A Tale of Two Meetings

On October 24, 2010 nearly 350 parishioners gathered at the Sheraton Hotel to have their voices heard regarding the proposed forced split of our community.  The organizers of this gathering mailed some 1200 letters inviting anyone interested to attend.  Those in attendance discussed issues related to the WHOLE community.  Everyone was encouraged to voice their opinion and many opinions were heard.  The proistameno of Prophet Elias was quick to denounce the gathering as "non church sanctioned."

On January 9, 2011 at the Cottonwood Country Club, another gathering was held.  It has been referred to as a "private party" consisting of "like minded" concerned members of Prophet Elias who wish to see Prophet Elias succeed.  Allegedly, no church business was discussed, no votes were taken and no clergy attended.  An effort was made though to gather supporters to assist with the financial solvency of Prophet Elias only. 

Unlike the first gathering, there has been deafening silence from proistameno of Prophet Elias only.  We would be happy to contact the newspapers for him (just in case he didn't know about the "private party") and give him the opportunity to show his love and concern for ALL members of our community. 

The alleged purpose of the "private party" was to find ways to raise funds for Prophet Elias ONLY.  The exclusivity and secrecy of this event is in stark contrast to the first gathering.  It is ironic though that in addition to being allergic to the truth, exclusivity and secrecy have been trademarks of the proistameno of Prophet Elias only since his arrival.  

The Chief Secretary of the Holy Eparchial Synod in his letter of October 28, 2010 writes:  "All involved in this matter are advised to refrain from any further action whatsoever related to issues raised, pending review and resolution of the matter by the Holy Eparchial Synod."  Both priests of our community received this letter.  The "private party"  is yet another instance where the directive of the Holy Eparchial Synod has been ignored.  If we recall, color coded stewardship materials were mailed to the community after the above directive.  It seems that the proistameno of Prophet Elias only adheres to the directives when they suit his needs.  He and his hand picked board have told us many times they are following the directives of the Metropolitan.  Apparently, when the Holy Eparchial Synod issues a directive the proistameno of Prophet Elias only and his board can ignore it. Sad indeed.

Πατερ Μιχαηλ:  Καθε θαυμα τρεις μερες,το μεγαλο τεσσερεις.
                          Η αληθεια ειναι μια και τα ψεματα πολλα.