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In Focus - OCA Financial Scandal |
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OCA Financial Crisis and Scandal - Latest News
Latest news, comments, and information on the situation. |
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Archbishop Job Calls on Primate to Step Down
In an emotionally-charged opening address to the 46th Diocesan Assembly meeting today in Cleveland, Archbishop Job
called on Metropolitan Herman to step down as a first hierarch of the Orthodox Church in America. - 10/2/2007 |
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A Church in Denial
Fr. Vladimir Berzonsky - The fundamental problems of the Orthodox Church in America go much deeper than
the financial scandal. It has to do with the very structure of the Church. Are we Orthodox or are we papist? - 10/2/2007 |
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The Shame and the Sham: Why I Resigned from the Special Commission
Fr. John M. Reeves - Individuals may opine as to the collective wisdom of the recent resignations from the Special Commission by
several of its members. I cannot speak for the others who did. However, I can speak for myself. And at last, I feel the
freedom to do so. - 10/1/2007 |
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Special Commission Dissolved
In a September 18, 2007 letter to three of the four Commissioners who resigned in protest four days earlier,
Metropolitan Herman formally dissolved the Special Commission. - 9/28/2007 |
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National On-Line "No Confidence" Petition Launched
The "St. Mark's Discussion/Action Group" composed of parishioners from St. Mark's (OCA) parish in Bethesda,
Maryland, has launched a national on-line petition expressing no-confidence in Metropolitan Herman and urging
him to resign. - 9/19/2007 |
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"Everything Must Be Laid Out; Hiding Nothing That is Known. Nothing."
Fr. Vladimir Berzonsky - The following report is from Fr. Berzonsky, clergy representative from
the Midwest to the Metropolitan Council, addressed to clergy and delegates of the upcoming Diocesean Assembly. - 9/17/2007 |
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Chairman, Majority of Members Resign from Special Commission in Protest
In a letter to the Metropolitan, posted on the Diocese of the Midwest website this morning, Archbishop Job,
Archpriest Vladimir Berzonsky, Archpriest John Reeves and Mr. Gregory Nescott resigned from the Special Commission in
protest. - 9/15/2007 |
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OCA Special Commission in Crisis
Job Informs Metropolitan of Intent to Reconvene Commission to Include Nescott. In Reply, +Herman Reasserts
Suspension Of Both. - 9/14/2007 |
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A Letter to the Metropolitan by Fr. Ted Bobosh
As we work our way through the various crises of our Orthodox Church in America, we need to pray over these
texts and to ask ourselves: Does our current episcopal leadership conform to the qualities of a bishop as enumerated by
St Paul in Scripture? Do they possess and exemplify the good qualities that are needed by a bishop to lead our Church and
her faithful into the Kingdom of God?. - 9/7/2007 |
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Question Of The Day
You can not read that story on the OCA website, for on the OCA website today there is no mention of
the missing 9/11 funds, nor even of the event itself. - 9/11/2007 |
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Email Reveals Millions Misused
A recent exchange between Dr. Faith Skordinski and Fr. Andrew Jarmus reveals that the former Chancellor,
Robert Kondratick misused not hundreds of thousands of dollars donated to the OCA as had been previously reported,
but millions. - 9/10/2007 |
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New Year: Same Old Lies
In his New Year's message, the Metropolitan asks us to flee division, end dissension, abjure cynicism
and reject self-interest. - 9/3/2007 |
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Additional Allegation Surfaces Against +Nikolai
A report prepared for a senior, unnamed hierarch of the OCA prior to the recent Synod of Bishops meeting
providing an overview of the issues, pastoral and legal, involved in Paul Sidebottom's allegations against Fr. Isidore,
and his report of Fr. Isidore's allegations against Bishop Nikolai of Alaska. - 8/14/2007 |
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Alaska Board of Trustees to Address Sexual Misconduct
Responding to allegations of sexual harassment against the new Rector and allegations against the Bishop
by the new Rector contained in a letter by the former Assistant Dean to the President of the St. Herman's Seminary,
Metropolitan Herman, Bishop Nikolai has advanced a planned telephone meeting to explain "the situation" to the
St. Herman's Seminary. [8/13/2007] |
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Accusations Cloud Seminary Opening
A dark cloud seems to hang over St. Herman Theological Seminary as it prepares to open its doors for
another academic term, due to a vacuum in key leadership and staff positions. [8/11/2007] |
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Report Confirms Synod Failed To Deal With Alaskan Allegations
The report of the recent Synod of Bishop's meeting published today by the OCA reveals that Paul Sidebottom's
letter was dismissed as "rumour" by Bishop Nikolai. No mention was made of the additional 10 page "secret" report the
Metropolitan and the senior bishops received on the topic, which offered stern warnings of possible legal and financial
consequences for failing to act in accordance with the OCA's own stated policies. The Synod report confirms no
investigation was begun, however, suggesting instead that the matter would be further "explored" by
Bishop Nikolai himself. [8/10/2007] |
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Allegations of Sexual Harassment, Assault, Domestic Violence, Neglect & Malpractice Hit Alaskan Diocese
Letter documenting allegations of drunken actions of Archimandrite Isidore (Brittain), the Chancellor of the Diocese of
Alaska and newly-appointed Rector of the Seminary, but more ominously, contains serious allegations against Bishop Nikolai
of Alaska made by Fr. Isidore himself, allegations, Sidebottom writes, that were subsequently confirmed and expanded
upon by Fr. Innocent Dresdow, Dean of the Kodiak cathedral. [8/8/2007] |
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Kondratick Deposed
The Holy Synod of Bishops resolved that the suspended Father Kondratick be permanently deposed from all
sacred functions of the priesthood, effective July 31, 2007, and that his name be removed immediately from the list of
clergy of the OCA. [8/7/2007] |
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"It Appears As If There Is Some Hiding Going On..."
