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An IndependentPublication of OrthodoxChurch Opinion

January,2001 Vol.13, # 10(1021

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CONTENTS: A HEARINGREGARDING SUIT BY METR.VALENTIN AGAINST NEWSPAPER "PRIZYV'' BISHOPEVTIKHY "DEFENDS'' METR. VITALY A CHAMELEONAMONG THE BISHOPS A DECLARATIONOF METR.OF SUZDALAND VLADIMIR,VALENTIN BtsHop ANTHONY(GRABBE) ACCEPTED INTO THE ROAC ABOUTA RESOLUTIONOF THE PASTORALCONFERENCE OF CANADIANAND AMERICANCLERGY ST. NICHOLASPARISH OF THE RUSSIANORTHODOX AUTONOMOUS CHURCH IN STATENISLAND, NY FROMTHE UNPUBLISHEDWORKS PASTORALMEETING IN ISHIMA ECUMENICALPRAYERS IN ASSISI A COURSEON ISLAMIN A CALIFORNIAMIDDLE SCHOOL FROMAN INTERVEWWITH THE LAST'SECRETARYOF RELIGION''IN THESOVIET UNION THE RUSSIANGOVERNMENT AND THE MOSCOWPATRIARCHATE ..CHEAPHONOR" _ WHAT IS IT?

CHURCHNEWS 639 CenterSt. Oradell,NJ 07649 Tel./Fax (2011967 -7 684 1

TO CLERGY,MONASTICS, EDITORS OF WEBSITESAND PAGESIN THE INTERNET,MEMBERS OF THE ROAC AN EXHORTATATION

TheSynod of Bishopsof theRussian Orthodox Autonomous Church is compelledto directyour attention to thefact that in the pastthe Synodof Bishopsgave its blessingto theeditors of thewebsites and pages on the Internetto witnessto theGospelTruth. However,some members of our Churchwho activelyparticipate on the Internetare preachingnot the Truth,but a pervertedunderstanding of Orthodoxteachings, contradicting the teachingsof the HolyFathers of the Churchand the LocalEcumenical Councils. To ourgreat regret, the sinfulemotions of somethe "missionaries" have prevailed over common sense and therefore, theactivity of these"zealot theologians" became a greatscandal not only to themembers of ourChurch but also for other Christians;not only in Russiabut also to thoseoutside her borders who might have united themselves to TrueOrthodoxy, butnow hold back questioning our Orthodox confession. TheSynod of bishopsis requiredfor the very last time to remindall membersof the ROACwho work on the Internetto dismantlewebsites and pagescreated by membersof the ROACwith information regarding the subjects:"Rock Music", "TheSuicide Club", "The God's Name Cult", "The Name Worshippers" aswell as "Romanitas", which harm Orthodoxy and area sourceof greatscandal. The Synodof Bishopsof the RussianAutonomous Church insistently appeals to the God lovingflock to offer repentanceto God for theirerrors. To renounceslander, lies, hatred, malice. To enterthe pathof Truth,evangelical forgivenessand Christianlove. Not to apostatizefrom the pathof Truthand to confessthe Orthodoxfaith in the way requiredby the Holy Fathers and the Teachers of God'sChurch. In casesof persistencein followingthe path abominableto God of spreadingheresy, schism, disobedience and opposition,the Synodof Bishopsof the RussianOrthodox Autonomous Church will be forcedto SUSPENDclergy from servingand to EXCOMMUNICATElay people from Holy Communion. ThePresident of theSynod of Bishops,+ VALENTIN,Metropolitan of Suzdal and Vladimir, Membersof the Synodof Bishops:Theodore, Archbishop of Borisovoand Sanino,Seraphim, Archbishop of Sukhum andAbhasia.

A HEARINGREGARDING SUIT BY METR.VALENTIN AGAINST NEWSPAPER "PRIZYV''

Thenews agency "Vertograd" mailing #2OG of January17th published the following information: "ln the Leninregional court of thecity of Vladimir,on January16'n the hearing of thecivil suit by the Presidentof the Synodof Bishopsof the Russian(Autonomous) Church, Valentin, Metropolitan of Suzdal and Vladimir against the local newspaper'Prizyv'. During the past year this newspaperacquired a scandalousreputation by a seriesof articles containingmalicious slander and insults against the First Hierarch of theROAC. In oneof thearticles the newspaper even publishedan appealfor the physical execution of MetropolitanValentin. "Allarticles of 'Prizyv'about Metropolitan Valentin lacked any information sources and were not signed by theirauthor. 'criminal' The newspaperalso called the FirstHierarch of the ROACa priorto anyfinding by the court,and that directly contradictsthe Russian Constitution. "Thejudge of the regionalLenin court, Michael Zaglazeyev will submitto the courtthe suitof MetropolitanValentin againstthe newspaper in February".

