History of Bartholomew

Summary

In this sermon, Archbishop Gregory of the Genuine Orthodox Church of America delivers a critical message about modern Greek Orthodox leadership, focusing on Patriarch Bartholomew. He highlights Bartholomew's Western education, early ordination, and alleged ecumenical and modernist tendencies, warning that such leaders may stray from true Orthodox faith. The archbishop emphasizes vigilance against heresy, Freemasonry, and worldly influences in the church, advising followers to question clergy and distance themselves from leaders who prioritize hierarchy and dues over spiritual integrity. The sermon combines biographical context, theological critique, and practical guidance for maintaining Orthodox devotion.

Takeaways

• 🙏 The sermon emphasizes devotion to God as the foundation of strength and refuge.
• ⛪ The speaker, Archbishop Gregory, represents the Genuine Orthodox Church of America and stresses adherence to traditional Orthodox teachings.
• ⚠️ He warns against bishops who join the World Council of Churches or engage in ecumenism, labeling them as heretics and not true shepherds.
• 📜 The sermon critiques Patriarch Bartholomew for allegedly breaking canonical rules regarding age for ordination as deacon, priest, and bishop.
• 🎓 Bartholomew is criticized for receiving Western education in theological institutions, which the speaker claims exposed him to heresy.
• 💔 The speaker asserts that true Orthodox education comes from monastic life emphasizing chastity, obedience, stability, and renunciation of the world.
• 🕵️‍♂️ The sermon suggests that Bartholomew is sympathetic to Freemasonry and Western religious practices, without condemning them.
• 🧔 There is criticism of Bartholomew’s appearance and behavior, implying a drift toward Roman Catholicism.
• 🌍 The speaker strongly rejects ecumenical statements, such as the claim that all religions worship the same God, labeling them blasphemous.
• 💰 Greek Orthodox institutions are described as financially motivated organizations, emphasizing dues over spiritual guidance.
• ❌ Followers are warned to avoid modernist or heretical church leaders to protect their faith and avoid spiritual deception.
• 🤔 A suggested strategy is to question local priests indirectly about Masonic or ecumenical practices to gauge their stance.

Q & A

Who is the speaker in the transcript and what is his position?

The speaker is Archbishop Gregory, one of the bishops of the Genuine Orthodox Church of America.

What is the main purpose of this sermon?

The main purpose is to warn Orthodox Christians about heretical influences within the church, particularly focusing on Patriarch Bartholomew and his ecumenical and modernist practices.

What criticisms does Archbishop Gregory make about Patriarch Bartholomew's ordination?

He criticizes that Bartholomew was ordained a deacon at 21, a priest at 29, and a bishop at 33, all earlier than the canonical norms, implying disregard for Orthodox canons.

How does the Archbishop contrast Bartholomew's education with traditional Orthodox training?

Bartholomew received education in Western institutions, which the Archbishop views as fostering heretical views, whereas traditional Orthodox training emphasizes monastic life, obedience, chastity, and spiritual virtues.

What specific ecumenical statement by Patriarch Bartholomew is highlighted in the sermon?

He is noted for stating on the Charlie Rose show that Muslims, Jews, and Christians all worship the same God, which Archbishop Gregory criticizes as blasphemous and inconsistent with Orthodox teachings.

What advice does Archbishop Gregory give to Orthodox Greeks in relation to the Patriarchate of Constantinople?

He advises Orthodox Greeks to distance themselves from the Patriarchate, warning that it focuses more on collecting dues than providing spiritual guidance.

According to the sermon, what is the role of monastic life in traditional Orthodox education?

Monastic life teaches obedience, chastity, stability, renunciation of the world, and other virtues, which are considered the greatest form of spiritual education for young Orthodox men.

How does the Archbishop characterize the Patriarch's attitude toward Masonry?

He implies that Bartholomew is supportive or at least tolerant of Masonry, noting that he never condemned it during his decades as a clergyman.

What does Archbishop Gregory imply about the influence of Western education on Orthodox clergy?

He suggests that Western education exposes clergy to heretical ideas, fostering ecumenism and modernist tendencies that are incompatible with traditional Orthodox faith.

How does Archbishop Gregory suggest the faithful test their local Greek priest's stance on Masonry?

He suggests asking the priest if it would be acceptable to become a Mason, phrased as a question to avoid confrontation, in order to reveal the priest's true position on the matter.

What is Archbishop Gregory's overall tone towards Patriarch Bartholomew?

The tone is highly critical, describing him as heretical, ecumenical, mindless, and influenced by Western traditions, with strong warnings to the faithful.