The report of Fr. Philip Reese, Metropolitan Council Clergy representative from the Diocese of the South,
given last week in Miami, offers yet another perspective on recent events in the Metropolitan Council, with some
pointed observations on the scandal. [7/25/2007] |
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News from Around the OCA
+JOB Asks Withholding Midwest Parishes for Support, More Turmoil in Alaska, New OCA Chancellor
Writes Clergy, Old Habits Die Hard [7/23/2007] |
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+Dmitri Calls Deposition of Kondratick “Unthinkable”
The Diocese of the South website quoted Archbishop Dmitri yesterday rendering what appeared to be his
verdict concerning Fr. Kondratick, former Chancellor of the OCA, who is suspended and awaiting a decision from
the Church court concerning multiple allegations of financial wrongdoing. [7/20/2007] |
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MC Minutes: Straining Gnats and Swallowing Camels
Structural and administrative personnel changes that fit the story line that the OCA is “moving on”
from the crisis are detailed, but the unrepentant attitudes and perspectives that led to it are clearly still
in place. [7/16/2007] |
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Denial of Reality
The Metropolitan's own words convict him. Either he is in charge, and continues to "mis"lead us by
claiming he is not in charge - or, he is not in charge, his lawyers are. The question then arises, in the case a
divergence occurs between what is acceptable, allowable, moral, and salvific. [7/10/2007] |
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Report to Midwest Diocesan Council of MC Meeting
Fr. Berzonsky, one of the most senior and respected priests in the OCA, a member of the Special
Investigative Commission and regular columnist for the OCA's magazine, lays bare the fundamental questions facing
the OCA. [6/25/2007] |
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Denial of Responsibility
It is sad that the Metropolitan of a Church which preaches confession and repentence as the path to
salvation steadfastly refuses to admit his responsibility in the scandal, even in the face of the evidence. [6/25/2007] |
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The Primate, The Council and the Future
The withering of the OCA is not about declining numbers and resources, although we have had both in the
past ten years. Rather, it is about the withering of the soul of the OCA, of its dream, of its vision and purpose,
and of its future. The former inevitably follows the latter. [6/8/2007] |
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Fiduciary Duties in a Hierarchical Church
Many have written reflections about the Gospel and its implications on the current scandal that afflicts
the OCA. Most writers have rightly focused on what Christ requires for the governance of his Church. This contribution
will be different. This is an essay about the legal fiduciary standards the law imposes on officers and directors
of hierarchical church organizations. [6/4/2007] |
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A Sorrowful Epistle - by Archbishop Job
A few days ago, I read a comment by someone on the ocanews.org website. It concluded with, “God, save us
from our bishops!” and I confess that I cried. Never would I have imagined that such a statement could be made. Now it
appears that it is held by many. God help us! [5/31/2007] |
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Failed Stewardship
Fr. Christopher Wojcik - For anyone who has worked with abuse victims, the pattern in the OCA is clear
and universal. An abuser commits ten violations. The victim finally puts her foot down and threatens to leave.
