DOCSLIB.ORG

Who Is Beyond Mercy? Love, Welcome, and the Joy of the Gospel of Jesus by David Myers Christ! + Most Rev

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Who Is Beyond Mercy? Love, Welcome, and the Joy of the Gospel of Jesus by David Myers Christ! + Most Rev “They deserve to live with dignity. They deserve to live with respect. They deserve an Southwest Kansas immigration reform.” -- Page 10 atholic CNewspaper of the Catholic Diocese of Dodge City www.dcdiocese.org/register Vol. L, No. 13 • Sunday, Oct. 18, 2015 “When sin makes us feel ashamed or unworthy of the love Pope Francis of God, just remember that God has known everything for atholic and Family all eternity. God knew exactly what sins you would commit C before He even created the world, and yet He created you was blessed to attend four events with Pope anyway, and loves you anyway.” -- LifeTeen website blogger Joshua Madden iFrancis in Philadel- phia at the end of his journey to the United States. What an extraordi- nary presence he has! Our Holy Father just radiates Who is beyond mercy? love, welcome, and the joy of the Gospel of Jesus By DAVID MYERS Christ! + Most Rev. John B. Southwest Kansas Register In my Sources of Truth Brungardt “if i bore you to tears, remember that you column in this issue of can gain holiness through suffering, so what Bishop of the Catholic the SKC (Page 19), I give a beautiful opportunity you have.” Diocese of Dodge instructions for fi nding – Father Gale Hammerschmidt at the Sept. 9 City Pope Francis’ documents and 12 ITV workshops on “Mercy” online. I urge you to read them with an eye of faith. At times, we hear from the media only s Christians, we have “no excuse for not selected quotes, with comments coming from a Aoffering mercy and forgiveness to others.” political or other perspective. I suggest to pon- “All of you who have sinned, you have der his teachings through a lens of the Gospel. received mercy. Because of that reception, it What is Jesus saying to us in this teaching of takes away every excuse you could ever formu- His Vicar? late to ever deny someone else mercy.” I was very touched by the end of his talk at Father Gale Hammershmidt, a priest of the the Prayer Vigil for the Festival of Families at Diocese of Salina, spoke from Manhattan at the end of the World Meeting of Families: a catechist formation workshop to classes at “I don’t want to keep on talking because it interactive sites (ITV) across southwest Kansas, will go on too long, but I did want to stress as well as in Salina and Hays. two little points about the family. I would ask His presentation came on the eve of Pope you to think about them. We have to care in a Francis’s Year of Mercy, Dec. 8, 2015-Nov. special way for children and for grandparents. 20, 2016. The priest admitted that he was ap- Children and young people are the future; they prehensive prior to his presentation because he are our strength; they are what keep us moving honestly considered that the audience may not forward.They are the ones in whom we put our “be as big of a sinner as I am. hope. Grandparents are a family’s memory. “Even the really beautiful souls still know They are the ones who gave us the faith, they sin,” he said. “If you lived your life without passed the faith on to us. sin, you wouldn’t know mercy the way I’ve “Taking care of grandparents and taking care The Good Samaritan Continued on Page 6 of children is the sign of love – I’m not sure if it is the greatest, but for the family I would say that it is the most promising – because it prom- ises the future. A people incapable of caring for children and caring for the elderly is a people Welcoming spirit without a future, because it lacks the strength and the memory needed to move forward. ou can’t feel much more welcome than “The family is beautiful, but it takes hard Ywhen people you may or may not know ap- work; it brings problems. In the family, some- proach you to take a “selfi e” with them. times there is fi ghting. The husband argues During Bishop John Brungardt’s Oct. 2 parish with the wife; they get upset with each other, visit to St. Theresa Church in Dighton, he took or children get upset with their parents. May I some time to attend a local high school football offer a bit of advice: never end the day without game, where these two girls took a selfi e of making peace in the family. In the family the themselves with the bishop. He also visited St. day cannot end in fi ghting. May God bless you. Joseph Parish in Scott City. May God give you strength. May God inspire The annual visits allow the bishop to enjoy you to keep moving forward. Let us care for the valuable time with both parish staff, and pa- family. Let us defend the family, because there rishioners, and it occasionally allows for some our future is at stake. Thank