EDITOR’S NOTE (Nick Stamatakis). I am not sure such appalling news deserves commentary, except to remind all of what the faithless Archbishop did during the pandemic with the multiple spoons and the restrictions of church services… And also to note that if any power wanted to make sure that the faithful are driven away from our Churches, this is exactly what they would do: water down the Faith…
At a time when Americans are converting to Orthodoxy by the tens of thousands, the only Orthodox denomination with the fewest converts is GOA. It makes absolute sense: The converts are primarily looking for adherence to the original teachings and liturgical practices of Christianity. And Elpidoktonos is offering them anything but… not only “Gluten-free” Eucharist but also “Gay Baptism” and “multiple spoons” and… and…
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“Gluten-free communion” in Phanar-affiliated churches slammed in the U.S.
The UOJ’s American branch has sharply criticized a decision by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, calling it “the one that may skirt the line of heresy.”
The American branch of the Union of Orthodox Journalists published a news article criticizing Archbishop Elpidophoros’ recent decision to approve so-called “Food-Sensitive Eucharistic Gifts” during an “Adaptive Liturgy” at St. Demetrios Church in Weston, Massachusetts.
The critique was published in response to a report on the conference titled “Gathered as One Body: Disability, Accessibility, and Inclusion in the Orthodox Church”, organized by the Huffington Ecumenical Institute at Hellenic College Holy Cross in cooperation with the Center for Family Care of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.
“But the real scandal – the one that may skirt the line of heresy – is the introduction of so-called Food-Sensitive Eucharistic Gifts,” the article states.
The author condemns the move as a manifestation of “disbelief in the Eucharist,” and notes that this is not the first time the Greek Archdiocese has, in their view, demonstrated a “lack of faith” in the sacrament of Holy Communion.
“Remember 2020, when they introduced multiple spoons for the distribution of Communion? Apparently, the Body and Blood of the God-Man could cleanse sin and defeat death, but couldn’t quite manage to sterilize a spoon. Now, it seems, the Eucharist is reduced to mere bread and wine – a dietary risk to those with gluten sensitivity. Madness!” the article underscores.
The publication also questions whether the innovation is statistically justified. The author notes that, given Orthodox Christians make up about 1% of the U.S. population and only around 0.75% of Americans have true gluten intolerance, the number of Orthodox faithful affected by the issue must be very slim.
In addition to changing the composition of the prosphora, the conference presented other elements of the “adaptive liturgy,” such as hypoallergenic incense and sign language interpreters during services.
“I pray that my Greek brothers and sisters will raise their voices, and that this blasphemy will be consigned to the ash heap of history – alongside the unholy alliance that funds it,” the author concludes.
Previously, the UOJ reported that Archbishop Elpidophoros presented a cross to Donald Trump at the White House.
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Abp. Elpidophoros Approves “Food-sensitive” Eucharist
When Accessibility Crosses the Line: A Call for Faithful Integrity in Liturgical Practice
Weston, MA—Hellenic College Holy Cross’s Huffington Ecumenical Institute (HEI) recently hosted a multi-day conference titled “Gathered as One Body: Disability, Accessibility, and Inclusion in the Orthodox Church,” together with the GOA Center for Family Care.
The initiative is part of the Greek Archdiocese’s “On Behalf of All” pilot program on parish accessibility, funded by a large grant from none other than the Lilly Endowment, a well-documented pass-through organization for covert donations from the CIA.
The closeness of the Greek Archdiocese to three-letter agencies is, at this point, old news. The real news lies in some of the features of the so-called Adaptive Liturgy. One could certainly argue that having an ASL translator for deaf parishioners is a good and pastoral thought. However, this task should, at minimum, be relegated to a tonsured reader properly trained for such a sacred purpose. There have been multiple cases in which supposed ASL interpreters have signed completely different messages than what was actually said. Preaching the Word and leading the laity in prayer is a sacred function of the clergy. Thus, this role should ideally fall to a member of the clergy—minor or major, as appropriate.