BISHOPEVTIKHY "DEFENDS'' METROPOLITAN VITALY

Theofficial Internet website of the Synodof Bishopsof the ROCORon December16/29th 2001 has published (in five pages)some explanations by BishopEvtikhy of lshima,entitled "ln defenseof honorablename of MetropolitanVitaly". In allfairness it shouldbe called a "defense"of theCouncil of Bishopsand partly, of BishopMichael! BishopEvtikhy starts his compositionwith the words:"Throughout the year2001 our Churchwas shakenby blows, leadingtoward internal schism"... "And of courseit is commonknowledge, and especially to our enemies,that the most destructiveweapons against the Church are the creation within her of schismand quarrels". Theright reverend author made a mistakeof oneyear. "The shocks" began immediately after the ending of theCouncil of sadmemory, which was heldin Octoberof 2000,when this Council published an Epistlein whichit wasbluntly stated that"the new social conception" which was accepted by the Councilof the MoscowPatriarchate, actually did "cancel out the 'Declaration'by MetropolitanSergius"; at thattime the ROCORCouncil established a committee "regarding the unity of the RussianChurch" and commissioned Archbishop Mark to delivera scandalousletter to the SerbianPatriarch Paul withthe request to assist"with the longedfor rapprochementand spiritual unity among the separated parts of the Russian Church"- meaningbetween the ChurchAbroad and the MoscowPatriarchate! At the sametime, the ROCORCouncil askedthe bishopsecond most active after the EcumenicalPatriarch - the ecumenistSerbian Patriarch Paul - "notto pushus awayfrom the liturgicalcommunion with you, because we do wishto glorifyour SaviorChrist the Godwith you withone mouth and one heart". 2 The author of the Council's Epistle "to the beloved children in Homelandand Diaspora"which shocked the faithfulso much,was none otherthan BishopEvtikhv himself who now is so verydisturbed by "schismsand the quarrels"; and the authorsof the letterto SerbianPatriarch were BishopAlexander with Archbishop Mark. All thesedocuments were signedthe entirebody of the Bishops'Council, excluding only Bishop Barnabas, who did not signthe Epistle,but only latertook noticeof the letterto the hereticSerbian Paul. Some time later(actually a year later)a few more bishopsbegan to "remove"their signatures (5 altogether). There is no doubt that at the Councilof 2001 its memberswere fully aware that the above mentioneddocuments immediatelystirred up a real uproaramong the clergyand faithful,one can say,- from all partsof the worldwhere there are ROCOR parishes.The protestswere individualand by variousgroups. Never the less, the Synod of Bishopson severaloccasions confirmed that its new positionremains unchanged. Therefore,it can be assertedwith sufficientconviction that among the entire ROCOR Council of BishopsBishop Evtikhvis probablythe main schismatic,who now states that "the treacheryand base actions of the authors and executorsof the latestschism is concludedin fact that they have beendriven by two goals- to createthe schismand to damagethe good nameof MetropolitanVitaly"l At the Councilof 2000, the previouslyunheard of in the ROCOR restrictionof the rightsof MetropolitanVitaly as the Presidentof the Synodof Bishopsand of the Councilof Bishopsby the creationof the officeof the "DeputyPresident with all the powers"(Minutes of the BishopsCouncil # 9). The offerof ArchbishopLazarus to give MetropolitanVitaly the right to wear 2 panagiasand have the title of "Beatitude"- was not supportedby anyoneand was only brieflycommented on by ArchbishopLaurus, that the upcomingfeast of ApostlesPeter and Paulwould be the fiftiethanniversary of the First Hierarchin his ministryas a bishop! BishopEvtikhy states that at the Councilof 1994 he has noticedthat "the stoneswere flyinginto our backyardfrom various directions- but were aimed at our First Hierarch MetropolitanVitaly." However,the stones directed at MetropolitanVitaly were comingnot from the enemiesof the ChurchAbroad, but namelyfrom membersof the Councilof Bishops,when they rudelyyelled at him overthe publicationof his excellentpre-conciliar epistle and finallydemanded the aged Hierarch'sresignation, just a few days beforecelebrating such an exceptionallyrare jubilee!The Metropolitan's Epistlewas hiddenfrom the faithful in the Synod'scathedral and a few brave clergymenwho announcedit in their parisheswere stronglyreprimanded by the Secretaryto the Synod of Bishops,Bishop Gabriel!This epistlewarned againstconnections with the MoscowPatriarchate and ecumenism! Then,following this "defense"of MetropolitanVitaly, we find out that "MetropolitanVitaly has falleninto the feebleness of old age, loosingthe possibilityof properlyanalyzing and estimatingevents and documents,which was used by the sons of craftiness....""And when the sicknessof the Metropolitanhad progressedfurther, he started to forget his collocutorsduring short conversations, not to speakof the subjectof a conversation,thus beganthe utterbacchanal". Afterdescribing over two pagesthe realand exaggeratedfeeblenesses of the aged Metropolitan,Bishop Evtikhy does not stop at plainslander. Metropolitan Valentin neither "accidentally" nor deliberatelywas in Fr. VladimirShishkoff's car. He had beenhis guestfor a wholeweek and the meetingof bothMetropolitans was indeeda totalsurprise. Underthe pretextof "a defense"of the good name of MetropolitanVitaly Bishop Evtikhy leans toward a soft defenseof the Synodof Bishopsand, in particular,of BishopMichael. Bishop Evtikhy is surprisedthat "peopleso easilybelieve and take as a basis for their schismaticactions in the controversyan outcry of disinformation...At present,according to generalagreement, the most convincingagitation against the Councilof Bishopsare the photographswhich depictthe incidentof the abductionby force of MetropolitanVitaly to the Synodfrom his notorioussurroundings, undertaken by BishopMichael. Althouqh, loqically speakinq, one can recoqnizeas properthe wish of BishopMichael to snatchthe belovedMetropolitan Vitaly from the entouraoewhich is damaqinqhis name"...."But we shouldevaluate things not accordingto logic,-pointbut ecclesiastically.And the ecclesiasticalevaluation speaks not against,but in favorof, the Councilof Bishops.The is, that at the Council of Bishops,the opinionof MetropolitanLaurus aqainst an abductionof MetrobolitanVitalv, to no matterwhere, even against his sickwill, was unanimouslysupported. The eventsrecorded in the photographsand the wide reactionto them demonstratethat MetropolitanLaurus and the Councilof Bishopswere riqhtin iheir preventivedecision not to use any force againstthe retiredMetropolitan Vitalv, but BishopMichael was not riahtin his,probably noble but emotional haste, which violated the Council'sdecision." (Emphasis by "Ch.N."). Here the casuistryof Bishop Evtikhyis withoutequal. Here we read that MetropolitanLaurus and the Councilwere aqainstabduction of MetropolitanVitaly no matterwhere, "even against his sick will",then it turns out that Metropolitan Liurus and the Councilwere riqhtin theirdecision not to use anv forceregarding Metropolitan Vitalyl And all of this is the faultof the cursedphotographs! Were it not for them,how easywould it have beento packthe old man intoa limousineand bringhim to the Synod.But, again, Bishop Michael overdid it and in the emotionalhaste of his love,only stood motionless and lookedon as the guardshired by him dragthe old Metropolitaninto the car,while pushing him from behindhis knees.Certainly, all of this was a demonstrationof his filiallove that was so badlymisunderstood by the"schismatics'!

