Author: Alex. Nemoianu
February 15, 2010
On February 11, 2010 the Synod of the Romanian Patriarchate issued an ‘appeal” to “Romanian Orthodox unity and dignity”. The “appeal” requested all those of Romanian descent living abroad to subordinate to this institution.
In a rather rudimentary and arrogant manner the Romanian Patrirchate, a cleptocratic institution itself burdened by sixty years history of subordination to Communism and total subordination to the neo-Communist Romanian regime, is attempting to interfere in the life of those of Romanian descent living in the Free World. First of all the actual hierarchs should know that Orthodoxy is not a “nationality” but a Faith. Orthodox faithful are not “many” but already one body, united in dogmas and sacraments. Apparently the Romanian Patriarchate is unable and unwilling to depart from the old ways, from the tribal chauvinism practiced and professed by the most heinous elements of Romanian Fascism and Communism.In their stubbornness the Patriarchate continues to call those of Romanian descent, now second, third, fourth and even fifth generation in their new countries, a “Diaspora”. A “Diaspora” is that segment of a people temporarily living outside the national boundaries of a country. Romanian-Americans and Romanian-Canadians are citizens of the United States, or of Canada, and proud members of those two great nations. Calling them all a “Diaspora” is an insult – and proof of historical illiteracy. It is, in fact, tantamount to denying the very existence of the 200+ year old American and Canadian nations. The Romanian Patriarchate, an institution with a history of eighty-five years, (hardly ancient…) directly and indirectly displays an arrogance that is unbecoming of Christians.
In fact, and in effect, the Romanian Patriarchate grossly insults the canonical bodies of the New World and all those associated with them. Since when is the Romanian Patriarchate alone entitled to decide when another Orthodox body is canonical or not? Since when do hierarchs proved of being collaborators with the totalitarian Communist regime dare to issue moral judgments against others? Since when is the Romanian Patriarchate entitled to insult the dignity and the unity of the New World? Because that is exactly what this outrageous “appeal” is doing: denying the right of Orthodox to seek unity in the New World, while denying the very existence of the New World nations. The Romanian Patriarchate had the audacity to “forgive” those who, opposing the bestial Communist regime, stood up to its tools — among whom were the Patriarchate and its contraptions in the New World. If this is not arrogance beyond limits ( and frankly, reveals a shameless incapacity to repent) what is? This “appeal” is a scandal, a direct and gross insult to the New World, to the Orthodox faithful living here , to each and everyone of us who call ourselves Romanian-Americans and Romanian-Canadians. In my opinion those who issued this outrageous “appeal” should publicly apologize, any and all contacts with the Romanian Patriarchate should be suspended by the “Vatra” Episcopate until they do. Loyalty to the New World and its dignity is not optional for its citizens – and this is a moment when such loyalty has to be proved; with facts, not empty words. Enough is enough!