Another feature introduced was hypoallergenic incense. Again, one can appreciate the intent and even applaud the effort to accommodate an increasingly unhealthy population. But the real scandal—the one that may skirt the line of heresy—is the introduction of so-called Food-Sensitive Eucharistic Gifts.
One can only assume that this is a “gluten-free” bread, to meet the needs of the five Orthodox Christians in America who may have an actual Gluten allergy. We’ll start here just to note how absurd this is merely from a statistical point of view. Orthodox Christians account for just one percent of the American population. Similarly, only three-quarters of one percent of Americans have an actual Gluten intolerance. What are the odds that the three million Orthodox Christian population overlaps with the 2.48 million Americans with a real Gluten intolerance? Pretty slim. Of the total estimated Orthodox population, you’re looking at maybe 16,750 on the high end—again, less than 1%.
Now one may say “well wait, didn’t you just say that the desire to accommodate an increasingly unhealthy population was worthy of applause?” Yes, but incense is functional, not sacramental and a central tenet of the faith. So, let’s get to the actually problematic part—the disbelief in the Eucharist.
This is, unfortunately, not the first time in recent history in which the Greek Archdiocese has shown a lack of faith in the Eucharist. Remember 2020, when they introduced multiple spoons for the distribution of Communion? Apparently, the Body and Blood of the God-Man could cleanse sin and defeat death, but couldn’t quite manage to sterilize a spoon. Now, it seems, the Eucharist is reduced to mere bread and wine—a dietary risk to those with gluten sensitivity. Madness!
And let’s not forget the abandonment of ancient and sacred prosphora baking traditions—traditions stretching back thousands of years—all because maybe one percent of Orthodox Christians lack the faith to believe that we who are but wax and grass partake of the very fire of Divinity. Perhaps the burning we feel is not some largely imagined allergy, but our sins!
And to speak plainly to those who say, “But I really do suffer from this”—let me ask: is a little fatigue, bloating, or discomfort not worth your eternal soul?
And no, this is not some petty “Greek vs. Russian” polemic. I love the Greeks and have a deep appreciation for the Greek tradition and the piety of everyday Greek faithful—a piety that puts mine to shame more often than not. This is about fidelity to Christ, to the Tradition of our Fathers, and not inventing solutions to problems that don’t exist.
Not every idea whispered into our ears by the good idea fairy is actually a good one—let me tell you! I pray that my Greek brothers and sisters will raise their voices, and that this blasphemy will be consigned to the ash heap of history—alongside the unholy alliance that funds it.
These people don’t understand what communion is. The body of Christ, our Lord, is gluten free! Only this generation has problems with gluten? I have read a lot of orthodox books and I have never read about this “problem” before. The devil’s is at work, making those of little faith believe that gluten is the problem!
I know people who have significant gluten intolerance and can’t eat commercially-baked bread. They have no problem whatsoever with communion or antidoron. What we have discovered dietarily is that yeast breaks down gluten. Commercially-baked breads abandoned yeast long ago for chemical “rising agents.” This is an example the promotion of a solution for a problem that doesn’t exist, since apparently certain key leaders of the Church want to destroy the faithful’s sensibilities in order to be admired by The World. That should tell you what deity they really worship. May God save us from them and make us worthy of better leaders!
There are churches who still offer separate spoons.
And the priests and bishops do nothing to stop the blasphemy. Sickos! Everyone of them!
Shocking!
What’s next? Communion without wine for the alcoholics?
There was an OCA priest in my current parish up to about 1972; he’s now deceased. He was allergic to alcohol, never drank even socially. He consumed the chalice without any difficulties.
The Titanic is sinking and LP is promoting gluten free Eucharist with the stated goal of inclusion. This is both theologically and statically absurd as stated above .If LP were truly interested in inclusion he would advocate for the use of English in the liturgy. Greek is the greatest barrier to inclusion.
Nick , I don’t think thousands are converting to Orthodoxy as you stated. Please let me know where you get this statistic. Incidentally, my GOA parish has more non Greeks than Greeks .Nick the GOA is not an Orthodox denomination but rather an Orthodox jurisdiction.