A CHAMELEONAMONG THE BISHOPS 3 The news agencyVertograd. Mailing #'196 datedDecember28thquotingthewordsoftheFirstHierarchofthe ROAC,Metropolitan Valentin, describing the reactionof the Bishopsin Russiato the schismin the ROCOR,gave interestingdetails about the actions of BishopAgathangel, which reveal him to bea personwith very unstable convictions. So, nowit is knownthat "in orderto becomea bishop,he cameto Suzdal,together with Priest-monk Cyril, with the proposalto retireArchbishop Lazarus and promising to bringa statementabout his mental illness, the very same hierarch who usedto be his spiritualfather and benefactorand not onlytonsured him a monk,but alsoordained to the clergy". Afterbecoming a bishopwith the blessingof ArchbishopLazarus, Bishop Agathangel "proposed to separatefrom the ROCORand to createa ProvisionallySupreme Church Administration. A bit later,after not being recognized as a bishop by the Synodof Bishopsof the ROCOR,Bishop Agathangel petitioned the Bishops(members of the PSCA)to let him temporarilygo to USAwith the promise that he will return after his ordination is approvedby the Synod". As is known,remaining in Russiafor somesix monthsunder suspension by the Synodof Bishops,he laterwas recognizedand not only didn't he returnto the RussianHierarchs, but even started to rudelyabuse Metropolitan Valentin, whoparticipated in his ordination in Suzdal! ln additionto hisformer "noble" role while belonging to thebody of theRussian Hierarchs, Bishop Agathangel became a traitoragain. "At the conferencein Voronezh(September 4-6, 2001) BishopAgathangel promised to support MetropolitanVitaly and signed all the documents of thisconference. But when he attendedthe Council of theROCOR, he abruptlychanged his positionsand separatedhimself from the bishopsin Russia".Archbishops Lazarus and Bishop Benjaminfully supported Metropolitan Vitaly and did not recognizeMetropolitan Laurus as theirFirst Hierarch. Under secularconditions, it is customary not to shakehands with such individualsl MetropolitanValentin pointed out that the majorityof clergyand lay peopledo not recognizethe pro-Moscow MetropolitanLaurus and commemorateMetropolitan Vitaly. But hereagain there are problems,because Metropolitan Vitalyfirstly renounced any communion with the groupof MetropolitanCyprian, then declared he temporarilyis returning to theformer position of recognizinghim. Metropolitan Valentin stated a verynegative opinion about Metropolitan Cyprian and said:"Therefore, while the Synodof the RussianOrthodox Church in Exileidentifies herself with the heretic Cyprianites,who confess a veiledform of ecumenism,we cannotsupport her in the future,because we, as wellas the otherTrue Orthodox Churches consider the Cyprianites to be heretics". Thisinterview of MetropolitanValentin was given BEFORE the periodwhen Metropolitan Vitaly changed his mind about thisimportant matter for the third time! Accordingto Vertograd"The Synodof Bishopsat its Decembermeeting fully approved the standof Metropolitan Valentin,regarding the situation in the ROCOR".

A DECLARATION OFMETR. OF SUZDAL AND VLADIMIR, VALENTIN, FIRST HIERARCH OF THE RUSSIAN ORTHODOX AUTONOMOUSGHURCH IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFICIAL ACCUSATION INTHE CRIMINAL CASE (Publishedinthe magazine "Suzdal Diocesan Herald" # 12;July-October 2001)

In Septemberof the currentyear the investigatorfor the prosecutorof thecity of Vladimir,l. A. Yegorov,presented to me an officialaccusation of corruptionof minorsand of introducingthem to alcoholicdrink. I was presentedwith "The summonsputting (me) on trialas accused"with a stamp"coordinated" with the signatureof the publicprosecutor of Vladimirregion, A. V. Shaikov,and consists of liesfrom beginning to theend. ln the personof thosewho "suffered" came forward: the sonof theformer priest A. Osetrov- AndrewOsetrov, a boy friendof oneof Osetrov'sdaughters; Yegor Derevianko and also the brothers Eugene and Benjamin Kutcik. lt is clearthat AndrewOsetrov is interestedin reportinginvented details. Regarding the brothersKutcik - oneof them,Benjamin, twice wroteme repentantletters stating that he hasslandered me becauseA. Osetrovpromised him 500rubles, but he does notneed them and does not want to sellhis conscience. The second Kutcik - Eugene- beforewitnesses demonstrated his disgustwith the behaviorof Osetrovand offeredhis servicesto defendme. Probably,they havereported these inventedaccusations under pressure from the investigator. Withfull responsibility I declare that I categoricallyreject the accusations presented against me. Behind all of it thereis nothingbut a crudelyfalsified case in whichone can see nothingbut the aim of destabilizingthe RussianAutonomous Church,-- the very sameChurch which has inheritedthe CatacombChurch which preserved the lightof unharmed Orthodoxyunder conditions of theSoviet persecutions. Thosewho are striving to destroyour Churchpossibly do not understandthemselves what sort of dangerthey create not onlyto the causeof spiritualrevival of our Homeland,but alsothe transformationof Russiainto a powerfulstate, whosecitizens might be certainof a defenseof theirsocial and religious rights. + MetropolitanValentin

NOTE:by Mrs. V. Schatiloff Whilein Suzdalduring last summer,I accidentallyhappened to witnessthe disgustof BenjaminKutcik over the behaviorof A. Osetrovand his statement to ArchbishopTheodore about being offered 500 rubles to slanderMetropolitan Valentin. 4 After my return to the States,I was informedabout change of mindof B. Kutcik.Therefore, I have sent to Suzdalmy own statementabout thisfirst statement of Kutsik,certified by a notarypublic, to be forwardedto the procurator'soffice. The representativesof the civilauthorities who accuseMetropolitanValentin are "former"Communists who in this mannersettle their old scores with Metropolitan Valentin.

BISHOPANTHONY (GRABBE) ACCEPTED INTO THE ROAC

Withan ukaseto BishopAnthony (Grabbe) signed by the Presidentof theSynod of Bishopsof the RussianOrthodox AutonomousChurch, Metropotitan Valentin, and by ArchbishopTheodore, Administrator of the ROAC,dated 16i29'n of December2001,# 200 he was informedthat according to his petitionthe Synodof Bishopsat its meetingof November 1Bth,2001 acknowledged his ordination and is acceptinghim into the bosom of theROAC. Afterthe reposeof MetropolitanPhilaret, Archimandrite Anthony left the ROCORand joined the GreekOld Calendar Churchin Athenspresided over by the ArchbishopChrysostomos and in New York, by MetropolitanPaisios. In Septemberof 1996,Archimandrite Anthony was consecratedbishop of Talantiaby 4 hierarchs,2 of whom came especiallyfrom Greece. However, soon after that, Metropolitan Paisios joined the New Calendar Ecumenical Patriarchate. Therefore,Bishop Anthony severed any communion with him and left this Greek jurisdiction. For'18years Archimandrite Anthony was Chief of the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in Jerusalem.At present,he isthe Presidentof theOrthodox Palestine Society of theHoly Land. Beingwell acquaintedwith Greekpsychology and theirinstability, Bishop Anthony decided to join the canonically steadfastRussian Autonomous Church, whose First Hierarch is MetropolitanValentin. Now,after receiving a positiveresponse to his petition,Bishop Anthony is a memberof the Episcopateof the ROAC, whichwas so stronglysupported by his father, the late Bishop Gregory.

