Character Assassination by Innuendo

It has been appalling to witness the character assassination of Nick Bapis by innuendo.

The Good Friday letter, having first and foremost the signatures of the clergy, is truly an un-Christian act. The content and the mailing timing choice is beyond comprehension. This travesty portends worse things to come.

How can the Clergy have so little respect for the character and the feelings of a person like Nick Bapis ??

Nick Bapis, throughout his entire life, has faithfully and selflessly served the Greek Orthodox Faith, and particularly our Salt Lake Greek Orthodox Community! One cannot count the ways that the Bapis family has contributed to our community. Nick has advanced the well-being of our community; he has advanced our faith; and, he has made extraordinary contributions to our ethnic heritage.

The Bapis family's contributions are immense and immeasurable. Nobody should assail the family's name in such a hateful and shameful way. The signatory [to the letter] priests should not be so blinded as to think themselves as αναμάρτητοι (sinless) so that they can “be the first to cast the stone!” Our Lord was clear on this message.

Answers for such actions are indeed found in the Bible. Part of one of the Holy Week’s passages is instructive in this instance. "Ουαί, ουαί Γραμματείς και Φαρισαίοι υποκριταί." (“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!). The Clergy should have been the first ones to seek out Nick Bapis, to ask to be fully informed, and to discuss with him the issue that disturbed them. There is no need to create this new turmoil. The priests should have attempted to find a solution first, before precipitating this latest in a series of conflicts. Is it inappropriate to wonder, "Tι ψυχή θα παραδόσουν ?" (What soul or spirit will they offer to their Maker?)

Our Greek Orthodox Community does not need clergymen who support and condone hate; we do not need priests who sow dissension; we need priests who exemplify the ministry of our Lord - a ministry of LOVE - the one thing they have yet to try to do.

The Metropolitan's recent visit, and his words to us, gave us hope to believe that during Easter we were expecting messages of love, of forgiveness, of new beginnings. Instead we were given Judas' kiss of betrayal.

Let us one and all support the Bapis family during their Golgotha as perpetrated by our priests. The Bapis family deserves everyone’s support.

- Nick J. Colessides

Wishes for a Blessed Holy Week

As our community prepares for the continuing Holy Week Services, and waits in anticipation of our Lord's glorious Resurrection, we reflect and ponder recent events.

One that left us highly hopeful was Metropolitan Isaiah's visit a few Sundays ago. He acknowledged that mistakes had been made and that he too yearned for the unity and harmony we all surely want. This visit and His Eminence's expressed sentiments provides a very good beginning - one that we hope and pray will introduce a period of more harmony, more transparency, more unity for this community in particular and for our Church in general.

Kali Anastasi s'olous!

The Moderators

The real "negotiation"story

To further inform you about the previous article,we provide you with the link
to see exactly the form of negotiations that we were told took place in Denver!??
Below is part of the protocol from the metropolitan..........
"As stated previously, I found sufficient disparity among these raw calculated assessments
that it became obvious to me that there was no other choice than to adjust these amounts even
though none of you had submitted an appeal."


http://www.denver.goarch.org/protocols/2009-Protocols/protocol-09-20.pdf

P.S
Please click on the link!

The con continues!

A review of the chart below shows an initial reduction of our annual Archdiocese commitment of $20,000. We were told at the last general assembly that successful negotiations took place to save the community $10,000. It appears that the negotiations were SO successful that instead of a $20,000 decrease we were given a $10,000 decrease. Review the chart below and make your own assessment.

P.S
click picture to enlarge.

THE CON IS STILL ON

Last night the biggest con in our church history was continued!

Our treasurer, after giving yet another unnecessary Economics 101 budgeting lecture, attempted to convince those gathered by faulty graphics that the problems we are facing are due to current economic conditions. (Prior to yesterday evening, the misleading graphics were supposedly telling us that everything was fine, despite ample evidence for several months and years now that this was not the case.)

He showed us in an annual graph that stewardship peaked in 2006, with sharp decline in 2007; then he showed in a monthly graph the rapid deterioration of 2008 and 2009, attributing all declines solely to economic conditions. I was amazed that the economist who got up and spoke later did not show any concern that his science, which is supposed to be based on observable and verifiable facts, statistics and trends, was twisted and misused! Why? Because THE CON IS ON!

In the oil and gas business in the 90s we used the term the "Saddam Effect" when we wanted to explain the impact the first Gulf War had on oil prices. My dear friends, we in this community are witnessing a similar condition; just substitute "Saddam" and you have the "Fr. Michael / Metropolitan Isaiah Effect".

What happened in 2002, 2006 and then in early 2007? Did we forget so easily? The con has been on for several YEARS now. In 2002, our Metropolitan dismissed an entire ELECTED parish council, replacing them with members more pliant to the strictures imposed by the post-Iakovos regime. In late 2006, our Metropolitan overturned an overwhelming vote by this community to establish a vibrant Heritage Corporation, designed to best leverage this community’s non-ecclesiastical assets. In early 2007, the Metropolitan was informed of one board member’s reaction to this dismissal of a plan that was in our community’s best interests. He responded by excommunicating that member. (The Metropolitan later rescinded the sanctions, asserting he had been “misinformed” but did not allow the member to be reinstated on the parish council.) Several stewards of this community responded to this series of outrages in the only way left to them – by reducing the amount they were paying to the church. Fr. Michael and his rubber-stamp board may deny vehemently that he had anything to do with this series of injustices, along with several others, but he knows better. Add to these issues the problem of payment to clergy abuse victims and there's some serious trends our "economists" have overlooked. Some may deny that this has affected stewardship – ALL know better. THE CON HAS BEEN ON, IS ON, REMAINS ON!!!

Do we remember the economy in 2006 and most of 2007? It was at that time booming! You could buy a house and within three months you could flip the property with a 25% return on your capital, and the banks were handing out loans to nearly anyone who knew how to sign their name.

But in 2007 stewardship was significantly down from the year before! Why? Individuals did not feel the general economic stress in their pocketbooks until 2008 when gas prices went through the roof and the real estate bubble was bursting! Try as hard as they – our priests, and their rubber-stamp parish council – have in the past several general assemblies to deny it, anyone with any sense knows that a MAJOR reason the stewardship is down significantly since 2006 is because of the "Fr. Michael / Metropolitan Isaiah Effect".

Our treasurer has tried for several assemblies in a row to convince us differently. Despite incomplete information provided, despite the trends anyone can see, we are constantly told that the money was coming in, is coming in, will come in – oh wait, we require Festival funds – oops, our bad?! (In the winter general assembly we were chastised by our priests for going to Las Vegas and Wendover, but not paying enough for stewardship. Even our clergy do not believe that "it’s the economy, stupid." They “know” the community is spending some money somewhere else. They want it.) Now we’re told, it’s the economy. All because … THE CON WAS AND IS ON!

Mr. Jim Kastanis got up and made a proposal and immediately our President and Parliamentarian jumped up to point out that it was pointless and absurd to think that we have any power to demand reduction in salaries of the priests as well as our assessment to the Archdiocese. Once again we are told the UPRs are like the constitution; people voted for the UPRs.

Those "people", the delegates in the post-Iakovos era were and still are hand-picked even before the general assembly has met. They are confirmed through the regular "fix". If two "people" and one clergyman from each community go to the clergy-laity conferences, is it not amazing that all that comes out of those meetings is the one message that is loud clear? Pay, pray and obey! THE CON GOES ON!

