WARNING

NOT EVERYTHING THAT

CALLS ITSELF ORTHODOX IS

TRULY ORTHODOX


The above warning was given to me when I first met Orthodoxy in 1986. Today [2009] it is even more perilous, even more difficult to find the Royal Path. For one thing there is a far greater abundance of misinformation. And many materials are missing, and other materials are being rapidly rewritten. For another thing there are fewer than ever guides remaining on the Royal Path, especially who speak English. Hopefully this website will be a place where Newcomers to the Faith can keep at least one foot on solid ground, while they are "exploring."


blog owner: Joanna Higginbotham

joannahigginbotham@runbox.com

jurisdiction: ROCA under Vladyka Agafangel

who did not submit to the RocorMP union in 2007

DISCLAIMER



January 9, 2016

Changing Terminology

"True" and "Traditional"

Back in the old days - like 200 A.D. - there was only one Christian Church.  Everyone who was called "Christian" belonged to the same Church. 

But later, when many sects arose, the word "Christian" no longer had the same meaning and did not necessarily refer to the original Church.  

So, to differentiate, the term "Orthodox" Christian was introduced to differentiate the sects from original Christians.

Back in the old days -1970's - Archbishop Averky [Taushev] noted that the left-wing renovationists who were renovating Orthodoxy were still calling themselves "Orthodox." 

He was distressed, saying we have to come up with a new name for ourselves.  Because not everything that calls itself Orthodox is truly Orthodox anymore.

To differentiate between renovated Orthodoxy and unchanged Orthodoxy, Archbishop Averky started referring to us as "True" Orthodox. 

That was in the 1960's and 1970's.

Since then, and today [2008], the term "True" has been picked up by the right-wing factions.  They are calling themselves "True Orthodox."  The term "True Orthodox" today no longer has the same meaning as it did when Abp. Averky first used it.

Today it refers to the whole group of fragmented right-wing jurisdictions, both Russian and Greek. They also refer to themselves as "Traditional Orthodox."   There are cults also claiming to be "true Orthodox."  Do not accept baptism or any of the Sacraments from any priest who is not in communion with Metr. Agafangel of the ROCOR and with Metr. Demetrius of the GOC.

See this 1975 article by Archbishop Averky of old Jordanville during Fr. Seraphim's time: