On the other hand, western Christianity has splintered thousands of times since the great schism, usually attended with different doctrines.
The Orthodox faith is the property of all Orthodox believers. That is one of its strengths and why it has not been subject to doctrinal change. Since the authority lies in the Faith, and not in men, it cannot be changed by those who wish to move with trends (like TEC).
Many former Episcopalians, like me, have become Orthodox precisely because we suffered through so much misrule at the hands of men (and women).
I respect Roman Catholicism greatly (my best friend is a Roman Catholic who describes Catholicism and Orthodoxy as the two lungs of the Body of Christ). I could not become Catholic because I am afraid that the Catholic Church will be the next target of these loathsome heretics. I am so tired of seeing everything I love cheapened, mocked and ruined. I pray that my family and I will not have to go through it again.
And I pray for the Roman Catholic Church and Holy Father Benedict. May his arm be strengthened for the battle that is already upon us.