All this has been done to the laity in communities in this nation “democratically”! The hand-picked and personally phoned people voted to close discussion before all people were able to express their opinion. The parliamentarian announced that all would be heard, no one would speak a second time before all who wanted to speak were heard a first time; yet someone slickly calls the question, discussion gets cut off, and the victim, as usual, is impartiality, along with good, fair governance. The game gets fixed; if the budget doesn’t pass the first time, discussion and participation gets rigged; it passes the second time, with festival funds diverted, of course, along with the ever-present threat of closures and program cuts.

As for the notion that these UPRs, forced upon us by supposedly democratic clergy-laity congresses, are not subject to question or alteration, I offer the following counter. Two hundred plus years ago there was a “constitution” in this country – the unwritten common-law British one. Its existence did not prevent the revolution or the creation of the American Nation! Those great patriots, like many of our stewards, said "enough is enough". What is absurd is the notion that we must accept this outrageous situation or we cannot be “good” Orthodox Christians. THE CON CONTINUES...

It is time for us all to say ENOUGH! And, it’s past time for our parish council and our clergy to see that this system, based on THE CON, is not working.

Constantine Gus J. Colessides

Proposal by Jim Kastanis - January 31, 2010

Special General Assembly
Jan. 31, 2010

I have reviewed the revised budget for the special general assembly to be presented today, January 31, 2010, and have made the following observations.

Page 7 Revenue Section:
The stewardship was increased $29,250 (585,000-614,250)
Greek School: $10,000 ($7,000-17,000)

Page 7 Expenses Section: Salaries & wages decreased $29,314 (526,434-497,120)

Utilities: Decreased $44,000 (135,000-91000)

Repairs & Maint.: $2700 (90,000-87,300)

Payroll Taxes: Decreased $3,401 (69,577-66,176)

Retirement non-clergy: Decreased $6519 (6519-0)

Greek School Supplies: Decreased $191 (700-559)

Donations $150 (750-600)

Choirs & Cantors: $250 (750-500)

This adds up to a total decrease of $86,525 or 7.15% while the revenue side increased $29,250 or a total adjustment of $115,775. This still leaves a deficit of $205,211 and if you correct the Greek School account by $10,000 it increases the deficit to $215,211.

I therefore propose this assembly consider a motion to cut the Archdiocese Commitment 50% or $69,624; Priests salaries 25% or $69,156; Priests Auto expense 25% or $5,850 for an additional cut of $144,630. This puts our deficit now at $215,211-144,630 to$70,581. Now add the Parking and Apartment income of $ 205,211we end up with a surplus of $134,630 which enables us to replace the retirement benefits and salary reductions to our non-clergy employees and continue to keep our doors OPEN to both churches for all activities we currently have.

Jim Kastanis

Throw the KIDS Under the Bus!

There is a special General Assembly scheduled for January 31^st to discuss and vote upon the 2010 budget – the one that did not pass last winter. If the rumors coming out of the Parish Council are true, every member of this community has an obligation to be there.

It seems that the CLERGY and board members have been unable to get the message we are trying to get across to them.

If everything we hear is true, we are going to be presented with two options; one would be the original budget which requires us to allot some $135,000 from the Festival proceeds. The other option will involve budgetary cuts involving Youth Expenditures!

Yes, again, we witness that our clergy, along with its hand-picked parish council, is perfectly WILLING to throw our kids under the bus in order to coerce the community to hand over more monies to them!

We do not need our youth, do we? Let them go play basketball, soccer, practice dancing, or go camping, or even attend Sunday school at their neighboring LDS wards! And we do not need hourly paid employees to maintain our properties! NO. Let’s just give pay raises to the ones who already draw six-figure salaries, even in a depressed economy, while others suffer. One wonders if the Parish Council members run their family affairs and finances in the same manner as they seek to run our community’s finances.

In last 100 years we have been through the Great Depression and several recessions since then, but never before have we experienced the financial difficulties our Church is going through now. Nor have we ever witnessed the indifference of the clergy and our elected leaders to this degree in prior times of hardship.

Certainly this is not 1929, but why are we having these problems? In the last few years we have conducted two surveys; we still don’t know the full results; we just have the commentaries, but no “big picture” interpretation – surely our board must have learned SOMETHING from these surveys – why are they not publicizing them or ACTING upon them. Is it because they didn’t get the answers they hoped to get? Our Parish Council undoubtedly has looked at these surveys and they know what has brought us to this BIG FAT MESS we are in right now. It is unfortunate that our Parish Council members have agreed to be so blinded and so cowed.

For those who will attend this General Assembly, we ask that they remember that almost 50% of our budget expenses are in priests’ salaries, along with our obligation to the Metropolis and Archdiocese. THIS is where cuts should be made, and not in our Youth programs. Once again we see our clergy and hierarchy holding our own kids hostage.

We should all be there, and we should all remember that it takes a Village, a Community, a CHURCH, to make a difference in the lives of our youth, our future!

Expectations

Certainly everyone has received the latest stewardship materials. In the January/February issue of the Messenger a footnote on the Stewardship Review page states: "**Based on the outcome of the Fall 2009 General Assembly, it was determined that the projected operating deficit of $135,000 for the 2010 budget be recovered through Stewardship." We further read that this is an increase of 15% over the budgeted amount for 2009 of $625,000.

If memory serves, the General Assembly asked for cuts in the 2010 budget, which was never passed. How is it now that we are told that stewardship must increase by $135,000? We are expected to give generously yet we are deprived of the opportunity to worship on major feast days. Information that we are entitled to according to the UPRs is withheld; general assemblies are no longer a place where our voice can be heard as we are either out of order or cut off; qualified members of our community are excluded from serving on the parish council for frivolous reasons, yet we are expected to give generously. How can our leaders have such expectations when they continue to enforce pray, pay and obey?

New Year - Old Habits

Happy New Year.

We begin the new year with the same strange behavior to which we have grown accustomed. Even though we have here in Salt Lake City three full-time priests, the two proistamenoi chose to take vacation resulting in Holy Trinity being closed on the feast of St. Basil. Why did both proistamenoi choose to take vacation now instead of earlier in the year? How does a parish council, who supposedly represents the people, allow such a thing to happen? How can we spend more than one-third of our budget on their salaries and not receive their services?

Also of concern is the closure again of Holy Trinity on Epiphany. Our metropolitan has provided Protocol 09-18 with the policy of the metropolis for the celebration of services for this feast which says in part: "to promote uniformity throughout the Metropolis of Denver, please prepare your schedules according to the following guidelines." www.denver.goarch.org/protocols/2009-Protocols/protocol-09-18.pdf. Does closing Holy Trinity promote uniformity as requested?

It might be a new year but some things never change.

