Orthodox leader demoted to monk

[emad]

The Orthodox Church has demoted Irineos, its former Patriarch of Jerusalem, to the rank of simple monk.

Irineos had refused to resign after being accused of selling Church land in Jerusalem traditionally occupied by Arabs to Jewish investors.

He denied wrongdoing, but Church leaders voted last month to isolate him, in effect removing his authority.

A special court had condemned Irineos in absentia as he declined invitations to appear before it, the Church said.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/4101886.stm

[TahitiNut]

1. Will he lose his bling-bling?

:eyes:

[Coventina]

3. LOL!!!

I was thinking something along the same lines when I saw that picture.

Then I read your post!!!

:D

[bleedingheart]

4. hahahaha

[davidinalameda]

5. me too

twisted minds think alike

[TahitiNut]

6. (grin) I can't imagine a functioning mind that doesn't see Mr. T.

[Inland]

2. Not even Monk First Class? Harsh!

[Inland]

7. Moving to R&T section ignores political aspects to what he did.

In Jerusalem, possession by a particular ethno-religious group is 99% of the law, or at least they perceive it that way.

The Patriarch had control over these lands because christians had always had control over them, and in the way that the religions have worked out privileges that keeps them at peace over the years, that was enough of a right.

Selling the land--through a series of methods to disguise the act--was selling the foothold of the Patriarchy AND ITS ADHERENTS in Jerusalem. The christians don't think they will be able to just buy up other real estate, and they may very well be right.