www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life Faith & Theology What Exactly Did John Paul II Do About Communism?

Unbelievable! The Russian Journal paints the picture of a caesaro-papism that is truly scary. I have read in other websites, and in secular papers such as the L.A. times, that the Russian Orthodox in union with Rome also experiences persecution by the Russian Orthodox-directed government. It�s amazing to me really. The Pope is instrumental in releasing the Russian Orthodox from the grip of government control � now the Russian Orthodox are using the government to persecute other Christians, including the Catholics that made the Russian Orthodox Church�s freedom possible. This is the viewpoint I have read from several testimonies by Russian Orthodox in Union with Rome. I have read that it is still occurring today, despite the amicable, almost-political relationship between the Pope and the Russian Patriarch!

I wonder, is the registration of religious faiths similar to the registration that occurs in China, whereby the government can spy on and control the activities of the Church and other ecclesial bodies that are not Russian Orthodox?

Actualy the Roman Catholic Bishops don't seem very happy with the existence of Russian Greek Catholics either. It's known that the Polish Bishops of Russia have refused to allow Rusian-rite missions to spread. If I'm not mistaken there's not a jurisdiction for Rusian Greek Catholics, while the Roman Rite Church has regained some power in many places such as Kaliningrad (which was like the "only" catholic region of Russia bf WWII).

Referring to Koenigsburg as part of "Russia" used to be a pretty inflammatory thing to do . . .

Just kidding around--but history shows why that part of "Russia" was Catholic.

The actions of the Orthodox Church during the Communist era are a source of great controversy. Many people, myself included, have been dismayed at the the ways in which the Orthodox Church seemed to knuckle under to persecution, or even collaborate in it.

Certainly the the Communist decrees abolishing the Byzantine Catholic Church and forcing its members into the Orthodox Church were a blatant violation of human rights. The consequences of this act with remain with us for years to come.

Although one might feel tempted to criticize the Orthodox Church for its actions, it is important to consider all the facts in the case and not rush to judgement. Especially people such as myself, who have never lived under a Communist regime, must think long and hard before pronouncing a verdict.

The Orthodox Church suffered greatly under Communist rule, as the number of martyrs for the faith attests. Many Orthodox kept the faith in spite of persecution, and their witness to the faith deserves our admiration.

In addition, it is noteworthy that the Communists, who thought they would quickly consign the Orthodox Church to the "ashheap of history" have themselves gone to the ashheap of history, while the Orthodox Church survived. Communism, with its cynical view of human nature and its unabashed use of force, proved to be a shallow ideology which survived only as long as it could hold people at gunpoint.

The Christian faith once again showed itself stronger than its persecutors, and we should consider that the Orthodox Church played a role in the triumph over Communism.

To be sure, the controversy over the role of the Orthodox Church under Communism will continue, but I believe that we will avoid any quick rush to judgement and view history with the objective of understanding, not of passing judgement.

Mark Alan wrote:
The Christian faith once again showed itself stronger than its persecutors, and we should consider that the Orthodox Church played a role in the triumph over Communism. It may well be that the only way it saw it's survival was cooperation. If we truly believe nothing happens by accident, then it would be safe to say that God kept it as a visable sign to the nation. Though it may have been government controled, it was still a visible presence of Christ among the people.

In addition, it is noteworthy that the Communists, who thought they would quickly consign the Orthodox Church to the "ashheap of history" have themselves gone to the ashheap of history, while the Orthodox Church survived. Communism, with its cynical view of human nature and its unabashed use of force, proved to be a shallow ideology which survived only as long as it could hold people at gunpoint.

This is the testimony of Jesus, He is victorious in all situations. Pesecution makes the Church strong. What we could see with our eyes was not what God saw on man's heart.

I had to smile a little bit because I know more than a couple young Russians who are devout Orthodox Christians and will tell you with equal certainty that, yes, the Theotokos interceded, in response to the prayers of her faithful, captive, Orthodox followers within the former Soviet Union.

I tend to think the Theotokos listened to us ALL -after all, I daresay, as others have here, that there are no schisms where she lives in Heaven -but I'm also sure she has a special place in her ample heart for JP2 and his petitions.

There is an excellent documentary movie about JP2 and his life and his role in modern history, including the fall of Soviet Communism, at the JP2 Cultural Center. They have a long form of it that they show in their auditorium - I'd say it is maybe 30-40 minutes long. Has anyone else seen it? The documentary is excellent. I don't know if they sell it or not, but it is worth having a copy if you can't see it in person.

Wow, the original question makes me feel kinda old! Since it has already been pretty well answered as a matter of history, I'll just add the following:

I remember when I was a freshman that everyone was putting candles in the window to show support for the Solidarity movement. My parents did that. Where I lived (a small town in Massachusetts), there wasn't a house with a candle. People of all types wanted to show support.

I also remember, because it was so odd for network TV, that there was a movie about the Pope that came out about that time. It's been years since I've seen it, but I think it was actually pretty okay. You always have to wonder about the junk in made-for-TV movies, but this one was decent.

Y'know, I still have a "Solidarnosk" button somewhere.