

I no longer have to answer to 'superiors' and can do what I want now that I'm retired. I have always had my own means of financial survival even if I were to have been booted out of the Church for my many questionings over the years. I survived! Now, in retirement, I can do more and I would like to help.... can I?

Father Thaddeus replies: Very interesting indeed! And yes... I've sent you my personal unlisted number... we'll talk. Too bad there are not more like you!

Janice E. (Columbus, OH.) May 11, 2006: Father, your blessings as I mentally kiss your right hand. I too am a convert, as I saw the posting of May 5, from Joseph D. My conversion was to Orthodoxy from Roman Catholicism. My priest said I carry a lot of "roman" things within me. I think I understand what is meant. But, now, I face a crisis in my life as regards whether I should or should not accept a marriage proposal to an older man who had been a priest (Roman) and left the Church in the 1970's because of the innovations of Vatican II and since. I am in my 40's and obviously there would seem to be a large difference in age. Yet, our minds and hearts seem to be in tune, sharing and caring about things in common even though we have our differences of interests too, just enough to keep us from seeing each other as a 'mirror'. I am having second thoughts about the marriage and have entertained the idea of becoming a member of an Orthodox community of sisters in northern California which I had visited two years ago. What should I do?

Father Thaddeus replies: Only you can make the final decision. But in making that decision you will have to dig deep into your very heart, your soul! You didn't mention in your e-mail as to how long you have been a convert form Romanism to Orthodoxy. This rings a few bells and warning lights because it matters not as to who from or two one has converted but that anyone who is a convert, in their initial converting, becomes somewhat hard pressed to be that which they converted to. When this happens, they examine everything in their lives up tot he present and become eager and overzealous to conform to the Life and Teachings of Jesus Christ according to the dogma, doctrine and even the theological and moral teachings of that branch of the Church. This can be a very intense time and much is heavy on the heart, the soul in this self-examination.

If you have been Orthodox for five or more years, you may be on safe ground. But any less time will cause for a rush to do that which may be foolish. That is in the area of marriage or in the area of joining a religious community of nuns.

Marriage is a permanent action both spiritual and material and should not be rushed into. The same applies to joining a Nunnery. Both are "marriages".... Which one indeed?

A marriage between a man and a women is very sacred and a beautiful one at that for which God does join two together for specific purposes and responsibilities. The same, again, can be said for going into religious life as a nun. Dedication in both instances is a "must". If one is not sure of their ability to be dedicated, then hold off taking the step.

If you have been going "steady" with the former roman priest for several years, it may be a sure thing. But again, weighing the multitude of questions says that you are not yet sure of the man as being the 'right one' for yourself. If children were to come from the marriage, under what branch of the "Catholic" Church would they be raised? "Roman" or "Orthodox"? What about your Church attendance?

The differences that exist between "Orthodox" and "Roman" have been at issue for centuries. Yet, both are "Catholic". Thus, it is obvious you would be in the same Church, just different pews, so-to-speak! But, again, the question is serious and needs to be answered.

It is important to remember that whatever your final decision may be, your duty is to God first, yourself second. In this way, you continue on the way of spiritual transformation (Rom.12:2) "Be not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind..." In this way, you will find that sincere and honest prayer, daily, will also provide you with a more solid answer to your question than what I, an unworthy one, can provide.

Have you ever raised the idea to the intended that because he was a priest in the Roman Jurisdiction of the Catholic Church, that may be he might find it worthwhile to convert to Orthodoxy and become priest therein, thus the two of you together can pursue those most important things to your hearts, which I suspect is 'Union' with God and each other?

Joseph D. (Washington) May 5, 2006: Your Blessings Father. I am a convert from Orthodoxy to Roman Catholicism. I've noticed in many of the pages on your web site that you have anger toward the Catholic Church. Why?

Father Thaddeus replies: Do you not yet understand that the "Catholic" Church is both Roman and Orthodox (Eastern and yes... even Western)... The Sun and Moon does not rise and set upon the Roman jurisdiction of the Catholic Church as to "Who Is" and "Who Is Not" CATHOLIC! The Roman Jurisdiction of the Catholic Church was a part of that which was initially referred and called "Catholic" or "Christianity" and in the 800's A.D., the Roman Pope(s) began their changing and adding to that which you have in these present times that were rejected by the ancient Seven Ecumenical Councils which a good share of the Eastern Orthodox Churches maintained. Thus, when the Roman Popes began their alterations and additions to the faith, there began something that has not yet ended, but will end in time to come.

