Just A Simple Question
In the most recent edition of the Orthodox Observer, the monthly publication produced by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, a photograph is displayed on page 5, of the ‘Holy Trinity Archdiocesan Cathedral Board,’ together with Archbishop Demetrios of America, another bishop, and the parish priest. I count, excluding clergy, 29 lay people in the photo — are they all on the ‘parish board?’ It is commonplace for the constitution of a ‘board’ to be provoked by the ability of those people to give financially to the organization (hence, the main reason many organizations have large boards with big names); however, outside of a fund-raising scheme, does anyone actually believe that any work can be accomplished with 29 people on a ‘board (remember, Jesus only had 12, and 1 flaked out)?’ …let alone the work of the Church? The term, ‘dog-and-pony-show’ does comes to mind.
Now, let’s move toward the simple question… The very nature of addressing this group as a ‘board’ instead of a ‘council’ provides an environment of corporate culture. This environment has plagued Orthodoxy in America for decades, as multiple ethnic groups have, through their experience of Church, attempted to proclaim their exodus from ‘poor immigrant’ status to ‘arrived American’ status. Conforming to corporate structures, expectations, and experiences are not the only effects this dynamic has had on the Church in America — pews, organs, etc… all surfaced from related intentions.
Getting closer to the simple question… With this type of institutional mentality existing and prevalent in the Church, is it possible that it has crept into our ‘spiritual experience’ at the Church as well? Remember the pews and organs? They limit interpersonal contact, relational spacing, and proximity during the celebration of the Sacraments… not too Orthodox. But let’s go beyond these tangible examples, and ponder the greater understanding that many people have of the Church and its role in their lives. Is it the foundation, or simply some trim? Has the Church become compartmentalized in the lives of Her people, as they determine where to ‘add in Church’ when scrolling through their DROID, iPhone, or Blackberry?
Prefacing the simple question… In no way do I believe that administrative functionality and structures from the corporate models of America are evil, in fact I believe that many of them can be useful in the life of the Church. In keeping with the ‘honey bee’ mentality of Saint Basil the Great, I believe that structures and functionality of corporate America have a place in the Church when they are fueled by the desire to receive and offer the Love of God through the Mysteries of His Church. It is however, extremely difficult, and we have not done it, to arrive at a spiritual level of maturity where we may differentiate between the motives of the Church and the motives of capitalism or ego, when working through the mediums of corporate America.
Simple question… Is it possible to address the experience and mentality of the corporate institutionalization of the Orthodox Church in America, and again return to teaching, offering, and experiencing the Church as the Body of Christ, and the source of healing in this World?
What say you?
