[Abebpabeniemo]

I do not wish to be confrontational in this matter, but reading about an elder, a saint or simple pious monk is not the same as confession to one or attending the Divine Liturgy when the latter serves.

Fr Sophrony - to whom I owe much - had his own ideas as far as the Liturgy was served - i.e no royal doors, a curtain that was drawn completely aside (like a stage curtain) and other liturgical practices one could not find on the Holy Mountain where Fr Sophrony was raised in spiritual matters.

I knew Archbishop Basil personally too. In fact His Eminence and Fr Sophrony were monks together - this I believe, is where the criticism is coming from.

Referring to ancient practices belongs to the realm of archaeology rather than the living tradition of the Holy Orthodox Church, guided by the Holy Spirit. The Church is a living organism and reflects the consensus of its members. If as a priest I decided to omit the Litany of the Catechumens or serve without a curtain etc.. I would be breaking the universal tradition of the living Church. I do not serve my Liturgy here in Seattle but the Divine Liturgy that is served by Christ in Eternity. I would recommend reading the life of Elder Porphyrios who experienced the Liturgy in ruined Churches!

Unfortunately we have lost the spirit of simplicity (to quote Elder Paissios) and therefore refer to books to make sense of our lives as Orthodox Christians.

My support of Archbishop Basil does not diminish my love for him or Fr Sophrony.