Years of anticipation lead to the announcement from the ROCOR Synod. What's next?
Christ is Risen!
So much speculation since we learned in April that the ROCOR Synod of Bishops would be considering the work of the Commission on the Glorification of Father Seraphim Rose, shared by Bishop James of Sonora, at their recent Spring meeting.
Then, on Monday this week the Union of Orthodox Journalists ran a story announcing the canonization of Father Seraphim. This set off volleys of social media celebrations and criticism, as well as private emails and text messaging, as an official statement from the Synod had not yet been released. The Synod did indeed confirm the pre-announcement by the UOJ on Tuesday, March 5, and another wave of celebrations (and more subdued criticisms) ensued.
I know within our parish circles there were still questions as to what the wording of the Synod’s letter meant, and what would happen next. Before sharing my own thoughts, I would strongly recommend reading the Synod’s Epistle, which is signed by all the bishops present.
Secondly, I would just as strongly recommend reading this excellent interview with His Grace, Bishop Irenei of London and Western Europe, who was present at the Synod’s gathering, and who sets forth the process going forward. This excerpt gives a sense of how His Grace approaches the glorification:
I can say that I rejoice in my heart that we have been able so to state — that the Council of Bishops recognises even now, at this point in the process, the righteous way of life of Fr Seraphim. That is to say, the task of preparing for his glorification is not being undertaken as if we do not already concretely feel his holiness and recognise it, not only amongst ourselves, but in a way we feel a desire to share with others. We look forward to ecclesially proclaiming it more fully, should God so bless us — and we have blessed the continuation of the work towards this.
This is no small thing! The holiness is tangible! We do not hide this, or pretend otherwise. We now seek to do all that is right and proper so that what we already taste might become the source of spiritual nourishment for so many…