The abuser then backs off on his last two violations, and “shows positive changes” for a while. [5/29/2007] |
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Gregg Nescott Reinstated to the Metropolitan Council
The drama surrounding the dismissal of Gregg Nescott from the Special Investigative Commission and his
suspension from the Metropolitan Council by Metropolitan Herman took a surprise turn when it was announced that
Archbishop Kyrill of Pittsburgh has rejected the Primate’s action regarding his diocese's representative and
reinstated Nescott to the Metropolitan Council. [5/29/2007] |
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Metropolitan Herman Suspends Special Commission
Metropolitan Herman has officially suspended the Special Investigative Commission. In a letter to
the Chairman of the Commission, Archbishop Job, the Metropolitan pronounced what appears to be a death sentence
on the Commission, while setting forth a clear challenge to the Metropolitan Council as a whole. [5/22/2007] |
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The Nescott Dismissal: Silencing Opposition
The arbitrary dismissal of Gregg Nescott from the Special Investigative Commission and his suspension from
the Metropolitan Council by Metropolitan Herman is not an isolated event. In the past 18 months the Metropolitan has not
hesitated to silence any opposition. This is typical of the "culture" of the OCA. [5/14/2007] |
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The Nescott Dismissal: "Breach of Confidentiality"
It has always been in Gregg Nescott’s interest to tell the truth. The truth appears not be in the interest
of Metropolitan Herman - especially, it seems, if Gregg Nescott stays on the Special Commission and on the Council. [5/9/2007] |
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The Darkness Within
The infection, the darkness within that plagues the OCA cannot be addressed through systems or practices,
best or otherwise, unless those who operate them choose the good. [5/7/2007] |
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The Rule of Love: Re-imagining, Renewing the Church
The ecclesiastical trial of the former chancellor, the administrative reorganization of the central administration,
the search for and hiring of new chancery staff and redefinition of job titles, the redirection of organizational
reporting—all of this necessary reform will not renew the OCA unless the far more important and deeper problems are
addressed. [5/2/2007] |
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A Crisis of Truth
The OCA crisis is about the suppression of truth. It is, as Mr. Nescott observes, about not wanting to
face the truth and let it ride its course. [4/21/2007] |
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The Trial of Fr. Kondratick
The trial of Fr.Kondratick will follow as closely as possible the sequence of steps outlined in Article XI of
the Statute of the OCA, according to sources close to Syosset. [4/23/2007] |
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Fr. Kondratick Suspended
Metropolitan Herman formally suspended Fr. Robert Kondratick today. The announcement ended a month of
suspense following the unanimous March 16th recommendation of the Metropolitan Council to suspend the former OCA
Chancellor for financial misconduct. [4/20/2007] |
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Fools for Christ and Truth
Those in fading power today in the OCA are still seeking to deny, to divert, to cover-up, to distract,
to delay and subvert the truth in the hope that all this “foolishness” can be brought to an end.
Like their predecessors, they have accomplished nothing more than demonstrating their own fear of the truth –
and callow vindictiveness. [4/16/2007] |
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Disputes Between OCA Bishops Continue, Crisis Deepens
The dispute over the status of Fr. Kondratick continued to dominate news from the OCA as Metropolitan Herman
responded to the Archbishop of Dallas in a letter posted on the OCA website. The letter offers no new information, but
rather reasserts the Metropolitan's position - that former chancellor Fr. Kondratick is once again under the
Metropolitan's jurisdiction, regardless of what the Archbishop may say. [3/30/2007] |
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Year 2002 saw an Unexplained 40% Drop in OCA Assets
A review of the OCA's own financial statements indicates that calendar year 2002 was a pivotal year in
the financial life of the Church. An unexplained drop in net assets of more than 40% took place in the first
year Met. Herman became Treasurer. [3/30/2007] |
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Archbishop Job's Archpastoral Letter
"We enter into Great and Holy week amidst great distraction and confusion with regard to the crisis which
continues to plague our Orthodox Church in America. [3/30/2007] |
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SaveTheOCA.org - Collecting Support for Reform
This new site serves as both a petition and a pledge drive - participants are eager to affect change in the
OCA but are unsure of how to do so. Based on the current financial situation in Syosset, they believe the fastest way
to promote change will be to show how serious the OCA community is about seeing change. [3/26/2007] |
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Cries of Anger, Denial, Confusion, Resolve
The news from Syosset that swept over the OCA on Friday March 23rd has left clergy and laity struggling to
understand what these latest developments mean- and more than one Bishop fielding phone calls right and left. But it was
clear to all that the Metropolitan's dismissal of Gregg Nescott from the Special Commission and Metropolitan Council,
Archbishop Dmitri's apparent refusal to honor the agreed-upon rescinding of the transfer of Fr. Robert Kondratick. [3/27/2007] |
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Black Friday - Met. Herman Continues OCA Crisis
• Met. Herman Dismisses Nescott from Commission, Metropolitan Council
• Synod Has 'No Plans' To Release Special Commission's Report
• +Dmitri Now Refuses To Release Kondratick, Says Charges 'Unproven' [3/24/2007] |
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The Holy Synod Statement is Lacking
The archpastoral letter is anything but pastoral. Like Metropolitan Herman's self-serving address to the
Metropolitan Council last week, the letter reeks of the same mindset that allowed the corruption to occur in the first place.
