A
Letter to Bishop Agafangel from the Chairman
of the RTOC Synod
Archbishop Tikhon of
August 13/26, 2007
Your Eminence!
We have learned of your letter addressed to the Chairman of the RTOC
Synod, Archbishop Tikhon, and which appeared on the
Internet. We had hoped for a dialogue
with you and certainly would be pleased if it were to commence, considering the
It would seem that a mutual understanding between us would be possible
only if our treatment of each other is done sincerely and simply, leading to
one goal – to find agreement for the sake of the Russian Church. There simply cannot be any personal designs
in such an important matter. The
dialogue must proceed without any personal distractions, as we are faced with a
serious, gravely important task. The
fate of many of the faithful, those people who follow us, depends on its
fulfillment.
Therefore, allow us to express our surprise that your letter, addressed
to the Chairman of the RTOC, was not sent personally to me, nor
to the address of the Synod. It was
simply posted on the Internet, and its contents were not known to us right
away. At the moment, we find ourselves
somewhat confused, should we answer the appeal, if it was not sent to us
personally? Do you await some thoughtful
answer from us, though you did not consider it necessary to address us
directly?
Your Eminence!
We will say it again and again, that we are engaged in an endeavor of
the utmost responsibility. For the sake
of remaining steadfast in the Truth, we invite you to a serious, fair and open
dialogue, worthy of the order of Orthodox bishops, which God has blessed us to
be.
+Archbishop Tikhon
of
Chairman of the
Synod of the Russian True Orthodox Church
August 13/26, 2007
St. Tikhon, Wonderworker of Zadonsk