Questions about apparitions of Our Lady in Zeitun

[George Demianeg]

In my country Egypt there was reported apparitions of the mother of God in a coptic church in Zeitun, a suberb of Cairo between 1968 and 1971. Those apparitions were witnessed by many thousands of Christians and Muslims. I know personally persons who have been healed from serious illnesses,and hundreds of cases are investigated and published in the media at that time.I know protestants converted to (coptic) orthodoxy, also many Muslims have been turned secretly to Christianity after those apparitions. Other more recent apparitions in Asyut from 2001 intensified the movement of conversion into Christianity in Egypt which is usually either secret conversion or the convert escapes away from Egypt.

I myself was converted from Presbyterian Protestantism background to Orthodoxy after witnessing an apparition of Our Lady, after which I was encouraged to inquire and read about Orthodoxy and apostolic churches, after all I beleived to Eastern Orthodoxy, I m not the only case,many others converted to Oriental Orthodoxy which is at least better than Protestantism and Islam. the Marian apparitions here in Egypt are the strongest weapon against the protestant proselytism and in the non protestant-oriented debate with Islam, Although the Coptic church approved these apparitions I have been told through the internet that the Orthodox church beleives that those apparitions of Egypt and all the Marian apparitions are in fact satanic apparitions. And that as an Orthodox I should not beleive these apparitions.

My questions are:

1- What is the official opinion of the Orthodox church about the apparitions of Zeitun?
2- And what are the opinions of theologians?
3- Does the Orthodox church differentiate between the catholic church apparitions and those of Zeitun specially that the Zeitun did not include any messages or dogmatic issues at the contrary of Lourdes or Medjegorje for example.
4- How should I try to convince my relatives and friends to Orthodoxy specially after I have lost my strongest weapon, even my gate to Orthodoxy has been falled

[Seda S.]

Dear Georgedemianeg

Your question and generally such questions cannot have proper answers, if there is not an exact and final answer to another question: do the Churches which have anathemas against each others accept that the grace of Holy Spirit acts also in the “heterodox”, that that grace is saving? If yes, then a Church cannot but accept such apparitions in other Churches, if they do not have anything “theologically wrong”. If not, then, yes, they may be satanic (but be careful with that word, God’s ways are not like man’s ways and are beyond our understanding). For example, I’m not Eastern Orthodox; I’m a “heterodox” for the Eastern Church. Do I have possibility to be saved in my own Church or not? Did I receive the grace of Holy Spirit when I was baptized in my Church? If yes, then Holy Spirit acts in my Church. If He acts, then He is also saving (otherwise why does He act?). Then why cannot He show His mercy through apparitions, like that one in Zeitun? Who can bind the hands of Him, who blows wherever He Himself wants, and in a way He Himself decides? But if not (that is, I haven’t received His grace, my baptism is not valid), then what is the difference between me and a buddhist or a muslim, and what is my eternal destiny?...
You know, such questions do not rise in my mind, since my Church doesn’t teach that there is no salvation in other Churches. It simply says that our Christology is more correct and acceptable for us. So I accept Eastern Orthodox believers as my real brothers and sisters and do not look at them or at their saints (or relics, miracles, apparitions, etc) with fear and suspicion. They are loved or venerated by me equally with those in my Church, though not officially, because of the “anathemas” and “the law”.
I believe, this problem will have its solution one day. This problem cannot but trouble the conscience of a Christian who loves the Lord Jesus.

[Elzabet]

Nothing to add, but I'm interested too.http://home.nc.rr.com/redsweater/smilies/lurk.gif

[Michael Stickles]

Although the Coptic church approved these apparitions I have been told through the internet that the Orthodox church beleives that those apparitions of Egypt and all the Marian apparitions are in fact satanic apparitions. And that as an Orthodox I should not beleive these apparitions.
My questions are:
1- What is the official opinion of the Orthodox church about the apparitions of Zeitun?
2- And what are the opinions of theologians?
3- Does the Orthodox church differentiate between the catholic church apparitions and those of Zeitun specially that the Zeitun did not include any messages or dogmatic issues at the contrary of Lourdes or Medjegorje for example.
4- How should I try to convince my relatives and friends to Orthodoxy specially after I have lost my strongest weapon, even my gate to Orthodoxy has been falled


