"We have concluded that when the principle of racial division (i.e. phyletism) is juxtaposed with the teaching of the Gospel and the constant practice of the Church, it is not only foreign to it, but also completely opposed, to it. We decree the following in the Holy Spirit: 1. We reject and condemn racial division, that is, racial differences, national quarrels and disagreements in the Church of Christ, as being contrary to the teaching of the Gospel and the holy canons of our blessed fathers, on which the holy Church is established and which adorn human society and lead it to Divine piety. 2. In accordance with the holy canons, we proclaim that those who accept such division according to races and who dare to base on it hitherto unheard-of racial assemblies are foreign to the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church and are real schismatics."
Constantinople...1872
Sometimes I have to slap myself to make sure I am not dreaming. We were very blessed with the appointment of Bishop Joseph. We are hoping he will be our bishop for a long time but we realize he could one day be chosen to be our next Metropolitan. The blessings of having a good bishop spill over into parish life. Our parish of 80 some odd families collected over $8000.00 in the last few weeks to send down to Hogar Rafael Orphanage building fund. They are trying to build a new orphanage away from the city which has become more dangerous by the day. My jaw dropped this morning when I read in the bulletin how much had been collected.
Tamara