I have posted several articles on the phenomenon of the converts. But it’s about time to refresh our knowledge and soon I will post a newer one.
So, this so called “hierarch” is in reality a Protestant who doesn’t believe in sacramental theology. Anaxios!!!!
If we seriously want to talk about “inclusion”…let’s consider “accommodating” the Orthodox flock of faithful, who always prefer “heretic-free” clergy…
“Exclusion” of heretics has always been good for the health of the Orthodox Church…period.
Will the Assembly of Bishops stand up to this?
*crickets*
Other than issuing empty platitudes, this needs to be addressed on the assembly in the same way the Belya issue was..if not EXPONENTIALLY stronger as it involves the holy Eucharist.
Είναι αυτό που λέγει η λαϊκή παροιμία: “Όλα τα είχε η Μαριορή, ο φερετζές της έλειπε“. Η παράδοση δια της Ορθόδοξης πίστης θεωρεί την θεία μετάλειψη ως φάρμακο κατά πάσης ασθένειας και
το μέσον επικοινωνίας μεταξύ Θεού και ανθρώπου, μεταξύ Δημιουργού και δημιουργήματος. Αυτός εδώ ειλικρινά δεν ξέρω αν έχει πίστη κόκου συνάπεως και επειδή δεν τον έχει ο εσωτερικός του κόσμος είναι
κενός και προσπαθεί να τον γεμίσει με ανάρμοστες συμπεριφορές. Το χειρότερο σ’αυτήν την περίπτωση που θα μπορεί να συμβεί με αυτήν την δημοσίευση είναι πως κάποιοι άπιστοι
να το δούν σαν ευκαιρία εκμετάλλευσης και να αρχίσουν αγωγές κατά των Ορθοδόξων κοινοτήτων, γι’αυτό προτείνω στους Ιερατικούς Προϊσταμένους των κοινοτήτων μας πρίν την θείαν κοινωνία να ανακοινώνουν πως το
πρόσφορο περιέχει η μπορει να περιέχει γλουτένη.
Ημαρτον Κύριε και μη χειρότερα.
These are not people of God! This is absolute blasphemy! To think that the Body and Blood of Christ can cause illness! This only proves that they do not believe that Christ is truly the Son of God, that is, Perfect man in the flesh and perfect God in the Spirit. They are liars and blasphemers and should be defrocked and ex-communicated!
Satan attacking the Holy Eucharist is the end times! Period!
What is the fear of God’s stewards about throwing Elpi off his throne of corruption? The Bishops and priests need to be asked point blank.
I remember about 10 years ago a convert at Greek Orthodox Church in NC requested gluten free Communion. At that time, the priest was mortified and said no.
I hope the Assembly does address the possibility of using Gluten free bread for the Eucharist in parishes with people who have a severe reaction to gluten. I have a dear friend who has Celiac disease and has a violent reaction to the smallest, minuscule amount of gluten, and she has gotten violently ill when she received the Eucharist from a priest who refused to just give her the blood of Christ. And, didn’t Jesus look and go after that one lost sheep? You use statistics to make a point that a severe reaction to gluten only impacts a few people; well, doesn’t the Lord care about those people just as much as He cares for and loves everyone? And no, for some this is not a matter of a little bit of discomfort and bloating, but something much more serious. Yes, in the Eucharist we receive the real Body and Blood of Christ; however, it is in the form of bread and wine. Ask any priest or deacon who has had to consume a substantial amount of remaining Eucharist, and you will surely be told that more than one has felt the results of the consumption of the “wine.” I was at this conference, and what I experienced was one of the most substantive, life-giving experiences of genuine koinonia in my almost-70 years of life and service in the life of the Church. So much good came from it; yet you, who were not even there to experience the love of God in Jesus Christ and the coming together of the Body of Christ (pan-Orthodox participation) can only criticize. I am sickened by the responses. Anyone responding attend the conference? May God forgive all of us.