I haven't run into that particular set of beliefs. Normally, I see some variation on "the Orthodox Church normally does not take an official position on the authenticity of any particular apparition." I have read an essay on an Orthodox site which argues that none of the Marian apparitions are of divine origin, but it does not assume that they are therefore automatically demonic in origin (nor does it claim to be the "official Orthodox position"). Actually, the author mentions the Zeitun apparition specifically as the most credible of all the ones he has investigated, primarily for the reasons you mention in question #3 (though in the end he still does not consider it divine in origin).

Also, remember that, even if the Zeitun apparitions were proven to be false, you still would not have lost your "strongest weapon" in convincing your friends and relatives. Prayer is the strongest weapon we have, prayer and the words of the Scriptures and the Fathers, not apparitions and miracles. After all, as Abraham told the rich man in Jesus' parable, "If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead."

In Christ,
Mike

[James Blackstock]

Dear Georgedemianeg

Your question and generally such questions cannot have proper answers, if there is not an exact and final answer to another question: do the Churches which have anathemas against each others accept that the grace of Holy Spirit acts also in the “heterodox”, that that grace is saving? If yes, then a Church cannot but accept such apparitions in other Churches, if they do not have anything “theologically wrong”. If not, then, yes, they may be satanic (but be careful with that word, God’s ways are not like man’s ways and are beyond our understanding). For example, I’m not Eastern Orthodox; I’m a “heterodox” for the Eastern Church. Do I have possibility to be saved in my own Church or not? Did I receive the grace of Holy Spirit when I was baptized in my Church? If yes, then Holy Spirit acts in my Church. If He acts, then He is also saving (otherwise why does He act?). Then why cannot He show His mercy through apparitions, like that one in Zeitun? Who can bind the hands of Him, who blows wherever He Himself wants, and in a way He Himself decides? But if not (that is, I haven’t received His grace, my baptism is not valid), then what is the difference between me and a buddhist or a muslim, and what is my eternal destiny?...
You know, such questions do not rise in my mind, since my Church doesn’t teach that there is no salvation in other Churches. It simply says that our Christology is more correct and acceptable for us. So I accept Eastern Orthodox believers as my real brothers and sisters and do not look at them or at their saints (or relics, miracles, apparitions, etc) with fear and suspicion. They are loved or venerated by me equally with those in my Church, though not officially, because of the “anathemas” and “the law”.
I believe, this problem will have its solution one day. This problem cannot but trouble the conscience of a Christian who loves the Lord Jesus.

Dear Seda:

Many of the questions you pose are addressed in this book. It is very enlightening! May God Bless you as you seek Truth,

InXC
James
http://www.sainthermanpress.com/catalog/chapter_one/orf_book.htm

[Seda S.]

Dear Seda:

Many of the questions you pose are addressed in this book. It is very enlightening! May God Bless you as you seek Truth,

InXC
James
http://www.sainthermanpress.com/catalog/chapter_one/orf_book.htm


Dear James, thank you for your care. But I'm not seeking the Truth, I have found Him in my Church and am trying to live according to His will, that I may be united with Him eternally.
As for the faith of the Eastern Orthodox Church, I'd like to note that since my country is a post-Soviet country, the Russian language is my second language, so I have no difficulty to read the writings of the Fathers of the Eastern Orthodox Church, and particularly those of Russian Fathers. And I have been reading them much. But I read also the writings of the Fathers of the Armenian Church which are, sadly, unknown to the world and even to most of Armenians, since those writings are in Classical Armenian. You may not believe me, but I'm telling the truth: the theological heritage of the Arm. Church is extremely (this is not an exaggeration) rich and valuable. I find in it everything I need for my mind and soul. The whole my life will not be sufficient to know that heritage well or even read all that has reached us from the centuries. And I do not find in it any essential difference from that of the Eastern Orthodoxy, which could hinder me from reaching salvation and my Lord. You see only one side and judge only from that point, I havr possibility to see both sides. I have reconciled those both sides in my heart and have made them one, in the One Lord Jesus, who is Love and Truth, the only Truth.
You may object: "But what about 7 Ecumenical Councils which you do not accept?". "And what about this or that tradition?" etc. I'll answer with the words of Metropolitan Anthony Bloom. In one of his interviews (I've read it in Russian, one may find it in the Internet) he says that when he was young, someone (he gives the name, I have forgotten) told him that the whole tragedy of the Church began from the Ecumenical Councils, because they formulated things which should have been kept flexible. Vladika Anthony says he was frightened at that time, when he heard this, but later he understood that it was true.

