Categories
faith

An Orthodox Response To Ted Cruz

Tucker Carlson has done an interview with Republican Senator Ted Cruz of Texas. The Senator cited the Bible to justify his support for Israel. What follows is my opinion as an Orthodox Christian.

Believing Christians have a moral responsibility to the Jewish people. A moral responsibility, not a politically partisan one. Jews have suffered horrendously throughout history. We must concede that Anti Semitism was a problem in Christian societies. Jews were accused of responsibility for crucifying Christ.

Anti Semitism is a grotesque evil, and Christians have an obligation to condemn it when it appears. Christians have a responsibility to condemn anti Semitism everywhere in the world, and in every context, not just in the Middle East. Israel has every right to exist.

Judaism is important to all three of the monotheistic religions. Its contribution to Christianity is undeniable if we read the first chapter of the gospel of Matthew. Jesus and the first Christians were Jewish.

Christians must respect the Jewish people. What Senator Cruz is saying is somewhat different. He appears to interpret the Arab-Israeli conflict from his reading of the book of Genesis. This is a deeply flawed analysis of both Genesis and the Arab-Israeli dispute.

The New Testament does not mention the issue of who should possess Palestine. Christians interpret the Old Testament within the context of the New Testament and the establishment of the Church by Christ. Many Palestinians are Christians and so by the Senator’s logic, their misfortunes under Israeli rule are God’s will.

Christian Zionism is a heresy from the viewpoint of Eastern Orthodoxy. This ideology interprets the Old Testament as a political document rather than as a source of revelation. The Old Testament reveals to us the origin of creation. We read the prophets and learn about Christ before his incarnation. We learn about the trinity in chapter eighteen of Genesis.

In the Psalms, Christ is foreshadowed. The Old Testament is holy scripture that anticipates the coming of Christ. Christian Zionism is false and its interpretation of the Old Testament is not consistent with the teachings of Christ. The Old Testament must not be used to justify the denial of rights to the Palestinians.

A Christian settlement of the Arab-Israeli conflict is one based on the Sermon on the Mount. Christ taught that “blessed be the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God”. A truly Christian solution to the Arab-Israeli dispute is one that endorses a two state solution and the recognition that both Jews and Palestinians were created in the image of God.

In the aftermath of the Holocaust, Christians have an obligation to the Jewish people. But Christians have an obligation to the Palestinians of Gaza as well.

Christians also have an obligation to middle eastern Christians as well. American policies in the Middle East have led to the massacres or expulsions of Christians from the holy land, Iraq, and Syria. The views of Senator Cruz lack context and are based on ignorance.

Such ignorance is now driving the world to the latest crisis in the Middle East. Christians should pray for the people of Gaza, Israel, and Iran. Christians are obligated to love all people. The King of the Jews commanded us to do so.


Categories
Letters

Letter To The Republican National Committee

In light of the Israeli bombing of Iran, I am hereby returning my membership card in the Republican Party. I voted for President Trump on the basis of his anti war stances. His capitulation to Israel and its bombing of Iran is immoral and reprehensible.

As a Greek Orthodox Christian, I wish to object to the ongoing genocide in Gaza. This genocide is directed at Palestinian Christians as well as Muslims. And I condemn anti semitism and terrorist crimes against Israelis as well.

It is time for a cessation of hostilities in Gaza and for a two state solution of the Arab Israeli conflict. With Trump’s America first program, I thought I was voting for the heir to Patrick Buchanan.

Instead, I ended up voting for the heir to the contemptible George W. Bush. I voted for Trump to keep the neocons from starting wars. He has failed by indulging the Israeli attack on Iran. Might as well have Dick Cheney as President.

What can one say about a President who takes advice from Mark Levine? Incidentally, I threw my MAGA hat in the garbage where it belongs. 

Theodore G. Karakostas 



Categories
political

Washington Coup

The Trump administration has cancelled a scheduled meeting with the Russians. This may be a sign that the Trump administration is abandoning its efforts to restore friendly relations with Russia. If so, taken together with the Israeli attack on Iran, this means that a coup has taken place.