you. God bless extracurricular activities, such as attending a you, and please pray for me.” local football game. Let us pray and work for strong marriages (Photos from other parish visits will be placed and united families. The Holy Family, Jesus, in the next issue.) Mary and Joseph will help: they, and Pope Francis, loves us more than we can ask or imagine! “selfi e with Bishop John” Page 2 October 18, 2015 The Southwest Kansas Catholic Listen to Him t just breaks your heart, that’s what it does. steps that seem to lack all I The shootings last week happened in a room where the motive. students were studying language. Words, they were about, and So, go ahead, change sentences, and paragraphs. our laws. Go ahead, Communication, that’s what they were after. Communion, that’s change our treatments. what they were seeking, minds and hearts at one. Community, Go ahead, form new that’s what they were desiring. One inner world shared with an- committees, throw new other inner world, that’s what they were practicing. And, then, the thoughts and new words at belief in the power of thoughts and words to heal, all of it savaged it. It won’t work. For we suddenly by senselessness. live in a place called Babel, One young man, bitter disharmony and anger welling up in and we are hell-bent on Bishop Emeritus his heart, a corrosive venom running all through his veins, one building our Tower. Ronald M. Gilmore young man opened a door, entered a room, and sent feelings, and For there is ever whispering in the fallen heart of man the secret thoughts, and words ducking, and hiding, and pleading. He was voice of self-love and self-worship, urging him to rise up against blind to all real values, to life, to innocence, to community, to his Maker and tell him to his face Non Serviam … I will not obey. truth, to justice, to love, and to hope. That blindness led him to evil We always manage to avoid the real problem. The Diocese of Dodge City requires all employees and vol- unteers who work with children to participate in a Protecting Catholic God’s Children awareness session. Through the Diocesan Dominican Sisters to host Awareness Sessions and other educational efforts of the Social Service diocese, all people of the diocese can learn how to discuss different aspects of abuse -- including sexual abuse -- with mission bazaar Nov. 14 HILDREN children and how to teach them to protect themselves. he Dominican Sisters of Peace in Great Bend will host invites public C their Annual Mission Bazaar on Saturday, Nov. 14 from S There are no English sessions currently scheduled. See Page T ’ 9 for a listing of the Spanish session, scheduled for Oct. 18. 7 a.m. to 2. p.m. at the Dominican motherhouse at 3600 to 50th Broadway in Great Bend. OD Visit dcdiocese.org/safe-environment for updates. Included will be a “morning coffee break”, soup and pie G Reporting Abuse for lunch, hundreds of handcrafted and homemade items, a Anniversary If you or someone you know may have been a victim of drawing for 20 prizes, unique gift theme baskets, and a si- sexual abuse by clergy, an employee or volunteer of the Dio- lent auction. There is even a special drawing for a ring with Banquet cese of Dodge City, you are asked to contact Dave Snapp, small diamonds and emeralds. -- For more Fitness Review Administrator: (620) 225-5051 or dsnapp3@ Sisters invite everyone to “come spend the day and enjoy starrtech.net the aroma and magic of this festive autumn, pre-holiday information, see the ROTECTING You always have the right to directly contact the Depart- event.” For more information, call 620-792-1232. ad below, and the P ment for Children and Families/Kansas Protection Report article on Page 19. Center. The hotline number is 1-800-922-5330. The Southwest Kansas Catholic October 18, 2015 Page 3 Russian bishop says Thank You to Kansas Catholics The Most Rev. John B. Brun- gardt was among several guests who visited with the Most Rev. Joseph Werth (in white shirt at right), Bishop of the Diocese of the Transfi guration at novo- sibirsk, Russia, at Dick and Kay Werth’s home in Hays. at left are (LtoR) Father Kl- emens Werth (Bishop Werth’s brother), Capuchin Father Jeff Ernst, Capuchin Father Earl Meyer, Cliff Werth, Capuchin Father John Schmeidler (in back), Frank Braun (front gray with white stripes shirt), Helen Werth, Dick Werth, Jackie Braun (front row), Kay Werth, Father Alvin Werth (standing to Bishop Brungardt’s right), Capuchin Father Gilmary Tall- man, Bishop John Brungardt, Bishop Joseph Werth, Capu- chin Father Blaine Burkey, and Cora Schulte.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • The Society for the Propagation of the Faith National Director’S Message
