Ecumenist Propaganda and the "Charm" of the Ecumenists

 

Protopresbyter Ioannis Fotopoulos | November 10, 2024

 

It is said that Hitler's Minister of Propaganda, Joseph Goebbels, based his propaganda on the principle: "Say, say whatever you want, in the end, something will stick." Only in this way can we explain what Archimandrite Joseph Koutsouris said in the video "Anti-Ecumenism, the Trojan Horse of the Church."

There, he claims that Ecumenism, both inter-Christian and interfaith, does not exist and is an invention of the anti-ecumenists. Beyond St. JustinPopović , all the holy Elders, and other humble clergy such as Fr. George Kapsanis, Fr. Athanasios Mitilinaios, Fr. Sarantis Sarantos, and many academic theologians (e.g., Fr. G. Metallinos, Fr. T. Zisis, K. Mouratidis, M. Farantos, G. Mantzaridis)...

The ecumenists themselves speak of Ecumenism and ecumenists, understanding Ecumenism as an effort to unify faiths and religions. They continuously discuss and pray for the unity of Christians (e.g., Alexandros Papaderos: "Ecumenism means pain for the divisions... and a struggle for the promotion and restoration of unity" [1]). Here is the message of the Seventh General Assembly of the WCC (Canberra 1991): "...We glorify God for the flourishing of Ecumenism in various parts of the world" [2]. They speak of the "ecumenization of theology" [3]. A list is also mentioned of "Orthodox ecumenists" who passed away between 1961–1968 [4].

Confirming this terminology, the ecumenists act according to their "belief." For example, in Thessaloniki, on the evening of Saturday, January 21, 2023, within the framework of the "World Week of Prayer for Christian Unity," an "Ecumenical Evening of Joint Prayer" was organized with the participation of the Holy Metropolis of Thessaloniki and the presence of Orthodox, Monophysites, Papists, Anglicans, and Evangelicals in a Papist "church" in Thessaloniki.

As the organizers stated, the goal was the "search for the visible unity of the church." In this, "hearts are touched, and Christians come together to pray for their unity. Churches and parishes around the world exchange preachers or organize special ecumenical celebrations and prayers."

Is this not inter-Christian Ecumenism, or was it perhaps invented by extreme Orthodox clergy to have an audience (!), as the aforementioned clergyman claimed?

There is, however, the ...better, more complete version of Ecumenism: interfaith Ecumenism, which Archimandrite Joseph Koutsouris declares to be non-existent, just like the danger of a Pan-Religion! [5] But is it possible that he is unaware of the interfaith ...market fairs, in which representatives of all religions are literally dragged to participate? There, they mingle, light candles and lamps, and pray together—supposedly for world peace—amid theatrical performances and ritualistic dances with ceremonial character.

It suffices for one to watch the videos of the interfaith meetings in Assisi in 1986, where 160 religious leaders were present, including Orthodox bishops, as well as in 2011, to be convinced that we are witnessing a great apostasy from the truth of Christ. From the organization of these meetings—theatrical performances, whose organizer is unknown—one gets the impression that all these unfortunate individuals, the Pope, patriarchs, and the entire group of religious leaders, are almost compelled to proclaim that they believe in the same God, that they possess love, and that they desire peace.

In the well-known declaration Nostra Aetate of the Second Vatican Council, which all ecumenists proudly parade, it is proclaimed that the Church regards with esteem the Muslims who worship the one living and true God... that in Hinduism, people seek liberation from anxiety... that in the various forms of Buddhism, a path is taught to reach supreme enlightenment. These teachings, not infrequently, reflect a ray of that Truth which enlightens all people (!).

But do all religions worship the same God? Is Allah the true Triune God? Hindus worship around 160,000 deities. Buddhists do not believe in God at all. And the Jews, after the crucifixion of Christ and their turn to Kabbalah, a Gnostic heresy with elements of magic, were left bereft of the presence of God ("Behold, your house is left unto you desolate" (Matt. 23:38)). Certainly, all humans are created in the image of God and thirst for the true God, but they fall from one delusion into another. Instead of revealing to them the salvation in Christ with true compassion, we praise their "religious inspirations" and accept their "enlightenment."

The burning question to the "Christian" ecumenists is this: Since you wish to pray together with the multitude of heresies and religions for peace, why do you intertwine their doctrines into your speeches and attempt to find similarities with the Gospel?

