Comment: Why also would we have to call just the EP the spiritual leader? Because all of the Patriarchs are spiritual leaders, even though the EP is the "first among equals". We should be wary of giving the EP too much authority and credit, however, we must also be careful not to disregard him because of Romophobia...
Reply: I agree. The word LEADER has a distinct and specific meaning especially when it it is put within the contends that the EP puts it - THE SPIRITUAL LEADER of the world's 300 million Orthodox! Granted is is A SPIRITUAL LEADER but he is certainly not THE SPIRITUAL LEADER of world Orthodoxy! He has the authority to convene a pan Orthodox council and even preside over it. But at that council he only has one vote the same as any other Orthodox bishop at that council. It would be much more appropriate for him to bill himself as A SPIRITUAL LEADER or even spokeperson for world wide Orthodoxy (as long as what he speaks is the is what the voted majority of bishops have decided.)
Comment: Could the president of an Ecumenical Synod be called "spiritual leader of world Orthodoxy?"
Reply: The correct usage would be for him to be called - A SPIRITUAL LEADER, not THE SPIRITUAL LEADER which is a whole different ball game.
Comment: Beyond that, I think your "inflated ego" comment is in bad taste, not because it's an insult to another human being (which it is), but because I think it's beneath you to be insulting. You've been quite cordial to me, despite our differences of opinion; I'd hope to see the same consideration given to him, despite the fact that you don't speak directly to him as you do me.
Reply: There is an old saying that goes - By their deeds they shall be known. To me this certainly applies here. So far the EP has caused interference problems in the MP, the JP, the AP, in Northern Greece, as well as Europe, Asia, and North & South American. Even though the cannons strictly forbid him from doing so.
Comment: And you feel you are the proper person to cast judgement on the Ecumenical Patriarch? How could you possibly know anything about his ego?
Reply: Some of his actions involving his brother Orthodox LEADERS speak for themselves.
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