SOMEBODY HAD TO SAY THIS! An op-ed from the National Herald

Give us your property!!! December 11, 2009

The demand - for that is what it is, in essence - by the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to our Metropolitans, presented in a letter signed by him, to transfer ownership of at least one building from each one of them to the Patriarchate, is a terrible idea and the request should be withdrawn immediately. If it is not withdrawn, then the metropolitans ought to make it clear to Barthlomew that for the sake of maintaining the unity of the church, and the ties to the Patriarchate, they will refuse to obey or even discuss it with the laity. If there should be a metropolitan who, acting to serve his narrow self interest, tries to pressure the parishioners into transferring a property of their community or the diocese to the Patriarchate, then the people should deny him his request and hold him in low esteem. Because, should this outrageous demand be obeyed, it could lead to the breaking up into pieces of our Church, and to its being controlled by forces in Turkey, which would work toward its neutralization, if not its dissolution as an ethnic group. We wish there was a nicer way to say it, but this demand by Bartholomew has crossed the line. It is so unacceptable and offensive, but also so revealing of his designs on our Church and its assets, that it raises many questions about his relationship to this community. This newspaper - as well as our Greek language sister publication – has been very sensitive and supportive of the Patriarchate as a religious institution, with its long and important history. We have also been supportive of its continuing ecclesiastical authority over our Greek American Church. However, we hold nothing more dear than the interests of our community. It is to the community that we owe our total dedication and alliance. The Patriarchate's letter to the metropolitans does not serve its interests. It sounds innocent: Transfer ownership of "at least" one building to us from each metropolis so that we can, somehow - even if it is not very clear how - save the Patriarchate. It is hard to believe that a Patriarch would attach his signature to such a proposal. Still, if all it took to save the Patriarchate from the reach of the Turks was transferring a number of buildings to it, we would probably be the first ones to support the plan. But of course it is not a transparent solution. Thus, what Barthlomew is demanding is totally unacceptable, and raises a number of issues and troubling questions: First of all, our people work too hard to come up with the money needed to buy the properties that belong to the communities and to the metropolises to give them away. Second, the Ecumenical Patriarchate is - by political necessity - a Turkish institution subject to the interference, if not the control, of the Turkish state. Even if the transfer of properties were to be hidden in a web of international corporations, at the end of the day, ownership would be traced back to where it would belong, to the Turkish State. Third, by taking over at least one building in each metropolis – and one wonders why so many building are needed - the Patriarchate would establish direct ownership authority at a local level. In due time, they might ask for a second building and so on, thus moving towards controlling the finances as well of each metropolis and through them, the parishes. Fourth, sending this kind of letter was made possible after breaking up our archdiocese into Metropolises, thus weakening its administrative cohesiveness and the office of the Archbishop. Fifth, should a building be transferred to new owners, who would collect any income it might have or pay for its maintenance? Finally, Bartholomew should learn to trust and communicate openly with our people. In our system and way of life, our leaders consult with the people, explain their proposals and ask for their approval. They do not use others to manipulate them. The argument that Bartholmew uses to appeal to the metropolitans to do his bidding troubles us greatly: he appeals to the sense of indebtedness the metropolitans might feel toward him. "We do not doubt at all,” he writes, “that your Eminence too, in its known love and devotion to the Mother Church that fed you and made you what you are, that you will act, according to the above ecclesiastical decision as soon as possible, and inform us in writing, attaching all the signed related documents and title of ownership of a property or titles of ownership of properties so that we can file them in the proper place." How naive do they think we are?

FYI - An Article from the National Herald

Patriarchate Asks for Title to U.S. Church Property

Theodore Kalmoukos

BOSTON - The Ecumenical Patriarchate – in an official letter recently sent to the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and its local Metropolises - requested the official transfer of the ownership of at least one real estate property belonging to each metropolis to the Patriarchate. Archbishop Demetrios of America and the metropolitans have yet to notify the parishes of the Archdiocese of the request of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
The same request was made to all other eparchies (ecclesiastical provinces) outside of Turkey that belong to the ecclesiastical and spiritual jurisdiction of the Patriarchate, that they “register at least one real estate property irreversibly in the name of the Patriarchate.”

By taking this action, the Patriarchate is trying to secure its legal position vis-a-vis the Turkish government. The Turkish government does not recognize Ecumenical Patriarchate as a legal entity or its ecumenical nature and mission, and has treated the institution with disrespect since the creation of the Turkish Republic in 1923. The interference and abuses of Turkish officials have been reported in the international media for decades and occasionally elicit protests from U.S. and other government officials and agencies. Patriarch Bartholomew in his letter (protocol number 861) stated that “The (Turkish) authorities refuse to recognize the legal status of our most sacred institution.” Ankara considers it to be a Turkish institution in the Phanar district of Constantinople under the administrative jurisdiction of the district’s prefect.
The issues that pertained to the property request were discussed at the Holy Synod in Constantinople and the Patriarch stated in his letter that, “We were led to the decision to urge, though this Patriarchal letter, the hierarchs of the Eparchies abroad to register in the Registry of Deeds in the country in which their Eparchy is located, at least one real estate property, community or parish in the legal name of the Ecumenical Patriarchate as follows: “Ecumenical Patriarch, instituted according to the International Law whose See is in Constantinople (Istanbul).”
The Patriarchal letter appeals to the good faith and respect of the hierarchs, reminding them that it was the Patriarchate that elevated them to the rank of metropolitans and archbishops. The Patriarch requests that the hierarchs send “all the signed documents of their transactions of the recording of the real estate property to the Patriarchate in order to be placed in their file.”
It was not clear if this request included the Metropolises of the so-called New Lands (sees whose administration was delegated to the Church of Greece in 1928 but are spiritually under the Ecumenical Patriarchate), or the Metropolises of the Dodecanese or the semi-autonomous Church of Crete, which fall into the ecclesiastical, canonical and spiritual jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

The prefect of the Phanar often gets involved in issues that have to do with the life and operation of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and there is concern that any transferred properties and parishes would be exposed to interference from Turkish authorities.
Prefects have been aggressive to the point that they the Patriarch into their office to give explanations and clarifications. The National Herald is in a position to know of many instances when the Ecumenical Patriarch was called into the prefecture of the Phanar. The most revealing and egregious case of this kind took place in August, 1990 and involved the late Ecumenical Patriarch Dimitrios. After his return to Constantinople from a month-long, historic visit to the United States. The Patriarch was summoned to the prefecture and was put through an exhausting examination by the authorities. It has been said by his close associates that Patriarch Dimitrios became so upset that - a few weeks later - he suffered a stroke which led to his death.
There is some speculation at to whether the letter about the properties is related to other recent developments regarding the relations of hierachs outside of Turkey with the Patriarchate. The National Herald exclusively revealed, on November 12, that “The government of Turkey seems to be willing to grant Turkish citizenship to all those hierarchs of the Ecumenical Patriarchate who serve outside of Turkey. Turkish citizenship will allow them to freely participate in all the administrative activities of the Patriarchate including the right to be candidates for the Ecumenical Throne when a vacancy arises. It was made clear by the Ecumenical Patriarch himself that ‘they will have the right to elect and to be elected.’ Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew broke the news to Archbishop Demetrios of America and to the hierarchs of the Archdiocese during his recent visit to the U.S. at the luncheon that has held at the Carlyle Hotel after the Patriarchal Liturgy at the Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in New York on Sunday, November 1.”
This newspaper also reported that “Prime Minister Erdogan told Patriarch Bartholomew that his request will be satisfied and asked him to send the appropriate information with names of the hierarchs and other details to the government of Turkey.”
To this day the Archdiocese has not officially notified the Greek Orthodox people and the community in general about which and how many metropolitans will become Turkish citizens, including Archbishop Demetrios himself.