"It was everyone else's fault, and we came to the rescue." [3/22/2007] |
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Holy Synod Concludes History Meeting
Holy Synod: "We were wrong...", Fr. Kondratick's explanations: "Neither credible nor persuasive",
Former Chancellor to be suspended as Metropolitan Council recommended. [3/22/2007] |
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Gregg Nescott - We Must Stand for Truth
OCANews.org has obtained a transcript of the remarks given by Gregg Nescott, a member of the Metropolitan Council
and the Special Commission, at the meeting of the Metropolitan Council last Wednesday, March 14th. [3/18/2007] |
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Fr. Thomas Hopko - Special Commission Unhampered and Unobstructed
"The Commission must not only question Metropolitan Theodosius, Metropolitan Herman and Fr. Robert Kondratick about
financial matters. It must question all of the church's hierarchs, all who worked at the OCA Chancery, and all leaders of church
institutions, including seminaries and monasteries, since 1990. Its goal must not only be an accurate explanation of the
financial malaise." [3/16/2007] |
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OCA Metropolitan Council Affirms Special Commission Mandate, Differs with Metropolitan Herman
Thanks be to God for Archbishop JOB and the members of the Special Commission! Their courageous and loving
dedication to the Truth and the Holy Orthodox Faith are a bright light in the darkness and an inspiration to us all. There's
hope now for a restoration of trust and a return to the true and narrow path of Orthodoxy in the OCA! [3/15/2007] |
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Business as Usual in the OCA
In the midst of one of the worst financial and spiritual crisis in the OCA and after borrowing $1.7 million
to pay off debts and keep to OCA solvent, it is nice to know there’s still money, time and effort to throw a party ($100 a plate
with Grilled Fillet Mignon or Grilled Fillet of Salmon) for the man at the top, or rather, in the center, of it all.
[3/5/2007] |
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OCA vs. IOCC - How They Donate
Pictures speak louder than words! [3/6/2007] |
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God vs. Caesar?
Two recent Lenten letters, from Metropolitan Herman and Archbishop Job, reveal the legal and theological
tensions that exist in the Special Commission, Metropolitan Council and Synod of Bishops on how to deal with OCA's
ongoing crisis. [2/26/2007] |
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An Open Letter to the Members of the Metropolitan Council
In our day and age, there are some who seem to feel that the only way to unity in the church is to stifle discussion,
disagreement and debate. I am writing to you to ask you to carefully consider whether in fact unity of heart and mind can be
realized in the modern Orthodox Church by silencing voices and opinions. [2/17/2007] |
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It Ends in a Whimper (For Now) (Part 3)
According the Minutes of December 12th, the "historic" joint meeting of the OCA’s Synod of Bishops and Metropolitan
Council began with a "bang" of decisive action by the Council. According to the Minutes of December 13th, it petered out in a
whimper of hierarchical indecision concerning the Alaska Land Accounts. But the final words of Fr. John Reeves recorded in
the Minutes presage battles to come. [2/16/2007] |
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Minutes of Silence (Part 2)
The Minutes from the historic joint meeting between the Synod of Bishops and the Metropolitan Council, the first
in almost 15 years, are significant both for what they record, and what they pointedly do not record. [2/12/2007] |
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Minutes Reveal Both Tension and Resolve in Council Meeting (Part 1)
Minutes of the first day of the December 2006 Metropolitan Council meeting reveal tensions between the Council and
the current administration on issues great and small; from the accuracy of the Minutes themselves to Best Practices; from Alaska
land accounts to personnel decisions. Nevertheless, the Minutes reveal a series of strong decisions were taken by the Council
to fundamentally reshape and reorganize the Central Administration of the OCA - decisions which have been delayed, altered
and changed by Syosset. [2/12/2007] |
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Minutes Reveal Both Tension and Resolve in Council Meeting (Part 1)
Minutes of the first day of the December 2006 Metropolitan Council meeting reveal tensions between the Council and
the current administration on issues great and small; from the accuracy of the Minutes themselves to Best Practices; from Alaska
land accounts to personnel decisions. Nevertheless, the Minutes reveal a series of strong decisions were taken by the Council
to fundamentally reshape and reorganize the Central Administration of the OCA - decisions which have been delayed, altered
and changed by Syosset. [2/12/2007] |
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The Next 90 Days
The joint meeting of the Synod of Bishops and the Metropolitan Council did not give birth to
a 'new' OCA. It will be some 90 days from now, in the season of the Annunciation, during the individual March
meetings of the Synod and Council, that we can hope the delivery will occur with the presentation of the
Investigative Commission's final report and the selection of the top officers of a new Administration.
