Orthodox Reform
November 27, 2007
http://orthodoxreform.org/cases/bishop-nikolai/oca-bishop-speaks-out-against-anti-church-attack/
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| Bishop Nikolai |
Following remarks by Bishop Nikolai speaking against all those who have raised questions about their decisions or actions regarding sexual misconduct charges as "malefactors" and "enemies" who are "anti-Church" (see the related article), comes continuing news into sexual misconduct issues in Alaska by OCA clergy:
In a letter to Metropolitan Herman, Paul Sidebottom, Assistant Dean of St. Herman Seminary at the time, reported that, while Fr. Isidore was under the influence of alcohol, he said he didn't want to be sent back to Anchorage to the bishop because 'papa beats me'. Sidebottom also alleged that Brittain made sexual advances.
The office of the Metropolitan said an investigation into the allegations was forthcoming. Also he told Bishop Nikolai to stay out of the process.
Incidentally, after sending the letter to the Metropolitan, Sidebottom was informed, via email, that he no longer had a job.
His position was eliminated (purportedly for financial reasons) based on a decision made by an executive committee consisting of Cliff Argue, Myna Jacobs, who is the bishop's personal assistant and a vocal supporter, and (hold on to your hats) Archimandrite Isidore!
In their addresses to the Alaska clergy at the Diocesan Assembly, the bishop and his chancellor decried the 'evil' doings of those who sought to attack their character.
What does the bishop mean by 'attack?' Do efforts of Orthodox faithful in Alaska and elsewhere to call him into account for things he has done and said during his Alaska episcopacy constitute an attack?
Did Sidebottom 'attack' the bishop's character by filing a report?
If charges of that nature had been filed in a school, university or state office, the suspects would have been put on suspension in short order.
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