— A —
From:
Pamela Houlares <pamhoulares@yahoo.com>
To:
Metropolitan Ephraim <metephraim@homb.org>
Cc:
Bishop Demetrius <bpdemetrius@homb.org>
Sent:
Monday, January 16, 2012 8:50 AM
Subject:
Meeting, Saturday, January 21, 2012
Your Eminence Metropolitan Ephraim:
I kiss your right hand.
Many Blessings for the Feast! A group of parishioners requests respectfully that we meet with you to discuss several concerns in regards to the election of the next bishop, the "Name Worshipping" controversy and the need for an all Church Council. If possible, we would like to meet with you this Saturday, January 21 at 11AM at the Diocese House. We also ask that Bishop Demetrius and Fr. Gregory, the newly elected Bishop, be present. We await your response.
In Christ,
Diaconissa Pamela
— B —
January 30, 2012
Your Eminence Metropolitan Ephraim,
I kiss your right hand,
Thank you again for meeting with us on Saturday, January 21, to discuss concerns raised by pa-rishioners of St. Mark of Ephesus Orthodox Cathedral. There were a broad representation of parishioners at the meeting including the Co-President of the St. Philothei Philoptochos, the manager of St. Mark’s Bookstore, several Parish Council members, St. Xenia Camp Assistant Directors and members of the Church Choir. There were other parishioners that could not attend due to family and job related obligations.
In summary, as a matter of record, there were three items discussed and responded to by your Eminence, Bishop Demetrius and Father Gregory (Bishop Elect). These included the following:
Father Gregory will visit parishes and speak to clergy and laity in order to get acquainted with clergy and flock. There was a recommendation that you consider moving the date of the consecration in order to allow the time and consideration for all involved.
The Name Worshipping Heresy is a concern of the Russian Church and. thus, will no longer be discussed or written about by our Bishops or clergy.
You will schedule general counsel meetings of clergy and laity representatives from all parishes on a periodic basis to keep the lines of communication and dialogue open. These councils would be in addition to the annual Clergy Synaxis and could be regional in order to welcome participants from different areas of the country.
The parishioners of St. Mark’s Orthodox Cathedral look forward to continued communication and involvement in our Church.
In Christ,
Diaconissa Pamela Houlares