[12/18/2006] |
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Retired Bishop Tikhon Criticizes OCA Investigation, Praises Kondratick
In a post on the Indiana Orthodox Listserv, retired Bishop Tikhon (SF and the West) criticized the
Proskauer Rose investigation focused on the OCA financial scandal and praised Fr. Robert Kondratick's
previous role in the OCA. [12/18/2006] |
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Sweeping Changes Announced for the OCA
Following the stunning confirmation of misconduct, detailed by Proskauer Rose LLP, the Synod
of Bishops and Metropolitan Council of the Orthodox Church in America concluded their historic three-day
meeting on December 13th by announcing, in a late Wednesday posting, sweeping changes to the structure,
finances and personnel working in the OCA’s Central Administration. [12/14/2006] |
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OCA Joint Meeting, Allegations Are TRUE
• Allegations Of Financial Impropriety Confirmed, Detailed in Oral Report by Proskauer Rose LLP
• Special Church Commission, Led by Archbishop Job, Established to Continue Investigation, • Possible
Disciplinary Action by Synod [12/13/2006] |
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The Brum Doctrine
It is not clear how the Church can "move forward" as the Metropolitan continually demands,
given the three ecclesiological visions currently abroad in the OCA; visions that are at sharp odds with
each other as to the solution, not to mention the nature and meaning, of the current scandal. The
Metropolitan's authoritarian position is clear; we are simply to move forward with a promise the
"errors, mistakes and sins" of the past are now in the process of being corrected. [12/2/2006] |
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Interview with Archbishop Job of Chicago on the OCA Situation
"Time is our enemy. Too much time has lapsed, and too little has been done, even in terms
of the investigation, since March. And to be told that the reason for this is that it is “ongoing”,
without be given any facts, let alone any answers, is just intolerable." [11/28/2006] |
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An Open Letter - by Mark Stokoe
"Denial will not solve this mess. Retreating to prayer corners will not solve this mess.
Confession, repentance, accepting the consequences of one’s actions, and taking action to correct past
failings will; because then, and only then, can integrity begin to be restored." [11/20/2006] |
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Archbishop Dmitri: "Do Not Ignore The Reality Which Confronts Us"
Less than two months ago, the Archbishop of Dallas and the South dismissed the crisis in
the OCA as “idle chatter” that “did little or nothing to build up the Church.” Now, in an archpastoral
letter for the beginning of the Nativity Fast, Archbishop Dmitri suggests that the OCA is “in a state
of major reorganization”. [11/18/2006] |
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Boston Cathedral Decries Scandal, Offers Support to Archbishop Job & Midwest Diocese
With the blessing of His Grace Bishop Nikon, we the clergy and faithful of Holy Trinity
Cathedral in Boston, Massachusetts send this letter to express our support and thanks for your courage,
integrity and love for the Church. Standing with our bishop and with you, we desire to see the current
crisis in our autocephalous Church come to a peaceful solution that restores and strengthens what has
been compromised by dishonesty, financial mismanagement and moral failures. [11/8/2006] |
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Archdiocese of Canada Joins Calls for 2007 All-American Council
"The Council of the Archdiocese of Canada therefore urges the Metropolitan Council and
the Holy Synod meeting jointly in December, to seriously consider the possibility and the ways and means
for calling an extraordinary and simplified All-American Council in 2007 with the simple purpose of
addressing the OCA crisis." [11/7/2006] |
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The Wheeler Interview
On Saturday, Nov. 4th, Protodeacon Eric Wheeler, former Secretary to Metropolitan Theodosius
and former Treasurer of the Orthodox Church in America, answered questions from the editor and readers
of OCANews.org. The following is his interview in full. [11/6/2006] |
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A Sad Anniversary
One year ago today, November 1, 2005 Protodeacon Eric Wheeler’s statement to the OCA’s
Synod of Bishops entitled “A Call To Accountability” was published on the Internet. The scandal that
had been festering in the OCA since 1995 was finally, irrevocably, entering the public domain.
[11/1/2006] |
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Calling the Crisis "Intolerable", New England Joins Chorus Urging Change
"We the Diocese of New England are deeply saddened and concerned by the scandal affecting
our Church. We acknowledge that such financial scandal and attendant leadership crisis are intolerable.
In addition, we believe that significant legal risks to the Church, including this Diocese, will result
from continued failure to take decisive action." [10/28/2006] |
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A Way Forward
We in the OCA have been mired in the squalor of a scandalous swamp for quite some time - long
enough, that like the prodigal we are now at least hoping that someone will feed us some of the pig's husks
so we can survive where we are. Of course those husks will not be anymore satisfying for us than they were
for him. [10/25/2006] |
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The Metropolitan's Interview: On Resigning (Part 3)
For too long too many of us have been in denial about the reality of the problems in the OCA;
some still are. But the facts, facts that have slowly, painfully, emerged in this past year, are clear for
all to see who care to see: failed audits, diverted donations, missing records, debts incurred without
proper authorization, property bought without accountability, over a million dollars turned into cash
without receipts, a dubious promissory note - the list goes on. [10/23/2006] |
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Albanian Bishop, Archdiocese Speak Out On The Crisis
"By now it is no secret that our national church is in the midst of a crisis not experienced
since Orthodoxy first came to our shores more than 200 years ago. It has torn at the very fibers of our Church.