Another example to help understand the ultimate aims of Ecumenism. Regarding Judaism, we read in the History of the Ecumenical Movement that within Christendom, there is a necessity for mutual and profound acquaintance. Of course, this in no way eliminates the essential chasm between the two revealed religions. However, this endeavor allows those who heard the voice of the Lord at Sinai [the Jews] and those who beheld His face at Tabor [the Christians] to walk in harmony along their parallel paths, leading to the eighth day. Thus, from the path of apostasy and hatred toward Christ on the one hand, and from the path of salvation in Christ on the other, from these two parallel roads, we supposedly arrive at the Kingdom! Archbishop Elpidophoros of America expressed it even more clearly three years ago: "When you elevate one religion above all others, it is like deciding there is only one path leading to the summit of the mountain. But in reality, you simply fail to see the myriad paths leading to the same place because you are surrounded by mountains of prejudice that obscure your view."

There is, however, a deeper engagement with the supposed similarities between the Orthodox faith and other religions. The Archbishop of Albania, referring to the Christian-Islamic dialogue, said: "When each side [i.e., the Christian and the Muslim] delves into its deepest religious convictions and experiences to explain how it approaches one or another critical issue, this does not simply result in mutual information but in spiritual — our emphasis — communication and contact." And further: "The fact of shared life and search with representatives of various religious beliefs simultaneously broadens the field of bilateral dialogue, illuminating the common ground of monotheistic, prophetic religious experience." In another instance, he states: "A dialogue with other religions presupposes an understanding and recognition of the inspirations inherent in other religious experiences."

Take note of the concluding words in the Epilogue of Archbishop Anastasios’ book Islam: "Despite the deep theological differences and the dramatic conflicts of the past, we stand in many ways on common cultural and religious ground; and the deeper mutual understanding of the spiritual wealth of the two worlds constitutes a reciprocal duty—full of expectation." (emphasis by the author).

In the most improbable places in the world, countless interfaith meetings have taken place. Even in our neighborhood, in Trikala, a ...nonexistent (!) "Interfaith Conference" had been scheduled from November 1-3. According to the program, academics, rabbis, Muslim theologians, Greek ministers, and representatives of the German government were to speak. The event was also to include a pilgrimage of all the religious representatives to Meteora!

One wonders why the ecumenists chose Trikala for their spectacle. Of course, the Minister Mr. Papastergiou, who lent his prestige to the event, is from there. However, the organizers knew that in Trikala and generally in the region, the Orthodox faithful are uninitiated in the tricks of Ecumenism. A "mission" is needed, and thus the evil spreads. Yet—glory to God—the strong reactions from clergy and laity, along with the non-participation of the Most Reverend Hierarchs Chrysostomos of Trikke and Theokletos of Stagoi and Meteora, canceled the "abomination of desolation" that aimed to stand arrogantly "in the holy place," in the sacred Meteora. It was, by divine grace, a victory for the Orthodox. However, there must be no complacency or relaxation.

Ecumenism is a global gangrene. Through its instruments, the WCC and its various branches, it spreads and contaminates the entire world with its anti-Christian apostasy. It has at its disposal all worldly power and abundant funding. It controls governments and synods, professors, clergy, and journalists, advancing with demonic cunning. It is not in a hurry. It tests its steps and moves forward. Who would have expected 30 years ago that the Pope would be freely roaming in Greece? Slowly, it achieved this, and we all …accepted it!

Take note of what happened in Thessaloniki. The attempt to organize an interfaith meeting in Thessaloniki in 2003 at the Holy Monastery of Vlatadon was canceled due to the strong prohibition by the late Metropolitan of Thessaloniki, Panteleimon II (Chrysofrakis). Eternal be his memory! On January 21, 2012, the ecumenists returned to Thessaloniki with an "Ecumenical Evening of Joint Prayer," during which representatives of Papists, Anglicans, Protestants, and Armenians prayed together. Metropolitan Anthimos refused to send representatives, stating: "It is not within the order of the Orthodox Church to participate in... joint prayers with heterodox and even more so with representatives of other religions."

After gradual steps, on January 21, 2023, at the Ecumenical Evening of Joint Prayer, an Orthodox priest, professors, and many Orthodox faithful participated.

Ecumenism continues its work. In the actions, lectures, and writings of the ecumenists, there are countless such signs indicating that the Pan-Heresy of Ecumenism, about which Archimandrite Joseph Koutsouris speaks mockingly, aims at a Pan-Religion. It aims, yet Ecumenism may not succeed in imposing one God for all, nor, of course, the absurdity proclaimed by Fr. Vassiliadis—that the faithful of all religions should accept salvation in Christ outside the boundaries of the Church!

