Letter from Metropolitan Philaret

he states...

1. The Russian Synod outside Russia was formed with the Tacit approval of Patriarch Tikon after the coming of communism to Russia. This synod was to have canonical jurisdiction over all previous Russian (Moscow Patriarchate) dioceses outside the communist Soviet Union.

2. The 1931 Evlogy Jurisdiction, established in Paris, received the blessing of the Ecumenical Patriarch. However, Met. Philaret refers to this jurisdiction as being "in Schism", even with the blessing of the Ecumenical Patriarch because it was established in opposition of the canonical jurisdiction that already existed.

Thus, any jurisdiction set up (even with the blessing of the Ecumenical Throne) in opposition of an existing canonical jurisdiction which has the prior blessing of a Patriarchial Throne is, in reality, Schismatic.

{ Note: Theocacna was the first and only canonically established Church for the English speaking orthodox community in North America. The OCA was established 43 years later by the Patriarch while still under communist rule. Also it has been stated the Ecumenical Patriarch exerted pressure on the Russian Synod and other Churches because he felt it was his place to establish the American Church. The Ecumenical Patriarch does not recognize either Theocacna or the OCA as shown by his statement during a visit to the U.S. that it was time to establish an American Church - A Greek American Church!}

3. Metropolitan Philaret goes on to enunciate the Orthodox view that schismatic Churches cannot claim to pass on grace-filled Mysteries as in Orthodox ecclesiology schism is always accompanied by gracelessness even if the opposing hierarchs possess the apostolic sucession.

This letter is also quoted in a book enitled "The Struggle Against Ecumenism" that is published by The Holy Orthodox Church in North America, Boston, Ma.

It should be noted that this statement can also apply to the many "independent" groups calling themselves"Orthodox". Metropolitan Philaret also went on to say; Those who have cut themselves off from her (The True Church) deprive themselves of the hope of salvation. Unfortunatly, some have subjected themselves to this state of gracelessness, although still retaining the outward appearance of the church services and the apparent performance of the Mysteries.

The following was issued by the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad.

The Anathema against the Heresy of Ecumenism and its Adherents.

Addressed "To those who attack the Church of Christ..." this document goes on to say "...therefore, to those who knowingly have communion with these aforementioned heretics or who advocate, disseminate, or defend their new heresy of Ecumenism under the pretext of brotherly love or the supposed unification of seperated Christians,

ANATHEMA

(signed by:)

†Metropolitan Philaret
Chairman of the Synod of Bishops
†Seraphim, Abp. of Chicago & Detroit
†Afanasy, Abp. Buenos Aires and Argentina-Paraguay
†Vialy, Abp. of Montreal & Canada
†Anthony, Abp. of L.A. & Texas
†Anthony, Abp. of Geneva & W. Europe
†Anthony, Abp. of W.America & San Francisco
†Seraphim, Abp. of Caracas & Venezuela
†Paul, Abp. of Sydney & Australia-New Zealand
†Laurus, Abp. of Syracuse & Trinity
†Constantine, Bp. of Richmond & Britain
†Gregory, Bp. of Washington & Fla.
†Mark, Bp. of Berlin & Germany
†Alipy, Bp. of Cleveland

(Signed in 1983 by all Bishops)

NOTE:Theocacna (this Church) is not a member of the WCC