I was recently asked by someone seeking a “definitive” ecclesiology of our Synod. I spoke, again, to Vladyka John about this issue. The following is my interpretation (i.e., understanding) of what Vladyka said to me.
The Milan Synod is a Traditional observing body born of the Old Calendar Greek Church & that of ROCOR. We take the position of anti-ecumenism that each local Synod is responsible to censure itself regarding such errors of Orthopraxis. Barring such self-correctives, these hierarchs must answer to God. We have not anathatized the so-called New Calendarist for their errors because it is not in our Synod’s authority to do so. If the local Synods fail at self-corrective measures perhaps the next Ecumenical Council will do so. Unlike the so-called “Synod in Resistance” we are not walled off but rather welcome with the brotherly love befit fellow Orthodox those of both the Old Calendarist and “mainline” Orthodoxy. Within the Milan Synod, each bishop must decide in each circumstance whether their clergy may concelebrate with “mainline” Orthodox clergy as long as it is performed under the authority of that Milanese bishop. On very rare and surprising occasions “mainline” Orthodox clergy were permitted by their Bishops to allow us to concelebrate in their temples. Our ecclesiological position is based upon Our Lord’s commandment for Love & Unity of His Church while recognizing and neither agreeing with nor supporting the errors of others within the Church.
If anyone wishes to clarify my feeble comprehension you are welcomed to contact Archbishop +JOHN at abpjohn@holynameabbey.org or (973) 838-8795.
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May 27, 2009 at 5:50 pm
Fr. Stavrophoremonk Symeon
Dear Readers,
Recently I learned that at least one unnamed clergyman in our jurisdiction were not so pleased with my description in the above article. This article was written a year ago. In that time never has anyone approached me to question or complain. As you see I encouraged my readers to contact my Archbishop if they wished further clarification; after all, these were my interpretation of what was told to me over several phone conversations with my Archbishop. It was never meant to be an official statement by our Holy Synod on the issue of ecclesiology.
In fact, our Holy Synod has no “official position” beyond what has already
been established in the Holy Canons and Sacred Tradition. Therefore, the article that attempts to “clarify” my words, as brief as they are, with the verbosity found in “”The Milan Synod’s Ecclesiology”– Clarifications” by Reader Suaiden is no more official than the one above.
Finally, neither Reader Suaiden nor myself or any single monastic or clergyman throughout our jurisdiction can speak authoritatively. If you genuinely want to know the “official” position of our Holy Synod then you MUST CONTACT ONE OF OUR HIERARCHS.
Forgive me a sinner,
Rev. Fr Stavrophoremonk Symeon
Hermitage of St John the Theologian
Archdiocese of NY & NJ / AOCWE&A