What are our opinions about this article?

[truefiction1]

https://theparadise.ng/abp-elpidophoros-praised-for-serving-first-openly-gay-baptism/amp/

 

[dzheremi]

The link is leading to a 502 error for me.

 

[~Anastasia~]

Well.

I will say I’ve been out of the political Church loop for a long time. I remember when I was in the Greek parish with “my” priest and Elpidophoros was about to be placed in charge of the Greek Church in America. There were rumors and concerns, but I had difficulty sorting things out and finding anything solid. But I was uneasy.

Our priest was reassigned. We got a new priest, Covid happened. The Churches closed. After re-opening, ours closed again. We got another new priest. And another new priest. I went to get my credentialing, went back to grad school, have been working insane hours, and have not been able to feel comfortable and connected to my parish again. Many of the older ones passed away, or became too frail and have been moved. We have a lot of faces, but they are overwhelmingly new converts. Not that I’m against that - I’m a convert. Maybe finally not so new, LOL.

So.

I have serious concerns. The simple fact of baptizing an infant - we offer them entrance into the Church and that alone would seem to be something we might not want to withhold. But. What will they be taught about what the Church teaches and believes, and how we are to interact with that? Fortunately I’m not a priest (LOL!) and have no part in making such a decision. But on the other hand, we potentially offer them something harmful in so doing?

It’s seriously concerning to me. And reading the linked article about placing a hierarch that isn’t free to be placed within GOARCH, and has sanctions?

I’ve heard other concerns. As I said, I haven’t kept up with it.

I last received communion at an Antiochian parish. It has much to recommend it. I feel saddened about the idea of potentially not being associated with my old parish. There are still people there I dearly love.

But sacramentally I’m starting to have real concerns. It doesn’t shake me as much as the thought of that possibility did a few years ago. But really saddens me.

 

[~Anastasia~]

The link is leading to a 502 error for me.

It working for me. I wonder if there’s another way for you to access it?

Good to see you. (Both of you!)

 

[ArmyMatt]

hmmm, I got the error too

 

[~Anastasia~]

This appears to be another posting of the same article and images.

https://theparadise.ng/abp-elpidophoros-praised-for-serving-first-openly-gay-baptism/amp/

 

[truefiction1]

Okay, I changed the article link. Maybe it will work better.

 

[truefiction1]

I think he (Elpidophoros) will be deposed. It seems like the only correct course of action.

 

[truefiction1]

It working for me. I wonder if there’s another way for you to access it?

Good to see you. (Both of you!)

Nice to see you too. Thanks.

 

[Justin-H.S.]

Me, when I was in GOARCH:

 

[ArmyMatt]

I think he (Elpidophoros) will be deposed. It seems like the only correct course of action.

if that happens, Lord have mercy

 

[Johnny Ross]

Father Josiah offers his view

 

[Lukaris]

dp

 

[Lukaris]

This seems to be the moves of an apostate totalitarian who ushers in outright unbelievers with big bucks who will pay him handsomely and persecute people who still believe we are all sinners in need of repentance for our “redemption through His ( the Lord Jesus Christ) blood, even the forgiveness of sins.” ( Colossians 1:14). People should read 1 John 2 to distinguish between love of neighbor and not loving the world. Those of the world will psychologically torture the vulnerable with deception of feelings and emotions to feel guilty and ashamed for not embracing sin. Amos 5 especially Amos 5:14 & Amos 5:15 can also be helpful in discernment.

KJV Colossians 1:14: Bible Gateway passage: Colossians 1:14 - King James Version

 

[prodromos]

Archbishop Elpidophoros has his reward, the financial backing and praise of 'progressive' apostates. My biggest issue is my own unwillingness to pray for his repentance.

 

[rusmeister]

I don’t see our resident defender of the Archbishop chiming in here.

 

[truefiction1]

I'll admit I was infuriated when this Archbishop stated to the press that there are to be no religious exemptions issued for the Covid-19 vaccination mandate, and that no clergy of the Church are permitted to write religious exemption letters. Then when he received this vaccination he praised the brilliant scientists and healthcare workers who, by God's grace, have made these life-saving medicines available for good. All lies. The tree is known by its fruit.

 

[Dewi Sant]

Wonderful to welcome the two children into the church!

(as for the bishop and the parents, I'm going to steer away from controversy)

 

[SamanthaAnastasia]

The only thing I can say is I just hope that he was perhaps not told that the two men “parents” of the child were “married”. There are two women, two men, two infants. So. Idk.
But then again…it’s not like they’re not famous people. They could *easily* be searched for online and boop! The cat’s outta the bag. So…
I’m happy that there was a baptism of those two infants.
I’m with @Dewi Sant: as for everyone else…idk.

 

[rusmeister]

The whole reason we should NOT be happy is if this was knowingly done (as it decisively seems) specifically in support of sodomic relations within the Church. Of course we want to see children baptized, but we absolutely do not want to see our Sacraments profaned, EVEN in the name of baptizing children.