But I'm not telling this to criticize the councils; no, not at all, I just want to say that there may be different views on what is considered to be very important and essential, or what is considered to be unchangeable, untouchable dogma. Do you understand what I mean?

When I think on the division of the Church, I remember 2 things:
1) Nothing (good or evil) happens without God's will or permission.
2) The towel of Babelon. God Himself came down to ruin what the human pride was creating. He made so that people started to speak in different languages. It was done by God. And of course, for some reason and some purpose, known only to Him.

There is a very important and helpful book on God's providence and will, written by St. John of Tobol, "Iliotropion". Does this book exist in English translation? Have you read it? I would like everybody read it. It helped me much.

[James Blackstock]

Dear James, thank you for your care. But I'm not seeking the Truth, I have found Him in my Church and am trying to live according to His will, that I may be united with Him eternally.
As for the faith of the Eastern Orthodox Church, I'd like to note that since my country is a post-Soviet country, the Russian language is my second language, so I have no difficulty to read the writings of the Fathers of the Eastern Orthodox Church, and particularly those of Russian Fathers. And I have been reading them much. But I read also the writings of the Fathers of the Armenian Church which are, sadly, unknown to the world and even to most of Armenians, since those writings are in Classical Armenian. You may not believe me, but I'm telling the truth: the theological heritage of the Arm. Church is extremely (this is not an exaggeration) rich and valuable. I find in it everything I need for my mind and soul. The whole my life will not be sufficient to know that heritage well or even read all that has reached us from the centuries. And I do not find in it any essential difference from that of the Eastern Orthodoxy, which could hinder me from reaching salvation and my Lord. You see only one side and judge only from that point, I havr possibility to see both sides. I have reconciled those both sides in my heart and have made them one, in the One Lord Jesus, who is Love and Truth, the only Truth.
You may object: "But what about 7 Ecumenical Councils which you do not accept?". "And what about this or that tradition?" etc. I'll answer with the words of Metropolitan Anthony Bloom. In one of his interviews (I've read it in Russian, one may find it in the Internet) he says that when he was young, someone (he gives the name, I have forgotten) told him that the whole tragedy of the Church began from the Ecumenical Councils, because they formulated things which should have been kept flexible. Vladika Anthony says he was frightened at that time, when he heard this, but later he understood that it was true.

But I'm not telling this to criticize the councils; no, not at all, I just want to say that there may be different views on what is considered to be very important and essential, or what is considered to be unchangeable, untouchable dogma. Do you understand what I mean?

When I think on the division of the Church, I remember 2 things:
1) Nothing (good or evil) happens without God's will or permission.
2) The towel of Babelon. God Himself came down to ruin what the human pride was creating. He made so that people started to speak in different languages. It was done by God. And of course, for some reason and some purpose, known only to Him.

There is a very important and helpful book on God's providence and will, written by St. John of Tobol, "Iliotropion". Does this book exist in English translation? Have you read it? I would like everybody read it. It helped me much.

There is an interesting prophesy in the Psalms:

Psalm 12:6 The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.

(There were 7 Ecumenical Councils)

InXC,
James

[Seda S.]

There is an interesting prophesy in the Psalms:

Psalm 12:6 The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.

