[nickcarraway]

Just an example: Patriarch Alexis Speaks out Against War in Iraq

By Anna Bobina

March 6, 2003 (RIA Novosti) -- His Beatitude Alexis II, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, addressed a board session of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. As on many previous occasions, the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church strongly called against war in Iraq.

The Church opposes the idea of nations imposing their will on other nations. It raises its voice against violence in these crucial days when the fate of the Middle East and, possibly, of the whole world is at stake, said His Beatitude as he quoted St. Philarete Patriarch of Moscow: "Righteousness is always stronger than malice and perfidy."

The Patriarch highlighted the peacekeeping mission of the Russian Orthodox Church. It has been active for many years to settle conflicts in the post-Soviet area, the Balkans, the Middle East and the Korean peninsula, he said.

Alexis II thanked Igor Ivanov, Russia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the entire ministerial personnel for partnership with the Church to the benefit of Russia, and of international ties, peace and security.

[Chancellor Palpatine]

Of course, being from a top down model, you don't understand the extent to which we Orthodox ignore the political pronouncements of our hierarchs, pat them on the head, and then go on our merry way. This aspect of not taking their political views seriously in the US extends through the parishes and auxiliary bishops - thus while our hierarchs occasionally say stupid things (for which I've personally scolded my Metropolitan), our parish priests support the war effort, serve as military and LEO chaplains, offer up prayers for our President and armed forces, and move along in support of our nation, with the independence of thought and independence of action, with no likelihood of retribution.

Even with that said, I've not seen any moral condemnation by an American Orthodox bishop of troops or people supporting the war effort - it just wouldn't be contemplatable.