A challenging sermon from Fr. Patrick today on the life and witness of Elijah, God's pyromaniac saint. Oh, for the courage to stand and witness to the truth, as did the holy prophet. And oh to remember community and the seven thousand who have not bowed the knee.
My parish has been dealt a bit of a blow in the last week and a half. Our bishop, DEMETRI Khouri, has been very unwell for some time. He has a form of Parkinson's, and was given three to eight years to live. For his Parkinson's he has been taking heavy medication, the combination of which disease and medicine has impaired his thinking and jugment--this by his own admission. Further, his grace, it has come out now, has serious problems with alcohol; as has been attested by various complusive behaviors, not the least of which is workaholism. As has unfortunately been somewhat misreported in the media and on the web, his grace was taken by an Orthodox family to a casino in Michigan. There he consumed one or two alcoholic beverages, which, in combination with his disease and medication, led to unChristian behavior. He is alleged to have commited fourth degree sexual assault of another casino goer, but these charges have been dropped. The charge of, I believe, public intoxication, has stood. He was arrested and arraigned, and fined.
This, of course, is a great embarrassment to the Church, and a great trial for many of her members; especially in light of the goings on in the American Catholic Church. Thankfully, the Antiochian jurisdiction has responded quickly, decisively and in Christian compassion. His grace, DEMETRI, is barred from preaching and any liturgical celebration while he is in a mandatory 90-day rehabilitation program and/or while the investigation is underway. Further details through Metropolitan PHILIP's official response can be read here. His emminence states, "While we know that his acts are uncharacteristic of him, and were influenced by his consumption of alcohol, at the same time we also know that individuals must be accountable for their actions." It is almost certain that his grace DEMETRI will be deposed, in addition to whatever civil penalties he may undergo. But one paragraph from the Metropolitan's statement bears restating: "Tragic situations such as this require from us a Christian response. We will not abandon Bishop Demetri, who is both a brother and a friend. We must show that Christian love and support required of us, and offer our prayers for him. At the same time we must remember in our prayers those who were directly affected in Traverse City by Bishop Demetri's actions, as well as the faithful, especially those in the Midwest and throughout this Archdiocese, both clergy and laity, who have been deeply surprised, hurt and disappointed."
I have been silent on this matter in the last week, a bit bewildered by the allegations and reports. Aside from prayers to God and the asking of the intercessions of the Theotokos, I have only spoken to my priest about the matter. I feared I would see replays of what goes on in American churches: a few get disciplined, some get booted, and some keep on going. Thankfully, so far as can now be known, the Antiochian Archdiocese is living out Matthew 18. Praise be to God. Discipline with love.
Then, of course, one more of the ever-increasing "St. Anthony moments," as I call them, was added to my expanding experience. I heard the Matins Gospel this morning, the one from Luke 24 and the disciples on the road to Emmaus, and such an exquisite longing to be united to Christ and his Church filled my heart. When I went to venerate the Gospel book, I was nearly in tears. But my lot is yet more patience. Lord have mercy.
Just when you thought this emotional roller coaster couldn't have any more dips and turns in it, as the Sunday School/Inquirer's Class was ending, Father announced that the parish had added to its relics. My heart stopped when I heard my patron's name. We have a fragment of the incorrupt bones of St. Benedict. Glory to God.
It's a good thing I've already written up my post on Lewis for tomorrow. I'm a basket case today. I can't think straight.
Pray for me a sinner.
Posted by Clifton at July 20, 2003 09:32 PM | TrackBack