ABOUTA RESOLUTIONOF THE PASTORAL CONFERENCE OF CANADIANAND AMERICAN CLERGY

TheInternet'Listok" ("Little Leaf') which disseminates information with the blessing of MetropolitanVitaly on December 16l2gth2001 published a resolutionof the PastoralConference of Canadianand American clergy regarding the matterof EucharisticCommunion with Metropolitan of Oropos and Fili, Cyprianos. The resolutionfor verydetailed and sound reasons renounces the cleverteachings of MetropolitanCyprianos and is mostprobably drafted by ProtopresbyterVictor Melekhov. Unfortunately, in the concludingparagraph of thistext there is an importanterror: in 1974the ROCOR had no connectionswith this Greek group. Theresolution is signedby MetropolitanVitaly and Bishops Sergius and Vladimir. Bishops Barnabas and Bartholomew havenoted their agreement. lt was signed also by 10priests, one deacon and one abbess. ln connectionwith the eventsin churchlife for 2002the parish roster is of certainInterest. The Canadiandiocese has 30 parishesand communities. Of them1'1 are "ministered to by diocesanclergy". Among the ones listed as belongingto the Canadiandiocese are TransfigurationSkete and the Montrealhouse belonging to MetropolitanVitaly, but listedas beingunder Bishop Michaell

ST.NICHOLAS PARISH OF THE RUSSTAN ORTHODOX AUTONOMOUS CHURCH IN STATEN ISLAND, NY

Aftermany years' interruption regular services were restored at the St. Nicholaschurch on Statenlsland during the Nativity.The very first liturgy was attended by Thirty faithful, who in partconsisted of parishionersfrom Our Lady of Kazan Church,who followed their pastor and in partnew ones. Theaddress of the newparish is: St. NicholasOrthodox Church; 79 HarrisonSt. (lowerlevel); Stapelton; Staten lsfand,NY 10304.For the scheduleof servicescall: Tel. (7151777-2836 or the rector:V. Rev.Archpriest Vladimir Shishkoff;Elmwood Park, NJ 07407;Tel. (201) 794-3062, Fax (201) 794-3450. Graduallyan inventoryis beingassembled for the newlyopened church. Thus, the priest(formerly of ROCOR)Fr. AnthonyGavalas donated 2 metalcandle stands and a tablefor memorialservices. A ladyliving in Chicago,a specialistin sewingvestments, called to offerher help to sewanything needed free of chargefor the new church. Thus, it is clearthat Ina shortwhile there will be a smallbut very cozy church.

FROMTHE UNPUBLISHED WORKS (A letterto Archb.Anthony of Geneva,October 20th/November 2nd, 19921

YourEminence, dear Right Reverend Vladyka! I thankyou for the leiterof October26tn. Unfortunately, a certain chaos continues. On Octoberstn there was a Synod meeting.At it no onementioned the consecration of Znosko. [This refers to Bp.Metrophan Znosko-Borovsky who reposed afterthis issue of "Ch.News" was composedon Feb.1512,2002.) lt was discussed almost two years ago. After that he publishedan articlewith critical of the positionof ourSynod and I respondedto it, butmainly to Kiselev,because Znosko wascriticizing the Synod's positions and expressed himself in favorof compromiseswith the MP. While in Russiahe was a guestof thePatriarchate, did not visit a singleone of ourparishes and has donated $8, 000 to thePatriarchate. 5 Much later, when his name no longer was being mentionedas a candidate,I recently quite accidentally found out that his consecrationhas been approvedwithout a new decisionby the Synodand withoutnotification of it to the membersof the Synod.Meanwhile, he has sent me an extremelyrude letter,which I didn'tcomplain about and was readyto ignore.However, I consideredthat such an affrontagainst a bishopof our Church,at leastdemands an apology beforeconsecration, which I was also readyto accept,if his help was neededin the diocese.I have personallyhanded the Metropolitana memo statingthat the insultto a bishop,according to the 55'nApostolic Canon is punishableby the defrocking.During the conversationI four times asked the Metropolitanto read my short memo, but with no result, althoughhe agreedwith me, that Znosko should ask my pardon.A week went by, but I have receivednothing. The nominationof your clergymanas a candidate,without investigationand your agreementand without knowing his biography,is also amazing.As far as I know, he has no theologicaleducation. [The clergymanmentioned is priest SymeonDonskov, now Bishop Michael, "Ch. N"]. In general,I fear rash decisionswithout previous study of a matter.The real Secretaryof the Synod,who shouldbe on hand and give information,does not have anyonein the officeand answersto inquiriessometimes can be givenonly by the cleaninghelp. In the mostdifficult days during the War we did not havesuch disorganization. To thismust be added the disintegrationof our churchorganization in Russia,where with normalprocedures, but with difficultiesand sadness onlyBishop Valentin rules his diocese. Our case in Russiadoes not improve, but is in stateof decline.The influxof faithful has stoppedand the Patriarchate'smembers mock us. BishopBarnabas, with histrust of "Pamyat",did muchdamage. The harmfulwoman you write about does a lot of damage althoughprobably she means well. But she is only a personalsecretary to the Metropolitanand has nothingto do withthe Synodoffice. Therefore, when the Presidentand the Secretaryare absentfrom the Synod,there remains only a vacuum.You shouldhave raisedthis question.After all, there was recentlya case when a decisionmade by the Presidenthad to be revokedin contradictionto his own [previous decisonlwhichwas unknownto the DeputySecretary. All these mattershave to be resolvedin the Synod,but beforehandwithin the innercircle, including you. lf I can be of helpin anyway, despite my age,certainly I am alwaysready to help,regardless of my weakness. Askingfor yourholy prayers, I remainwith lovein Christ + BishopGregory

A Letterto MetropolitanVitaly, dated April21tMay 4tn,1994

Christis Risen,Your Eminencel I havereceived your letter of April12l25tn and I wantto explainsomething to youthat might be difficultfor you to accept dueto yourprejudice against me. The Ukase# 362 by PatriarchTikhon was a propheticact. We see how quicklyafter its applicationthe flockof ArchbishopLazarus and BishopValentin began to grow.Parishes not only do notleave them, but moreare coming and thereare more petitions from the clergy of theMoscow Patriarchate to be accepted. Earlierwe usedthe Ukaseof 7120as a justificationof ourseparation from Moscow, but our Council did notapply the freedom[it provided] to claimsto ruleover Moscow, which are beyond our capacity. Noone in Russiaaccepts your suspension. I seethe Synod in everythingdid not pay any attention to thecontext of theprophetical ukase of the Patriarch. Thetone of the lastresolution is leaningtoward negotiations, which, of course,are inevitable.lt is mostimportant that theywould be conductedin a friendlyatmosphere. [From the letterof BishopValentin to BishopGregory is clearthat ArchbishopMark did everything possible to createmisunderstandings among the bishops in Russia,therefore the friendly negotiationsare mentioned, "Ch. N."l Vladykallt is stillnot too late,at leastat theCouncil to turnthe helm toward cooperation with the RussianBishops. My friendlysuggestion to youis notto causea warwith Archbishop Lazarus and Bishop Valentin, but treat them in a friendly manner.The Communist agents are hoping we will fight with them, instead of cooperating.Do not yield to them. But,the releaseof BishopBarnabas from any responsibilityfor his immeasurablenumber of canonicalinfractions, togetherwith total ecclesiastical ignorance make continuation of hisepiscopal ministry impossible and this is something the conscienceof ourflock can not be reconciledto. Hisunusual privileges are a badexample for our newbishops and crergymen. Neitherthe Synod nor the Presidenthas such extended powers and this decision will be consideredas thearbitrariness of theold 6migr6s. The Council will be forced to returnto thismatter. Vladyka!Do not destroy the Church Abroad and your own authority! f, aisrropGregory PASTORALMEETING IN ISHIMA

