Open letter to the Bishops and the faithful of the OCA

Your Beatitude, Your Eminences, Your Graces,

There was hope.
In spite of the discouragement, the disillusionment and the growing mistrust of most of the faithful of the OCA, there suddenly was a glimpse of hope.

There was hope that the Holy Synod, spurred by the urgency of the Alaskan tragedy, would exercise their high calling and lead our Church out of the storm of crisis and into a safe harbor of stability. For a moment it seemed as if the Alaskan crisis would be handled in a way that could be broadly affirmed and, even, praised.

The OCA was waiting. Prayers were offered. Moliebens were served in front of St Herman’s relics. All were tensely waiting for Friday. There was hope that the wise decision to request +Nikolai’s leave of absence - only a leave of absence, not an accusation - allowing time for an objective investigation, would be confirmed.

Alas!
Bishop Nikolai was restored to power.
Father Alexander Garklav’s report was never presented.
Was the request for a temporary leave of absence a “ mistake”?
Was the appointment of a temporary administrator a ”mistake”?
Or are we witnessing a submission to personal threats?

There was hope for a renewed conciliarity between the Bishops and the faithful.
But again, a wall is built. Accusations are flying, dismissals, secrecy, contradictions, more secrecy, reversals of promises.

There was hope that our Bishops would realize that the faithful are ready and praying to start restoring trust and rebuilding our wounded OCA.

There was hope that the vision of the Orthodox Church in America could be recaptured, that there was a crack in the wall separating the faithful from their Bishops. After the Friday meeting, this hope is shattered.

Our Orthodox Church in America is shattered, broken up Irretrievably? I refuse to believe it.

Once again:
We appeal to you, our Bishops.
We are a hierarchical church.
We have a Holy Synod, the Bishops are the leaders.
Therefore, we are at your mercy and we appeal to your mercy.

Have mercy on the Orthodox Church in America, on the faithful who built our church, who loved it, who hoped for a united church in America, led by the Cross planted firmly in Alaska.

We know that among the Bishops there are those who do not condone decisions followed by repeated reversals, contradictions, assignments followed by cancellations, investigations launched then swiftly curtailed. There are some among you who care more for the injured flock and for justice rather than for a “due process” at the expense of hundreds of irretrievably injured faithful.

Would you agree to be witnesses, martyrs, helping each other with courage, strength and tenacity in seeking the truth in spite of threats and outcries?

What a sigh of relief and renewed hope would be felt by the church if a few of the Bishops could take a firm and courageous stand towards truth and transparency. When questioned on how to proceed on an issue, Father Alexander Schmemann, my late husband, would reply with a smile, “Try the truth!”

The joy of Pascha approaches and will be celebrated by our faithful parish priests, all of them trying to continue feeding and nurturing their flocks in peace and love. Our monasteries will serve and pray.
But where is the missionary spirit of the united OCA, where is the beautiful vision of ORTHODOXY in America?
Let us pray for a miracle.
Christ is Risen !

Asking for your archpastoral prayers and blessings, I remain your faithful servant
Matushka Juliana Schmemann

CC the Holy Synod