The Roman Popes are not the only "Popes" as some of the Syro-Chaldeans (not those who are Uniates = under control of Rome), Coptics, Syriac, etc. are very much "Orthodox" and a few have "Popes"... Ever hear of Pope Shenouda? He is not Roman nor under the control of Rome, for if he were, he would be considered a "Uniate".

However you may wish to believe, I am thoroughly not against the "CATHOLIC" Church for I am indeed a part of her. What I am against is the Synchrestic Ecumenism, Humanism and such other vagaries and teachings being brought into the Roman jurisdiction of the Catholic Church which has been seeping into Orthodoxy.

We shall, in fact, be preparing a very special web page having to do exclusively with the Roman Jurisdiction of the Catholic Church and her problems that are leading us into the ONE WORLD GOVERNMENT and the ONE WORLD CHURCH as prophesied in the Holy Bible (before the Holy Bible's contents were re-written and changed under guise of being changed to accommodate these modern times for needs of people who cannot (will not) educate themselves properly in order to have a grasp of the Life and Teachings of Jesus Christ and historical truth concerning Him and the Holy Apostles.

Jaime D. (Kentucky) April 29, 2006: The issue of immigration is of concern to me and my family because my oldest brother married a Latino (Mexican) woman who failed to tell him she had come across the border illegally. Her own brother, two sisters and her parents are also living nearby as illegal immigrants. They are a loving family and go to Mass regularly, tithe, pay taxes, do charitable works and many other things. My brother's wife and her family have been here for five or so years now. What is the best advice that you might offer for them considering what is happening nationally and legally?

Father Thaddeus replies: If they are true to the faith, they will do all things necessary to become "legal" immigrants. If I understand the law, your sister-in-law will probably be allowed to stay. However that is not legal advise, only an opinion. As for the rest of her family members, it may be possible for them to gain legal status, but one can only wonder. I know what the fear in them must be... Yet, all of them must not forget one basic truth as given by Jesus Christ. Obey the laws of man. In this instance there is nothing "religious" involved in so far as to why they came to the States illegally so they cannot claim legal status on the basis of oppression by a government, etc.

The world must conform to the Church, not the Church to the world. But, that is what is happening in these times. And it would seem that those who cross the borders illegally and who claim they are faithful Christians, cannot be considered so faithful or they would abide by the commandments of Jesus Christ. If they are truly faithful, they will do what is right, true and correct in either returning to their country and seek legal entry or visas, or they will turn themselves in while in the U.S.A.

Whether in this country or any other... no matter where one resides... when someone breaks the law there is always pain. If one is true to the faith, they will abide by the commandments of Jesus Christ and take action to correct the error, the sin that they committed. Yes, in the eyes of the Church, illegal immigrants not only broke the law, but by breaking it, committed a sin, a grievous sin at that! Through repentance, forgiveness can be obtained. Repentance requires correcting the sin, the breaking of the law!

Jack C. (Missouri) April 14, 2006: I used to belong to an Old Catholic Parish and was in support of them through tithing and other activities. Originally, I was born in and Faith as an Old Catholic and even after my stint in the Army I still maintained my Old Catholic roots and worship. Since getting married I became Roman Catholic and noticed that the difference between being Old Catholic and Roman Catholic is huge. That was more than twenty years ago. Now as I scour the internet I see an Old Catholic Benedictine group and was able to get into it. For more than six months I've watched the group and can find very little that makes them "Old Catholic". I knew that at one time you were either an Old Catholic or Old Roman Catholic and wonder what you can advise? How can they even fathom to believe they can be "Charismatic" or, that is, allow for "Pentecostal" church teachings to be taught? And what about their ordination of female clergy as Priests and some as Bishops?

Father Thaddeus replies: What you have said is true of most of those who are on the Internet these days. I know of an Archbishop in Canada who was born and raised as an Old Catholic. He too has made similar comments as you have. With what it going on today, it is no wonder that the many "Old Catholic" groups and "Old Catholic Benedictine" groups do not join with their Protestant bags and baggage with the Roman Jurisdiction of the Catholic Church. For most of them though, they would not join for the simple reason that they would loose being "Independent" and have to abide by certain rules, codes, regulations which they do not wish to abide by as they are able to make up their own as they are without having any oversight.