Καλα Χριστουγενvα! ΕΥΤYΧΙΣΜΕΝΟ ΤΟ ΝΕΟ ΕΤΟΣ! Merry Christmas! HAPPY NEW YEAR!

The moderators of TOCB wish all parishioners in this community a blessed, safe and Joyous Christmas Season and a Happy, Prosperous and GENTLE New Year.

Above all, we pray for the Holy Spirit to enter into all our hearts and help us find a way out of this morass and to overcome obstacles that exist against our community’s harmony and its good will toward all, regardless of point of view.

God willing, 2010 will be the year!

PS - one thought: our clergy has tried everything else, WHY NOT TRY LOVE?

Interesting Article - Manipulators

In light of the recent general assembly melt down by the proistameno of Prophet Elias only, we might gain some understanding from the points below. The full article can be found at www.sheerbalance.com/mind-body.

1. Buttering You Up: To get their way, manipulators will often make you feel good so that they can then ask you to do something that they want. The person may first compliment you or tell you what a wonderful job you did on something. Making you feel good will, in their mind, make it difficult for you to say no…after all, you wouldn’t want to disappoint them or give them reason to think you didn’t deserve the compliment in the first place. What you can do: Return the compliments and the niceties before saying no. Jim Kastanis' recent letter highlights such platitudes.

2. Guilt: This doesn’t only pertain to Catholics and Jewish Mothers; guilt trips have been a successful manipulation tactic for centuries. The saddest part of this strategy is that the victims of this tactic succumb to the manipulators’ demands because they feel they HAVE to, not because they WANT to. In personal relationships, this sets up a co-dependency that is extremely unhealthy. What you can do: Ask the individual if they want you to do something because you have to or because you want to. If they say they want you to want to do it, tell them that you don’t and that they are trying to force you into something you don’t feel comfortable with. The recent melt down in addition to other "sermons" berating the lack of financial support (among other things) rings a bell.

3. Broken Record: Probably the most obvious of formats is the broken record tactic. If a person asks you enough or pushes their agenda enough…constantly repeating the question or request over and over again…in slightly different ways, the victim will inevitably give in and give them what they want. Oye! What you can do: Ask the individual what they don’t understand about the word “no.” Tell them that asking you over and over again isn’t going to change anything and that they are inappropriately over-stepping boundaries. Confidentiality the proistameno of Prophet Elias only requires in all aspects of the function of our community, a theme he continually repeats, or laying blame everywhere except at his own feet bears this out.

4. Selective Memory: This one gets me the most. You swear you have a conversation about a plan and everyone is on the same page, and then one day, the manipulator pretends to remember the conversation completely differently, if at all. What you can do: Record your conversations…seriously! Okay, maybe not. At least have a witness that you can count on to back you up if the person pulls this shenanigan. Call them out on the fact that they conveniently change the game to fit their needs. The selective memory examples are plentiful with the proistameno of Prophet Elias only. His memory is clear regarding the UPR section used to disqualify parishioners from being candidates for the parish council but he doesn't wish to recall the UPR section requiring an audit committee for 7 years.

5. Bullying: If a person doesn’t get their way, they make you out to look or feel like the bad guy…like you are the wrong one. What you can do: Be firm and tell them that their bullying tactics are inappropriate and unacceptable. How often have we been reminded who works for who in this community? His disparaging remarks about this blog and his ability to blame all that is wrong in our community on everything except his actions should make us scratch our heads in bewilderment.

Self explanatory!

Was the treasurer and the parish council aware of this?
They should have been?!
Could it be that they were kept in the Dark by the proistameno from Prophet Elias only?

"anti Church"? NOT!

In their recent rejection letters to "ineligible" Parish Council nominees, our proistamenoi labeled this blog site "an anti Church, Archdiocese, Metropolis and Clergy venue".

It is true that we have been critical of an Archdiocese and a Metropolis that for DECADES, like their Roman Catholic bretheren, supported and protected pedophile priests. We decry a hierarchy that pays millions of the church's funds - the funds WE provide to our Church, the Bride of Christ - for "hush money" to prevent the facts of the Katinas case, and others, from becoming public, supposedly to "protect the church". We aren't being disrespectful in asking for a hierarchy and clergy that puts the spiritual and physical well-being of our children, FIRST, and does not seek to protect those who would hurt them.

We yearn for a hierarchy that respectfully and lovingly rules with its flock, the laity, and not over them. We ask for an Archdiocese that insists that the Greek Orthodox Church in America be given either a formal, or at very least the de facto autonomy it once enjoyed before the current Patriarch "gifted" us our new charter and UPRs, rammed through a Clergy-Laity Congress where no opposing opinion was allowed, much less heard. We ask for an Archdiocese that seeks and embraces its rightful place in World Orthodoxy and world religion, and is not simply happy to be relegated to being a patriarchal province and a cash cow. We ask for a hierarchy, here and abroad, that RESISTS a Papal model (or locally, a Mormon one!) for Orthodoxy, rather than embracing it.

We have pointed out that our Metropolitan came out several times squarely in support of a defrocked priest, even after the Archdiocese had cut its losses with Katinas, rather than expressing any sympathy at all for Katinas's numerous victims. Based on Metropolitan Isaiah's Protocol 8-27, the laity of this Metropolis (or of others for that matter) cannot be confident that another Katinas situation will not occur.

This site has also been critical of the Metropolis' negative attitude toward our community that has actively and aggressively promoted disunity and disharmony, along with others in his metropolis, toward concerned parishioners, and toward genuine and honest differences of opinion as to sound church asset governance. Sadly, the clergy and hierarchy have the arrogance to behave as though they, solely, comprise "the Church". They fail to recognize that Church, the Bride of Christ, is ALL of us - clergy and laity, those who agree with us and those who don't.

If those of us who write on this blog and others were truly "anti Church", we simply would not care. We would do what so many others who are distressed by the misdeeds of our supposed leaders do: show up every so often to services or events, pay the minimum, and go about our business without expressing any opinion at all. Since the clergy and hierarchy have currently stifled honest differences of opinion in local and national laity assemblies, we, along with others throughout this country, have turned to "venues" they cannot silence.

We love our church. We LOVE the traditions we grew up with. We revere the clergymen, leaders of their flocks, past and present, who taught us, presided with love, reason and compassion, and who labored and ruled WITH their flock and not OVER it. We love our church enough to care when things are not right and to try to find ways to put them right.

Anti-Church? That is THE one thing WE ARE NOT!

R-E-S-P-E-C-T (find out what it means...)

From the recent nominee rejection letters:

We thank you for your interest in wanting to serve the Lord on the Parish Council. The Uniform Parish Regulations of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America states that in order to be eligible as a candidate for the Parish Council, a parishioner must respect (emphasis added) all ecclesiastical authority and all governing bodies of our Church; be obedient in matters of the Faith, practice and ecclesiastical order; contribute to the progress of the Church's sacred mission; and be an effective witness and example of the Orthodox Faith and Traditions to all people.

His Eminence Metropolitan Isaiah has made it clear to us that anyone who writes or comments on the blog is not eligible to be on the Parish Council. Your writing on the blog, which is an anti Church, Archdiocese, Metropolis and Clergy venue, has disqualified you as a candidate.

Respect ... MUST respect? This mistaken notion is the essence of the problem. Where respect is due, there is no need to demand it. Where it is merited, it is given naturally.