This is not about statistics, it’s about the most central and essential part of our FAITH. If we start getting down this slope we will start accommodating all minute “identities”, including of course homosexuality. Have no doubt – this is the real goal of this unacceptable proposal: the recognition of homosexuality and other eccentricities that are totally against our FAITH.
It was the strategy the Left used inn the wider society to conquer the educational and the political system – until everything became “acceptable”. But in our case it is about FAITH and only about FAITH.
Actually, after further thought and some investigation, I agree with kkp. Essentially, we are only changing a recipe. The transformation of the elements, the bread and wine, still takes place. Additionally, I don’t think LP intends to mandate the use of gluten free bread across the archdiocese.
Nick, I still want to know how you came up with your statistic of the number of converts, tens of thousands. There may be more coverts in some jurisdictions, but the primary factor is language.
JK,
Easy on that “recipe” contemplation, before you inadvertently find yourself falling into faithlessness territory. :)
On your other question, most of the converts are going to OCA and the Antiochians, but I am hearing of an uptick in converts to ROCOR too. There are a lot of Antiochian and OCA internet “influencers” that are contributing to this phenomenon. The “tens of thousands in the last few years” sounds about right when you span across the expanse of the United States. There’s at least one “Western-rite” Antiochian parish in central VA that has expanded to a couple thousand alone, from just a handful as a “mission parish” a few years ago… I know of another OCA parish in Missouri that started literally in the back woods back in 2017, and they are bursting at the seams now with 2 to 3 hundred parishioners, about half of them recent converts since the days of COVID. The numbers work. If someone said “hundreds of thousands”, I would not buy that, but “tens of thousands” in the last few years is actually realistic.
In contrast, I also know of one case where a conversion of an entire family to GOA’s jurisdiction did NOT occur at the last minute because they saw the headlines about what Elpidophoros did with that baptism in Glyfada…that’s the behavior and mindset they were trying to escape from, so they chose a more conservative jurisdiction as a result.
Now, the quality of Catechism and due diligence that is behind these conversions, and whether or not they have truly shed their prior dogmatic convictions is a totally different discussion, because there are some concerns about that, too. Sometimes Quality is sacrificed for Quantity, and that can never be good.
I can’t even believe we are having this conversation! It truly is ridiculous to even think about it. When Christ shared the bread of wine with his disciples, didn’t say it’s only for the people that tolerate gluten. I believe those people that think they get sick from Holy Communion, is psychological. There is a story about a monk that doubted that the Communion is the body and blood of Christ and because God wanted to teach him a lesson, when he took communion, he actually felt flesh and saw flesh in the chalice. It is not bread we are consuming, so those that think got sick from it, should talk to someone and we should not change the Church for the very few.
There is also the example of St. John Maximovich who had to consume communion after someone vomited. THe person was very ill and St. John “risked” to take the communion and “get sick” from it. Of course, nothing happened but those of little faith were terrified that St. John consumed the communion from someone like that, I think it was a person that was bit by a mad dog that threw up the communion. No contamination or sickness took place. How many of us would do what St. John did? The problem is not the communion, it is us, because I don’t know of anyone that would be able to do this, including me. St. John didn’t see any disease or contamination, he saw the body and blood of Christ, who cleans everything, yes, including throw up.
Maybe instead of changing the Church, they should not have communion, take the example of Mary of Egypt who became holy through deep repentance and didn’t have communion for a very long time. The Church can’t change every time someone things they got sick from something.
Additionally, the last supper, which was the Passover Meal, used unleavened bread which is gluten free. So gluten free is very traditional.