A trust that we have enjoyed for decades no longer exists. Confidence in the central administration and the
Holy Synod itself has dissipated. The crisis has set clergy against clergy, laity against laity, and
sorrowfully, hierarch against hierarch." [10/23/2006] |
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Kondraticks Withdraw Lawsuit
Exactly two weeks after it was filed, Fr. Robert Kondratick and his wife Bette have
voluntarily terminated their lawsuit against the Orthodox Church in America for $250,000 according to
informed sources. The notice of termination was delivered to Syosset late yesterday evening (Oct. 17th).
The OCA, while acknowledging the lawsuit on its website (read the press release here) is expected to
officially announce the withdrawal later this week. [10/18/2006] |
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Outside Auditors Confirm $1 Million in Cash Missing From Syosset Accounts
Over $1 million in cash was taken from the OCA chancery between 2001-2005, and these monies
cannot be accounted for by either invoices or receipts, according to letter from the accounting firm of
Lambrides, Lamos and Moulthrop LLP. [10/9/2006] |
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Withholding Assessments, 2008 Council Dominate Midwest Resolutions
Seven different resolutions advocating withholding assessments from the Central Church Administration
have been submitted for consideration at the 45th Diocesan Assembly of the OCA's largest diocese, to be held
October 10-12 in Palatine, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. [10/2/2006] |
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The Council Finds Its Voice
Contrary to the wishes of the current administration, the OCA Metropolitan Council began on
Thursday by insisting that attorneys from Proskauer Rose LLP appear before the Council the following day to
discuss their investigation. Both the Metropolitan and Fr. Kucynda argued against the idea, the former
claiming that the lawyers would not tell the Council anything more than what he has already said
publicly, that some matters are confidential, and the investigation is still ongoing. [10/1/2006] |
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The Battle Over "Best Practices"
In the secular world “Best Practices” are basically understood as guidelines designed to
encourage honesty and openess, to protect an institution from even the appearance of wrongdoing in the
conduct of its financial dealings. In the OCA they have become the stuff of battle, a battle which is
being fought in and around the Metropolitan Council. [9/28/2006] |
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OCA Metropolitan’s Interview: "Questions on Trust " (Part 2)
As many documents show, the Metropolitan was not an idle bystander to the initial cover-up
that followed the revelation of secret accounts and the diversion of ADM and Andreas Foundation monies. He was
a participant who did indeed take immediate action. He has broken the trust we have placed in him; and may
have forfeited it altogether. [9/25/2006] |
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Lesser Synod Confirms Failed Audits and Missing Receipts
With the largest Diocese in the OCA entertaining multiple resolutions to stop paying its
assessments, while Archbishop Dmitri of the South requests silence from his clergy concerning the scandal
even as Bishop Tikhon of the West retakes to the internet to further it, an expanded Lesser Synod
confirmed the allegations by Wheeler and others. [9/22/2006] |
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OCA Metropolitan’s Interview: "On Communication" (Part 1)
It is tragic and humiliating that the Metropolitan’s constant dissembling must be laid bare for
all to see. But twenty years of silence, of accepting lies, of collaborating and cooperating with lies "for the
good of the Church", of being private but never public, of being abused and allowing abuse, so the abusers
may continue their abuse, has led the OCA nowhere except into a $1.7+ million debt, public shame and
an increasing loss of trust. [9/20/2006] |
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OCA Crisis is a Moral Scandal - LATEST NEWS
Fr. Christopher Wojcik - My beloved and once-respected fathers, if you will not stand up against
moral crimes against the vulnerable, against extortion by priests against other priests, against the defaming of
your own brother who actually spoke out for truth and integrity, in whose defense would you ever speak out? ...
Our [OCA] scandal is a moral scandal, not a financial one. As a moral scandal, it cannot be solved by adding another
guiding document to be ignored like our other guiding documents. [9/16/2006] |
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An Open Letter - Regarding the OCA Crisis
If we lie, cover-up or dissemble about so important a thing as our life together in the Church,
as the Church, we betray the very Gospel we claim to be preaching. By choosing to live in untruth, we do not
just avoid the truth for convenience’s sake, we do not just ignore the truth for the sake of peace or
overlook the truth for a greater good; we condemn ourselves to forever live in fear of truth. Choosing to
ignore our present scandal, covering up our present troubles, or asking others to overlook the truth will not
exorcise the truth - it will continue to “get in the way” of any “solution”. [9/13/2006] |
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Archbishop Dmitri To Clergy: Be Silent
In a letter to his clergy for the ecclesiastical New Year (September 1) Archbishop Dmitri broke
ten months of public silence on the OCA scandal and for the first time addressed the issue openly. The
Archbishop describes the issues raised as "idle chatter" and calls on his clergy not to discuss the scandal.
