7 January 1997
All Priests of the
Holy Diocese of Denver
Dear Father,
In accordance with the teachings of our holy Church and specifically our holy Archdiocese, no layman is permitted to offer sermons in any parish of this Diocese. Furthermore, the pulpit of each parish church is to be used only by Orthodox priests and deacons for the reading of Holy Scripture and the offering of sermons.
If lay persons wish to offer talks or remarks at weddings, baptisms, or funerals, they are to do so at the gatherings which follow the church services. In regard to funerals, talks, remarks, songs, and the like are to be offered at the grave site, if not at the funeral repast.
Any priest ignoring this ruling may be suspended from serving at the altar for a period of time and the parish council will be requested to refrain from compensating the priest for the period of his suspension.
Finally, no parish priest has the right to create his own rules to appear to be the "good guy," while his brother priests are criticized and condemned for not doing the same. These priests are to correct their behavior immediately.
With Paternal Blessings,
+ Bishop Isaiah of Denver
cc: The Esteemed Parish Councils