Respect cannot be demanded; respect is earned. It does not really matter that the demand for respect is in the "legal" language of the recent UPRs (part and parcel of that "gift", along with the "gift" of the new charter "granted" to us by the Patriarch a few years ago). The clergy, higher and lower, will not get the respect it demands no matter what language is used in their rules and regulations, unless it earns it. The clergy, lower and higher, needs to examine the significant differences between deference, coercion, submission and respect. (Hint: these terms are NOT interchangeable.)

Respect is, by definition, mutual. If the clergy wants true respect from its flock, then it must respect the laity as well. The clergy must stop viewing its flock as simply the source of its unquestioning funding. The clergy must engage its flock, work with its parishioners - ALL of them, and stop resorting to threats and unfair ostracism when it finds differences of opinion.

A recent blog article asked when we might expect the "Inquisition" to begin based on our clergy's and hierarchy's Dark Ages mentality. The answer is, it is already in evidence.

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

I Am Confused!

December 5, 2009

Which Father Michael, as my spiritual leader and Proistamenos here at Prophet Elias Church, am I to believe?

Is he the one who greets me with embraces and pecks to my cheeks, seeks me out in a crowd of people to congratulate me on my Name Day, and tells me congratulations for being a candidate for the Parish Council. Or, is he the one who doesn’t have the courtesy to call me and discuss his concerns as to my candidacy for the Parish Council, but for two years in a row sends me a registered letter stating I am not eligible to be on the Parish Council because I have written on the Blog.

I thought we lived in America where Free Speech was a right.

- Jim Kastanis

The Blog Has Arrived!

The Blog has finally arrived; see letters from the priests to the “denied.” According to the local clergy the Metropolitan now does not like it either.

In view of the spurious reasons for the disqualification of Kastanis, Gamvroulas, and Sakellariou, is there any other conclusion than:

This Proistameno Must Go. The sooner the better.

Welcome to 12th Century Christianity.
What can we expect next? Inquisition trials?

Best wishes for the Holiday Season,

Nick J. Colessides

P.S. From the sublime to the ridiculous!

Qualified Last Year; Disqualified This Year?

Mendacity Continues Unabated

I couldn't make it the other night to the General Assembly.

No, I haven't given up. I just was not able, at what should be a time of somber reflection and anticipation of the joyous holiday to come, to endure yet another general assembly of platitudes, excuses, blatant dissembling and parliamentary maneuverings further designed to ensure such vapid governance. That this situation continues is baffling and sad.

It is clear that today's clergy, lower and higher, continues to hold the Greek Orthodox laity hostage. Complain too much and you cannot serve on the Parish Council. Have kids in church activities? They are held hostage too. Any failure, real or perceived, to strictly conform, and even our kids face criticism, humiliation and ostracism.

Then, there is the question of money - which we are continuously assured (with incomplete data at every assembly) is coming in fabulously. Yet the congregation is vilified by its clergy for spending on frivolous secular pursuits, instead of handing it over with no questions asked or allowed.

We continue to be expected to check our minds at the door, close our mouths and open our wallets. We have all lived in this valley long enough to have no trouble in guessing who we're being asked to resemble on all counts.

The height of insult, once again, to what little discernment we're allowed to maintain, is that our Proistamenos-of-Prophet Elias-only declared that this blog is: a) responsible for any and all rifts in our community; b) the reason we have two proistamenoi (this is a new one!); and, c) the work of the devil.

In the first place, the rifts in this community began in earnest several years before this blog was established. The major rift began with our Metropolitan's disbanding of an elected Parish Council in 2002, whereby he literally pitted family members and friends against each other within the community.

The rifts continued with our Proistamenos' (then leader of both church communities) desire to control absolutely, so much so that he caused members to be either barred from serving on the Parish Council, or to be sanctioned and expelled from it. The blog began because of these circumstances; it certainly did not precede them.

Further rifts occurred due to the clergy's clear intent to follow Metropolitan Isaiah's specifically expressed desire (several times and in writing prior to October 2007 when he made it official insofar as having two proistamenoi) to split this community into two parishes. There is no ambiguity here. There is PLENTY of prior evidence to this fact, including His Eminence's labeling this community as having committed spiritual polygamy in a letter to the community in December 2007. Contending that the blog caused the appointment of two Proistamenoi is utter nonsense.

As for declaring this blog to be the work of the devil, this ruse is an historical condemnation issued by every despot from time immemorial, in the ecclesiastical realm or otherwise, who lacks the ability or the desire to lead with reason, compassion and love.

- Barbara Billinis Colessides

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Wishing everyone a happy and safe Thanksgiving.

TOCB Moderators

Pavilion Update

Two years have passed since we were assured by our parish council that the pavilion would be completed by September 2007. To date, we await completion of the pavilion in spite of assurances made that "the remaining funds to complete the project will be in hand and collected by the time the materials are delivered." How much has actually been spent on this project and how much more will be spent?

We are including the actual document issued by the parish council in 2007 for your review. If what is stated above and in the document is true, why are monies still being solicited for this project? It seems that this is one in a long line of pet projects of the proistameno of Prophet Elias only.

If this is in fact one of the many pet projects of the proistameno of Prophet Elias only, why doesn't our parish council president along with the other elected and/or hand picked parish council members, inform the proistameno of Prophet Elias only that there are far more pressing needs?

Click on the document and make your own conclusions.

]

General Assembly

As the fall general assembly approaches, there are existing issues in our community that must be addressed. In addition to the election of the Board of Auditors, an issue avoided by recent past general assemblies yet required by the UPR, the following matters must be addressed openly and honestly:

• Finances: Through the first 11 months of this year (including the spring general assembly) we have not been afforded the courtesy of seeing a statement disclosing all community financial accounts. The community's request for full disclosure and transparency in all financial matters including the "special" accounts used in the remodel of Prophet Elias and the pavilion is long overdue. These "special" accounts require the same transparency even though our president has stated the monies are "donated." The community deserves an accounting of how the money was spent without needing to know who donated what.
• Personnel: Who is in charge? Is it the Operations Manager or the Proistameno of Prophet Elias only? The recent release of a non clergy staff member should have been the decision of the Operations Manager in conjunction with the Parish Council and not the Proistameno of Prophet Elias only. It is unthinkable that the Proistameno of Prophet Elias only would need to take time away from focusing on the spiritual matters of the community and waste it with matters that can easily be resolved by the Parish Council and the Operations Manager.
  
• Elections: How many candidates will the Proistameno of Prophet Elias only disqualify this year? His pattern has been to disqualify those who he believes do not agree with him and can't manipulate. His reasons for disqualifying are without merit and endless. He believes that as members of this community we are incapable of thinking and acting in the best interest of our church. Time will tell if he has realized his past mistakes.
  
• Old and New Business: Why were these items removed from the general assembly agenda? Bring them back and allow the voice of the people to be heard.
  

The general assembly is a time when the people have an opportunity to express their concerns and opinions. Hopefully the chair of the upcoming assembly will not follow the tactics of previous chairs (our president) by limiting or shutting down discussion. Let the voice of the people be heard.

Board of Auditors?