    VOL 68, NO. 3 MAY/JUNE 2010 Matteo Ricci Model for Dialogue The Church in Russia The Augustinians in Japan Zimbabwe Mother of Peace Orphanage Focus on Burkina Faso The Society for the Propagation of the Faith National Director’s Message Happy spring! As we celebrate Troy worked tirelessly connecting children in Edmonton to mis- the season of new life, we also sion children throughout the world. He told and lived the mis- introduce to you a “new look” sion story. We were blessed to have him as part of our mission for our magazine, Missions To- family. Please keep him and his community, the Spiritans, in day. In response to a number of your prayers. our readers’ concerns about the size of the print, coloured back- Earlier I referenced the challenges found in mission work profiled grounds and spacing that made in this edition of the magazine. We have also experienced the the magazine difficult for them challenges of this work albeit in a different way here at home. In to read, we are introducing a fo- the past year we have, in one way or another, experienced eco- lio size magazine with new de- nomic challenges. Thank you to each of you for your faithful sign and layout features we hope address these concerns. Please support and prayers during these times. They sustain us and pro- feel free to share your thoughts about these changes with us. vide us with renewed hope. The last few issues of Missions Today have featured the minority May you enjoy a safe and relaxing summer.
    [Show full text]
  • Ewa M. Thompson Three Perceptions of the Fall of Communism
    Ewa M. Thompson Three Perceptions of the Fall of Communism: American, Russian, and East European, and Their Possible Role in Future Conflicts* Henry Kissinger recently wrote that two distinctly different processes are now taking place in Russia and eastern Europe. The first is the abolition of communism and reintroduction of private property, and here both Russia and her neighbors are of one mind. The other is the unravelling of the 300-year-old Russian empire, and here Russia and her neighbors represent conflicting interests. While all of Russia's neighbors welcome the debacle of the empire, not all Russians who are anti-communists are also anti-imperialists (Houston Chronicle 26 March 1992; International Herald Tribune 6 July 1992). In a similar vein, Sovietologist Stephen Erlanger remarked: "The collapse of Communism is a great relief to many people; the collapse of the union, which was really the Russian empire, is less welcome." 1 * Research for this article was supported in part by a grant from the Interna­ tional Research and Exchanges Board (IREX), with funds provided by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the U.S. Department of State. None of these organizations is responsible for the views expressed. 190 DALHOUSIE REVIEW Erlanger and Kissinger touch upon an issue that is of crucial impor­ tance for the development of peaceful relations between Russia and her neighbors, and thus for the future of Europe. For all practical purposes, the identification of Russia with the Soviet Union existed not only in the minds of American Sovietologists but also in the minds of Russians.
    [Show full text]
  • Al Ristabilimento Della Compagnia Di Gesù (1804-1814)
    15 (2013) 3-15 rivista di ricerca teologica La Compagnia di Gesù nell’Impero Russo, 1772-18201 di MAREK INGLOT S.J. Pontificia Università Gregoriana La soppressione della Compagnia di Gesù, decretata da Clemente XIV tramite il breve Dominus ac Redemptor (21 luglio 1773), ebbe luogo in tutto il mondo, fuorché nell’Impero Russo governato allora dall’Imperatrice Caterina II la Grande (nei domini di Federico II di Prussia la soppressione fu effettuata nel 1776 e nel 1780). Nello Stato russo, infatti, il decreto pontificio non fu mai canonicamente promulgato. In questo modo i religiosi che si trovavano lì continuarono la loro vita nella maniera propria della Compagnia di Gesù, secondo le Costituzioni e le regole dell’ordine. Vissero da gesuiti in condizioni straordinarie, nel periodo che va dal 1773 al 1814 – anno in cui la Compagnia fu canonicamente restaurata in tutto il mondo per opera di Pio VII (bolla Sollicitudo omnium ecclesiarum, 7 agosto 1814). Questa parte dell’ordine è conosciuta comune- mente come “La Compagnia della Russia Bianca”. Le vicende della Compagnia di Gesù nell’Impero russo negli anni 1772-1820 si svol- sero sotto tre Imperatori. I gesuiti accolti da Caterina II (1762-1796), allora al culmine della sua fortuna, s’inserivano bene nei piani della sua politica scolastica. Coi grandi favo- ri ottenuti presso lo zar Paolo I (1796-1801), che li considerava politicamente utili, non solo dal punto di vista religioso, ma importanti come sostegno della reazione e della dife- sa degli antichi valori, rafforzarono la loro posizione nell’Impero. Da Alessandro I (1801- 1825) furono – dopo un primo periodo di benevolenza – espulsi dagli Stati degli zar.