While many of them are valid clergy and hold valid episcopal lines of succession; they have factually broken the true spiritual importance of being valid Bishops and clergy because they are incapable and unable to act, speak and worship in accordance with the ancient commission and charge of their ordinations and consecrations. Thus, in the eyes of civil law, they are valid clergy; but in the eyes of the Life and Teachings of Jesus Christ, the Holy Apostles and Patristic Fathers they have broken with the faith that was once handed down to them.

And, you are correct again... With such things as "Pentecostal" church teachings having entered into the Old Catholic Churches, they have lost their inheritance from Utrecht and broken with the true "Catholic" faith. No matter how much they may worship, using vestments and the garb of "Catholic" clergy; they are not Catholic but Protestant more and more.

Vladyka Thaddeus will be away from posting the "Quotes" for the next couple of weeks due to Orthodox Holy Week and Resurrection Day (April 23rd). In his place will be Father Nguyen (California).

Father Sam J. (Reno, NV): Your Eminence and Vladyka… Last year I and my parish board accepted someone into our fold who had previous understandings and knowledge that appeared, on the surface, as being Orthodox. We knew that he came from a very off-beat Protestant sect with even prior or former links to a Mormon cultic group. He and his middle aged daughter were accepted and he became a deacon in the parish. His daughter does not work but stays at home where she supposedly cares for her father as any child should do for their aging parents. However, we also noticed that the daughter was either mentally disturbed or has some sort of a mental problem which our resident psychiatrist identified.

We noticed that much of what this man was saying about his past, even though he admitted to being a convicted felon having to do with child abuse, was not all that it appeared on the surface because of his continually asking for financial help in small amounts practically every month, often within days after getting his government retirement check. Then, after recognizing that the although the daughter had her own bedroom, we saw a slow change in their sleeping habits as we would often hold our parish morning coffee meetings in their home, in the kitchen and could see in the living room. After about 4 to 5 months, the man and his daughter were sleeping in the same room, he (supposedly) on the floor and she on the couch-bed. The daughters bedroom, with door open, could also be seen where it was stacked with bedding, clothes and more ... the bed not having been slept in but stacked up with various things.

Yet, we continued with our work and embraced him and his family even with the knowledge that he was convicted of an abuse crime against a child whom later we learned was this very daughter in her youth. There are other children both male and female, all adults now. What I am asking is this… He’s used us for money, for many other things but the one thing he has failed to do is abide by those very things both spiritual and material in morning and evening prayer, not asking for or seeking out one of our priests for regular confession, having failed to attend Divine Liturgy and many other things. We asked for his resignation and he did resign. However, he’s now began to gossip and we believe slander us. Did we do the right thing?

A: It is odd that you should bring this up as we too faced something similar. And, you did the right thing! A mentally disturbed child of a convicted parent for child abuse or worse should raise alarm bells when the child, as an adult, is living with the convicted parent. In this instance, as regards the past and his conviction, the state in which he was convicted obviously was able to prove that the child's mental disturbance was somehow, in some way, taken advantage of. The faith, obviously, of the parent was not for spiritual connection nor for spiritual truth but the connection itself can only be opined to be a scam because of their own limited finances, unless he is a hoarder who hides food, material things and hoards other things. Because of what you described in your e-mail that is not posted here, we can only wonder if the convicted parent is also mentally disturbed too and what manipulative powers he uses over his daughter for your extensive description depicts a very disturbed women.

There are many horror stories where these things have and do happen among the Orthodox Catholic communities, even the communities of the Roman Jurisdiction of the Catholic Church. But worse is the fact that there are many valid clergy who have misused and abused their faith and the jurisdiction they may have belonged to for the same or similar purposes as you and your parish suffered. The most tragic of all is when clergy do not accept others (people of faith, as strugglers, and other clergy who have been convicted) because the fullness of the faith is not being lived and exampled for all to practice. Tragically, as you describe, this is the other side of the proverbial coin... But, yet, this will be a problem that grows worse as time goes forward. Do not do as the ethnic jurisdictions do, that is to say, close yourself off in any form or manner from those who are true and sincere seekers of truth, for to do so goes against the Life and Teachings of Jesus Christ. Should those persons ever attempt to return… let them, but only with the understanding that they are not to serve or operate beyond being ordinary parishioners.

Sergio C. (Columbus, OH) April 2, 2006: You talk much in your "Lenten 2006 Message" about forgiveness, repentance, hate, anger, hostilities and more. The question I pose is whether you have forgiven those who have harmed you out of Ohio and elsewhere?

