The Incident Involving Elder Iakovos Tsalikis (+1991) and Joint Prayers with the Heterodox

With just a few words, the Elder demonstrated so much, offering valuable lessons to today’s shepherds, even though very few of them remember him today.

 

 

Recently, frequent incidents of Orthodox hierarchs engaging in joint prayers with Papists and even Protestants have come pouring in like a torrent…

This is an issue of enormous importance and particular relevance, as the Pan-Orthodox Council of Crete is only a few days away. [This was originally shared on June 5, 2016. The elder was canonized by the EP in 2017. – Blog Admin.] Many accuse those who oppose such practices of being backward and out of touch with modern reality, as though the dogmas of the Faith ought to change with the times.

On this immensely important issue, it is worth learning how it was approached by a truly enlightened Elder, Elder Iakovos Tsalikis, who departed this life a few years ago:

“When a Papist stayed overnight at the Monastery, the Elder treated him with love.

The visitor was well-intentioned and had many questions. The Elder explained things to him with kindness and meekness.

At that time, the Monastery did not have the large refectory it has today, and everyone (monks, clergy, and laypeople) ate together at a small table in a dining room on the ground floor, beside the fountain.

All the others had gone ahead. They sat down at the table and waited for the Elder. When the Elder entered, everyone stood up out of respect, but also so that the customary prayer before the meal might be said.

The Elder sat down, told the others to sit as well, made the sign of the Cross, and began to eat.

The Papist was a devout believer. He spoke up and said to the Elder, ‘Elder, are we not going to say a prayer?’

And the Elder calmly replied, ‘It would be better for us to remain silent.’

And he continued eating his meal.

Let those who insist upon joint prayers with the heterodox understand the spirit of the holy Elder.”

Indeed, with just a few words, the Elder conveyed so much, offering valuable lessons to today’s shepherds, even though very few of them remember him today.

 

Greek source: https://katanixi.gr/to-peristatiko-me-ton-agio-tsaliki-gia/