    [Show full text]
  • Vom Schulmeister Zum Nobelpreisträger: Geistige Und Intellektuelle Bestrebungen Unter Der Deutschen Minderheit*
    LMDR - Heimatbuch 2014 Dr. Viktor Krieger Vom Schulmeister zum Nobelpreisträger: Geistige und intellektuelle Bestrebungen unter der deutschen Minderheit* ahrzehntelang waren die ersten Einwande- • die staatlicherseits organisierte Trennung und rer in Russland mit Überlebens- und An- faktische Isolierung („Kolonistenstand“) von Jpassungsproblemen konfrontiert. In erster der russischen Bevölkerung; Linie waren davon die Deutschen an der Wolga • die behördlich vorbestimmte fast ausschließ- betroff en, die in einer der entlegensten Gegen- liche Beschäft igung im Agrarsektor. den an der Peripherie des Reiches angesiedelt wurden und beinahe ausnahmslos dazu ge- Doch auch unter diesen widrigen gesell- zwungen waren, primitive Landwirtschaft zu schaft lichen und Naturbedingungen blieben betreiben. geistige Anstrengungen nicht völlig aus. Manch Dieser im wahrsten Sinne des Wortes harte ein Siedler verfügte über eine gepfl egte, noch aus Überlebenskampf nahm angesichts der widri- Deutschland stammende Büchersammlung,1 gen klimatischen Bedingungen, der Abgeschie- ein anderer besaß ein historisches Bewusstsein denheit inmitten der Steppe und der dauerhaf- und schrieb seine Erinnerungen nieder.2 Pasto- ten feindlichen Umgebung mit der ständigen ren, die entweder aus dem Ausland (deutsche Gefahr von Überfällen und Raubzügen alle vor- Länder und Schweiz) oder den baltischen Pro- handenen Kräft e in Anspruch. vinzen (Deutschbalten) stammten und in die Auch wenn es unter den Einwanderern etli- Kolonien entsandt wurden, versuchten nach che Gebildete gab – darunter sogar einige Ade- Möglichkeit, das Bildungsniveau zu heben, was lige und Studenten –, so mussten sie sich unter unter den herrschenden Umständen nicht so diesen Umständen dem allgemeinen sozialen einfach war. Der Ruf nach einem Lehrersemi- und intellektuellen Nivellierungsprozess beu- nar wurde immer lauter. Vor allem dem ersten gen.