Father Thaddeus replies: Forgiveness has to be asked for from those who have knowingly done the harm. In many instances, there are those who don't even know they have done the harm or damage and yet others who, in their stunted view of themselves, be they clergy or otherwise, are so hard hearted and some who are even mentally disturbed, that they cannot come to accept the fact of the harms they have done! One has to forgive those who have asked for forgiveness. Forgiveness should always be given to those who are seriously mentally disturbed persons, especially other clergy. And as mentally disturbed clergy, they should be removed from their ministry when it is found out! But some are clergy who have no one over them, no synod, no over-sight committee, no one! They are mini-popes unto themselves and listen to no one except their own shallow inner selves. After reviewing your writing and question, I can only assume that you are the extension of someone else... are you asking, for him, forgiveness? How can forgiveness be given to someone who is not known? And what is there to be forgiven?

Manny E. (Los Angeles, CA) March 31, 2006: How can you say about statutes what is true of Orthodox as regards "Icons"?

Father Thaddeus replies: How can you ask a question such as you have without referring to the Holy Bible? How can you equate statutes with Icons and not know that true Orthodox Catholic Christians do not worship either statutes or icons but use exclusively "Icons" in the same manner that many Christians use a cross on the top of a temple (Church) or wear such an emblem around their neck? Do you not even know the causative factor for the Roman Jurisdiction's removal of statutes from their altars, for those that have done so? Icons are a reminder of not only the message of the saint for whom the icon represents, but a reminder that the message always brings one to Jesus Christ!

Sandy K. (Washington): Help me to understand what you are saying about Buddhism... You refer to it as a false religion when, in fact, it is a philosophy. Why are you so against philosophical ideas and understandings.

Father Thaddeus replies: Christianity is often referred to as a philosophy too.. Yet, it is a religion in spirit and in truth. Islam started out by Mohammed as a set of philosophies that was based on the Old Testament Judaic code, and ended up as being a satanic religion. Buddha is worshipped by many of its primary adherents. Yes... all these philosophies and understandings are partially good... but Christianity stands apart from all of them as the basis of truth and Divine revelation! We are forbidden from worshipping statutes.... The former Roman Pope, John Paul, worshipped the statute of Buddha by its being placed on top of the tabernacle in which was housed the consecrated elements... the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ... there is no splitting hairs on this. What was done by him took the Roman Jurisdiction of the Catholic Church farther away from CATHOLICISM, from CHRISTIANITY by action and word. We do not worship statutes to begin with as it is not only against the very Seven Oecumenical Councils, but it is against the Ten Commandments of God as stated in the Old Testament! There can be no tolerance of such as being just when it is evil. And the more that it is accepted and allowed, the more souls will go to perdition.

Regarding Islam: We have received so many questions concerning this barbaric and Satanic religion that the following is offered:

A: You cannot give respect to a false religion. Jesus Christ said, “I am the way, the truth and the Light” and He also said, “No one can come to the Father expect by me”…. The Father Our God established in the Son, Jesus Christ, to speak and teach on His behalf in this earthly life more than 2,000 years ago. The religion of Islam come out of the brain of Mohammed. Did you not know that many that many of the forms and ideas of Islamic worship is borrowed from Christianity because of the fact that Mohammed, when he first began to bring his idea of Islam to the people in his time, ran him off and out of their country… ???? …. He and his band of followers sought refuge at Constantinople. He thought he had entered into Heaven. He watched the Orthodox worship (before the Roman Schism) and how the people worshipped.

The early Christians had no pews and most stood during Divine Liturgy. But, during some parts of Divine Liturgy in those ancient times, the people knelt down on both knees and bent forward, touching their heads to the ground toward the altar as a part of their worship to God! While this is just one example, there are other examples but space and time do not allow for here.

The fact of the matter is that the religion of Islam (Moslem or Muslim) only honors Jesus Christ as a Prophet, but they do not count him as “God” but count their “Allah” as God as interpreted by their Q’uran (Koran) as written by their Mohammed whom they claim was a Prophet.

A recent violent uproar over the appearance of a cartoon in which their false and Satanic Prophet “Mohammed” was depicted shows the ignorance of many of their people.

Yet, if someone were to do a cartoon about “Jesus Christ” and the Christians were to take a violent stand (if they live in the Arab countries, little to nothing would be done and, in fact, the Christians would be ‘put down’.

