I've just heard from yet another former Episcopal priest soon to commit to the Ordinariate and the foundation of a new Anglican Use group here in the United States. Pray for him — and stayed tuned for more news on the subject!
Be sure to follow our Moderator at Eccentric Bliss, his personal blog!
Thanks be to GOD!
Could it be there is more churning underneath the TEC than we are led to believe? One can pray and hope so.
Anyone visiting St. Mark's must not miss the glorious "Palla d'Oro" behind the altar — perhaps the most magnificent piece of Byzantine liturgical art existing today. Pope Benedict or his successor should return it one day to its rightful owner.
What do you talk about? The palla d'oro was made in Venice especially for St Mark's (even if by artists from Byzance) and paid for by the doge Pietro Oresolo the first. Its rightful owner is the Patriarchate of Venice!
All Byzantine art is not by definition orthodox!
+ PAX et BONUM
Most of it was properly commissioned in the 12th century, but it incorporates later parts brought from Constantinople under crusader rule in the 13th, though there is no evidence these were looted per se. For all we know they might have been bought legitimately. The historical record is unclear.
The palla doro in San Marco is as Venetian as Venetian can be. Pallas have never been part of the Byzantine liturgical tradition. They are an entirely western phenomenon.
Any clue, Mr. Campbell, so that we could try to guess who is it?
+ PAX et BONUM
Henri,
I don't think that this is advisable just yet. Remember that converting Episcopal/Anglican priests often face recriminations, are burdened with finding interim employment, and have many other concerns which may dictate discretion. As soon as we're able to post more information, we certainly will. Until then I think that it's best simply for us all to pray for the Unknown Priest somewhere in the USA.
J.M.J.
I find the best advice in cases like these is that which is given to our three year old in preschool — "you worry about you!"
Our parish like many others took its share of criticism for not leaving TEC sooner (founded in 1869 and left TEC in 2007) — but each place has to make the decision in the right time for the place. There is a season!
SWR