One year ago at the fall General Assembly, a request was made from the floor to appoint a Board of Auditors as Required by the Metropolis of Denver in the Administrative Guidelines for Parish Council Elections. (www.denver.goarch.org/protocols/2008-Protocols/protocol-08-24-enc-1.pdf) Our parish council president, who was also meeting chair, deferred action to the spring general assembly. This done despite the Administrative Guidelines which require action at the last general assembly preceding an election. Seated and silent was the proistameno of Prophet Elias only who failed to intercede and correct the misstep and follow the Administrative Guidelines of this Metropolis.

Be that as it may, the spring general assembly was held and again the issue was brought to the floor. After promising to discuss this important matter in the spring, our parish council president who was again meeting chair, delayed discussion to the fall general assembly. Our president/chair is either voluntarily misinformed or purposely avoiding the issue for reasons only known to him and the proistameno of Prophet Elias only.

The establishment of a Board of Auditors is required by the Metropolis in order for election results to be ratified. Since no Board of Auditors has been elected as required, how have the elections been ratified by the Metropolitan? Could it be that he is under the false impression that all requirements have been followed? If he is under this false impression, who is it that has deceived him? Questions that can only be answered by those providing the answers.

One full year later with still no action being taken, we believe our parish council and proistameno of Prophet Elias only will finally rectify this error. The text from the Metropolis of Denver regarding this matter reads as follows:

VI. Board of Auditors

1. The Board of Auditors shall consist of at least three parishioners none of whom are members of the Parish Council. The Board of Auditors shall be elected at the last Parish Assembly preceding an election from among those who have not served on the Parish Council for the year being audited and who are not candidates for election to the Parish Council. The Board of Auditors shall have the financial competency to properly execute its responsibilities. (2005 UPR Article 33, Section 1)

2. The Board of Auditors shall audit financial records of the prior year and prepare a report of such audit for presentation to the Parish Assembly. After review by the Parish Assembly, the Parish Council shall transmit copies of the final audit to the respective Hierarch and the Archdiocese. (2005 UPR Article 33, Section 2)

3. A vacancy on the Board of Auditors shall be filled by the Parish Council by electing a successor therefore from amongst the parishioners of the Parish in good standing for the unexpired portion of the term of such vacancy. (2005 UPR Article 33, Section 3)

4. The Board of Auditors is dissolved upon submission of their report to the Parish Council, and the acceptance of that report by the Parish Council.

We ask that those who preach the following of Guidelines and UPR's practice what they preach.

Interesting Article

In their summer 2009 newsletter, Church Mutual Insurance Company printed an article titled, "A financial pandemic is sweeping the country." The article lists warning signs churches could look for that might indicate financial impropriety. Two of these signs deserve consideration.

Excuses to avoid financial audit - If memory serves, the past two general assemblies contained some discussion regarding an audit. The assembly chair delayed discussion each time moving it to the "next meeting" effectively avoiding the topic. According to the UPR's, each year the community is to nominate, from the floor of the general assembly, members of the community to serve on the audit committee. When was this last done and what were the results of their audit? In addition, paperwork required for parish council election ratification includes a list of the members of the audit committee. If there have been no nominations, how could paperwork have been honestly submitted and elections ratified?

Failure to provide financial reports at meetings - While spreadsheets are regularly provided listing account balances we never seem to receive detailed expense reports (including invoices) of the restricted accounts or of the festival account. So much work has been done at Prophet Elias yet no detailed invoices have ever been presented to the community. Our festival expends over $500,000 yet we never see detailed invoices.

We are asked to be active in our community while at the same time receive only limited information. The time has come to see that an audit committee is appointed as required by the UPR. It is time to see detailed expense reports (including invoices) so we can be truly informed. We can no longer settle for the second class citizenship that has been lorded upon us.

His Pet Projects Continue

Congratulations to the organizers of the Taste of Greece on another successful event.

Conspicuously absent from this community wide event was the Proistamenos of Prophet Elias only who had a "prior engagement". These "prior engagements" seem to pop up with events taking place at Holy Trinity. According to his "inner circle", instead of having an egalitarian attitude, the Proistameno of Prophet Elias only "hates going down there". Isn't it ironic then that he would send his emissary to request that this year's proceeds be earmarked to purchase tables for the pavilion.

There seem to be more imperative needs at BOTH churches (dome at Prophet Elias and classrooms at Holy Trinity) than tables for a pavilion that was supposed to be completed by monies already donated. It would seem that if one were to request proceeds from an event for one of their pet projects, the least they could do is attend the event "για τα ματια του κοσμου"

Need we remind the Proistameno of Prophet Elias only that the funds generated from this community that pay his salary come from BOTH churches. We only hope that his actions aren't an attempt to resurrect the long dead issue of needing two separate communities. Maybe another look at the letter from the Metropolitan regarding this issue will refresh his memory.

Please support a worthy cause!

Saturday August 15^th, Prophet Elias Gym Social Hour 6:30 Dinner 7:30

APPETIZERS, DINNER, DESSERT, DANCING.

Ticket prices: $35 for adults; $25 for college - 13 years of age; $15 for children 12 and under. Purchase tickets at Prophet Elias and Holy Trinity, or CONTACT:

Christine Chachas (775) 293-0416

Megan Curtis (801) 577-6269

Jason Oneida (801) 971-7910 (corrected number)

All proceeds generated will benefit Jennifer Hardwick and her family: Jennifer is a youth from our own community who was involved in a horrific car accident and is still receiving treatments.

Delicious appetizers, lamb dinner, cash beer and wine bar and an assortment of Greek sweets. The OPA dancers will perform.

DJ “V” will be playing Greek hits and classics all night for your listening and dancing pleasure.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU THERE!!!

Whom Do We Believe?

Is there any doubt that there is discord in the community and questionable leadership by our clergy and parish council? 

At the spring general assembly we were told the new Iconostasis at Prophet Elias was approved by the community and the Metropolitan. A member of the community questioned this and stated he would call the Metropolitan personally that very evening. The metropolitan was called that evening at his home at 11:00 p.m. The Metropolitan said he knew nothing about a new Iconostasis or giving approval of one. The Metropolitan celebrated a liturgy at Prophet Elias on the Saturday before Palm Sunday and Vespers on the evening of Palm Sunday.

Whom do we believe? The Parish Council, the Metropolitan or the parishioner who called the Metropolitan personally?

- Jim Kastanis

Rollback 8

TOCB Editors' Note: Throughout these "rollback" responses there are numerous [sp] references noted by the original compilers of the parishioner responses. Often the reference is itself not correct - that is, spelling or grammatical errors are noted where there are none. The TOCB editors did not add these references in any of these responses.