Now, it is seriously believed that many who convert to Islam in this country are ignorant of their former Christian roots; otherwise they would not deny their former Christian heritage and belief. A true Christian, a strong Christian; will fight, that is to struggle out of pain of heart within themself to maintain the Life and Teachings of Jesus Christ, the Holy Apostles and Patristic Fathers, the Seven Oecumenical Councils. But that is not the case! Most of those who have opted for Islam are those who have been, for the most part, former Roman Catholics. They should have gone to the roots of Christianity which is based root and branch in that which is today called Orthodox Catholic Christianity.

The religion of Islam is a violent religion, not peaceful in spite of what some of our politicians and leaders advocate. The religion of Islam is a false religion of the Evil One, the seducer of men’s spirit in order to steal one’s soul away from God, away from Jesus Christ who is the Word of God! If Islam were a religion of peace, those who are its fundamentalist adherents, would not go to such extremes of violence against Christians, against Jews and many others. Their false – satanic religion requires that all true believing Muslims or Moslems of Islam practice that which is required in their Quoran (Koran) whereby their young virgin boys must be sodomized because their faith and teachings say that their next Prophet or God will be born through the loins of a male. While this does not mean they practice homosexuality for indeed they kill those who are homosexual when it is found out… they do practice during certain holy feasts, sodomy of virgin males.

Islam is satanic indeed, influenced by words and phrases that appear on the surface as being “peaceful” but only is it peaceful for those who are Islamic (that is Moslem or Muslim)… They have terrorized those of other non-violent religious beliefs long enough.

We are saddened by those who are innocents who have lost their lives in this war against terrorism’ and Christian, Jewish and even some Muslim. But when terror is allowed to be harbored in a village, in a town or even a city by its inhabitants – they have actually partaken of the very thing they claim to not want.

Q: Should Orthodox Catholic Christian accept all people and all clergy as well as those of other religions as though they are One?

A: Accept the people as children of God, but other religions as being false and misleading. As for those who adhere to and practice another religion, they are children of God too. But do not participate in their services for to do so is compounding sin upon sin. And for those who follow a false and misleading path of Christianity so as to bring about “Unity” they are following the actions of the Evil One. For if you have read the Holy Book, the Bible, you will know that only Jesus Christ will bring true “Unity” and that all the actions and attempts by mankind and its religious leaders will be brought to naught. Again, only Jesus Christ, when he comes again, will unite all who are true to Him in spirit and truth, not mankind!

There are many in these times who speak a lot about “Unity” and many of those religious leaders and clergy are advocating the unity of the various factions of Christianity without the correcting of false doctrines, but accepting false doctrines and all into a “unity” that is itself false and misleading. And as for those who are working toward “unity” by mankind’s efforts, are misleading the people which will cause for them to be sent to hell. The perversion of this action by mankind is in their false belief that they can re-interpret and re-write the Holy Bible according to human reasoning. Already there are numerous versions of the Holy Bible which is an error of human reasoning. As a result there exists numerous re-interpretations and teachings based on Jesus Christ with many errors and many false and misleading understandings not founded in the ancient faith, much of which was scandalous and caused for anathema by the ancient seven Oecumenical Councils. The extent to which this is happening has arisen to the highest levels of Christianity, the Roman Jurisdiction of the Catholic Church, their former Pope John Paul and the new Pope, Benedict XVI who is being admired and followed by others which will lead many to hell. To promote or lead, even to follow such is a sure way in which hell is drawn closer.

Human reasoning is the cause of many ills in Christianity today. Political correctness is a disease of the mind brought on by human reasoning. Government (Caesar) has had such a force, impact and involvement in Christianity that many have opted for the material things associated with such that is called “faith based” activities funded by the government in part while those who are not involved are being more and more deprived and even, in some instances, attacked through quiet means and methods to make them appear as something they are not.

Orthodoxy, when and where it is practiced in spirit and truth, leads to the saving presence of Jesus Christ in one’s life. But where human reasoning comes into play, along with the disease of political correctness and scholasticism; there will be found in one’s spirit the Evil One who is the great deceiver and does deceive many into the false belief they are under the influence of the Holy Spirit. This was prophesied.

Far too many were prophesied in times past as coming under the influence of the Whore of Babylon, and that there would be many who would fall away. This is happening now more than ever. But it is not the time yet for the end of the world. It is yet to come. But those who are struggling to stay true and strong to the faith once delivered for all; even though we sin in many things, do not give up and do not give in. We, ourselves, can not and do not save souls. Only Jesus Christ saves souls. We can only try to influence the free will in many to come to the truths of understanding the Life and Teachings of Jesus Christ as taught and practiced in true Orthodox Catholic Christianity.