(There were 7 Ecumenical Councils)

InXC,
James


Dear James, I haven't come here to dispute with anybody, especially on delicate theological matters. If the verse Psalm 12:6 you understand as prophesy on 7 Ecumenical Councils, let it be so for you. It is useless and even harmful for our souls to argue on such topics. For many centuries theologians from both sides have been arguing on the same things, and you see - no result. So, if they cannot come to an agreement, you and I - even more so. That is why each person should solve such problems in his/her heart only. I have solved it in one way, you solve it in another. It's your right, and I respect it.

With love in the Lord,

Seda

[Nina]

Dear James, I haven't come here to dispute with anybody, especially on delicate theological matters. If the verse Psalm 12:6 you understand as prophesy on 7 Ecumenical Councils, let it be so for you. It is useless and even harmful for our souls to argue on such topics. For many centuries theologians from both sides have been arguing on the same things, and you see - no result. So, if they cannot come to an agreement, you and I - even more so. That is why each person should solve such problems in his/her heart only. I have solved it in one way, you solve it in another. It's your right, and I respect it.

With love in the Lord,

Seda

But Seda, with all respect, James was just responding to the points you made. You told your points and he just made his. He has a right to respond. Which I think is beneficial because in my case the information that James provided helped me because I did not know it. James was only exercising his right to speak for his faith.

[Seda S.]

But Seda, with all respect, James was just responding to the points you made. You told your points and he just made his. He has a right to respond. Which I think is beneficial because in my case the information that James provided helped me because I did not know it. James was only exercising his right to speak for his faith.

Dear Nina

I see that my posts are not understood correctly. I need to apologize to everyone here for my poor English. Pls, when reading my posts take into account that my thinking is not English, and perhaps I may use sometimes not very correct words and expressions which may cause misunderstanding.
That is why, unfortunately, now I need to give an explanation. In my first post my questions were rhetoric, not real (pls, if you have time, read my previous posts once again to understand what I meant really). But James didn’t understand what I wanted to say. And in the next posts I wanted to show that I’m not a seeker of truth in the Eastern Orthodoxy though I love and respect it; I’m satisfied, spiritually and mentally, with what I have in my own orthodoxy which I love and cherish very much. I didn’t want to “prove” anything to anybody but to show my real attitude towards “mine” and “yours”, in order to be frank. Only this much. That is why I told John I didn’t want to argue on such topics. But saying this, I didn’t “forbid” him or anybody else to express their views (which are, of course, not theirs but of the Church you belong to), and I said I respect his (or your) right to believe as you believe. Have I right to shut up anybody’s mouth here? I just do not want to be engaged in useless theological or inter-church debates which cause nothing but anger or even hatred. That is why I have mentioned several times my love and respect towards you, the Eastern Orthodox, to whom I have come only with love and for love. And no matter, if, using the words of the Apostle, I may “be less loved” by you (I don’t mean sentiments), which is almost inevitable, having in view my previous experince.
Forgive me, pls, for causing misunderstanding.

With love in the Lord,

S.

[Athanasius Abdullah]

Dear Seda,

Your last post was not necessary at all. Your english is great (i'm not sure what is grammatically or linguistically challenging about your concluding statement 'it's your right and I respect it' that would permit one to misunderstand you and in turn respond with a condascending lecture about recognising and respecting another's right to post their opinions), and your genuine and most humble intentions were perfectly clear from the outset. As a new member, I hope you will please learn what unfortunately took me a while to realise: that some people here are simply not inclined to genuinely understand what you are saying, no matter how clear or intelligible that message is. It's not a problem with you, or your english...as to the precise problem, I shall leave that for a PM. But please do not allow yourself to be cornered into the defensive for no good or justifiable reason.

P.S. I love the Armenian Orthodox Fathers, and do wish they would be more accessible in english (I don't have the privelege of being able to read Classical Armenian like you). We pray the prayers of St Nersess the Gracious at youth meeting every Friday night at my local Coptic parish; I have a special connection with him.

In IC XC
Athanasius

[Nina]

Dear Seda,

About your English. Your English is very good and actually English is not my first language so we are in the same boat.

I understood you perfectly. But I still think that James spoke for his faith and told us about the psalm prophecy after you told the example from Metropolitan Bloom about the Ecumenical Councils:


the whole tragedy of the Church began from the Ecumenical CouncilsFirst, I am not sure where Met. Bloom has said what you say he has said about the above quote - maybe you can post the link of the article (even in if it is in Russian) because I prefer to read things for myself.

