THE CONSEQUENCES OF BYZANTINE MINDSETS

The situation now existing in our Church community is, sadly, the rational consequence of an irrational and absurd system of governance. Our Metropolitan has once again proved that Lord Acton was absolutely correct: "Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely."

The Greek Orthodox flock in this community continues to suffer under a set of top-heavy, convoluted, contradictory and absurd regulations instituted by a naive and short-sighted lay "leadership" that carries the water for an arrogant clergy and hierarchy demanding unreasonable and tyrannical control.

A wise and compassionate spiritual leadership should never have demanded such of their flock. Even given such power, a truly spiritual leadership would have used their prerogatives more carefully and more thoughtfully.

As my late father often said, "ότι κάνεις λἀβεις, καρδιά μην σου πονέσει!" (Whatever you do, you receive, don't let it break your heart!"  The Biblical equivalent is "As you sow, so shall you reap.")

- Barbara Billinis Colessides