The Seventh Day Adventists do not have right thinking or true belief. The Baptists are captives of their own political correctness disease as most of those of the Roman Jurisdiction of the Catholic Church are. As for the Mormons… they suffer from a fantasy and delusion. The Church of Christ (the denomination) is another one that has become drunk on its own renditions, false doctrines and errors of understanding the Life and Teachings of Jesus Christ. As for the Jehovah’s Witnesses, they are drunk on the writings of their founder who perverted the Holy Bible.

There is no such thing as “Non-Denominational” because each minister, pastor or priest of such false churches (little “c”) are drunk on their false understandings and misconstrued beliefs to where they are ignorant of truth and do not wish for truth even when they are presented with TRUTH and FACT.

The bottom line of all this rests with the people of those various named (and not named) churches (again, little “c”) for all of them, collectively, seek all things that are easy which require little struggle and provides a lot of entertainment for which they will put up with the preaching a bit… That is not Christianity! It is a mad house of false christs.

Marta K. (New York, NY) - March 14, 2006: Why do you post only those things negative about Islam and not that which is good?

Father Thaddeus replies: Why can't those who are of the religion of Islam not take action to reign in their own fundamentalistic terrorists? Why do Moslems/Muslims of Islam not tell the truth about Islam? Why does the religion of Islam say they are a religion of Peace when they are not? Why do Moslems/Muslims use false and devious means to promote an image that is not true? Why do Muslims hold Mohammed as a so-called 'prophet' when he is not? Why does the Islamic religionists attempt to white-wash their history?

There are many more replies which are questions that could be added, but you get the idea and the understanding. Islam is not and never was a "Religion of Peace" except for those who are Moslems/Muslims and only those who practice the teachings of the Quoran (Koran)... and if they do, they must look upon and react against all who are either Christians or Jews... that is the Koranic teachings, you know that! The Koran allows for no middle ground! The religion of Islam, for those who are true to their religion, do not believe Jesus Christ died on the cross and rose again on the third day. They believe that Jesus Christ was only a prophet! The religion of Islam, for those who are true to the teachings of the Koran, do not believe in the Triune God of +Father, +Son, and +Holy Ghost (Spirit). The religionists of Islam are attempting to make it appear that the only difference between Islam and Christians is that we worship the same God under different names. That is a complete and total untruth! It is a lie in truth and fact!

If those things were corrected in the religion of Islam, the Arabic countries who are primarily Islamic would change their Islamic population's behavior where Christians and Jews could indeed live in peace to worship according to the tenets of their faith without any kind of interference whatsoever. If you, in New York City had any understanding, the question itself would not have been raised, for indeed you and those with you would have an impact upon those of the various countries under Islamic rule and belief. The only reason Islam is accepted here in the free world is because of our individual nation's constitution and actions in accord with them. And, because you are in a country, such as the U.S.A. you have no choice but to abide by its laws. Some of your people have actually and factually attacked Jews and Christians.... do you have any control over your people and your Mullah's from preaching against Jews and Christians? No! You do not! And what is not preached openly, is preached privately to a select few as you already know!

Ralph H. (Florida) - March 14, 2006: Why haven't we seen more Q&A postings?

Father Thaddeus replies: We receive numerous e-mail, letters and telephone calls each week, most filled with questions which require a reply. Many of them these days are not the type that should be posted to the internet without careful consideration. For a lot of them would actually cause for people to identify who the individual(s) may be if viewers from the area of the inquirer viewed the post.

Our own time is limited and thus we cannot always take time to rephrase q&a so that the identity of posters or inquirers stay somewhat anonymous. There are other factors involved too. One of them is the fact that many in the various jurisdictions do not believe we receive any Q&A but that we make it all up! It is, as far as we are concerned, one of the ways in which they attempt to goad us into betraying confidences when and where necessary.

Debra T. (Minn. MN) - March 13, 2006: What do you suggest my husband and I do in order to get my teenagers back on the study track? My children are belligerent, obnoxious when they are out in public with their friends and have argued with both of us when we try to help them with their studies as we watch their report cards declining grades. Help!