    [Show full text]
  • Katolicyzm W Federacji Rosyjskiej a Sprawa Polska
    HANNA KOWALSKA-STUS Uniwersytet Jagielloński Kraków KATOLICYZM W FEDERACJI ROSYJSKIEJ A SPRAWA POLSKA „Вера – основной нерв человеческой жизни, самое драгоценное сокровище души. И если в этом пункте нет единения, то всякое другое единение – культурное, научное, политическое – будет уже подорвано и ненадежно. Славяне по природе особенно религиозны. Для них религия – не привесок к жизни, но самая жизнь. Славяне не забавляются религией, но живут религией. В религиозном отношении немцы пред славянами никуда не годны. Славяне и к католичеству относятся со свойственной им стихийной религиозностью. Из католиков современных, мне кажется, наиболее религиозны, стихийно религиозны, поляки. Отпадение от Церкви славянина естественно затрагивает в самом существе его отношения к славянству вообще”1. „При всем религиозном многообразии российского общества и религиозном эклектизме в сознании большинства наших современников, пожалуй, ни одна конфессия не вызывает столь бурных эмоций и часто столь же бурной неприязни, как католицизм. Нетерпимость к нему не может быть объяснена общей нетерпимостью к инаковерцам. Феномен современного российского католицизма можно объяснить, лишь осознав его место в контексте русской духовной и политической культуры”2. Krótki okres legalnego rozwoju katolicyzmu w Imperium Rosyjskim na początku wieku XX nacechowany był niechęcią rosyjskich kręgów nacjonalistycznych, ale także nerwową reakcją polskiego kleru. Polskie duchowieństwo katolickie przywykło do trak- towania Kościoła katolickiego w Rosji jako narodowego. Dlatego pojawienie się Rosjan w Kościele katolickim witano z podejrzliwością. Z tego powodu rosyjscy katolicy, a tak- że ci, którzy ich popierali (bł. Leonid Fiodorow, ks. Władimir Abrikosow, biskup Michel d’Herbigny, metropolita Andrzej Szeptycki), reprezentowali pogląd, że Polacy winni być odsunięci od współpracy z Rosjanami z powodu antagonizmu na tle narodowo- 1 Священномученик Иларион (Троицкий).
    [Show full text]
  • New Moscow Archbishop to Work with Orthodox
    New Moscow archbishop to work with Orthodox MOSCOW – Russia’s new Catholic archbishop has pledged to improve cooperation with the Russian Orthodox Church, while rejecting proselytism and helping resolve the country’s “pressing problems.” “It is notable that the Catholic and Orthodox churches have cooperated in efforts to address the issues of nurturing Christian values on European and global levels,” said Italian-born Archbishop Paolo Pezzi of Moscow. “This work is in full keeping with the will and intentions expressed by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI. First of all, I mean a friendly, valid and substantial dialogue with the Orthodox tradition, which is represented here mainly by the Russian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate and is deeply rooted in the Russian society,” said the archbishop. “We also need to give close attention to the pressing problems of the modern Russian society,” he added. In an Oct. 28 interview with Russia’s Interfax news agency, marking his installation as head of the Moscow-based Archdiocese of the Mother of God, Archbishop Pezzi said his work would mark “the continuation, not the beginning” of efforts to improve pastoral care for Catholics and make better use of priests and religious. The archbishop said he supported current demands by the Orthodox Patriarchate in Moscow to reintroduce military chaplains and ensure Orthodox culture was taught at schools. “Mission is a testimony of evangelical values. And proselytism starts at the point where the real mission ends. Therefore, if all of us, both Catholics and Orthodox, practice mission, we can develop good understanding and pursue unity – there will be no place left for conflicts,” said the 47-year-old archbishop.
    [Show full text]
  • Rites of the Catholic Church Free
    FREE RITES OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH PDF Various | 496 pages | 01 Jun 1990 | Liturgical Press | 9780814660379 | English | Collegeville, MN, United States Christian Initiation of Adults | USCCB There are, however, many more rites, generally counting membership at less than a few hundred thousand world-wide, that make up the panorama of Catholic Christians. Here's an outline, followed by a brief description of the most common Eastern liturgy. Musical Musings: Miscellaneous. Rites of the Catholic Church by Gary D. Western Catholic Church Roman Latin Rite By far the most prevalent rite in the Catholic Church; the liturgy derives Rites of the Catholic Church Roman practices and the use of Latin as the official language since the 3rd century. Two possible origins of this rite co-exist: 1. Rites of Religious Orders Generally the Roman Rite, with calendar Rites of the Catholic Church and minor discrepancies, particularly regarding the Divine Office. Benedictine ["Monastic Rite"] Carmelite Carthusian Cistercian Dominican Franciscan ["Romano-Seraphicum Usage"] Praemonstratensian Norbertine It should be noted that, although not a separate "rite," there are parishes in the United States that follow a distinct Catholic liturgy derived from Anglican traditions. Anglican Use communities are parishes that have come over to Catholicism from an Episcopal Anglican background. These have been increasing in number, particularly with the "progressive" changes occurring within the Episcopal Church. Back to Miscellaneous Index. Part 2: Eastern Rites. Send website comments or Rites of the Catholic Church to: webmaster canticanova. BRIEF INTRO TO THE RITES OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH The Eastern Churches, each of which has its own associated rite, liturgical language, customs, spirituality, region, patriarch, episcopacy, and particular name.
