Recent content by Ioannis

I get the feeling that the patriarch doesn't know half of what is going on. The synod's actions on the charter and his apology to the Archdiocese after speaking with the metropolitans is what leads me to that. Sometimes, I also wonder if the synod has shifted to giving the archbishop enough...

"All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful." is what St. Paul tells us. And even look at the last line you quoted, "God will bring you into judgment." This is more of a "Yeah, sure. You can do all sorts of things, but you won't escape God's judgement." As St. Augustine...

When I first saw the news and pictures, this article popped in my head: Chasing the Phantom

In the spirit of people coming back, I have returned. Not that my return should be noteworthy. :) I was here for a few years then just kind of stopped coming around the time my eldest was born. But, I felt like coming back and seeing what was going on so here I am. Hello, everybody!

To be honest, I don't know enough of the situation. I imagine that all involved parties know more. As I stated before, the impression that I get is that it's not a clear-cut issue. There's a division among the people. On the surface, I rarely agree with getting involved with other civil wars...

Protecting interests. That's all it is. The U.S. doesn't help rebels because of some great cause. They do it to protect their own interests. That's it. The same thing Russia is doing which is why I have an attitude of "We've done no better and we have no room to condemn."

Blessed feast day!

I don't know what to think. I am a little aggravated at the U.S. government's "holier than thou" attitude. They are pretty much condemning the exact same thing it's done over and over (helping rebels, influencing elections, etc.). The most important takeaway is to pray for everyone involved...

I haven't been there in over 10 years, but it is a wonderful monastery. Founded by the former princess of Romania. Mother Christophora, the abbess, is wonderful. One day, I'll take my wife and kids out there.

We are called to turn the other cheek for ourselves, yes, but the state has a responsibility to protect its citizens. The military is the instrument used to carry out that protection. Had it not been for the Byzantine or Russian militaries, those countries would have collapsed much sooner...

I agree. We cannot sacrifice the Truth for peace. God is above all.

Lord, have mercy.

A Blessed Pentecost to all! I think I shall celebrate by eating bacon everyday this week.

I don't know anything about Jehovah's Witnesses, but I went and did some searching after reading your comment. This lead me to the group that I believe they were. The "World Mission Society Church of God." Looking through their FAQ's, there are several things that sound like what they were...

So, today, I had just gotten home and was about to walk into my apartment when two people approached me. I was being polite and said hello when they greeted me. They then asked if I had read the Bible. I thought this might be interesting so I proceeded and told them that I had. They asked if I...