Father Thaddeus replies: This is to all mothers and dads. The above question is perplexing to say the least. Abiding by Debra's request, we've only posted certain portions of her communication. However, what you are experiencing is an age old problem that cannot be fully appreciated in this reply or in your question as each family's situation and circumstance cannot and should not be blanketed with a generic approach to fit all families. Suggestions are a dime a dozen. Here are a few considerations:

a) Set aside a minimum of two hours, at least once a week in the evening for everyone in the house to be together as a family group to discuss the day's events.

b) When the family group meets, turn off telephones, cell phones, television, radios and other entrainment devices or gadgets, including the computer(s).

c) On Sunday evening through to and including Friday evenings, set aside a minimum of one (1) hour following the same criteria as above (a) and (b) so that all the kids are able to 'hit the books'. If computers are needed for their work, be sure they cannot and do not have access to the internet... disconnect the phone lines from the computer, even your DSL (if you have it). Parents should be engaged in absorbing themselves in a study program too. Studying things religious! Studying things pertaining to their children's study assignment... So what if its seemingly old hat to you. And if its not 'old hat' for you, you just might learn something new. BTW (By The Way)... take the last 15 minutes of that one hour for everyone to get together for family prayer. Yes.. I know that some of you don't go to Church because of a lot of things going on in the world and many of you who have communicated with us are 'turned off' by what you hear and see... but that is not good cause for turning away from the roots of one's faith, Jesus Christ! There is no excuse for not doing so each day and night.

d) When the two hour (once a week) family sessions come about, start with a prayer and end with a prayer. During this special time, again, discuss what is important to each of you, denying no one from speaking except follow a pattern where the one speaking is not interrupted.

Something else may needs also to be considered in these issues. Friends... who are they? Are they 'friends' from school who you know little about? Are they friends who are invited over by your kids? Do you know the families of those 'friends'? Some 'friends' may, themselves, need help in their own family life. But, that doesn't mean to go snooping, so much as it means you should get to know who your children are friends with and try not to disturb their budding friendships unless those 'friends' are constantly in trouble with the law. Then you need to see if you can, in some way, help them for the sake of your own children. If you cannot, you may need to sit down with your children and let them know what you know about those 'friends' so that they will know why you are asking them to disconnect from those friends... Remember, your children may not understand that true 'friends' will stick together, be honest, learn to cultivate good habits and admit mistakes. There is much more, but hopefully this will do.

One last thing which is very crucially important. Get to a Church. Preferably an Orthodox Catholic Christian Church. Regardless of what you may think or believe about Churches and the politics of many of them... Church is the place where spiritual nourishment can be obtained. Be sure such "Church" is not an entertainment or political center but truly devoted to Worship, not entertainment or politics.

Kevin B. (Wash., D.C.) - March 10, 2006: I have noticed that your website says little about homosexuality in the Church or in monasteries. Why?

Father Thaddeus replies: Old questions that this web site has answered repeatedly. Why should we be concerned if those who are monks, in monasteries, and priest or nuns are celibate? What this means is that those who are celibate, regardless of what their pasts may have been, are living celibate lives for the struggle in this life for the life to come. The Church is not about sexuality, be it homosexual or heterosexual, or even bi-sexuality. The Church is about Repentance, Penance, Confession, doing away with the old man in us and striving toward the prize of great price. The Church is a spiritual hospital whose doors are open to all who are truly willing to strive for the pearl of great price... Jesus Christ!

Amanda (Mass.) February 3, 2006: Where can one obtain the names of the many orthodox devotional service -- I'm not speaking of the Divine Liturgy or the Hours -- in parallel columns with greek terms and slavic terms co-ordinated?

parastasa, pannychis, panikhidi, panikhida
mol(i)eben
akathist (great and lesser)
paraklesis (great and lesser)
akolouthia (in its more specific sense)
agrypnia
and what are the names in the two traditions for the many services/commemorations of those fallen asleep (funeral, 3d, 9th, 40th days, annual, etc., and just at any time? -- slava, trisagion, etc).

As one who lives far from any orthodox clergy at the moment, and have a background that includes attendance at the ROCOR, GOA, and Ukrainian Orthodox temples, I'd like to see a chart of parallel terminology. The differences in terminology are unfortunately not self-evident.

Second, since the Greek and Russian absolutions at confession are quite different, where can one get the texts? (Some Russian prayerbooks have the slavic--but none of my Greek prayerbooks has got the Greek text.)

Third, is there a common Orthodox view toward cremation? As i live in a state dotted with buddhist temples where the majority seem to accept cremation as the norm, is cremation different in different jurisdictions? Or is it a decision (in some or all jurisdictions) for a given hierarch to make for those under his aegis?

Father Thaddeus replies: Thank you for your enquiry concerning the various terms used for Orthodox liturgical services. Unfortunately, I do not know of any such comparative list. Distinguishing between these names seems to be something people acquire on an individual basis based on their need and experience.