However, to a great extent, it will succeed in dulling Orthodox self-awareness, causing spiritual lethargy and confusion in souls regarding the truth of the Faith and the meaning of life. When Christ is removed from a person’s conscience, and when grace departs from their heart with their consent, they become vulnerable to accepting other messages. They are ready to accept another "Christ." Our Lord says: "I have come in my Father's name, and you do not receive me; if another comes in his own name, you will receive him" (John 5:43). The Lord speaks to us about this "Other," as do the Apostle Paul, the Evangelist John, and many of the holy Fathers.

Since some accuse Orthodoxy and those living within the grace of the Orthodox Church of fundamentalism, of being self-enclosed and insular, it is necessary to remind them that Ecumenism is a wretched counterfeit of the Church's universality. The Church has its own, more complete terminology to express its universality. It is found in the 9th article of the Creed: "I believe in One... Catholic Church." This assures us that the One Holy Orthodox Church is Catholic, possessing the fullness of faith and grace. Furthermore, it is Catholic, that is, Ecumenical, as it extends throughout the entire world without limitations, but with one condition and certain God-given boundaries. The condition is Jesus Christ, and the boundaries are His holy Church.

Orthodoxy obeys Christ's command: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you" (Matt. 28:19-20). Thus:

a) All people are called,

b) They are called to become disciples of Christ,

c) They are called to be baptized Orthodox in the Name of the Triune God, and

d) They are called to hear and observe the teachings of the Apostles and their faithful successors, the holy Fathers.

In contrast, Ecumenism means: "Come together, all of you, however and whatever you believe, so we can create a great gathering of 'love,'" where, however, Christ will not be present.

The Apostle Paul warns us: "Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus" (2 Tim. 3:12-15).

We believe in the Catholicity of the Church, which, according to the Apostle, is "the pillar and ground of the truth" (1 Tim. 3:15). It fully and authentically possesses and interprets "the mystery of godliness" (1 Tim. 3:16). This mystery is proclaimed and upheld by the Orthodox Church alone, teaching to the ends of the earth how "one ought to conduct oneself in the house of God," that is, how the faithful should live within the Church.

Thus, living "godly" in the Orthodox faith, we must be ready, living spiritually, for any persecution, trial, or difficulty. The deceitful and deceptive ecumenists will advance in their destructive work. Being deceived themselves, they will deceive others. As for us, let us remain in what we have learned from the Holy Scripture and our holy Fathers. We know that they are our infallible and unwavering guides. By studying the New Testament and the teachings of the holy Fathers, we acquire true wisdom. We know that only through faith in Jesus Christ within the Orthodox Church do we have the hope of our salvation.

Finally, resistance by the Orthodox against the vile assault of Ecumenism is necessary. We know from history the struggles and martyrdoms of the Orthodox, the Church's battle against heresies. Today, the people of Trikala gave us a lesson. The so-called peaceful approach to error, the "humble" silence, the supposedly pious refusal to protest publicly or to take to the streets, is like throwing sweets at the ecumenists while they are launching rockets at us.

Our hearts must remain warm with love for our Lord through the Jesus Prayer, the unceasing invocation of His Name, which kindles this Christ-centered love, but also fervent with a combative spirit against error. We have a duty to our faith, to our children, to our grandchildren, and to our homeland. Let us do what we can, and our Lord Jesus Christ will support us and safeguard His holy Orthodox Church.

 

Information about the events in Thessaloniki was taken from the blog Katanixi.gr

[1] In Ecumenical Dialogue in the 21st Century, honorary tribute to emeritus professor P. Vassiliadis, p. 101
[2] V. Stavridou-Ev. Varela, History of the Ecumenical Movement, p. 557
[3] ibid., p. 33
[4] ibid., p. 151
[5] Professor P. Vassiliadis wrote in Ecumenical Dialogue in the 21st Century: "All these, starting from the Bible, mark the necessity of a new dynamic understanding of Christology... and especially of the universality of salvation in Christ (i.e., the possibility of salvation even outside the canonical boundaries of the Church), the expansion of ecumenical dialogue beyond the search for the visible unity of the Church... the necessity of a broader ecumenical dialogue among religions... a theologically substantiated 'theology of religions...'" (all emphasis ours).

 

Greek source: https://syghorisis.blogspot.com/2024/11/blog-post.html