Orthodoxy in Dialogue has made an exceptional decision to publish this essay anonymously because the author fears retribution from various quarters. Suffice it to say that we know her identity and the school with which she is affiliated.

From the extensive Ukraine section in our Archives by Author, we single out  Ukrainian Autocephaly: An Awkward Spot for the OCA, Ukrainian Autocephaly: What Says the OCA?, and The Orthodox Church in America (OCA) Ignores Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine, Bows to the Will of Moscow, Rejects the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) as especially relevant to the following.

The Primate and Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church in America

The Orthodox Church in America’s Synod of Bishops has issued a letter of instruction and guidance on Ukraine for the clergy and faithful of the Church. Certainly, the clergy and laity who are attracted to the myth of “Holy Russia” rejoiced in the OCA’s decision to support the Moscow Patriarchate over the Phanar.

The letter idealizes the OCA’s autocephaly as one oriented toward mission and the correction of canonical irregularities in North America. Ukraine’ politicized autocephaly—forced upon the faithful by a mysterious alliance of the Phanar, President Poroshenko, and the US State Department—is a source of sorrow for the bishops. Yes, they regret Moscow’s decision to break communion with the Phanar, but nevertheless, they join Moscow by calling for Patriarch Bartholomew to convene some kind of pan-Orthodox gathering to resolve this issue in accordance with the canonical discipline of the Church. Read More

I am Catholic, and I am gay. I am not ‘deceived’; Satan does not ‘delight in my sexuality’; I do not need to be ‘converted’ to heterosexuality; I do not need to be ‘healed’. I am far from perfect, but this is not because of my sexual orientation.

Johnny Hultzapple

It is with a very enraged and dismal heart that I write this post today. 

This past Saturday, the Archdiocese of Denver sponsored an anti-LGBTQ event at the John Paul II Center led by an anti-LGBTQ activist and proponent of conversion therapy named Andrew Comiskey.

There was a highly false and insulting banner hung on the fence of the John Paul II Center. It is important to note that a representative from the Archdiocese said that the Archdiocese themselves did not hang the banner although they sponsored this event. The banner is a quote from the leader of the event, Andrew Comiskey, and reads, “There is no such thing as a ‘gay’ person…. That is a popular myth.” “Satan delights in homosexual perversion.”

As a young, gay male, I was infuriated when I read this sign and an article [in the Colorado Times Recorder about the event]. Not only is the sign overtly offensive, it is so, so, so very wrong.

I AM a gay person. I AM a homosexual; and there is absolutely nothing perverted about me. In Genesis 1:26, God says, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.” Based on Christian belief, humans are made in the likeness of God. I believe this includes STRAIGHT, GAY, LESBIAN, BISEXUAL, TRANSGENDER, or QUEER individuals. LGBTQ people are made in the image and likeness of God.  Read More

JANUARY 2019

Kenotic Ecumenism

On the Incarnation: Born and Baptized that We May Be One

Study: 0.7% of American Youth Identify as Transgender

A Way Out of the Orthodox Church’s Present Crisis

Seeking Perfection in the World of Art: The Artistic Path of Father Sophrony

Video: Tomos Signed!

Three Opportunities at Orthodoxy in Dialogue in 2019

Tomos a Work of Pure Art by an Athonite Hieromonk

It Is Done

Христос Народився! Христос Рождается! Christ Is Born! Read More

As we announced two weeks ago, Orthodoxy in Dialogue is set for a near total (but temporary) suspension of publication at midnight tomorrow, January 31. We hope to be up and running again at full steam no later than late spring or early summer. Among a number of spiritual and practical factors behind this decision is my need to move my doctoral program to the next stage without further delay. I’m “this close” to being ABD. Pray for me!

During our hiatus I will continue to read and respond to emails sent to our editorial address. (I’m the only one with access to the account.) We may publish the occasional article if a topic seems too urgent to defer. Lydia Bringerud has graciously accepted to manage our Facebook group in my absence. Check out the massive list of titles in our Archives by Author, and share your favourite ones widely with your social media contacts.

I’ll probably continue to pop up at the Kyiv Post from time to time.

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If you identify somewhere along the LGBTQ spectrum, don’t let the Church’s shriekers and screamers—including certain priests (you know who you are, Fathers)—get you down. Our tenderhearted Lord, His Most-Pure Mother and ours, and all the saints and angels of heaven love you infinitely more than we can imagine.

And I love you, too. Never hesitate to drop me a line if I can offer you or a loved one a little spiritual support in my inadequacy. I’ll always make time for you. I keep you close to my heart in prayer. Read More