Part 1 An Orthodox Anglican Conversation

[LiturgicalChants]

However, I do admire and share your view that Fr. Georges Florovsky was a brilliant individual, who by the end of his life had cleared up some of his earlier errors. He is a fine role model. He had been fired as Dean of St Vlad's in 1955 because of a liberal influence there, which still affects modern day Orthodoxy, and still see's most many of his teachings as against its agenda.

[LiturgicalChants]

As has happened before, the two of you, the archimandrite and anglican heterodox are setting up a false dichotomy between Augustine and Pelagius. Orthodoxy (and even traditional latin catholicism) believes that they were both wrong on the particular point about understanding of man's fall (though it is fair to state that Augustine was the less wrong of the two). One can remain a saint or church father and continue to have erred in a particular theological point, as no man is perfect.

[LiturgicalChants]

The Sarum breviaries (which you can read on Dr. Renwick's site) used for centuries were filled the Lessons for Matins by St Augustine in them. Trying to distance English "orthodox/catholic/christian" heritage from St Augustine and Latin continental christianity is revisionist nonsense. The differences were minimal. One can argue that Latin christianity at certain periods in history may have had more commonality with the east of today, but by the 16th c. it was all on the same page.

[NixonisLord]

The Anglican is a typical WASP; vapid, simpering and prim. His church is about to disappear and he's re-arranging deck chairs on the "Titanic".

[brendos444]

Vladyka, I wonder if you'd like to comment on the eminent Anglican scholar NT Wright. Much of his theology appears to have a certain Eastern twist.

[umaara100]

Do you think the orthodox and Catholic churches are close to coming back together.I love both churches.They are both rich in history,Ancient christian rites and the spirit of Christ.Mant Catholics are going back to the old latin mass

[156squared]

@umaara100 I'm no expert on Orthodox/Catholic relations, but personally I think it's quite unlikely. There are significant doctrinal issues that will be very difficult to resolve including Papal Infallibility, differences in Marian theology, and of course the dreaded filioque in the Nicene Creed. Unfortunately, I think that the RC church has more-or-less painted itself into a corner with its claims to an infallible magisterium.

[156squared]

@umaara100 I'm no expert on Orthodox/Catholic relations, but personally I think it's quite unlikely. There are significant doctrinal issues that will be very difficult to resolve including Papal Infallibility, differences in Marian theology, and of course the dreaded filioque in the Nicene Creed. Unfortunately, I think that the RC church has more-or-less painted itself into a corner with its claims to an infallible magisterium.

[156squared]

@umaara100 I'm no expert on Orthodox/Catholic relations, but personally I think it's quite unlikely. There are significant doctrinal issues that will be very difficult to resolve including Papal Infallibility, differences in Marian theology, and of course the dreaded filioque in the Nicene Creed. Unfortunately, I think that the RC church has more-or-less painted itself into a corner with its claims to an infallible magisterium.

[RevolutionManJP]

Does the Anglican scholar identify with the high church?

[allsaintsmonastery]

@RevolutionManJP I don't think that is where Ron is. He is one of the small group of scholars in the Anglican Church of Canada who is trying to open the Anglicans to the Holy Fathers and a rediscovery of the Patristic Tradition. I would say that he struggle with the semi-Calvinist wing of the CofE and is more inclined to the High Church, but would not identify himself with it.

[greglee20]

@allsaintsmonastery Your Grace, Do you know what Dr. Ron's opinions are of NT Wright or Bishop John Spong. I believe both are part of the Anglican tradition. Have you had much interaction with their writings?

[Draza145]

It is interesting when you speak of 'magic words'. I asked a deacon if a person, in emergency circumstances, could pray for the wine and bread to become the body and blood of Christ. I just got, what I thought, was an arrogant answer back that I could pray as much as I wanted to but that nothing would happen. He never explained why though. If it is true what he said, then why? Because I really got the feeling of 'shamanism' at that point. Thank you!

[allsaintsmonastery]

@Draza145 Too bad that he gave you that kind of an answer. The answer is that the Priest is ordained with grace to serve the Holy Mystery. The words are there, and they are important "Send down Thy Holy Spirit upon these things set forth, and make this bread the precious Body of Thy Christ......." but they are not magic. One cannot compel the Holy Spirit to do anything. Those who are ordained with the grace to serve the Holy Mysteries have the response of the Holy Spirit.

[pboisei]

henry winkler is a catholic?

[pboisei]

i thought Episcopalians were like jv Catholics anyway?

[BakinKoljac]

the anglican church is very close to orthodoxy.

[silversoul7]

As an Episcopalian(the American term for Anglican) who finds much wisdom in the Orthodox tradition, I'm very pleased to see this conversation.

[RevolutionManJP]

@silversoul7 you and me both brother!

[tetrahydroscope]

Glad to have learned more about the Anglican tradition.