Spiritual Aphasia

Protopresbyter Dionysios Tatsis

 

Most of the Metropolitans of the [Official] Church of Greece have not appreciated the spiritual danger of Ecumenism. While they are supposed to be vigilant for their flock, they consider that Ecumenism is not dangerous, since it originates from and is directed by the Ecumenical Patriarchate! They do not examine the matter themselves but passively accept whatever the Patriarchate plans and orchestrates. And they consider this a great achievement because they practice blind obedience to the Patriarch of the Nation, at a time when they should have lost sleep and spoken continually about the pan-heresy of Ecumenism, which is demolishing Orthodoxy.

Unfortunately, they are indifferent and often rejoice together with the Patriarch during his visits to Greece. These indifferent metropolitans are usually preoccupied with many concerns, engaging in social and political issues, even in sports events, provoking the majority of our people. They want to appear as spiritual leaders while being indifferent to spiritual dangers, such as Ecumenism. Soon, we will lose the integrity of our faith and our precious tradition. I mention a case of spiritual aphasia, which confirms the above.

A protosyncellus, defending his metropolitan in a case involving a zealot cleric, said the following revealing yet disheartening statement: "His Eminence has never dealt with the issue of Ecumenism or Anti-Ecumenism, nor has he recorded any positive views on the matter of Ecumenism and Papism."

Whom, truly, should I congratulate first? The protosyncellus or the metropolitan? It would be interesting if they could tell us why this is the case when this particular metropolitan is exceedingly talkative and has never claimed ignorance or lack of jurisdiction on any issue, nor has he ever declined microphones and cameras.

Unfortunately, these particular cassock-wearing figures pursue worldly glory, which is why we should not hope that they will ever acquire an anti-Ecumenist mindset. If we also consider their history—how they were elected as metropolitans, how they were transferred to wealthier and larger metropolises, and how they managed to have their close associates elected as metropolitans while disregarding the Holy Spirit—it is clear that they serve as examples to be avoided, even if they have been metropolitans for decades.

We must always remember that respect is not imposed but inspired through virtue and service in the Church with the fear of God, not through noisy theoretical social activism aimed at provoking applause and admiration.

 

Greek source: https://orthodox-voice.blogspot.com/2025/01/blog-post_31.html