They are to focus on parochial matters instead. [9/13/2006] |
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Discontent Spreads in the OCA
Four public letters written in the past three weeks, from a married couple in New England,
a parish in Wisconsin, a deanery in southwest Ohio, and the Fellowship of Orthodox Christians
in Western Pennsylvania give evidence to growing discontent spreading throughout the OCA. The letters
share a common theme: unhappiness with the current administration's failure to be forthcoming about
the scandal. [9/11/2006] |
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OCA Gets Court Approval With Misleading Submission
With the September 3rd deadline looming for OCA, New York Deputy Attorney General Valerie
Singleton has endorsed the application submitted to her by OCA’s attorney Jon Ward seeking approval to
borrow $1.7 million. Sadly, and most disturbing, there are two gross misrepresentations of facts.
[9/1/2006] |
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Open Letter of Fr. Thomas Hopko
On Thursday, August 17th Fr. Thomas Hopko, Dean Emeritus of St. Vladimir's Seminary, sent
OCANews three items for publication in regards to the OCA crisis. "I offer my opinions and suggestions
for reflection and debate, knowing that my views may be unacceptable and my suggestions unhelpful."
[8/17/2006] |
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Archbishop Job: OCA Risks Rebuilding on Quicksand
In an official letter to all his diocesan clergy dated August 11th, Archbishop Job of Chicago
has broken his five month silence about the scandal complaining that the pleas of “good people”
are being ignored by Syosset, stating he now has his doubts about Proskauer Rose, revealing that he has
possession of the infamous Moscow tapes, and warning that continuing “silence, lack of transparency
and cover-up” make “confrontation” about the scandal “inevitable”. [8/15/2006] |
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Archbishop Job: Homily at Bridegroom Matins (2006)
"As lay people, as clergy, as dioceses, as hierarchs, as Holy Synod we must deal with REALITY –
OUR reality, as unpleasant or even tragic as it is. We must not “lay aside these earthly cares” at this time,
but rather we must deal with them and recognize the dysfunction in our midst – a dysfunctional Synod,
a dysfunctional Central Church Administration, a dysfunctional Metropolitan Council, dysfunctional dioceses
and parishes, and dysfunctions in our own Diocesan Church." [8/10/2006] |
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OCA $1.7 Million Loan Delayed
Acting OCA Treasurer Fr. Paul Kucynda let it be known Thursday August 10th that the $1.7 million
loan from the Honesdale National Bank, scheduled to close on August 3rd, has been delayed. [8/11/2006] |
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The Metropolitan Council Members: Why Didn't They Do Their Jobs?
Gregg Nescott, Esq. - Metropolitan Council members need to come out of their passive
stance of waiting for “someone else” to do what is needed, and to do that which is in their competency to do –
legally and by decision of the Orthodox Church in America. [8/5/2006] |
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Questions Asked; But No Answers Given
A series of e-mail exchanges between Metropolitan Council member Dr. Faith Skordinski and acting
OCA Treasurer Fr. Paul Kucynda offers new information and insight into how the current administration in
Syosset is failing to deal openly with current OCA finances as well as the scandal, despite promises to do so.
As witnessed by Skordinski's emails, copied to all Metropolitan Council members, disinformation, misinformation
and a withholding of information remain the rule of the day at Syosset. [8/3/2006] |
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No Question, The Metropolitan Council Should Act
Fr. Ted Bobosh - If the members of the MC are going to wait for someone to give them
approval to do something, nothing will ever get done. The Statutes of the OCA clearly define the competency
of the Metropolitan Council. The members of that Council now need only do the duty which they swore to do
when installed on the Metropolitan Council at the end of the All American Council. [8/1/2006] |
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Two Questions for the Metropolitan Council
Archpriest John M. Reeves - Living beyond one's means has consequences, and unless
one changes the values and habits which incurred the indebtedness in the first place, a recurring
pattern of more spending and more debt, and more spending and more debt, without thought as to
the ultimate cost, will be the inevitable result. [7/23/2006] |
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The Spirit of Gulag
Fr Alexis Vinogradov - God’s children are angry. They have good reason. They trusted
their priests, their bishops, their leaders. They sent in pension money for assessments. Their pastors
were reprimanded when these assessments didn’t come on time. These assessments were squandered.
