Dear Boswell,
I am curious, if Frs. Schmemann, Meyendorff, St. Vlad's, et al can't speak for Orthodoxy who can? The monks of Esphigmenou? I was under the impression that Schmemann, Meyendorf, Erickson, and the deans of St. Vlads were eminent theologians in good standing. I'm not saying that they have the authority to speak for the entire Eastern Orthodox Church, but I don't think that they are the only ones who feel that way in your Communion or that their learned opinions can be summarily discounted.
I am glad that you don't wish to water down your beliefs or compromise them. Such a unity would be a false unity. We have to come to a true understanding of where we each stand on these issues and educate the laity on both sides so they can make an informed decision as the mind of the Church. Obviously, there are still misconceptions when some Chalcedonians continue to use the lable "monophysite" when it has already been established numerous times that we never subscribed to this heresy at any point in our history. If such statements are not made from ignorance, one can only assume that they are made from a spirit of rancor.
And what of the Antiochians? Have they now excommunicated themselves from Eastern Orthodoxy because they allow us freely at their altars? I thought this was the case only is the Middle East, but according to Paradosis, this is going on in his locale too. Presumably these Antiochian priests have conferred with their bishops as to whether or not this is acceptable. I have read statements of Patriarch Igntatius IV of Antioch and Metropolitan Phillip Saliba stating that this practice was okay. I have been invited to the altar by OCA priests. I also know a Greek Orthodox man married to a Coptic Orthodox woman who freely communes at both Churches. I'm not saying that this means all of Eastern Orthodoxy has accepted us, this is only my experience, but surely all of these God-fearing men whose names have been mentioned above must believe that they are still acting as Orthodox Christians and have some justification. World Orthodoxy has not condemned them.
I join my prayers to yours in praying for an honest reunification or none at all. I don't want you to compromise your Faith to appease me, and I know I won't compromise my Faith to appease you. May God be merciful to us all and guide out bishops in wisdom and discenrment. Please pray for me as I will pray for you.
In XC,
Nick