Second, I do not doubt your loving intentions, which you very explicitly express here, although mentioning that the "the whole tragedy of the Church began from the Ecumenical Councils" it is a bit too much to say it for us here when you very well know those are our Orthodox Fathers who participated in those Councils and there are not yet born, those men or women who can judge them with words and actions. Because those Holy Fathers that participated in the Ecumenical Councils were real Saints of God.

About Miaphysite who said:
"[Seda]Your english is great (i'm not sure what is grammatically or linguistically challenging about your concluding statement 'it's your right and I respect it' that would permit one to misunderstand you and in turn respond with a condascending lecture"
You must know that it does not suffice to just say 'it's your right and I respect it'. And thank you for calling my post condescending, which in reality is not like that because only I and my God knows what is in my heart when I post something.

[James Blackstock]

Dear Seda,

About your English. Your English is very good and actually English is not my first language so we are in the same boat.

I understood you perfectly. But I still think that James spoke for his faith and told us about the psalm prophecy after you told the example from Metropolitan Bloom about the Ecumenical Councils:

First, I am not sure where Met. Bloom has said what you say he has said about the above quote - maybe you can post the link of the article (even in if it is in Russian) because I prefer to read things for myself.

Second, I do not doubt your loving intentions, which you very explicitly express here, although mentioning that the "the whole tragedy of the Church began from the Ecumenical Councils" it is a bit too much to say it for us here when you very well know those are our Orthodox Fathers who participated in those Councils and there are not yet born, those men or women who can judge them with words and actions. Because those Holy Fathers that participated in the Ecumenical Councils were real Saints of God.

About Miaphysite who said: You must know that it does not suffice to just say 'it's your right and I respect it'. And thank you for calling my post condescending, which in reality is not like that because only I and my God knows what is in my heart when I post something.

I have read a great deal from Anthony Bloom, and frankly I find it hard to believe that he made such a statement. Please do qoute the source of this statement

[Athanasius Abdullah]

Dear Nina,

Seda's concluding statement was a more than sufficient disclaimer and summation of his overall position as supported by the entire context of his post. Your interpretation of him clearly contradicts both his general tone and his explicit affirmations, and you need to accept that. Unless , ofcourse, you want to uncharitably presume Seda a liar.

I do not need to defend Seda; he needs no advocate. His post speaks for itself. There is nothing complicated about it. I will not waste my time saying any more on the issue. I hope Seda will not waste his time trying to defend himself against your implicit allegations either.

P.S. I do not presume to speak for what's in your heart. Your reaction was rather condascending whether it was so intentionally or not.

In IC XC
Athanasius

[Paul Cowan]

Dear Nina,

Seda's concluding statement was a more than sufficient disclaimer and summation of his overall position as supported by the entire context of his post. Your interpretation of him clearly contradicts both his general tone and his explicit affirmations, and you need to accept that. Unless , ofcourse, you want to uncharitably presume Seda a liar.

I do not need to defend Seda; he needs no advocate. His post speaks for itself. There is nothing complicated about it. I will not waste my time saying any more on the issue. I hope Seda will not waste his time trying to defend himself against your implicit allegations either.

P.S. I do not presume to speak for what's in your heart. Your reaction was rather condascending whether it was so intentionally or not.

In IC XC
Athanasius

I just re-read this thread twice. No she was not being condenscending. I think you are being too sensitive to the focus of this site which does not necessarily line up with the Oriental Orthodox teachings.

I think what you said here is very condescending.


As a new member, I hope you will please learn what unfortunately took me a while to realise: that some people here are simply not inclined to genuinely understand what you are saying, no matter how clear or intelligible that message is. It's not a problem with you, or your english...as to the precise problem, I shall leave that for a PM. But please do not allow yourself to be cornered into the defensive for no good or justifiable reason.