    [Show full text]
  • Unity of Christians!
    “GLORY BE TO GOD FOR ALL THINGS.” NEWSLETTER OF THE SOCIETY OF SAINT JOHN CHRYSOSTOM, YOUNGSTOWN-WARREN OHIO CHAPTER VOLUME 12, NUMBER 1, JANUARY-FEBRUARY, 2013 VITO R. CARCHEDI, EDITOR, 35 SCHENLEY AVE. STRUTHERS, OH 44471 TELEPHONE: 330-755-5635 E-MAIL: [email protected] WEBSITE: www.byzcath.org/stjohnchrysostom/ FROM THE EDITOR… William C. Skurla of Pittsburgh led the Dear Members and Friends, the next concelebration of the Funeral Liturgy. meeting of our chapter will be a Sister Mary John was a longtime member “Special” one on Saturday, of our chapter of the Society of St. John March 9th, 2 pm at the Chrysostom. She attended the meetings McDonough Museum of Art on on a regular basis. At our last chapter the campus of Youngstown State meeting in St. Michael’s Carpatho-Rusyn University. The museum address is Orthodox Church in Youngstown, the 525 Wick Avenue, Youngstown, pastor, Father Andrew Gromm, OH 44515. (Free parking will be celebrated a Parastas (Memorial Service) available nearby at Holy Trinity Romanian for Sister Mary John. This certainly represents Orthodox Church, 626 Wick Ave. Youngstown, what our society is about: Catholics and Orthodox 44502) Our speaker will be Archpriest Michael together before the Lord. +++ Butler. pastor at St. Innocent Orthodox Church in Olmsted Falls and adjunct professor of ANECDOTE theology at Baldwin-Wallace University in It is recorded in the Life of Pope John XXIII that when Berea. Father will speak on "Cosmic Renewal he was Apostolic Nuncio in Istanbul an old Armenian and Change of Heart: The Function of Sacred priest questioned him: "Excellency, what is the great sin against the Holy Spirit?" To which query the Archbishop Space in Orthodox Worship." This slide replied, "Your Reverence tell me".
    [Show full text]
  • SEIA NEWSLETTER on the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism
    SEIA NEWSLETTER On the Eastern Churches and Ecumenism _______________________________________________________________________________________ Number 183: December 31, 2010 Washington, DC The Eastern Orthodox Churches should be made as widely known to as CATALCA MUNICIPALITY by the Foundation many people as possible.” of Lausanne Treaty Emigrants, the local Then Bartholomew I went on to high- municipality and the Istanbul 2010 Euro- N THE EVE OF THE HOLIDAY light: "With regard to interreligious dialo- pean Capital of Culture Organization. SEASON , ECUMENICAL PATRIARCH gue, it is our belief and our creed. Because It was opened on Monday, 87 years BARTHOLOMEW I DELIVERED A O we need to know each other better, to work after the signing of the Treaty of Lausanne MAJOR ADDRESS BEFORE AN HIGHLY together while respecting the religious be- on Jan. 30, 1923, for the population ex- QUALIFIED AUDIENCE FROM THE ORTHO - liefs of others, their cultural identity, with- change between Greece and Turkey. DOX WORLD , DEFENDING THE ECUMENICAL out oppression. This is the only way to live “We have shared the same pains,” the PATRIARCHATE ’S CHOICE FOR INTER -FAITH in peace. For this reason, the Patriarchate, Ecumenical Patriarch stated characteristi- DIALOGUE . "We will insist on dialogue, in addition to having a dialogue with other cally, stressing that “now the time has come despite the criticism that we suffer," he Churches and Christian denominations, has for peace and calm between the two said. "There is, unfortunately, a certain reli- established over the past 25 years a dialo- peoples.” gious fundamentalism, a tragic phenome- gue with Islam and Judaism. We have had On display in the museum are histori- non, which can be found among Orthodox several successful meetings.
