Bless, Father Chris!
I'm not clear on what you are shocked about - the EM in my parish, my final sentence about Orthodoxy or a little of both.
Our new parish priest was over for dinner the other day and we discussed this with him - the parish is used to the EM and to the women who read the epistle etc. It is clear that this parish is simply imitating what they see happening in the Latin Church and believe that since it is happening there, it SHOULD happen in our Church (if we want to be fully Catholic and "with it" to boot).
I don't know what justification there is for that, how it was originally allowed to the point that it has become a rule there and what our bishop thinks about it, and if he thinks anything, if he would bother to do anything about it.
I only know how they go after their priests if they say the slightest little thing about these matters to the point of persecuting them etc.
It is sad.
It is slightly shocking to me that you would find my question about Orthodoxy shocking.
Are there not suggestions to the same effect made on various threads in the Revised Liturgy forum here that discuss the various changes made that a number say violate liturgical principles, including the ideal of being liturgically as close to the Orthodox as possible?
Perhaps I am less subtle about it.
I know EC's who have become Orthodox for much less. It's something that is capable of debate. I suggest we EC's in Canada and the U.S. be less shocked by issues, and more open to discussing the realities of church life that affect our parishes.
I do not intend to become Orthodox, would not do so under any circumstances, and, if I have given scandal in any way, ask for forgiveness.
Viva il Papa!
Alex
