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The second thing that bothered me was a very descriptive analogy used by the bishop to describe the Body of Christ, the True Christian Church. He used the analogy of a tree to describe the church. He went on to describe Orthodoxy as the root of the tree which nourishes the branches and the leaves, which he explained were all of the other protestant churches and denominations. He said that it was better to be the root and not a branch but that we were of the the same tree. This analogy was used to support his apparent ecumenical view.

Seraphim,

I have uploaded an image in my profile section that seems to depict that which your bishop was referring to. I also posted the image on myspace.com/ancientchristianity so that you can upload it. Just to briefly describe the photo, Christ is The Tree of Life, depicted as the Eastern Orthodox Church. A lightening bolt, symbolisizing The Great Schism, has torn off a brach (Roman Catholic Church). Several leaves (representing various protestant faiths) are falling off of the broken branch. They are not in communion with the tree. They have been seperated from The source of life.

I think its an accurate depiction of historical events. I think that is what your bishop was attempting to describe. Some things are better left to the eye though.

I also dont think that we should be surprised when we hear church officials say and do unorthodox things, as this is a sign of the times and a refelction of the state of the world today. I have heard and seen much worse. In the spirit of Christmas, and the words of my spiritual father "if I knew what i was really doing when i critize priests i would remain silent" I will exercise some restraint (at least for today).

Have a blessed nativity,