JK,
Now you are falling into 10th century Vatican heresy, and a prior one of Apollinaris as well. You really get around the map of heretical confusion relying only on English, don’t you? :)
Check out the Church Fathers, and see how they point out the last supper was conducted 24 hours before the official start of the Passover, so they were still using leavened bread. St. John of Damascus is quite clear about the Orthodox opinion on what type of bread was consumed at the Last Supper in Patrologia Greaca, volume 95, page 388-389…
“…Ιδου δε και αυτος αρτον ειπε λαβειν τον Χριστον, και ουκ αζυμων. Ου γαρ ετι ην, πεμπτης (Thursday) ουσης τηνικαυτα ημερας. Δεκακαιτριτη γαρ ην η σεληνη τοτε, και ΟΥΚ ΗΝ ΑΖΥΜΟΝ δια το μηπω γενεσθαι. Τη ιε’ γαρ της σεληνης νενομοθετημενον ην εσθιειν ταυτα. Τη ιδ’ τον αμνον και μονον ησθιον. διο και την δεκακαιτεταρτην του αυτου μηνος της σεληνης Πασχα προσαγορευει ο νομος. την δε ιε’ αυτην και Σαββατον ονομαζει. Ει ουν ο Χριστος ετυθη κατα την δεκακαιτεταρτην της σεληνης, ημερα Παρασκευη. ΤΟ ΔΕ ΣΑΒΒΑΤΟ ΗΝ ΤΩΝ ΑΖΥΜΩΝ ΕΟΡΤΗ, οτε τα αζυμα ησθιον, ποτε ταυτα τοις αποστολοις παρεδοκεν? οτι λεγουσιν παρα των αποστολων ταυτα λαβειν? Ουδε γαρ το Πασχα το νομιμον κατα τον χρονον εφαγεν ο Χριστος. Και γαρ μετα το δειπνησαι, παρεδωκε δια της του αρτου κλασεως, το της Καινης Διαθηκης μυστηριον κατα την ΠΕΜΠΤΗΝ ημεραν. Οτε δε εορτη των Αζυμων ην εν το ΣΑΒΒΑΤΩ κατα την ιε’ ημεραν του μηνος, εν το ταφω εκειτο ο Κυριος. Αζυμων ουν μη οντων προ της εορτης των Αζυμων εν ολω το ενιαυτω που ευρεθησαν τοτε τα αζυμα, οτε μετα των ατου μαθητων το δειπνον εφαγεν ο Χριστος? ΠΑΥΣΑΣΘΕ ΟΙ ΤΗ ΑΛΗΘΕΙΑ ΑΝΤΙΜΑΧΟΜΕΝΟΙ…”
I agree with Markos, if you read what the Church fathers say on the subject, you will find out that there was not gluten free bread used by the Lord. That’s why tradition is so important in the OC. Without the traditions and the Church Fathers, we will all be heretics, interpreting everything and changing everything as we please, so we would destroy the OC for the greater good of a few… This is a great temptation…
Let’s assume, for the sake of argument, that this was ever part of tradition—which it’s not. Are we to believe that the Archbishop is now trying to return to tradition by introducing gluten-free Communion? Or is this a concession rooted in a lack of faith, suggesting that those with allergies now need an alternative? Will we have two Communion lines—one for gluten-free and one for regular?
It’s clear he has an agenda, and it’s not to strengthen the faithful, but to dilute and weaken our spiritual foundation.
Christ is Risen!
Sure, why not, go all the way. Let’s use gluten-free vanilla wafers and grape juice with sippy straws. That way we don’t have the burn the multiple plastic spoons used for the reception of Holy Communion. I’m sure that would be more appealing to the unbaptized/unchrismated
Non-Orthodox spouses of Orthodox Christians whom our Archbishop has suggested be allowed to receive the Body and Blood of Christ.
How have we become so deluded?
Το ερώτημα που θα έπρεπε να μας απασχολεί είναι: Γιατί άνθρωποι που εμφανώς δεν πιστεύουν στον Χριστό, φοίτησαν σε ιερατικές σχολές και έγιναν ιερείς και επίσκοποι;
I know three people who are severely allergic to gluten—so much so that even cross-contamination can send them to the hospital. Yet, receiving Holy Communion has never caused a reaction. In fact, the only time they can consume gluten without any issue is when they receive Antidoron from the Geronta, who, knowing this, always gives them a generous handful. They’ve never gotten sick.