Letters To The Editor

Post 441 of 445
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WE RECEIVED THE FOLLOWING RESPONSE ON THE ELECTION OF HIS HOLINESS PATRIARCH KIRILL OF MOSCOW AND ALL RUSSIA, AND FEEL THAT IT IS TO BE POSTED IN OUR READERS’ RESPONSE COLUMN. LEST US HEAR ADDITIONAL RESPONSES TO THIS REACTION

From: Rajan Zed <rjnzed@yahoo.com>
Date: Sat, Feb 14, 2009 at 2:22 AM
Subject: For publication/broadcast: Hindus urge newly elected Patriarch of Russian Orthodox Church to promote interfaith dialogue
To: voxdivina@gmail.com

For favor of publication/broadcasting

Hindus urge newly elected Patriarch of Russian Orthodox Church to promote interfaith dialogue

Congratulating Metropolitan Kirill on his election as the 16th Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church, Hindus hope that he would promote interfaith dialogue in the world.

Acclaimed Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, lauded declaration of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, after his enthronement, “…dialogue facilitates a greater understanding among people of different views and convictions, including their religious beliefs, and promotes the consolidation of peace and accord in our societies and states.”

Zed, who is president of Universal Society of Hinduism, pointed out, “Religion is a complex component of human life. Dialogue helps us to see interconnections and interdependencies between religions and even similarities in doctrines. Religions should at least work together on common religious concerns like peace-making and peace-keeping, social and economic development, freedom and human rights.”

More than one thousand years old Russian Orthodox Church, second largest Christian denomination, has about 135 million followers, over 29, 000 parishes, about 770 monasteries, and over 11,000 Sunday schools.

Hinduism, oldest and third largest religion of the world, has about one billion adherents and moksha (liberation) is its ultimate goal.

 

 

Chor-Episcopos Dr. Kyriakos,

A video containing 10 questions (posted by a true atheist) have been the most discussed video in the popular website – youtube.com. I have answered these 10 questions to the best of my ability; however, I request that you post an article that would answer these questions better. I have read several of you articles from the website- thevoiceoforthodoxy.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDHJ4ztnldQ

The above link contains the video that has these 10 questions. The “atheist” who posted this video justifies that if we believe that God exists the answers to these 10 questions would make no sense at all; however if we believe that God is imaginary, then the answers to these 10 questions make complete sense. He has also posted discussions of these questions at this website – http://whywontgodhealamputees.com/10questions.htm

I have answered these 10 questions below to the best of my ability to justify the existence of God and defend our orthodox faith; however, I humbly request that you post an article that would answer these questions better. I have attached the questions and answers as a word document with this email. If, for some reason, you are not able to see view the attached document, I have copied the entire document below, but the attached documented is better formatted and hence easier to read.

Thank you,
Alan

(THE TEN QUESTIONS ASKED BY AN ATHEIST ARE ANSWERED AND POSTED IN THE ARTICLE SECTION OF THIS MAGAZINE- EDITOR)

 

To: drkct@hotmail.com
Subject: Respected Father Chorbishop
Date: Sat, 19 Apr 2008 10:48:58 +0530


Dear Editor,

Father you have done a wonderful work with your new article ‘”Doctors, Doctors, Everywhere Doctors; Not a Single one to Treat the Disease!”. The Indian Clerics and Church have a lot to learn from it. I have also written about re-affiliating our Seminaries with some excellent Orthodox Christian Universities or raising the Seminaries to Orthodox Christian University of India.

Prayers,
Georgy

 

To: drkct@hotmail.com
Subject: Readers Section
Date: Fri, 4 Apr 2008 22:50:35 +0530


Dear Editor,

Much has been written and said about the ordination issue, but this is the first article I have seen which has actually focussed on the issues rather than the individuals concerned. We often get involved with individuals and the issues get forgotten.

The writer has raised some important and fundamental questions that are uncomfortable , but it is important that the Church as a whole think about the issue so that atleast something like this can be prevented in future.

More importantly the article, is a wonderful source of knowledge for understanding the theology of episcopal succession in Orthodoxy. The depth of the article in this aspect is most excellent.

Thanks to the author of this article.

Sincerely,
Suraj Iype


To: drkct@hotmail.com
Subject: Letter to the editor
Date: Fri, 23 Nov 2007 16:04:58 -0500

Dear Editor,

Many thanks to Mr.Eapen for his article in the current issue titled “I HAVE NOT COME TO BRING PEACE, BUT A SWORD.” PART ONE

What you wrote about evangelism is very similar to the thoughts I have had. Many in the Church sadly do not agree. An ecumenical mind set and a ‘all encompassing’ attitude makes us very secular minded and it becomes unfashionable and unpopular to dwell on such themes as Evangelism and witnessing. The abuses and extreme measures done by the Roman Catholic Church and the Protestant brethren alike no doubt gives ammunition for this kind of thinking. In such an atmosphere,an article like yours is like a beacon of light.

Please also allow me to ask a question to you. As you said, – evangelization is a part of the Church we have lost in today’s so called ecumenical minded world. What can be done now? How do we re-vitalize that part of the ministry? How can we as a Church address evangelization?

These are not just empty thoughts, but some important questions in mind. They take even more significance because I know has a bunch of very enthusiastic and passionate youngsters, who are close to me – who are a little bit influenced by the Protestant thinking, and often dwell on this theme of evangelization (by using ‘Christ only’ preachings, and without the presence of the Church). I used to tell them that they should try to channelize their energies through the Church – but the general apathy of our Church leaders, and their keen Protestant interests essentially makes them to grow up in a world where the Church is absent in their life in Christ.

Hope you see where I am coming from. How can we make evangelization an important part of our ministry and the Church life? I am looking for some thoughts that maybe someday soon we can make a reality in the life of our Church in a small but effective way.

Warm regards,
Mathew Samuel (Sunil)
Albany, NY

 

To: drkct@hotmail.com
Subject: My best wishes
Date: Wed, 4 Apr 2007 21:23:02 -0700 (PDT)

Dear Cor Episcopa Achen,

I am a young member of our Church in India, and I just want to write in thanking you for this bold step you have taken. Although I had never read your books, from reviews of friends and some messages of yours on Orthodox Herald, I had a great respect for your zeal for Holy Orthodoxy. Yours was a voice I was thirsting to hear.

In each forum we see a condition where even many priests do not believe that Orthodoxy is the One Holy Apostolic and Catholic Church, the One Church of Our One Lord built on the bones of the Apostles.

Thank you Achen, may the saints intercede for you especially those like St Athanasius defenders of the Holy Church against the heresies.

I had written to Puliyeril uncle too, and now since your mail became available I am writing to you too.

Thank you,
Suraj Iype

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