Accordingto the Internetagency Vertograd.Razsylka # 196, in the middleof Decemberof last year Bishop Evtikhygathered a pastoralconference in the cathedralof lshimacity. Only 15 clergymenattended it and thus "morethan halfof the dioceseparishes were not represented." As perthis report, Bishop Evtikhy strongly criticized the clergy who refused to acceptArchbishop Laurus as theirnew Metropolitanand instead united around Metropolitan Vitaly. 6 Asa resultof theschism that was created in the ROCOR after the Council of Bishopsin 2001, the dioceses of Bishop Evtikhyshrank almost in half.So the Far Eastdeanery (except parishes in the Hebrewautonomous region -- one existsin the formerMother Russia!), the parishesin Omsk,Nizhniya and VerkhniyaTura, Shchadrinsk as wellas in Moscowand St. Petersburghave left. BishopEvtikhy seemed not to be upsetby such a substantialloss of his flock and declaredthat now "thereremained thoseof the same mind"and he "no longerhas to provehe is right". At this conferenceBishop Evtikhy also explainedthat EucharisticCommunion with the ultra-ecumenicalSerbian Church shouldnot be severedbecause "this is exactlywhat for a whole decadethe leadershipof the MP was pressuringthe SerbianPatriarch to do". Eitherthe informationreaches distant Siberia only after two years,or BishopEvtikhy deliberately hid from his clergy that during the summer of 2000 the SerbianPatriarch complied with Alexis Ridige/s requestand in connectionwith appointmentof a Serbianpriest to serve in the ROCORchurch in Bariwrote a very humiliatingletter in which he called ChurchAbroad schismatic! To defendhis positionthe bishopoverestimated in his statementby sayingthat "severalhierarchs" wanted to exit the WCC. Accordingto the statementmade to one of the editorsof the SerbianPatriarchal newspaper "Pravoslavlje," it was BishopAmfilohije, who raisedthe questionof ecumenism,but he got no supportfrom the otherbishops.