Yes there have been threads and posts where our two belief systems have caused people to "take sides" and not be overly compassionate for lack of a kinder word. I am sure if the OO church had a site dedicated to it as Monachos does to Chalcedonian Orthodoxy, the shoe would be on the other foot.

Seda's comments have been very loving and charitable. I think we all recognize that. His statement about the 7 Councils are not what this site believes. Nina simply stated so. This is where dialogue begins. Our OO brothers are that, Brothers. We do have our differences. If we are not allowed to express them or investigate them how will we be reunited?

If your personal sensitivity to this issue is such that you are not open to dialogue, so be it. Neither Seda, James nor Nina has said anything out of line.

Paul

[Anthony]

Am I the only person around here on either side who has noticed that our friend Seda is, in fact, a lady? :)

[Paul Cowan]

Ok, Very embarrassed.

Please forgive me Ms. Stamboltsyan. Seda obviously to the West is a unique name. Can you tell us about it's origins or any other meanings?

Paul

[Nina]

Ok, Very embarrassed.

Please forgive me Ms. Stamboltsyan. Seda obviously to the West is a unique name. Can you tell us about it's origins or any other meanings?

Paul

Well no reason to be embarrassed Paul. I was not sure either. :) Although the name sounded like "Seta" which in Italian means silk. Maybe this is the origin, Seda?

[James Blackstock]

Dear Nina,

Seda's concluding statement was a more than sufficient disclaimer and summation of his overall position as supported by the entire context of his post. Your interpretation of him clearly contradicts both his general tone and his explicit affirmations, and you need to accept that. Unless , ofcourse, you want to uncharitably presume Seda a liar.

I do not need to defend Seda; he needs no advocate. His post speaks for itself. There is nothing complicated about it. I will not waste my time saying any more on the issue. I hope Seda will not waste his time trying to defend himself against your implicit allegations either.

P.S. I do not presume to speak for what's in your heart. Your reaction was rather condascending whether it was so intentionally or not. [quote]



Athanasius


Well no reason to be embarrassed Paul. I was not sure either. :) Although the name sounded like "Seta" which in Italian means silk. Maybe this is the origin, Seda?



We may have gotten the idea from the above post.

InXC
James
In IC XC

[Athanasius Abdullah]

Dear Paul,


I think you are being too sensitive to the focus of this site which does not necessarily line up with the Oriental Orthodox teachings.

I hardly think so my friend. The dispute here is not about teachings, it's about character misrepresentations. If I am sensitive to anything it is to the not so infrequent misrepresentation of certain OO posters as intolerant of dissenting views or as having an agenda to challenge or suppress the EO view. Clearly that's not what Seda was doing, yet Nina responded in such a way so as to imply that Seda was in some way intolerant of James' view to express his faith when ironically Seda was expressing the converse sentiment.

I do not expect you to share my interpretation, here; clearly you are good friends with Nina; it is natural for you to want to defend her, as much as it seems natural for her to attack "us."


His statement about the 7 Councils are not what this site believes. Nina simply stated so.

I'm sorry, but the problem I have expressed with Nina is not her response to Seda's opinion on EO Councils (which, by the way, was essentially invited by James' response to Seda), but her negative characterisation of Seda's disposition to James' posts as being one of intolerance and disrespect. Even after pointing out that Seda explicitly told James he respects James' right to believe and post as he wishes, she refused to acknowledge that such an explicit disclaimer was enough.

Paul, this is not about doctrine, this is not about how many Ecumenical Councils there are, this is about treating others fairly. Remember, that Seda did not even posit an opinion on EO Councils until James posted in a manner that essentially requested Seda to respond with his opinion; that opinion is whas it is--Seda's opinion--and Seda made sure to emphasise that he was only offering that opinion since it was essentially invited, and not because he is here to argue or debate it against other opposing opinions.


If your personal sensitivity to this issue is such that you are not open to dialogue, so be it.

I am not sure what gave you this impression. I originally came on this site to discuss our differences or the lack thereof of such differences, but as you are well aware such dialogue has since been formally precluded. Again, the issue at hand has nothing to do with doctrine or dialogue.