The Trump administration seems to have gradually abandoned its anti war and America first agenda. This dramatic reversal on foreign policy is not natural. Trump was reelected on the basis that he would be different from his predecessors. His original foreign policy is no longer recognizable.

After his reelection, Trump announced neocons such as Mike Pompeo and Nikki Haley would not be returning. Regardless it appears that Pompeo and other neocons who were sacked by Trump in his first administration such as John Bolton may be in positions of influence even if they are not officially serving in the administration. The American Presidency can clearly be seen to be nothing more than a ceremonial post.

If this is not the case how is it that Prime Minister Netanyahu and Mark Levin could have such a strong influence on American policies? Trump now appears to be about as powerful as the King of England. The unelected pseudo intellectuals in the think tanks are formulating foreign policy.

These are people who have never been elected. Trump was elected on a mandate to end the wars. If he could not end the wars, at least it was expected he would not start any new ones. This coup came about after a pathetic four year term presided over by a senile old man.

Democracy is dead.




Categories
political

War And Heresy, Christian Moral Obligations

The war between Israel and Iran is to be lamented. The loss of life in both countries is horrific. As is the loss of life among the Palestinians in Gaza, and among the Israelis who were killed on October 3.

Having visited the holy land, i found much to admire about Israel and the Israelis. There was much to admire about the Palestinians in the Palestinian Territories. Both are good people.

I have never visited Iran, but Iran is a great civilization and culture. The present war is a failure of diplomacy and the worst instincts of all the above have failed. Orthodox Christians have an obvious interest in the holy land because of the sites associated with Christ. We also have an interest because of the gospel and its teachings on peace in the beatitudes.


Unfortunately, there are some “Christians” who have betrayed Christ and have contributed to the horrors playing out. “Christian Zionists” are the idolaters who emphasize apocalyptic elements of Christianity at the expense of the gospel as a whole. The New Testament does not teach what these heretical “Christians” teach.

Christians should be looking to establish peace among the great Jewish, Arab, and Persian people’s. The false “Christians” endorse war, and endless pain and suffering for all of the above because of their misunderstanding of the Old Testament.

Long overdue is a pronouncement from the Orthodox Church on “Christian Zionism”. The Church has in the past condemned heresies. “Christian Zionism” is a heresy of the modern age and should be condemned for confusing Christ with secular political ideology.

Considering the horrific loss of life and the implications of total annihilation, these crazed religious fanatics calling for the apocalypse must be stopped. The Orthodox Church can do its part by calling out this heresy and condemning it.

Christians have a responsibility to the Jewish people in light of anti semitism and the Holocaust. This does not mean giving support to the secular interests and pursuits of Israel. Indeed, Israel’s policies over the decades have led to the expulsions of Palestinian Christians from the holy land.

Just as many Orthodox clerics spoke against the Nazis during the holocaust, Orthodox bishops are obligated to speak on behalf of the Palestinians of Gaza. For moral reasons.

Christians are obligated to love all people, not only Christians. Christians are obligated to help and assist Muslims, Jews, atheists, and others who are in need. “Christian Zionists” are heretics and religious fanatics.

They are evil.


Categories
Analysis

Israel Strikes Iran!

The bombing of Iran by Israel is a catastrophe for the Middle East and the world. It comes not long after Ukraine hit the Russians on their own soil. The question is what is happening with Trump?

Trump is the anti war candidate. This blogger voted for him for a variety of reasons. His anti war stance in particular. It is unclear what is happening in Washington.

The neoconservatives and the think tanks appear to maintain their power and influence. Trump’s election in 2o16 and reelection in 2024 were bitterly opposed by the pseudo intellectuals in the think tanks, the military and other hawks. It appears they may have gained the upper hand against Trump.

Trump’s rise to power, and his eventual return were revolutionary developments. Trump put forward a coalition of voters who came together. Among them were anti war voters (this blogger among them) who wanted an end to to empire and the wars.