ECUMENICALPRAYERS IN ASSISI

Accordingto "The New York Times"of January2002, on the initiativeof the Pope an ecumenicalprayer for peacein the worldwas againheld in Assisi(ltaly). lt was attendedin thisor thatmanner, by all the "Orthodox"churches, including EcumenicalPatriarch Bartholomew, who sat not far from the Pope.The delegationsrepresented the followingchurches: Antioch,Moscow Patriarchate, Albania, Alexandria, Jerusalem, Serbia, Rumania, Bulgaria, Cyprus and PolishChurches. This prayerwas organizedat a place near the 13'ncentury basilica. Some 300 representativesof variousreligions, includingAfrican pagans, Buddhists, Hindus, followers of Zoroasterand othersattended it. The newspaperhappily notes that this time the Pope managedto gathera substantialgroup of representativesof religionsfrom the MiddleEast. More than 30 Muslin representativesand no less than a dozen of Jews, representingrenown lsraeli organizationsalso participatedin thisgathering. 'Vertograd" Accordingto the news agency, only the Dalai Lama and the Archbishopof Canterburyrefused the invitation! Thevery first such gathering was organizedin 1986,then in 1993and in 1999. The Popeopened this fourthgathering with a speechabout peace, after which the participantsseparated into different groups in order to pray accordingtheir own customs.In order not to "scandalize"non-Christians the crucifixeswere removedfrom all the placesof worshipl The MoscowPatriarchate, which insists that it is no longerinvolved in the EcumenicalMovement, but remainsin this organizationonly for the sake of "witnessing"Orthodoxy in the world,was representedat this gatheringon a high level. She didn'tfollow the exampleof the Buddhistsand Anglicanssince her delegationwas headedby Pitirim,Metropolitan of Volololamsk,Innocent, Bishop Korsun and Hilarion, Bishop of Kerch. "Vertograd"quotes one of the membersfor inter-Christianrelations of the ForeignDepartment Relations of the MP that "sucha high levelof representationtestifies to acknowledgingpeace as the maincondition for well being".He also added that:"The MoscowPatriarchate intends to participatein anv one of the measuresoffered by the organizersincluding the worship services headed by the Pope". When asked how common prayers with representativesof non-Christian confessionsrelate to the canons,the representativeof the MP ForeignRelations Department declared that "the gradeof otherconfessions in thisaction so far remainsunknown". A newspaper"The NationalCatholic Reporter" responded to the eventsin Assisiwith a longarticle. This newspaperof February1't explainsthat despitethe customarypositive reaction to such prayersin the media,actually, everything is not as wonderfulas the Pope would like it to be. We learnthat in the past,Catholics were permittedin Assisito use their churchesfor variousrituals. When the Buddhistsburned their aromaticincense on the one of the Catholicaltars many Catholicswere scandalized. Also in this last case Vatican had to confronta7$-year-old Belgian Jesuit Dupius,who in 1962-1965opposed the decisionsof the Vaticanll Council.He was for some 36 monthsunder special Vatican investigation. Dupius is considered to be a moderatethinker, but he posesa questionabout religious pluralism: is religiouspluralism simply a factof life...or is it whatGod wants? JohnAllen, a reporterof a newspaperin Romefeels that the PopePaul "obviously respects, even loves,other religious traditions"and to demonstrateit he writesthat this Popewas the firstto visitthe mosquein Damascuslast May.The Pope enteredthe mosque,took off his shoes and walkedarm-in-arm with the grand mufti,Sheikh Ahmad Kuftaro.When the Popewent to Kazakhstan,many Muslims attended his mass. AnotherJesuit, Fr. Thomas Michel,a renownspecialist in Muslimmatters said that he thinksthe prayersin Assisiare good, but there shouldbe also a practicalapproach too: "ls it betteroption to wait untilall the theologicalproblems are solvedbefore we come together?The otheroption is thatwe cometogether and do whatwe can now". 7 This Jesuitwas one of the organizersof the Assisiprayers and he said that "in1986 it wasvery difficult to get almostanybody. We had three or four Muslimsand a handfulof Jews.Many Christiangroups refused to take part,even conservativeCatholics. Non-Christians were asking:Do the Catholicsand the Pope have an ulteriormotive, a hidden agenda?"But now he noted that there are many more participantsand also the Pope managed to secure such controversial"worshipers" as Jews and Muslims. ln the connectionwith the prayersin Assisi an lnternetboard [email protected] # 122 publishedan interviewwith M P Bishopllarion Kerchinsky about this ecumenist gathering. Q. All religions oppose terrorism. Patriarch Alexei sent you, with two others fo Assisr. So I presume that indicates the RussranOrthodox Church agrees with thisinitiative? It is veryimportant that all religionsshould be unitedto fightagainst terrorism, because you will always find people whowill misuse religions and use it notfor peacepurposes but for wars or creatingconflicts. So we mustproclaim veryclearly - all of us, Christiansand Muslimsand Jewsand representativesof otherreligions - that wars, conflicts,violence, have nothing to dowith religion. The heart of everyreligion is a questfor peace. o. Lef us speakabout relations between Moscow and Rome. Are theyfrozen or are theywarming? Relationsare not frozen, but they are difficult. And they are difficult precisely because there are people in Ukraine, who,in the nameof religion,exercise violence. Until this is stopped- untilour relationsthere are normalized- therewill be no peacebetween Catholics and Orthodox. This is whatour relationshipis tense. But we arelooking fora betterfuture and we continueour conversations with Roman Catholic Church. o. CardinalKasper will be in Moscownext month. Have you beentalking with him aboutthis trip? A. Yes,he willcome to Moscow.We are lookingfor a breakthroughin our relationship,because we understandwe cannotcontinue along with the same lines. We needconstructive proposals from the Vatican, not just nice words. o. We have heard reportsthat (MoscowCatholic) Archbishop Kondrusiewic might organize a meetingin Moscowon the topicof proselytism.Would you attendsuch a meeting? A. I don'tknow what kind of meetingyou mean. We areready to negotiate. o. Do you thinkunity between Catholics and Orihodoxcould help to bringpeace in the world? A. Definitely.We are the two traditionalChristian religions. We must understandthat thereare manyChristian confessionswho havelost the senseof traditionand who do notpreserve the initialfaith of the ChristianChurch, whoare influencedby liberalways of thinking.lt is onlythe Orthodoxand the Catholicswho are able to preserve the traditionalprinciples at theological,moral and other levels, including the levelof spirituallife. This is whywe needto be unitedas muchas possible,and the fact that we aredivided does a realharm to theChristian witness in theworld. O. So,what would be, at thispoint, the next steptoward unity betweenboth? A. We mustsolve all the problemsrelated to Uniatismand proselytism. O. Do you think a meetingbetween Patriarch Alexei and the Pope wouldhelp to fosterunity? A. Yes, I definitelythink that such a meetingwould have a very historicalsignificance because that would be the first meetingever betweenthe head of the Churchof Rome and the Churchof Russia.But this meetinghas to be prepared. lt is not only to shake hands,to make beautifulpictures that the two heads should meet each other. They have to preparecarefully their positions,in order that such a meetingwould providea breakthroughin our relationship o.Do we needa specialbi-lateral commission to preparefor sucha meeting? A We do notneed to createany new commission because there are appropriate boards in eachChurch to negotiate. Butwe needto cometo a betterunderstanding of the situation.And from the Catholicside, we especiallyexpect thatthey should bring constructive proposals not just beautiful and nice words about peace. Q. Whatkind of constructiveproposals? A. I cannotgo intodetails of the situation,but everybody knows that it is notpeaceful - thata conflictstill exists, that thereare places where the Orthodox have no placeto worship.And I do notthink, until this is solved,any significant progresscould not be achievedin ourrelationship. ln thisinterview with a representativeof the MP,we seea totalindifference toward preaching of True,undamaged Orthodoxy,the total loss of understandingthat Roman Catholicism as a terribleheresy, yet on theother hand, he is not at all concernedabout the lossof millionsof soulswho were once Orthodox and their fate in eternity,but only with the churchbuildings in Ukraineand Catholic propaganda in Russia.

A COURSEON ISLAM IN A CALIFORNIAMIDDLE SCHOOL

A newspaper"National Catholic Reporter" of January1't hasreported that on oneof the middleschools in California lslamis being taught. Thiscreated a controversy.There are student'sparents who lamentthat little time is devotedto the studyof various religions.However, on theother hand, quite a fewinsist that the state should be separate from the church and no religious instructionsbe offered. Thecontroversial course was introducedin a seconddistrict near Oakland at the ExcelsiorSchool. Some 125 seventh gradestudents were told to imaginethat they are fightingfor lslam.They read verses from the Koran,studied lslamic B proverbsand were dressed up in the Muslimrobes. lt was explainedto thestudents that "From the beginning,you and yourclassmates will become Muslims... Dressing as a Muslimand trying to be involvedwill increase your learning and enjoyment". The superintendentof the school,Peggy Green, told the newspaperthat her schools are not promotingthis faith, but solelyteaching about lslam. She also said, that the students could get extra credit if theydressed up as Muslims. KenConnor, president of theWashington based Family Research Council said the classes are quite unfair. "This reflectsa terribledouble standard. Anything that smacksof Christianityis systematicallyexcluded in the classroom,but everything like Wicca to lslamis welcomed". A newspaper"Christian News" of January28th published a 4 pagelong article with details about this program. lt also mademany quotations from the Koranand otherMuslim literature to be studiedby the Christianstudents. They are obligedto learnnot only the biographyof Mohamed(certainly written in themost favorable tones), but also learn by heart a numberof prayers"in the nameof Allah,the Compassionate and Merciful" chant "Praise to Allah,Lord of Creation"and a numberof paragraphsfrom the Koran.In the programthere are included20 lslamicproverbs, the FivePillars of Faith andinformation about 10 Muslim prophetsl Theteacher in oneof the Californiaschools found out about this program from her son who is a studentin the school whereshe is teaching.The womanwho was quite rightly disgusted said: "Can you imaginethe barrageof lawsuitsand problemswe wouldhave from the ACLU if Christianitywere taught in the publicschools and if we triedto teachabout the contributionsof Matthew, Mark, Luke, John and the Apostle Paul? But when it comesto furtheringthe lslamic religion in the publicschools, there is not one wordfrom the ACLU,People For The AmericanWay or anybodyelse. This is hypocrisy". Studentswere asked what they think of theprogram. They said "it is fun",this is "a beautifulculture" and "jihad is like thecomputer video games". PeggyGreen did not answer any telephone calls! The AmericanCenter for Law and Justicehas senta letterto the ByronUnion School District insisting that school officialsallow students to optout of thecourse on lslam.

