This Year's Round of Rejection Letters to the "Ineligible" and Disqualified Nominees

We suppose we should be grateful in that this year's "ineligible" nominees are at least given credit for wanting to serve the Lord.

Interestingly, Mr. Gamvroulas was allowed to run last year, though he had at that point written on the blog, but chose to withdraw his nomination. This year he was declared ineligible for writing on the blog. Most of the wording for each nominee (we presume so for Mr. Kastanis as well) is similar.

In the case of Mr. Sakellariou, the proistamenoi cannot resist getting in an extra kick by adding additional language to his notice of rejection. "Sakis, the lack of respect you continue to show towards the Clergy proves (emphasis added) that you are not a candidate or a person that would serve the Parish Council (emphasis added) faithfully."

What is viewed by our clergy as "proof" of a "lack of respect" might more objectively be considered ongoing frustration at the unwillingness or inability by our clergy to seek harmony and unity in this community. For too long, neither priest has been willing to sit down, engage in discourse, or seek common solutions. Their mindset is solely that of "I decide, and I command." (So much easier than messy democratic governance, isn't it?) Further, neither understands that Parish Council members are NOT elected by the laity to "serve the Parish Council". They are elected to serve Christ's Church and their community. Contrary in particular to Fr. Michael's misguided assertions, council members do NOT work for him. They work for the Christ's church and that church includes US - all of us - laity and priests.

We remind our priests of the following: "Η έκκλησία δεv είvαι εξoυσία, ειvαι διακovεία." "The Church's purpose in not that of dominion or power; it is that of service." - Ieronymos, Archbishop of Athens and All Greece