Responses to HT/PE Survey: Comments Attending HT 1 and 2 of 10

Please do not separate our community this way - We have been one since the founding of our communities. Whose [sp] crazy idea is this? Most of us have been friends since birth splitting would change alliances/friendships-lay the groundwork for unhealthy competition, etc. (67)

I would like more English in the Service to make the church more friendly to all Orthodox people. (336)

The use of both churches as is, works well for many reasons, For many who regularly go to church downtown, or had, Prophet Elias offers a choice for those who can't make it up the stairs, parking, etc... again an option, (1044)

Quoting the former Archbishop, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." There are numerous issues that should be clarified prior to any actions in splitting our church. Hopefully, this will be discussed during the next General Assembly meeting. Thank you. (850)

I support the current status only if Father Michael is transferred from here. If not I would like to split. (394)

After reading both views it seems to me that those for the split want to keep the help and support of the other church only where they think they will need it. So if we are going to keep a number of things together (dance groups, sports leagues, Saint Sophia School) why not just I have things the way they are .(231)

Quit fightingll This is a CHURCH, remember? (88)

Since Father Michael [sp] was assigned to our community, he has caused nothing but troubles. He's [sp] constantly telling you he will do what you ask him and he does the opposite. It is a great trait of his, therefore you can never trust him. We have the greatest community with two churches under one parish; it has worked for 38 years. (52)

We attend Holy Trinity primarily, however when our child attends liturgy with St. Sophia School, we will attend PE. It's [sp] too bad we have so much politics & bad feelings amongst member. It's [sp] actually embarrassing all the problems we're having. Two parishes will cause further separation [sp] & somewhat competition which is not what God teaches or desires. (222)

The "buildings" don't make the "parish"! The "people" make the "parish" (community)! Don't let families & koumbari be broken apart by dividing the "parish"! Please!! (44)

As I think about this current affliction plaguing our Greek Orthodox community, I can not help recall the following quotation by not only one of America's greatest leaders but by Apostle Matthew as well. "Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand." It is sad that a community started 100 years ago has come to a point where we no longer see each other as brother and sister. It was this Hellenic bond 100 years ago that kept us as a family. Now through the evil workings of greed and power, this bond is to be destroyed. Shame should be felt by those who have taken up the tools of Satan to destroy the house of God. It might seem that this is no great deal to separate [spl the churches, but this is where it all begins. Slowly over time we change this and we change that and before long we no longer know who we are, for our identity a Greek Orthodox Christians will surely be lost in time. Shame to all of you that have transgressed against the house of God! (256)

I think we as a community should consider breaking away from the archdiocese and re-organize our parishes with new priests that we go out and harvest, then elect a new un-biased board and continue with our spiritual journey. (1242)

Although I primarily attend services at H.T., I still go to P.E. for some services and several activities. I firmly support keeping the current status of two churches in one community. It offers more opportunities for everyone. (435)

In a city surrounded by a homogeneous religious clan, I can see little to be accomplished in splitting a now homogeneous culture (we Hellenes) and making it more divisive, which I think will happen. The only reason for such a divisive action would be some desirable economic benefit to the Greek community. By referring to this as "two independent" communities makes it even less savory, less comraderly [sp), less justifiable. (506)

Despite statements that he will not split the community, Bishop Isaiah continues his relentless pursuit of just that. He has told us we live in polygamy and that some of our members are "money mongers ." These are not the words of a spiritual leader concerned for the members of this church. They are the words of someone determined to split this community in order to obtain more money for his endeavors. In support of his efforts he has sent Father Michael as the instrument of his wishes. Even a blind man can see what's going on. Just as clear is what happens when separate parishes are established within the same community; competition and animosity. We have only to look to Denver and the strained relationship between the Cathedral and St. Katherine's to document this. Prophet Elias is not a daughter church but rather an equal "sister" and should remain a such. Those pushing for a split should seek their own property and build their [sp] own church if they are so dissatisfied, but they have no right to take what our families established nearly 40 years ago. Finally, the Parish Council needs to send a clear message back to Denver by reversing the split of the Philoptochos and refusing the establishment of separate "head priests" at each church. Just so no one accuses me of hiding behind anonymity, I am signing this. (Philip A. Kithas) (397)

Our community requires growth and consolidation of resources to meet the increasing demands of operational challenges, programs and services. Separation will only further diminish overall financial support and greatly exacerbate already strained relationships between parishioners, resulting from this proposition. Based on the arguments put forth in the position papers, there is a clear need for administrative and organizational review and restructure, but splitting the community is not the answer. (355)

Something New in the Spring Air: WHO Is Now A (VOTING) "Member"???

OFFICIAL NOTICE
SPRING GENERAL ASSEMBLY
MONDAY, MAY 18
PROPHET ELIAS
6:30 PM

From time to time, questions arise concerning membership status in our parish. First and foremost we are "members" of the Church by virtue of the Mystery of Baptism and Chrismation. We remain "members" by our spiritual struggle, by our participation in the Holy Mysteries, and by our association with the local parish.

"Members in good standing" is an administrative distinction limited to determining those "members" of the Church (as described above) who are afforded an opportunity to vote regarding certain parish administrative matters. Such "voting membership" presupposes being a member of the Church sacramentally, and additionally involves having demonstrated a Stewardship involvement in the parish.

Since both membership by Baptism and Chrismation in the Church as well as "membership in good standing" according to financial stewardship are spiritual matters--insofar as both reflect one's responsibility to God--it is ultimately the proistamenos as the head of the parish and as spiritual father of the members of that parish who can make a definitive determination in this regard concerning the status of his members.

- The Messenger, May/June 2009

Let's see if we can discover certain patterns here:

• First, we have hierarchs dismissing and disbanding properly elected boards and/or board members for a variety of flimsy and self-serving reasons.


• Then we have hierarchs and proistamenoi, assisted by the stewards on the Parish Council, stifling open discussion and negating or ignoring votes from various general assemblies in this city. They have together relegated the laity to those "who are afforded an opportunity to vote regarding certain parish administrative matters." (emphasis added)


• These actions have been followed by several recent examples of having the proistamenoi in this community preclude stewards -- baptized, chrismated, and having served their Church faithfully for decades -- from even running for the parish council.


• And NOW, we have proistamenoi discussing "members" and what defines "membership". The concluding statement is that they (singly, or in tandem? since this is still, supposedly, one community) "as the head of the parish and as spiritual father of the members of that parish who can make a definitive determination in this regard concerning the status of his members." (emphasis added)
  

Is it terribly difficult to see where these actions and pronouncements are leading us?

- Barbara Billinis Colessides

Rollback 7

Moderators Note: TOCB has advocated the unity of this community and looks to return to one Proistameno and one Philoptochos which should have occurred upon the receipt of the Metropolitan's letter announcing there would be no split. We roll back the clock to the November 2007 General Assembly where the much heralded survey results were announced. The survey responses posted are done so as they were received. TOCB has not edited or altered the survey responses.

Responses to HT/PE Survey Attending Both (6 and 7 of 8)

I do not believe in the concept of having two independent communities. This community was established with two churches & one community We had the approval of the Archbishop who indicated at the time P.E. was established & in 1992 that we were to remain one community. The people that believe we are committing spiritual polygamy if they choose should begin raising their own fund to establish a new church of its own. Our forefathers worked & donated long hard hours to establish the community we have today. I would shudder [sp] if they knew their hard work & dedication was for nothing. I used to attend both churches (H.T. & P.E) on a regular basis; however, I stopped attending P.E. because I went to church to pray. I did not attend church to be given a lecture every Sunday. (642)

The level of incompetence and blatant lying that exists especially from Kouremetis is mind numbing. It is a shame that we are in this situation. Kouremetis must leave. (246)

Πρεπει να σταματησουν τα ψευματα. Προπαντως ο Παπα Μιχαλης. Μεγαλη ντροπη (247)

If our current church leaders & priests & board members can not provide for our community then they need to be changed. (57)

I enjoy attending both churches and support all of our priests. (413)