FROMAN INTERVEWWITH THE LAST'SECRETARY OF RELIGION" IN THE SOVIET UNION

Thenewspaper "New News" published in Russiaon December29th, 2001 had an interviewwith the former chief of the Councilfor ReligiousAffairs, Constantine Kharchev. The newspaper'sreporter Eugene Komarov recorded the interview. v Kharchev,a convincedCommunist even now, headed this criminal organization in the USSRfrom 1984 to 1989.The newspaperprinted an amusingphotograph: Kharchev in a veryunsightly position sits squatted on someelevated ground andbefore him stand: Archpriest Victor Potapov and his wife. The interview,titled "The Church repeats mistakes of KPSS"(Communist Party of theSoviet Union), clears up quitea fewpreviously unknown matters. Sometime ago,there was generalsurprise when it becameknown that Kharchevwas dismissedand replacedby Khristorodnov.Now we learnthe reasonfor it. Kharchevwas commissionedto organizea "perestroika"in the religious field.He startedto openchurches and this created immediate problems for himwith the localauthorities and the KGB, who insistedthat he shouldnot "hurry"in thismatter. At the sametime, the governmentand the MP itselfplanned, accordingto wordsof MetropolitanJuvenally, to celebratethe millenniumof Christianityin Russiaas a "littlefamily affair", but it turnedout to be a pan-Orthodoxcelebration with invitations to the EasternPatriarchs. The Communistscouldn't forgiveKharchev for this and he was quickly dismissed from his position. Komarovin hisarticle writes that "ln theend, Kharchev became famous in a unusualway: fhe members of theSynod of Blshopsof the ROCimmediately sensed the negativemood of the CentralCommittee of the CommunistParty and slanderedKharchev and went... to thePolitburo! (This is uniquein thehistory of theChurch)". Kharchevwas removed,but all the hierarchswho a decadeago wentto the atheiststo complainabout too many openedchurches are still today the leading personalities within the Synod of theMoscow Patriarchate! Kharchevwas askedwhy he, a memberof CommunistParty of longstanding, all of a suddendecided to reopen churchesand celebrate the millenniumof Russia'sChristianity. He replied:We weresimply returning to Lenin'snorms of life.You remember yourself that "perestroika" started with this slogan. Also, our constitution says that the faithful do have rights.So we startedto do whatwas written". Alsointeresting are other Kharchev opinions about the contemporary MP. After pointing out that it neverobjected to the "pilferingof the state,"he explainedthat "it sanctifiedall of thisand for it receivedher portion.For everybody it is much easierto fish in murkywaters. In the sick societythere can neverbe a healthyChurch: those who live in the same apartmenthave the same illnesses". Fromthe interviewwe alsofind out that when Patriarch Pimen was dying, "there was the very same struggle as thereis '/ for the presidency,with all sortsof dirtytechniques... Patriarch Pimen for a yeartried to persuademe to agreeto dismissalof theadministrator of the MP affairs of thattime from his post". That was the now Patriarch Alexis Ridiger. To thequestion what were the motivesfor such a request,Kharchev laconically answered: "let us notreveal the secrets of confession".One must realize he verywell understands what would threaten him from "forme/' KGB agents if he were to revealthis secret in contemporary"democratic" Russia! 9 To say that the Councilfor ReligiousAffairs didn't"interfere with dogmasof the faith" certainlydoes not correspondto the truth.lt was dueto insistenceof thisCouncil that the RussianChurch was forced to join in 1961the WCC.At the sametime, it is commonknowledge that every bishop was appointedin coordinationwith wishes of this Council. The closingof the Councilfor ReligiousAffairs Kharchev very logically explains as a desireof the MP and various political"clans" to avoidany kind of financialcontrol over the millionsof dollarswhich are manipulatedby the MP and those"clans". As Kharchevexplains, "this was a controllingorgan which didn't permit stealing". Theconclusions by Kharchev,who states that he is a believingOrthodox person, but also a personwho has one love in a lifetime,in this casethe CommunistParty - leadsto verysad thoughtsabout the irreversiblespiritual death of the MoscowPatriarchate.

THERUSSIAN GOVERNMENT AND THE MOSCOW PATRIARCHATE

The RomanCatholic confession which all over the world in the personsof her nuncioshas one of the most professionallydeveloped spy networks, long ago attracted the attention of theSoviet Government and then of theRussian Federation.Even Gorbachev and Yeltsin invited the Pope to cometo Russia.At present,the same invitation, and it seems withmore persistence, comes from President Putin, who is runningout of compliments about the head of the Catholics. Afterhis recentvisit to Poland,Putin gave an extendedinterview to the reporterof newspaper"Gazeta Wyborcza," whichin partwas published in January2002 in the"Ecumenical News lnternational." Putin said that he has"immense respect"for the personalityof the Popeand expressed a hopethat his arrival to Russiawould happen during his term as President.As Putinsaid, "there are no problemsin the tiesbetween Russia and Vatican, and I am readyat anytime to invitethe Pope".But at thesame time, according to thePresident, "the Pope himself feels that if he is to go to Moscow,it hasto bea fullvalue visit with full value relationship with the Russian Orthodox Church.... but unfortunately it is notup to me.I canonly help and encourage full relations between the churches - and I cangive assurances that I am hasteningin thisdirection... But this is oneinstance in which less should be said and more should be done, showinq tact and patience' (Emphasisby"Ch.N"). Askedif he believeshe might"welcome the Polish Pope" during his presidency, Putin answered positively and declared that"it even brings forth some feelings of pride". Therewas wide reaction inn the media in Russia, especially on the Internet, to hiscoming to Russia. Vaticannever made it a secretthat its dream is to receivean invitationto Russiaand from the Moscow Patriarchate. But,as usual,it is playingthe habitual double-faced game. On one side, according to "NTVRU/Religionand Society," it has"approved the President's position regarding relations of theROC and the Vatican" and considers it to be "correctand dignified"- and on theother, is willingto agreeon arrivalof thisCatholic only after resolving previous conditions. Alexis Ridigersaid just recently that the arrival of thePope "at present is impossible,because there is religiousexpansion going on in Russianterritory". He alsonoted that if underpresent circumstances the Popenevertheless would come to Russia "mymeeting with him will not take place". The deputypresident of the Departmentfor ForeignRelations of the MP,Archpriest Vsevolod Chaplin said that "the Presidentof Russiaunderstands that one can not separate a visitof the Popeas headof statefrom a visitas headof the RomanCatholic Church, because the stateof theVatican and the RomanCatholic Church are inseparable. And the visit of the Popeas the headof the churchhas to be accompaniedby contactswith ecclesiastical channels. Then Archpriest Chaplinsaid that "contact of the ROCwith the RomanPope on highlevel is possibleonly in theevent that the problems whichstand between the two churches would be regulated.We didnot create these problems". Thereare seriousspeculations that this flirting of Putinwith the Catholicsand the displeasurewith it of AlexisRidiger ledto a certainconflict between the two mainleaders in Russia.According to the newspaper"Commersant" of January g'n,for thefirst time in severalyears Putin did not attend the patriarchalChristmas service, nor did the mayorof Moscow, Luzhkov.The first went for Christmasto Vladimir,and the other spent Christmas on Cyprus.Putin also missed two official eventsthat he usedto regularlyattend. It is obviousthat Tadeusz Kondrasiewicz, thesenior of the4 Catholicbishops over 600 thousand Catholics in Russia, alsodreams of meetingthe Pope in Moscowl