Apparently, this was not to be. In violation of the election outcome of 2024, the warmongers have gotten their way on Iran. Trump reportedly refused demands to go to war with Iran. In response, Israel decided to attack Iran on its own.

The question is were any rogue elements in Washington actively supporting Israel’s strikes to undermine Trump? The Ukrainian strike on Russia recently was clearly something the President did not want. The Ukrainians have made clear their dislike for Trump, and it is no secret that the hawks in Washington oppose American reconciliation with Russia.

What is certain right now is that American democracy has suffered horrendously. Trump’s administration was supposed to prevent wars like the one now between Israel and Iran. The warmongers in both parties have wrought destruction and devastation since 2003 on Iraq, Libya, Syria, Gaza, and Ukraine.

None of these wars and regime changes ended well. It is a certainty this latest war will not either. America is no democracy. The deep state is firmly in control.




Categories
faith

An Orthodox Reawakening In Greece?

For quite some time, Orthodoxy in Greece has been under strain mostly due to secularism. The secular parties and media have gradually pushed for a more European and less Hellenic orientation. They have been following Europe’s path to secularism.

It is therefore a pleasant surprise to see all Greek political parties and media closing ranks to support Saint Catherine’s Monastery in Sinai. Make no mistake, the effort to deprive the Monks of Sinai of their property by Egypt is deplorable. The one good thing about this is that Greeks in all political factions including the left are supporting the Monastery.

This should serve as a reminder that Orthodoxy is the backbone of Greece’s heritage spiritually, culturally, and historically. Greece received the faith from Saint Paul in the first century. Saint Andrew the Apostle was martyred in the City of Patra. Saint John the theologian wrote the book of Revelation on the island of Patmos.

Greece’s future depends greatly on its maintenance of its great spiritual heritage.

Categories
Letters

Letter On Sinai To Congressman

Dear Congressman,

As a Greek Orthodox I am writing to ask that you urge the White House and State Department to oppose plans by the Egyptian government to convert the Saint Catherine’s Greek Orthodox Monastery in Sinai into a tourist attraction. Saint Catherine’s is one of the oldest Monasteries in the world. It is built on the site where God spoke to Moses through the burning bush.

It is an extremely important holy site and has been continuously inhabited by Greek Orthodox Monks since its establishment in the sixth century century by Emperor Justinian the Great of Constantinople. Your assistance in this will be most appreciated.

Theodore Karakostas

Categories
faith

Saint Catherine’s Sinai

The Greek Orthodox Monastery of Saint Catherine’s at Sinai is danger. The government of Egypt has announced plans to expel the Monks and to convert the Monastery into a museum for tourists. This is a moral outrage and an attack on the Christian faith.

The Monastery was built under the auspices of Byzantine Emperor Justinian. The site where God spoke to Moses through the burning bush is on the Monastery grounds. The Monastery was originally named for the transfiguration of Christ. Following the discovery of the relics of Saint Catherine of Alexandria it was renamed in her honor..

This move comes as a surprise. Five years ago, when Turkish authorities converted Hagia Sophia into a Mosque, Egypt criticized the move. The Egyptian government even gave money to the Monastery for the upkeep.

The Monastery features a document believed to be signed by the Prophet Mohammed that guarantees the right of the Monastery to function and the monks to reside there. This is why this move by the Egyptian authorities is such a shock.

The Church of Greece and the Greek government have protested vociferously. In a recent meeting between the Greek Prime Minister and President of Egypt, assurances were given that the Monastery would be left in peace.

Careful diplomacy is needed here. Up to now, Egyptian authorities have protected the Monastery. Over a decade ago, ISIS attempted to attack the Monastery. One Egyptian Police Officer was killed and four were injured protecting the Monastery.

