www.byzcath.org Forums General Discussions Town Hall Vote: "Christians of the true faith" or "orthodox"?

DJS,

If I'm understanding you correctly, you're asking whether the Melkites had the same problems as their brethren of the Slavic Tradition with regard to battles over Church ownership, etc. The answer is, generally, no.

While there may have been an isolated instance here or there, there is no history of wholesale departures from our churches or disputes as to ownership of churches, etc. In fact, there are probably more recorded examples of the various Antiochean churches providing worship space to their brethren of other Churches while they were building their own temples and of providing pastoral care to the faithful of sister Churches who were without clergy. (I recently saw an old anniversary program from a Melkite parish in the mid-West that alone served all Arab Christians in its city for several years. Included in it were congratulatory ads from two nearby Orthodox parishes, describing the Melkite parish as the "mother" to their own churches.)

Many years,

Neil

So far we're at about 80 per cent for using "orthodox." Have we heard from any of those who voted "no," for their views?

I think it is essential when discussing this with the faithful to differentiate using the word "orthodox" from those who consider themselves "Orthodox in communion with Rome." Not to say the latter is inappropriate. Some here may hold to that vision. Some do not. Whichever is the case, "orthodox" does not refer exclusively to the Byzantine tradition or any other liturgical tradition. The meaning of the word is much deeper than just a denominational indicator. And, it's a term we should restore to honor in our liturgical services.

Nec

The views of those who voted "no" should certainly be interesting. But even more interesting would be the views of those who have not (yet) voted in the poll. My strong suspicion is that those who have not expressed their opinion do not have any particularly strong opinion - which, if correct, would destroy the argument of those who admit that the word "orthodox" is entirely accurate but claim that "the people" can't accept it.

Incognitus

Good point, Father Incognitus. I believe the people here in the USA can accept this just as the Ukrainians and Melchites here have done so.

As was requested, I've done some searching for an online presentation on this subject and haven't found much as of yet. Would anyone on this Forum care to put together and post here a few points that could be used in explaining to the faithful the restoration of "orthodox" in Eastern Catholic liturgical services?

Nec

I did not vote, owing to personal indifference on the subject and the peculiar push-poll phrasing. Don't mind retaining "Christians of the true faith", but do not think that "orthodox" "should not be used". And I don't mind the use of "orthodox" but do not think that decision should be made so as to "follow" anyone; we should make our own informed judgement.

As to the destruction of arguments: with perhaps a percent of the faithful registered here, and no sampling scheme at all, this poll has no utility in probing the argument.

Thanks for the feedback DJS. I think there are many who share your viewpoint: they don't mind the use of either "orthodox" or "Christians of the true faith."

It's been said in the past that one reason for not reintroducing "orthodox" into the liturgical translation was because it was a burning issue with many people. It may have been so many years ago but I don't see that being the case today.

Nec

Yes, Nec, it is not a burning issue with me, and I will readily accept whatever is done. I don't know how others, especially the old-timers, feel. But if it were my decision I would make a serious effort to find out, and treat with solicitude and respect the elders who have spent their lives building up our churches.

Good points DJS. Thanks for sharing that.

Nec

Dear Nec Aliter,
Hmmm. No one has ever called me "Father Incognitus" before . . . must think about that. In the rare moments when I have nothing better to do, I sometimes amuse myself by thinking of bizarre ecclesiastical titles. Perhaps I should raise my ambitions and seek to become Metropolitan of Terra Incognita.

Incognitus

No offense meant! I wasn't sure if perhaps it was Kyr Incognitus? Thank you for your contributions to this Forum!

Nec