    [Show full text]
  • Fear of Proselytism: the Russian Orthodox Church Sets Itself Against Catholicism
    Religion, State & Society, Vol. 26, No. 2, 1998 Fear of Proselytism: the Russian Orthodox Church Sets Itself against Catholicism GERD STRICKER Since the eastern bloc opened up in the late 1980s the Orthodox have increasingly complained that western churches are proselytising at their expense. To proselytise is to lure away members of other churches or confessions and to win them over to one's own church. It is a serious allegation for a church to make, and proselytism is fiercely condemned by most churches. The Moscow Patriarchate's denunciations of Protestants are directed predominantly at 'American sects', which have conducted mass mission on a grand scale with 'millions of dollars' and to some extent continue to do so. However, Russian criticism of the Catholic Church is even more harsh. This paper will attempt to cast some light on the background behind Russian Orthodox accusations of proselytism by Rome. The author is a Lutheran. Some quotations clearly demonstrate the contemporary tensions between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church. Numerous attempts to split the church are being made today. The Catholic Church is expanding rapidly. This expansion began in the western regions of Ukraine, then spread to eastern Ukraine and Russia. Even in Siberia and the Far East the Catholic Church has invested huge capital in this activity: under the noble pretext of humanitarian aid Orthodox are being drawn to alien faiths. We have to resist this. Here is an extract from the declaration of the mixed commission for theological dialogue between the Orthodox Churches and the Catholic Church: ' ..
    [Show full text]
  • Sunrise 91 for Internet
    Vladivostok Sunrise Mary Mother of God Mission Society and Vladivostok Mission Issue Number Ninety One January 1, 2010 The Secret Letter By V Rev Myron Effing, C.J.D. In July, when our workers were removing an old metal spire from the front façade of our church in preparation for replacing it with a new stainless steel one, they were surprised to find a letter hidden beneath it! It is a letter from the men who worked on the church building in 1919. The letter lay under the metal spire for 90 years! It was in German. They said that they were German prisoners of war (WWI) who were released to work on the church building. There is a list of names, including two men who fell from the scaffold on September 18, 1919 and were presumably killed. (We are grateful to God that none of the Chinese workers fell from the scaffolding when we built the steeples this past year.) There was also included a newspaper with Communist propaganda from 1917. It is all very fascinating for us, as we only heard that the Czech Army helped finish the church. Pastor Brokmann, the pastor of St Paul’s Lutheran Church here in Vladivostok, German, translated the letter for us. The letter as found. Fr Myron and Seminarian Matt Brady working on the letter and newspapers. The letter flattened and color enhanced to make it more legible. The newspaper in which the letter was wrapped. 1 *The letter as translated from the German by Rev. Manfried Brokmann, Nov 8, 2009: **German humiliation in World War I was a major cause of the rise of Hitler and World War II.
    [Show full text]
  • “Run to My Children in the East…”
    “Run to my Children in the East…” 1 | P ag e A. Matt Werner “Run to my Children in the East…” A. Matt Werner “Run to my Children in the East…” I acknowledge having received advice and having gotten historical accounts from the following dear friends: Rachel Bresnahan, Joe McAleer, Edmund Murphy, Mary Smolczyk, Lee Murphy, Mary Huwa, Beatrice Brusstar, the late Sharon Hosier, the late Fr. Michael Walsh & Fr. Edward O’Connor, C.S.C. University of Notre Dame, and of course my wife, Sylvia Werner. We have set no price for this book. We ask those who will read it on-line to send a free will donation to the Queen of the Apostles Mission Association, Inc. to help support the mission. You may send your donation by Pay Pal to our account online at: www.qama.org Or you may make remittance to: QAMA / Post Office Box 1676, Castle Rock, Colorado 80104 We suggest a minimum donation of: $7 in thanksgiving for the seven Sacraments. $9 in honor of the nine Choirs of Angels. $33 in memory of the slaughter of the thirty-three holy innocents. $47 in remembrance of the years of the life of St. Joseph who held the God Man in his holy hands of a carpenter. QAMA has a 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit status with the I.R.S. Our Federal Tax I.D. number: 84-1212760 Front Cover Icon 16th Century “Listening” Icon of the Most Holy Mother of God from the Assumption Church in Krylos, in the Halych region (Galicia), Ukraine.
    [Show full text]