I can see no value in anything that divides a religious community, specially in Utah. Jesus did not preach to this group or that group of people but to ALL people! It should never matter WHERE you worship -but what's important is -that you attend worship. Why are we spending energy on dividing us -instead of putting the energy to a better use -of a united group. Only a Utahn [sp} born and reared here really know[s] how hard it is to attend school, work, date and socialize but keep your own faith without the L.D. S. trying to convert you or your family; why do you think th L.D.S church began to have missionaries in 1970 in Utah? (I don't think Father Michael sees/knows this is a threat but I see it daily in my profession.) Many Orthodox Christians have been converted -please let's not have any discord in our beautiful religion -people should be able to attend the church of their choice. (585)

I believe it would be a big mistake to separate [sp] the2 churches. There is already competition between the 2 philoptochos groups. (687)

Please don't change! What about our youth -what are we teaching them? How to not get along? The Festival was bigger and better than ever - Don't ruin it! We get along great here -Please don't change anything! (762)

Maintaining current status allows the retention of community and resources. (ALEKA STAMP)

Because I am in a care center but I have attended both churches. (ALEKA STAMP)

Our churches should remain united as the Greek Orthodox Community of Greater Salt Lake. A split would be exactly like a divorce, never equal and always bitter. Once broken any unity is fractured forever. (4)


Those who want separate churches are free to find property and build their own church. The door is open, don't let it hit you on the way out. (297)

We live in a very unique city where I believe the stronger we are united the better - especially with the influence of the LDS church. I would like to see our community stay as it is -united working together. support both churches. I do not have any children yet I believe and financially support both areas because I believe in the common good of all of the parishioners. With that in mind, I donate to support all of things & items that are needed at both churches... because I feel all of us are one community. (405)

It was quite appropriate that the dissemination of this survey coincided with OXI day I say:

OXI to the surveyors. Feed my sheep the Lord said not survey them;
OXI to the propagandists providing information only after formulating their "spin";
OXI to the crypto-papists trying to impose clericalism upon the community and church;
OXI to those pitting family against family and brother against brother;
OXI to the carpetbaggers sowing the seeds of discord;
OXI to the hypocrites quoting canons in one breath while violating in another;
OXI to the split!l (1115)

We are one community with 2 places to worship. (1175)

It is one Greek Orthodox church in the Salt Lake Valley -no matter how many cathedrals. (1233)

I believe it is imperative to keep this community as one. Living in Utah this topic would not even be brought up, until we have enough people to support and attend 5-6 churches not barely 2. This topic is pushing people away from our community, not making us stronger in any way. Families in this community have mernber[s] attending both churches and friends that attend both churches. By separating [sp] the parish people are forced to make a choice of where they attend. Thus when a baptism or marriage occurs at one or the other church people will not feel the welcome -ness that they feel today. I believe that at least 2 generations will have to pass for the feelings to subside. If we focus on what our church in intended [sp] to saving souls people will give and our parish will flourish. But if we continue to politic we will have nothing. (409)

I feel that two separate [sp] communities will end up in more problems than we realize [sp]. There is not a good enough reason to not stay together as one. I feel there will be less working together and more hurt feelings. We need to work together as one, remembering why we are one community and why we attend church in the first place. Not people trying to always be controlling everything. If it's not broke don't fix it. We need to stop make problems put our priorities together our faith, our God, our church, and our families. Just be happy, not always having something to worry about. (411)

I want to continue attending both churches & strongly feel we should stay as we are . (693)

I feel you are taking away the true church we Greeks strived to build & we all committed our souls and life for this great Greek community, Holy Trinity. (1202)

It seems to me if Prophet Elias has reached maturity, they are acting very childish. If they still want the support of Holy Trinity, they still have some growing to do. (red number stamp partially blaCK-inked) 'If the Bishop tries to split t he community I Will not support the church financially. I will attend another church (Orthodox). (1020)

Transcriber's note:
I saw no reason to re-type responses It 1235, 1002, 726, 820, 328, 1004,341, 326, 28, since they were legible enough to read.

Begging the Question …

"I, (name) do solemnly affirm that I will uphold the dogmas, teachings, traditions, holy canons, discipline, worship and moral principles of the Greek Orthodox Church, as well as the Charter and Regulations of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, and that I will fulfill faithfully and sincerely the duties and obligations required of a member of the Parish Council. So help me God."


Let’s see if we understand this latest situation:

• We have been informed recently and somewhat suddenly that a parish council member has decided to resign.
  
  
• This parish council member was appointed to serve on the replacement board after Metropolitan Isaiah disbanded an elected board in this community in 2002; since then he has stood for election and taken the oath as a parish council member several times.
  
  
• The stated reason for the resignation is due to disagreement “with the process and content of the Charter that [the]…Affirmation of Office” requires.

Some pertinent issues arise:

• The council member in question was deemed worthy by our clergy to serve, despite being obviously conflicted as to his oath, and yet the clergy and the Metropolitan ratified his candidacy and election during the past seven years.
  
  
• Curiously, another parish council member was dismissed in 2007; one of the reasons given was behavior deemed by the clergy and hierarchy to be inconsistent with the oath administered to elected parish council members.
  
  
• Several willing and qualified candidates in recent times have been presumed by our clergy to be ineligible to even stand for election, and were described by our Proistamenoi as being incapable of taking that same oath.
  

Isn't there a double standard here?

Prevarication - is it a sin when committed by the clergy?

(All of us are judged by our own deeds.)

The date is March 19, 2009. It is approximately noon. A parishioner is pulling out of a parking space at St. Sophia’s side of the Prophet Elias parking lot. About 40 feet away Fr. Michael is driving in front of the church going towards the south exit of the parking lot. As Fr. Michael is signaling to turn left at the south exit of the lot, the parishioner calls Fr. Michael on his cell phone and asks to talk to him about a religious/community-related matter.

His response is verbatim as follows: “I cannot talk to you right now; I am at the University Hospital visiting a patient.” A great response ... if it only were true.

While he is giving the above response, the parishioner is in a car, only 40-50 feet behind him at the Prophet Elias church parking lot. The parishioner is left speechless in the car. Fr. Michael drives away happy that his work for God is done right again.

Άραγες ο σκοπός αγιάζει τα μέσα?
Άλλοι που ξέρουνε λένε οτι δεν είναι η πρώτη φορά
Παράδειγμα προς μίμησιν?

Should we as parishioners emulate his example?

This Proistamenos Must Go (TPMG).

Kalo Pascha,

Nick J. Colessides

Local News

In an effort to keep our community informed, TOCB has learned of the upcoming visit of His Eminence Metropolitan Isaiah on the weekend of April 11 and 12. Details of his visit will be announced to the community by our assigned clergy on Sunday, April 4.

TOCB was saddened to learn of the layoff of a staff member. In reviewing the daily cost of salaries paid by our community, we offer the following: clergy salaries cost $1090 per day, office support staff(for 2) salaries cost $299 per day. The total saving to the community of the recent layoff is $87 per day. In light of the figures at hand, this seems to make little impact on the budget but a large impact on an individual's life.

Our Stewardship Co-Chairpersons, wrote in the March/April Messenger "We are pleased to inform you that as of January 31, 2009 the stewardship commitments of our community have already surpassed our prior year commitments to date." If this is actually the case, why the layoff? Why this layoff two weeks before Pascha? Just wondering. Maybe the letter we will soon receive will answer these and other questions.