----

On a final note, it is clear to me that the majority of my time on this forum has not been spent posting on issues of substance or edification, and that more bad than good has come from my stay here. I have more than once proposed to leave for a number of reasons, only to return by telling myself that I have over-reacted and that there is still room for something fruitful to come out of my participation here in my capacity as an OO believer. It's crystal clear now that it is both best and desirable both for you all, and for myself to part ways. I also strongly encourage Seda to take the same path. I do not mean to disparage what is clearly a very professionally established forum with lots of valuable material and intelligent posters, but only to indicate the obvious: that it is, in the end a good EO forum for EO faithful. OO do not belong here, and will not be edified, nor will they be able to edify, in this environment.

Take care all, and may the peace and love of the Lord bless you all.
In IC XC
Athanasius

[Paul Cowan]

It's crystal clear now that it is both best and desirable both for you all, and for myself to part ways.

Take care all, and may the peace and love of the Lord bless you all.
In IC XC
Athanasius

Forgive me Athanasius. That was never a personal intention. I am confident not of anyone else either. Forgive me.

Paul

[Seda S.]

Dear all,

I didn't enter the forum for the last days, that's why I haven't yet read all your posts. So now I'm giving the links to that interview (it's in Russian).

http://www.zagorsk.ru/duhovn/ma_1/ (http://www.zagorsk.ru/duhovn/ma_1/)

http://sfi.r121.nthosting.ru/ar.asp?rubr_id=717&art_id=3382 (http://sfi.r121.nthosting.ru/ar.asp?rubr_id=717&art_id=3382)


http://www.russned.ru/stats.php?ID=456 (http://www.russned.ru/stats.php?ID=456)

''....Помню, как я был смущен, когда Николай Зернов пятьдесят лет назад мне сказал: “Вся трагедия Церкви началась со Вселенских соборов, когда стали оформлять вещи, которые надо было оставлять еще гибкими”. Я думаю, что он был прав, — теперь думаю, тогда я был в ужасе. Это не значит, что Вселенские соборы были не правы, но они говорили то, до чего они дожились".




For now this much.
When I have read all your posts and have something to say, I'll say, otherwise forgive me for silence. It is better for me to be considered a speechless animal before men, or to be defenceless (what a great joy and "victory" it is in reality!) but never try to do what I consider useless, harmful and not according to God's will.

"If I tried to please men, I would not be the servant of God".

With love,

S.

[Seda S.]

Ok, Very embarrassed.

Please forgive me Ms. Stamboltsyan. Seda obviously to the West is a unique name. Can you tell us about it's origins or any other meanings?

Paul

Dear Paul
My name is derived, according to linguists, from the Arabic word "saida" which means "kyria" in Greek (perhaps mistress or lady in English). It's the feminine form of "said"="lord" (kyrios).
That name has been used by Armenians from the 9th century (or from earlier times, when Armenia was conquered by Arabs in the 7th century).

I associate my name with my and our heavenly Mother. It comforts me (thinking that my name is Her "name").

CONCLUSION: I'm a lady :) :) :).

By the way, I sent one of my posts twice and now I'm not able to delete one of them. How to do it? I'm sorry for such a question.

With love,

S.

[Fr Raphael Vereshack]

Dear Seda,

You wrote:


By the way, I sent one of my posts twice and now I'm not able to delete one of them. How to do it? I'm sorry for such a question.

I've just deleted the duplicate of your post above. :)

In Christ- Fr Raphael (co-moderator)

[Paul Cowan]

Dear Paul
My name is derived, according to linguists, from the Arabic word "saida" which means "kyria" in Greek (perhaps mistress or lady in English). It's the feminine form of "said"="lord" (kyrios).
That name has been used by Armenians from the 9th century (or from earlier times, when Armenia was conquered by Arabs in the 7th century).

I associate my name with my and our heavenly Mother. It comforts me (thinking that my name is Her "name").

CONCLUSION: I'm a lady :) :) :).

By the way, I sent one of my posts twice and now I'm not able to delete one of them. How to do it? I'm sorry for such a question.

With love,

S.

Dear Seda,

Through your posts and the heart you offer, you do live up to your name; A lady.