www.byzcath.org Forums Mysteries: The Life of Worship Vespers, Matins & the Divine Liturgy The Revised Divine Liturgy When you write to Rome

Hello Father Serge,
I think I can agree with you about this. It seems to me that the Slovaks in Canada could be returned to the UGCC, or possible attached to the BCC Pittsburgh Metropolia as a deanery to one of the other eparchies. The small numbers do not need a bishop of their own.

It may be time to regroup. The Ruthenians in North America are shrinking. They could expand tremendously if they had the resources and the verve, but I don't see it.

In Orthodoxy it is much the same, there are some parishes that will grow, and some on maintenance. Some should consolidate with neighboring parishes and pool their talents. It only makes sense to look at it this way.

I am reversing myself from a longstanding position by stating this, but I really think that the best thing for the Pittsburgh Metropolia to do right now is work closely with the UGCC under some new model of ecclesiology. Possibly consolidating some parishes with them (so that everyone is properly cared for) and get serious about evangelization.

And by evangelization I don't mean "attract more RC". I mean find out what they stand for and believe, then pitch that to the general public aggressively. Actually convert people!

Now if this recent liturgical adjustment is demoralizing the BCC, they are in no condition hit the bricks evangelizing, they would be setting themselves up to fail.

So, what is the backup plan?? What will the Ruthenians of the Slovak Eparchy do, what will the Pittsburgh Metropolia do?

Why didn't they just translate the Greek as: "for us men and women"?

Why tamper with the Creed in the first place?

If it ain't broke, don't fix it!! I slept fine with the original translation, (minus the filioque of course)!

Whilst I would not leave the Church (if I were Ruthenian) due to these changes, I certainly would prefer the older use to be maintained.

Do you suppose a Roman Rite letter would do any good?

Glory to Jesus Christ!

-Uspenije

Do I suppose that a well-written letter from someone who normally follows, or was raised in, or is canonically attached to the Roman Rite would do any good?

Yes, I do - provided that the letter is well written, courteous and reasonably concise. The point can be made that there is no need to replicate the damage that was done in the Western Church in consequence of a hasty liturgical reform.

Fr. Serge

Of course, ANTHROPOS does not mean "man, men" -- but, "humanity." (Yes, I know I'm not telling you something you don't already know.) But, I also know that "man" has traditionally had the connotation of all humanity in English usage.

Seems to me the safest course of action was to just add "and women" to the translation.

As to tampering with the Creed, I'm not sure I would call what they did "tampering."

Well, I attended Sunday of Orthodoxy vespers at a Romanian Orthodox church yesterday. The first thing I did when entering the pew was pick up the pew book. Right there in front of my eyes was the same wording the Ruthenians are implementing. "Who for us", WITHOUT "MEN", in the creed.

I guess some Orthodox obviously translate it this way also. Maybe just a Romanian thing? My OCA parish and all others I've been to include Men in the creed.