Amidst problematic statements from the Orthodox hierarchy becoming public, and rennovationism going from theory to practice, the online Orthodox world has seen a rediscovery of the Old Calendar movement, and, subsequently, the popularity of a number of videos put out by Father Peter Heers where he cites a letter of Father Seraphim Rose, then, on the basis of this one letter, implies that all those who have fought, or do fight for, the Old Calendar are of the same mind as the Holy Transfiguration Monastery, whose former leader, Elder Panteleimon, was frequently the object of Father Seraphim’s criticism. While I am under the New Calendar, I have been very interested in the Calendar controversy, which has led me to read, among other sources, a good number of Father Seraphim’s letters which deal with the relationship between the ROCOR and different Old Calendar Synods. Reading these letters, Father Seraphim’s relationship to the Old Calendar is seen as a lot more complicated, and nuanced than has been portrayed by Father Peter.
It seems odd to me that Fr Peter would consider the Old Calendar schismatic? And I will ask him about it next time I see him.
As for Fr Panteleimon, his big mistake was in breaking with the opinion of his Spiritual Father, St Joseph the Hesychast, who started out being very anti-new calendarist and gradually came around to the more balanced viewpoint of remaining in Communion with them.
Fr Panteleimon by his unforgiving stance has unfortunately taken himself and his followers outside of the Church
(Which is such a shame since they publish such great books!)
I would hope that Fr Peter will not follow in his footsteps on the opposite side of the question.
Things are bleak as far as the 'Church Organization' goes, as Fr Seraphim mentions, and it seems as if most of the sincere Orthodox Christians that I know of personally, are flocking around the Monastery's and forming small lay communities there.
May God Bless the remnant, wherever they may be found!
I hate to break it to you, but Father Peter has not been on the mark with various topics. I am not pleased with some of the current things I have been hearing about him.
It seems odd to me that Fr Peter would consider the Old Calendar schismatic? And I will ask him about it next time I see him.
As for Fr Panteleimon, his big mistake was in breaking with the opinion of his Spiritual Father, St Joseph the Hesychast, who started out being very anti-new calendarist and gradually came around to the more balanced viewpoint of remaining in Communion with them.
Fr Panteleimon by his unforgiving stance has unfortunately taken himself and his followers outside of the Church
(Which is such a shame since they publish such great books!)
I would hope that Fr Peter will not follow in his footsteps on the opposite side of the question.
Things are bleak as far as the 'Church Organization' goes, as Fr Seraphim mentions, and it seems as if most of the sincere Orthodox Christians that I know of personally, are flocking around the Monastery's and forming small lay communities there.
May God Bless the remnant, wherever they may be found!
I hate to break it to you, but Father Peter has not been on the mark with various topics. I am not pleased with some of the current things I have been hearing about him.