..CHEAPHONOR'' - WHATIS IT? (An openletter from the Chanceryof the SuzdalDiocesan Administration of the ROACto the editorialoffice of the newspaper"Prizyv" in answerto an articlepublished in thatpaper on November3oth, 20Ot;

A prettyface at a bad play?Or one'sown honorseriously valued a bit more?Such thoughts come to mindwhen readinga recentarticle in thenewspaper "Prizyv" of November30'n, # 222.Let's follow it. "Cheaphonor" is an articleby an anonymouscorrespondent of the abovenewspaper and is addressedto a certain MarinaKomov who askedthe editorsif it is truethat MetropolitanValentin has won the courtcase in defenseof his reputationand dignity against the newspaper. 10 MarinaKomov, who if we are to believethe "Prizyv" paper residesin Suzdal,is to be commendedfor her interestin thismatter. The residentsof Suzdal,the parentsof VanyaSaveliev, Roma Kolesnikov, Kolya Filippov and 96 localresidents, who wrote,signed and deliveredto the newspaper"Prizyv's" editorial office their appeal were not this lucky. '-r The Editorin ChiefBuyanov, who during office hours was busywith his privateaffairs, did not receivethe delegation, butother staff members of the newspaperdid. "What compromising material against Valentin have you brought? Hand it overright away". This was what the dumbstruck people heard. They did notexpect such cynicism. "No, we camewith a letterin defenseof MetropolitanValentin with the requestthat you publishit". "We are not goingto publishit," declared Raschupkina staff member of the newspaper.The delegation requested to be receivedby the Editorin Chiefin ordernot to wastetheir meager funds on uselesstrips to Vladimir."The Editor in Chiefis very busy" was the answer. Thedefendants got a flatrefusal in theeditorial office of thenewspaper "Prizyv". From an interviewbroadcast by the TV 6 ChannelM. Buyanovwe learnthat he met onlywith the "formercircle around the Metropolitan,which in this case opposesMr. Rousantsov".The correspondentRaschupkin revealed in the sameprogram, in whichhe juggledthe facts, thatsome children's parents came to the officewho laterdenied they ever had any "claimsagainst Rousantsov". We assureyou that no oneever wrote any denials either to the prosecutoror to anyother official agencies. This is whythe "officeof journalist investigations" never mentioned a single first or lastname. TheVladimir city prosecutor's office, which often complains about lack of fundsto fightcriminals, yet initiates a suitnot promptedby the complaintsof victims'parents, but by the appealof the offendedOsetrov who has absolutelyno relationshipwith any of the supposed"victims". Andrew A. Osetrov,who was defrocked and deposed from an honorable positionin theRussian Orthodox Church, who imagined himself a strugglerand defender [for the Faith], who runs around witha videocamera and arranges"compromising tapes" is as dangerousto societyas any regularcriminal. But such typesare actually necessary for Vladimir's prosecutor and the editors of "Prizyv."What for? Above all in orderto discredit MetropolitanValentin as Headof theRussian Orthodox Autonomous Church. At the Stalinistperiod and the followingyears any onewho leftthe officialSoviet Patriarchate would be accusedof treasonagainst the homeland, espionage, and slander of theSoviet government. The payment for this would have been thecruelest of punishments. Buttimes have changed. ln today'sconditions of freedomto accusesomeone of espionageand treachery against the homelandis not so easy.But to makeshort work of MetropolitanValentin, who leadsan irreconcilablefight against Communistideology, against the ideology of theMoscow Patriarchate, isvery desirable. Meanwhile,the Metropolitan is an honorarycitizen of oldSuzdal [nearly a millenniumold, "Ch. N."], the author of works v on the historyof theologyand a historyof Suzdal.Not with state funds, but withhis own moneyand the donationsof faithfulliving not onlyin the homeland,but alsofrom abroad, he restoredin Suzdalalone 11 half-ruinedchurches desecratedby the Communistideologues. He has builttwo newchurches, established in Suzdala nursingconvent dedicatedto St.John of Shanghaiwith a church.Established a convent dedicated to The Layingof theVirgin's Garment witha church.Built the Synodhouse and established in it a monasterydedicated to the NewMartyrs and Confessors in Russiawith two churches. Built a chapelon theplace where once stood two churches destroyed by the Communists: one to theMother of Godand another of St.Barbara. A orocessto discreditMetropolitan Valentin has started in Suzdal.Those who are interested in it are: 1. The head of regionaladministration and his circlewho feel uncomfortablewhen they hear of an indeoendentChurch 2. TheMoscow Patriarchate, which is weary of theschism and 3. The"special services" (a sortof FBI)with which the Metropolitanrefused to cooperateand who now gave to the newspaper"Prizyv" and to Osetrova case,Point 52, which they have themselves fabricated against himin 1988and which they themselves have closed. At thattime Archimandrite Valentin had close relations with such writers and so-called dissidents as HenrichBuell, Leo Kopelev,Boris Burger and others that made the authoritieskeep an eyeon ArchimandriteValentin. And it is onlydue to perestroikathat he was saved from the inevitable punishment of theCommunists. The newspaper'scouncil of "bureauof journalistinvestigators" rushed to slanderthe children'sparents who dared to raisetheir voices in defenseof MetropolitanValentin, insisting that they have"for a shoppingbag of humanitarian assistance"refused to defendtheir victimized children. There are good reasons to believethat the "Prizyv"staff gets for theirarticles not packagesof humanitarianassistance, but somedenominations with water marks, figures and zeroes, sincethey themselves admitted that they had to increasetheir newspaper's print run as a resultof their"truthful" articles aboutMetropolitan Valentin. MetrpolitanValentin is an extraordinarypersonality. And no matterhow they try to smearhis name with dirt, he remains andwill remain the most authoritative clergyman in thehomeland as well as inforeign countries.