[7/17/2006] |
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Fr. Christopher Wojcik - Immediate Changes Needed in OCA
"This blurred vision of our current administration [OCA] is heartbreaking. The lack of
contrition for grievous sins against the most vulnerable in our world by those ordained to be their
shepherds and protectors is scandalous. The lack of any change in direction is unacceptable...
Those clergy directly inolved in the moral crimes against the vulnerable must be deposed quickly. Bishops
involved in moral crimes against the vulnerable also ought to voluntarily agree to work out their
salvation among the laity. The new administration should immediatley begin to implemet transparency, and
a marked change in the direction and vision of the OCA -- back to missions, charity, and unity.
More modest budgets, accomodations, and offices should be hallmarks of a missionary Church."
[7/7/2006] |
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Penetrating the Syosset Fog
Looking at the bigger picture, why are our Metropolitan, our Bishops, and the members of
our Metropolitan Council involved in making this loan decision? Wouldn’t honorable men and women,
the sort of people we thought we had in those positions, admit their conflict of interest and
recuse themselves from this decision? [7/12/2006] |
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Fr. Ted Wojick - Reflections On The Scandal
One part of our current financial dilemma revolves around the issue of what is being called
the "hierarchical principle" as opposed to a more "democratic" form of Church governance. It seems to me
that this really is a meaningless debate and a smoke screen that hides deeper issues. When the Church
is reduced to debates about "rights" or "principles" then we have stepped outside the sheep pasture.
[7/10/2006] |
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OCA Crisis - The Next Six Months
After 54 articles, 27 reflections, 4 editorials and 1 open letter; with an average of 6,000
visitors a night (67,000+ different visitors altogether) and 1,400+ posted comments, OCANews now enters
its seventh month. [7/5/2006] |
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An Open Letter - by Mark Stokoe
"Dear Fr. Breton, I take the unusual step of publicly answering your recent comment to OCANews
for two reasons. I want to thank you and your wife for your loan to the OCA that allowed initial funding of
the audit and Proskauer Rose investigation. Your generosity in offering it at a time of need is praiseworthy."
[6/20/2006] |
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The Metropolitan Council: What Was Said, What Wasn't
In March, after the Lesser Synod’s meeting, what was important was not what the Lesser Synod said,
but what the Metropolitan did not say. Three months later, the opposite holds true. [6/16/2006] |
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Metropolitan Council Members Issue Statement
The allegations of financial mismanagement leveled against the Church administration over the
past year have provided a serious ‘wake-up’ call for the members of the Metropolitan Council of the
Orthodox Church in America. [6/16/2006] |
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Metropolitan Herman Address to the Metropolitan Council
We invoke the Holy Spirit to fill us as we gather once again to consider where we have been
and are as a Church, and where we are going. Much has transpired in the life of our Church in
recent months. [6/14/2006] |
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Treasurer's Report to the Metropolitan Council
At the request of the Holy Synod, Metropolitan Herman extended the engagement of the
accountants conducting the 2004 audit to also include the financial records and activity related to the
annual and special appeals for years 2001 through 2005. [6/14/2006] |
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Audit Report Promised To Metropolitan Council
The meeting will open with Metropolitan Herman's address. This will be followed by a
detailed report that includes current 2006 financial information. It will be presented by the
Fr. Paul Kucynda, acting treasurer. [6/12/2006] |
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OCA Metropolitan Council In The Crosshairs
Set to meet June 13-14 in Syosset, the 28 member MC committee is challenged from all sides,
as well as from within, as it seeks to fulfill its duty 'of implementing the decisions of the
All-American Council and continuing its work between sessions'. [6/11/2006] |
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Bishop Tikhon On The Tape - Part III
In this concluding article of a three part series reviewing recent postings of Bishop Tikhon
of the West, OCANews examines the Bishop's claims regarding the existence of a "secret" videotape.).
[6/7/2006] |
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Bishop Tikhon On The Promissory Note - Part II
With every posting, the Bishop of the West reveals more and more the culture of half-truth
and deception that has dominated the OCA during much of his tenure as Bishop. To answer the Bishop's other
question: he does not win a trophy for either transparency or accountability. [6/5/2006] |
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Bishop Tikhon On The Fund, The Note and The Tape - Part I
On May 29th Bishop Tikhon sent OCANews a letter that he claims lays to rest allegations
made by former OCA Treasurer Protodeacon Eric Wheeler regarding misuse of some $4-$5 million given
the Church by the Archer Daniels Midland Foundation (ADM) and the Andreas Foundation
between 1992-1999. [6/1/2006] |
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Mar-May 2006 - Developments
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Jan-Feb 2006 and 2005 - Developments
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