"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
The situation in Alaska is horrible. I really feel sorry for those who are under Bishop Nicolai. But I think those of us in other jurisdictions really feel helpless. What can we do? SCOBA is not a real synod so nothing can be done at that level to intervene in the crisis of the OCA. This whole scandal feels like a traffic accident happening in slow motion while we all watch and are helpless to do anything to stop it.
