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#49619 06/27/06 08:11 AM
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The June 18 edition of Horizons carried a very startling and encouraging headline: "Cathedral Healing Service: 'The man who has faith in me will do the works I do and greater far than these."

It is encouraging because I see it as a breath of the Spirit upon us.

It was startling because 1. I didn't know we did this kind of thing, though I believe we are definitely "charismatic"; and 2. Nothing is done in a Cathedral Church without the bishop's approval. I believe I'm right on that second point.

Is this a sign of great things to come? Is this a signal to us that our good and holy bishop is also Charismatic in the modern sense of the term? Does this mean that Bishop John is encouraging all of us to be more open to the movement of the Spirit?

This looks very very good to me.

CDL

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Protestants, Roman Catholics, and Orthodox regularly come to Saint Athanasius Byzantine Catholic Church in Indianapolis for traditional healings. Many have been healed. Even the Indianapolis area Catholic Charismatic Prayer Group meets in the Church hall on Thursdays. It is not that unusual - it is what we should be doing...

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I certainly agree.

CDL

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I believe healing is a component of our faith. Certainly, Christ and the apostles did it often enough. Where I have problems with it is when it degenerates into pentecostalism, as in many of the RC charismatic groups. At the RC church where I play, the pastor has regularly scheduled annointings of the sick. There is no thumpa-thumpa music, no swoonings onto the floor, etc. It's all very dignified and holy.

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But there are "swoonings on the floor" at the Cathedral. If you have access to the Horizons for June 18 go read it. That is precisely the kind of thing I experienced both in Protestantism and among the RCs. "Resting in the Spirit" is exactly what is happening. I have no problem with it. I'm just surprised it is happening at the Cathedral.

CDL

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I'm not familiar with "Horizons," and assume it must be a local publication in your area.

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It is the rag for the Eparchy of Parma. Check this out http://www.parma.org/stories.htm

CDL

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OK. Thanks.

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Apparently the Snake Oil business - oops - I mean Faith Healing business - is still a rewarding gig. The good Dr. Issam Nemeh (anesthesiologist-turned-acupuncturist) who conducts these swooning sessions plunked down 1.3 million for a new house last year. While he does not accept payment for his Mass healings (pun intended), the business they drum up for his private practice is enough that he accepts appointments as late as 10:30 pm and is booked up 11 months in advance - with the $250 per visit payment to be paid in CASH. Oddly enough, this paragon of spiritual healing turned down a request by the parents of Terry Schiavo to visit and have a healing service for their daughter while she was still alive - stated reason - "prior commitments." If only they'd known better and booked early.

Sources:
http://www.religionnewsblog.com/11677
http://www.religionnewsblog.com/11928
http://www.newsnet5.com/news/4322232/detail.html

Additional interesting article:
http://www.clevescene.com/Issues/2005-05-18/news/feature_full.html

~Isaac

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Ouch!! I guess I have some research to do.

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We already have our own proper healing service......... Holy Unction! Both Catholics and Orthodox have it! It IS a Sacrament (mystery).
The Roman Catholics call it Annointing of the Sick.

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That's all true but I'm trying to be supportive of my bishop. It is encouraging to see that he is open to new things outside the DL.

CDL

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Quote
It is encouraging to see that he is open to new things outside the DL.
I'm assuming if new things are being tried that the full panoply of traditional Eastern services and devotions have/are being offered and are not enough to meet the needs of the faithful. Why is that?

New also does not equal good.

Andrew

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Quote
Originally posted by Rilian:
Quote
It is encouraging to see that he is open to new things outside the DL.
I'm assuming if new things are being tried that the full panoply of traditional Eastern services and devotions have/are being offered and are not enough to meet the needs of the faithful. Why is that?

New also does not equal good.

Andrew
I'm afraid I don't know. I have enough on my plate just now. I don't need an argument over whether or not the Charismatic gifts are authentic or if authentic we should use them.

CDL

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Andrew,

Matins, Liturgy, Reconciliation and Anointing were all held. Is it wrong to include a healing service if in the judgment of the bishop this man has an authentic charism?

Fr. Deacon Lance


My cromulent posts embiggen this forum.
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