If Greek diplomacy fails to reverse this announcement, it will be an enormous failure for Athens. The Church of Greece must also reverse its stance on the Ukrainian Church. There are no shortages as to why Constantinople and Athens were wrong to recognize the Ukrainian fake Church. The isolation of the Greeks in Orthodoxy at such a time is further proof that recognizing the Ukrainian schismatics was a disastrous move. Anyone expect Zelensky and his thugs to help out here?

Categories
Letters

Letter To Congressman On Gaza

Congressman,

Politics aside, Gaza is a moral issue. Palestinians are being murdered, starved to death, and a plan is afoot to expel them entirely from Gaza so they never return. The Israeli leaders are war criminals.

This is not a reflection on Israel or its people. Only on its right wing lunatic fringe led by the immoral Benjamin Netanyahu. The attacks by Hamas are evil and must be condemned.

The Israeli fascist right is not waging a war on Hamas. They are waging a war on ordinary people who are Palestinians. Ordinary people living in miserable conditions that are dying. 

Netanyahu is widely quoted in announcing his intentions to drive all Palestinians from Gaza. The United States must quite frankly stop taking orders from this man. The Genocide must end.

The leader of Israel must be removed. The US has used its power elsewhere on various occasions. This can be done.

International relief organizations must be permitted access to Gaza and to provide food and water. US policy must guarantee a Palestinian state. Palestinians can no longer be left to live in occupation in light of present day horrors.

Theodore Karakostas 

Categories
Commentary

The Ukrainian Church

The persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church continues. This is proof positive that Ukraine is governed by lunatics. It also demonstrates that Ukraine is in fact fascist. The presence of Neo Nazis in the Ukrainian military and the glorification of Naziism should have raised awareness throughout the world. But the western world has always hated Russia and so the west will support a pro Nazi regime over the Russians.

The persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church is a demonstration of flat out religious and ethnic hatred. Being under the spiritual authority of Moscow, the Church has been targeted for brutal repression. Imagine if during World War 2 the administration of President Roosevelt attempted to outlaw the Catholic Church and to force the formation of of a new church to replace it.

The Vatican is located in Rome. Rome was the capital of Italy, a country that Washington was at war with. Rome was subsequently occupied by the Nazis. The Roosevelt administration did not view the American Catholic Church as an enemy because American officials were logical and reasonable. They understood American Catholics looking to Rome for spiritual leadership did not make them loyal to the Axis powers.

Ukrainian leaders are not rational. They make no distinction between the spiritual and the political. The Ukrainian Orthodox Church has been autonomous for close to thirty five years. Its ties to Moscow are minimal. Ukraine is a brutal authoritarian government.

Democracies do not incite hatred against millions of their own citizens because of their Church affiliation. This has nothing to do with the war as the violence against the Church began years before the Russians invaded. Public officials and Police move to protect communities in democratic societies. They do not stand by and do nothing or participate in attacks against vulnerable communities.

Nazi Germany was a government that incited attacks on the Jewish community. The Turkish government incited violence against the Greek community in 1955. The disgrace and shame of the Ecumenical Patriarchate for its horrific role in the horrors playing out in Ukraine is made worse because of its own experience in Turkey. We Greeks can’t really complain about religious persecution in Turkey can we? Not when bishops in Greece and Cyprus have joined in entering into communion with the fake entity known as ‘Orthodox Church of Ukraine.”

The Ukrainian government is attempting to seize the Kiev Caves Lavra and to expel the Monks. Scientists and other secular officials have examined the relics of Saints at the Lavra. In other words, the Saints are persecuted even in death through the blasphemous treatment of their relics by the godless enemies of the Orthodox faith.


Latest outrages include the usual fascist mobs harassing clergy and faithful. At one Cathedral, pigs blood was spilled on one of the gates. A video shows blood being spilled on the cross on the gate. This incident symbolizes the satanic nature of the persecutions. The persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church is the same as the persecution of the early Church under the Romans.

Orthodox Christians should pray for and support the Ukrainian Church in any way possible. One has to wonder what kind of people throw pigs blood on the gate of a Cathedral. The same people who threw Christians to the lions in the Roman era.