[visualops]

That could explain something- which is that my Greek Orthodox OC wedding took place in a small OC Russian Orthodox church in Queens, NY. I do know that some negotiating took place, but that they were the only ones with (in the eyes of this Greek O.C. group) a church with the same beliefs (for lack of a better explanation). Keep in mind this is NY, and there are *plenty* of Greek and Russian Orthodox churches. Out of all of them, this particular Russian one was the only one "qualified". BTW this was done because the Greek church was just a very small outbuilding that could barely fit 20 people.

[kosta50]

Old Calendarists, for the most part, as is the case with Old Believers in Russia, teach the same theology as the rest of the Orthodox do. Fringe extremists, isolated individuals or small groups, exist in every denomination - such as strict followers of the “Old” Catholic Church (i.e. Mel Gibson). This does not mean that the majority of those who prefer and attend traditional (Tridentine) Mass are outside of the communion with the Vatican, or that they reject papacy.

OC will naturally prefer to stick with other OC communities as a matter of preference and taste. But it is important to understand that the manner of worship is something that does change even in the Orthodox Church, but the faith is not subject to modernisms. Some people obviously confuse the manner of worship, beards and even the calendar as part of Church teachings whereas they have not been addressed by the seven Ecumenical Councils.

That being said, I am not opposed to changes as long as one can demonstrate that there is a need for them. Keeping up with the times and the Joneses is not sufficient reason to change. Show me that it is broken or wrong and we shall all change it. As far as I know, beards are biblical and the Old Calendar is still the only calendar used for the most important Christian event - Pascha - for all. All Orthodox Churches celebrate Easter on the same (Old Calendar) date, regardless of what calendar they use for fixed events. So, then, if the Calendar is not broken or insufficient, why change it?

The Gregorian Calendar was introduced by the Ecumenical Patriarch in the 1920’s. He was a Freemason. Of all the changes he suggested (civilian attire for priests, clean shaven, etc.) the only change accepted by the partial Synod was the New Calendar. It was not needed, it is not theologically justified, and the most Orthodox of the Orthodox - Russia and Serbia - refuse it and justifiably so. Orthodoxy is not for those who like change for the sake of change. The unchanging character of our faith is reflected in the Church’s ability to be independent of fashion and trends, true yesterday, today and tomorrow.