An Open Letter from John Kaloudis
We received this letter from Mr. Kaloudis via our e-mail address. In accordance with his wishes we are posting it.
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Upon the suggestion of a close friend, I was directed to this blog site. I am appalled and dismayed to see the many negative, slanderous and un-Christ like remarks made about our Metropolitan, Father Michael and members of the parish council. I realize that people have the right to have, and to express their opinions but this level of negativity and personal attacks far exceeds the boundaries and restraints we should attempt to live within as Orthodox Christians.
The first question that I ask of those individuals who publicly make slanderous statements against Father Michael and others is, have you sat down and spoken to him about your concerns as directed in the gospel of Matthew 18: 15-16, “moreover, if you have a grievance against your brother, go and tell him his fault between him and you alone.” If one truly wishes to address a problem from a Christian perspective, he or she is required to directly confront the individual rather than viciously attacking the person from a distance as is the case with a “blog”. This is the biblical form of “conflict resolution.”
The second question that I would like to ask is why do individuals have the right to anonymously insult members of the clergy? Again, we are required by scripture to be accountable for every word that proceeds from our mouths, Matthew 12; 36-37. To hide behind anonymity or the title “moderator” is irresponsible and an act of cowardice.
Finally, I am offended by the mere title of the blog, “take our Church back.” This title reflects a total misunderstanding of Orthodox Christian theology and ecclesiology. From whom would we wish to take the Church back? The Church belongs to Jesus Christ and to no none else. Are we to assume that individuals from within the parish want to take the Church from Him? It is our responsibility as Orthodox Christians to put ourselves and the governance of the Church in submission to Jesus Christ, James 4:7. An appropriate name for the blog is “put the Church under Christ”. The Church is a place where His will is to be done not an arena for a power struggle as this current title of the blog reflects.
Ephesians 1:22-23 states that “all things are to be put under His feet (Christ) and He is to be the head over all things in the Church which is His body; the fullness of Him that fills all in all.”
Unfortunately, many people in our community view the Church as a business in which they own stock and can control the direction of the Church through democratic process. I ask that each of you prayerfully consider the issues that confront our parish. “Do not lean on your own understanding but in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths. Be not wise in your own conceit. Fear the Lord and depart from evil.” Proverbs 3:5-7.
In His Service,
John Kaloudis
3 comments:
I would ask John Kaloudis, who is the true representative of our Lord? Those who ignore theft from the stewards of the communities, deceit at all levels, and child sexual molestation from within their ranks? Those who want to change my ancient and pure beliefs into some new age sect? Those who would cause discontent and hate in a community of friends?
I think, you sir are lecturing the wrong crowd.
Dear John Kaloudis,
Thank you very much for bringing what I read to be some un-biased biblical perspective to this situation. I was also directed to this site from a friend and have read it on a couple of different occasions. Each time however, I have ended up being absolutely sickened and appalled as well, at the slander and complete disrespect reflected in many of the postings. Not all of the letters posted have been slanderous or disrespectful, however, and I appreciate that some were able to share their thoughts with courtesy, and without speaking slanderously in a public forum. Personally, I have no problem with us having one community with two churches. All of this fighting, however, along with what I see as very sad negativity, disregard for others, and public-slander, is SO far away from what the Church is supposed to be about, I really can't even believe it! I'm praying for any and all those on either side of this issue who think that is how Christ would want us to handle this situation,...regardless of who did what, said what, etc. We all need to be truly looking to the Lord, from our hearts, for our direction in this life. Thank you for providing your comments... Prayer, along with true and honest review and reflection of the Lord's word to us is helpful.
Sincerely,
Elayna Dikeou
John,
i was wondering if all that you write
in this letter, did you ever consider
to put in effect, when you were the head priest in this community?
Now after the fact,you sound like:
Μετανοουσα Μαγδαληνη!
yannis armaou
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