Since the time of the vanquishing of the Ebionite heresy, when all the Churches used leavened bread for the Oblation to show that the keeping of Jewish traditions was not necessary for salvation, some Churches have used leavened and some unleavened. Within any Church, using the non-proscribed style of bread is considered an offense against the unity of the rite and the directives of the bishops. This is why the current yeast shortage is causing such an issue in the Eastern Christian Churches throughout America.
As we all know, what is causing this shortage is unknown. Some say it is the recent heat wave, and some say it is a hitherto-unseen microscopic creature that is killing the yeast. Whatever the cause, yeast just will not stay alive in America right now.
Practically speaking, the results are that the Divine Liturgy has not been celebrated in weeks. "It is a tragic case in our country today," commented Metropolitan Georg Hunserl of Bogoroditsa, WV. "So many are deprived of the Holy Gifts, unless they attend a Mass." His Grace did point out on speck of light, though: "Matins and Vespers are flourishing as never seen before in our metropolia."
The debate has now arisen about whether, in extreme circumstances such as these, Byzantine Catholic priest may be allowed to offer the Holy Gifts if they are made without yeast. Protoreader Theodore Anathayich of St. Methuselah's Metropolitan College plainly denies the possibility. "Absolutely not! For where in the Holy Synods of old can such a rule be found? Who would take oikonomia to such a length? Who would go against the canons of the most holy Fathers among the Saints, John of Savia, Alexander of Cairo, Hegumen Athanasius II of St. Basil of Caesarea Philippi, Stavrophore Constantin Garochka Eliazar of Târgi Lăpșu..." [we cut short the good Protoreader's catena of holy men for the sake of space].
Babic wisdom has no good words for azymos either, as I was unceremoniously driven from St. Nicholas Church in Coraopolis, PA, for the mere suggestion of unleavened bread. The babis plan to solve the crisis as they solve all: by following the parable of the widow and the unjust judge. A baba whose name I was not able to obtain before my forced exit explained it succinctly: "If a problem remains, it is because the priest does not pray. If the priest does not pray, it is because the babi do not ask." Before I could inquire of the priest his views of the babic saying, I saw his terrified trembling, and I thought it better to refrain.
No one yet knows what will become of this crisis. All we know is the opinion of the Great Synod of Târgi Lăpșu: "To him who dares to offer the Holy Gifts as unleavened, let him be anathema!" Whether Metropolitan Georg will be of that opinion has yet to be seen.
As we all know, what is causing this shortage is unknown. Some say it is the recent heat wave, and some say it is a hitherto-unseen microscopic creature that is killing the yeast. Whatever the cause, yeast just will not stay alive in America right now.
Practically speaking, the results are that the Divine Liturgy has not been celebrated in weeks. "It is a tragic case in our country today," commented Metropolitan Georg Hunserl of Bogoroditsa, WV. "So many are deprived of the Holy Gifts, unless they attend a Mass." His Grace did point out on speck of light, though: "Matins and Vespers are flourishing as never seen before in our metropolia."
The debate has now arisen about whether, in extreme circumstances such as these, Byzantine Catholic priest may be allowed to offer the Holy Gifts if they are made without yeast. Protoreader Theodore Anathayich of St. Methuselah's Metropolitan College plainly denies the possibility. "Absolutely not! For where in the Holy Synods of old can such a rule be found? Who would take oikonomia to such a length? Who would go against the canons of the most holy Fathers among the Saints, John of Savia, Alexander of Cairo, Hegumen Athanasius II of St. Basil of Caesarea Philippi, Stavrophore Constantin Garochka Eliazar of Târgi Lăpșu..." [we cut short the good Protoreader's catena of holy men for the sake of space].
Babic wisdom has no good words for azymos either, as I was unceremoniously driven from St. Nicholas Church in Coraopolis, PA, for the mere suggestion of unleavened bread. The babis plan to solve the crisis as they solve all: by following the parable of the widow and the unjust judge. A baba whose name I was not able to obtain before my forced exit explained it succinctly: "If a problem remains, it is because the priest does not pray. If the priest does not pray, it is because the babi do not ask." Before I could inquire of the priest his views of the babic saying, I saw his terrified trembling, and I thought it better to refrain.
No one yet knows what will become of this crisis. All we know is the opinion of the Great Synod of Târgi Lăpșu: "To him who dares to offer the Holy Gifts as unleavened, let him be anathema!" Whether Metropolitan Georg will be of that opinion has yet to be seen.
No comments:
Post a Comment