For example in our own jurisdiction of the Orthodox Church, which is made up of people of a variety of different backgrounds, I have to, on occasion, rely on a variety of terms for memorials or for Services of Thanksgiving. When such services are announced, English terms are used instead of favoring one non-English term over another. For example, instead of announcing that a ‘Molieben’ will be held it is announced that a ‘Service of Thanksgiving’ will be held. Everyone understands that -- only the Slavs, and then only some of them, recognize the word ‘Molieben.’

Concerning names for the services that follow death, a Funeral is simply known as a "Funeral" or the "Rite of Burial." In Slavic it is an "Otpivaniye." The services on the 3rd, 9th, 40th etc. days are called in Slavic "Panikhida" or "Parastasis" or in Serbian "Pomen" or in Greek "Mnemosyno", although the shortened version of these, beginning with the Trisagion prayers and going immediately into the closing troparia, is often referred to as a "Litiya for the Dead" or a "Trisagion." There is no exact English equivalent of these other than "Memorial" or Memorial Service."

Your suggestion to post a parallel list of such terms is a good one, and I am sure that if someone were to take the time to draft one we could pass it on to our webmaster for posting.

Concerning absolution at confession:
The texts of these are generally found in the Book of Needs. Various prayer books may or may not include this -- generally they do not because many prayer books are simply compilations of various prayers and services selected at the editor’s discretion, rather than being "official" traditional service books, such as the Ochtoichos, the Triodion, the Pentecostarion, the Book of Needs, etc. The Book of Needs carries all the sacraments and other rites such as prayers at birth, for the naming of the child, at the parting of soul and body, etc.

Concerning the Russian and Greek forms of the absolution, the difference is generally in the addition in some Russian books which has the priest adding a phrase "and I an unworthy sinner remit, pardon, and absolve all your sins ..." which is a later addition to the traditional absolution in which the priest proclaims that Christ has forgiven one’s sins.

Concerning cremation:
Orthodox Christians universally agree that burial is preferred unless there is some extenuating circumstance which would warrant cremation only upon obtaining a blessing from the appropriate hierarch.

While I am not completely sure, I have heard in some circles that in Japan everyone must be cremated, although I emphasize that I am not completely positive about this. There is no tradition within Orthodoxy which promotes cremation. The body, even after death, is seen to have been the temple of the Holy Spirit and as such is accorded proper respect.

J. Drake (Washington) January 26, 2006: My husband and I thank you for baptizing and Chrismating our seven year old son when we came through Deming. Although you warned us about how other Orthodox churches might react. After joining a local Russian Orthodox parish we shared with him all that happened during our travels, and he advised that you must be Orthodox in spirit and truth (as you would say) regardless of what others may wish to believe. The certificate and what we had to say, according to them, validates the Baptism and Chrismation after our local priest provided a copy to his bishop. We understand your concerns and feel you might have over reacted. Your hospitality and the information you provided gives us a lot to think about. Our priest was very taken up with the articles by Abbot +Gregori.

Vance Thompson (Maine) January 14, 2006: Because of your many articles about our Christian religion, my wife, married child: 1 daughter, 1 son, their families and myself have become Orthodox. Bless us with your prayers as we join those with you in spiritual struggle. Our e-mail explains more. (Not shown at sender's request).

Father Thaddeus replies: You are blessed and will remain in our prayers. I believe you already know that this struggle is both material and spiritual, and it will not be easy. In fact, many may revile you as you turn from the Protestant cult which you have come out of.

Sylvia & Dan (GA.) January 12, 2006: We are grandparents. Our son is in Toledo, Ohio. He informed us of his plans to marry and by whom he and his bride are to be married by. We know the history and don't approve of their being married outside the Church. We noticed that things have diminished against you and some have cleaned up their act. Do you expect anything to happen in the future?

Father Thaddeus replies: I will not say anything about what is happening in Ohio at this time. But as for the future, we know from experiences of the past that we trust nothing that we see with our material eyes, only with our spiritual eyes.

Peter C. (Roanoke, VA.) (January 5): I've noticed "newchurch" and other terms being used in some of the news articles you post. Is this referring to the Roman Church?

Father Nguyen (California) in place of Father Thaddeus (New Mexico) replies: The word or term "newchurch" came to us from Father Saraceno who belongs to another jurisdiction. And, I would say "Yes, it belongs to those things being done by the Roman jurisdiction of the Catholic Church today. While the u