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I want to start a discussion about the Schism and the relations between Rome and Macedonia, and whether it might be better to reunite with Rome or continue the division.
As long-rooted is our culture in Orthodox Christianity, I've been looking to Rome as answer to some of our problems. The current Macedonian Orthodox Church isn't recognized by any of Orthodox Churches nor the Church of Rome, and is considered schismatic by Orthodox Patriarchs.
Obviously, the Church is not schismatic and deserves recognition by other Churches - but for politico-national reasons, it will never get the recognition it deserves. In reality, this recognition might matter little as Orthodox Christians seldom support others outside their national church.
Is there a good reason to continue the schism initiated by the greed of Constantinople bishops and politicians? I can't see too many good reasons. What should be done is reconcile with Rome, end the schism, but this doesn't mean the end of the Macedonian Church. It would continue to operate as same as now. The only difference, a very significant difference, is the Church would be considered Catholic, and be regarded in the same status as the Anglican Church.
In other words, our Church would be in full communion with Rome but it will continue to preserve our cultural and religious traditions developed over centuries, without sacrifice. The Orthodox Christians, especially our neighbors, despite us. I see no logic to remain Orthodox and be rarely differed from our neighbors than ending the Schism and revert to Catholicism but with great benefits such as recognition, monetary aid, support of 1 billion Catholics world-wide, etc.
Some historical precedents:
The Fall of Constantinople; it was considered devastating to the Orthodox world as the center of Orthodoxy was subjugated to Islamic suzerainty. On the other hand, it had little impact on the Catholic world. Why? Because the followers split from Rome, thus losing much support from the militarily, politically and economically powerful Western Europe.
The Wars in Yugoslavia; the Orthodox Serbia tried to create a Greater Serbia at the expense of her Catholic and to a lesser extent, Muslim neighbors. While the Western world intervened mainly on humanitarian grounds, but it cannot be doubted that the Croats and Slovenes being Catholic also had an impact on Western policymakers to whether lend recognition and aid to those countries. Their support of Muslim, while can be questioned, but it was/is politically correct and popular to defend Muslims living in Europe hence their support of Bosniaks and Albanians.
As long-rooted is our culture in Orthodox Christianity, I've been looking to Rome as answer to some of our problems. The current Macedonian Orthodox Church isn't recognized by any of Orthodox Churches nor the Church of Rome, and is considered schismatic by Orthodox Patriarchs.
Obviously, the Church is not schismatic and deserves recognition by other Churches - but for politico-national reasons, it will never get the recognition it deserves. In reality, this recognition might matter little as Orthodox Christians seldom support others outside their national church.
Is there a good reason to continue the schism initiated by the greed of Constantinople bishops and politicians? I can't see too many good reasons. What should be done is reconcile with Rome, end the schism, but this doesn't mean the end of the Macedonian Church. It would continue to operate as same as now. The only difference, a very significant difference, is the Church would be considered Catholic, and be regarded in the same status as the Anglican Church.
In other words, our Church would be in full communion with Rome but it will continue to preserve our cultural and religious traditions developed over centuries, without sacrifice. The Orthodox Christians, especially our neighbors, despite us. I see no logic to remain Orthodox and be rarely differed from our neighbors than ending the Schism and revert to Catholicism but with great benefits such as recognition, monetary aid, support of 1 billion Catholics world-wide, etc.
Some historical precedents:
The Fall of Constantinople; it was considered devastating to the Orthodox world as the center of Orthodoxy was subjugated to Islamic suzerainty. On the other hand, it had little impact on the Catholic world. Why? Because the followers split from Rome, thus losing much support from the militarily, politically and economically powerful Western Europe.
The Wars in Yugoslavia; the Orthodox Serbia tried to create a Greater Serbia at the expense of her Catholic and to a lesser extent, Muslim neighbors. While the Western world intervened mainly on humanitarian grounds, but it cannot be doubted that the Croats and Slovenes being Catholic also had an impact on Western policymakers to whether lend recognition and aid to those countries. Their support of Muslim, while can be questioned, but it was/is politically correct and popular to defend Muslims living in Europe hence their support of Bosniaks and Albanians.
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