The whole idea of "captivity" came up in some posts. I realize that the ancient patriarchs of the East are in Moslem dominated nations but are they really in captivity? The Turks dictate that the EP needs to be a Turkish citizen and I think one of the seminaries is closed. The Turks don't dictate theological opinion and don't rule on appointment to bishoprics. In the past they did. So is it still captivity. I don't see the govt's of Egypt (yes I know they persecute the Copts but refer here to the Chalcedonians), Syria or Israel creating any problems. The churches in these countries seem to function ok. SO is it still captivity?
Carpo-Rusyn
"Are they still captive?"
Not to "carp" on Carpo's post, this needs some answers. First, let me say that while I don't think an in-depth grasp of history is necessary for an Orthodox Christian's salvation, many of us are still concerned about our mother churches. AND this situation does affect ALL Orthodox Churches as we shall see. The following is from an old (and doobie-less) memory:
Since the time the Church of Christ became the official church of the Roman Empire in the early 4th century, ALL five ancient sees were (and still are) sponsored and protected by the Emperor or prevailing head of state. ALL five, even today. The Bishop of Rome was fortunate in that the evolution of his sponsoring state developed through his own Papal States, and by treaty negotiation when modern Italy formed, into the Vatican State. So, today, the Pope of Rome is sponsored and protected by his head of state- himself. In the east, only the Church of Cyprus had (has, still?) an identical situation (remember when Archbishop Makarios was also the President of Cyprus? Same political status as the Pope of Rome.)
Hence, this church governance model has always been in effect in the five ancient sees. It may even be "canonical", but I'm not sure.
Constantinople - Captive? You bet.
1) The Patriarch MUST, by Turkish law, be a Turkish citizen.
2) The Turkish government recognizes the EP as the bishop for the "Rumca" (Romans) in Turkey only and no status beyond Turkish borders (anti-EPer's please hold the applause until you read the rest.)
3) The EP may travel abroad only with government consent. THINK about that - the EP cannot call a Great and Holy Synod as the Turks will not allow him (or representatives) to travel to it. The chances of his calling one and not participating are nil for obvious reasons.
4) It's against Turkish law to convert from moslem to Christianity or to aid and abet that conversion. So, no converts and the remaining Christians are still fleeing or dying out.
5) The Turks have closed Halki School of Theology. This was SUPPOSEDLY done by a law meant to control radical Islamic schools in Turkey -yeah right. Halki is the Patriarchal seminary in Turkey. Without it, no new clergy or source of future monastics for future bishops. The seminary in America must supply priests for here and who says the Turks would approve another American bishop as patriach as they did Athenagoras, an American who had to become a Turkish citizen?
6) Halki houses the Patriarchal library (full of priceless POST 4th Crusade manuscripts) and the Patriarchal Archives (again, post 1261- the pre 4th Crusade documents were hauled to Rome as booty and I assume are at the Vatican . I'd rather have those back than a copy of a sacred icon, thank you.)
The Turks will NOT allow the library or archives to be moved (or accessed at this point) and this includes moving them to another country.
7) The Patriarchal properties have been suspiciously fire-bombed several times in the last twenty years. Perpetrators never found, of course. It's not even safe to be there.
8] The systematic "legal" confiscation of church property throughout Turkey- all those decimated churches turning into museums and mosques at the goverment's set prices.
9) The above is how the Church lives there, what about the individual faithful Christian?
I'm sure there is more, but as I said. I'm old. But this is CAPTIVITY. When one considers the ramifications of item 3) above the Turks are holding a strangle hold over ALL Orthodoxy.
Antioch:
This see has been well covered in previous posts, but the draconian rules the Syrian government imposes on all Christians makes them all captive.
Jerusalem:
A sad state of affairs to be sure.
As Jerusalem is a disputed city the Patriarch must be approved by both the Palestinians and the Israelis. What a catch-22. The Israelis refuse to recognize the Patriarch because he "supports" the Palestinians who also must (and have) approve(d) him. This is a blatant Isaeli property grab by extortion. Without their approval the Patriarch can conduct no official business. (I'm sure they'd relent if he agreed to sell them their parlament buildings which they occupy but which the Church owns. They would have to approve him for him to sign the transfer.) By the way, in Irsael itself Christians are treated most poorly.
Alexandria:
Carpo's already alluded to the dismal treatment of the Orthodox (both Easterns and Orientals) there. It's worse than we know. Death sentences for converting to Christianity (any flavor) , changing one's moslem name, for a moslem marrying a Christian? Not captive? Lord have Mercy.
So, my new friend, carpo-rusyn, this is captivity.
Demetri - the old Greek transplanted to the ACROD and who prays for ALL Orthodox Christians (and carpo)
{Edited to correct numerous midnight typos}
