Rome, 26th August 1939
Rhaban was much changed from their last encounter. Then he was bedazzled in gold and jewels, with all the fire and attitude of an absolutist fully believing in his own divinity.
Now…Alexander looked at the man across from him, lit by the flickering light of the fire.
He appeared to have grown old overnight. His eyes were distinctive, of course, curiously still and inert even for a blind man. Alexander had met many such men, and usually there was some movement or life in them. Rhaban’s eyes had been struck dead in his skull, and lingered only as a sign of…punishment? Penance?
Penance was all around the man. It bowed his back and shook his fingers. He certainly looked the part of a man whom had once been atop the world and been very firmly brought low by the wrath of God.
And then there were the clothes. Alexander was met with a mirror of…himself. Rhaban wore the plain habit of a friar. No crown adorned his head. Indeed, Alexander tilted his head, no shoes protected his feet.
Well then. Was this an imitation, attempting flattery? Or was this an extremely proud man desperately trying to learn how to be humble?
Overall, it was difficult to deny the truth of Rhaban’s miracle, or that he at least believed it was so. It was most certainly something, Alexander thought, with a flicker of fear, to now behold the Wrath of God, when he had previously been delivered by His Love. How the man in front of him held his mind together and even recovered enough to speak…clearly Rhaban’s drive and ambition had not left him then. He must have a purpose still, which encompasses his whole self.
Now…Alexander looked at the man across from him, lit by the flickering light of the fire.
He appeared to have grown old overnight. His eyes were distinctive, of course, curiously still and inert even for a blind man. Alexander had met many such men, and usually there was some movement or life in them. Rhaban’s eyes had been struck dead in his skull, and lingered only as a sign of…punishment? Penance?
Penance was all around the man. It bowed his back and shook his fingers. He certainly looked the part of a man whom had once been atop the world and been very firmly brought low by the wrath of God.
And then there were the clothes. Alexander was met with a mirror of…himself. Rhaban wore the plain habit of a friar. No crown adorned his head. Indeed, Alexander tilted his head, no shoes protected his feet.
Well then. Was this an imitation, attempting flattery? Or was this an extremely proud man desperately trying to learn how to be humble?
Overall, it was difficult to deny the truth of Rhaban’s miracle, or that he at least believed it was so. It was most certainly something, Alexander thought, with a flicker of fear, to now behold the Wrath of God, when he had previously been delivered by His Love. How the man in front of him held his mind together and even recovered enough to speak…clearly Rhaban’s drive and ambition had not left him then. He must have a purpose still, which encompasses his whole self.
Rhaban was completely blind, then. Alexander noted, seating himself to the right of his host’s hand.
Alexander would neither aid nor hinder the man. It was, however, a surprise to see Rhaban so nervous and unsure, within his own domain.
Alexander sat back. A direct message from an angel was something he had not himself received. The staff was, of course, marked, and the angel had spoken that night…but a direct message? Later he would ask Rhaban for a complete and uncensored accounting of the visitation. It would be important to analyse the exact wording, if indeed he recalled it perfectly. However, it was an encouraging start, especially if the angel’s words could be obtained. Whatever it was, the Faith generally would attach quite a bit of weight to them, if they believed Rhaban, that was.
All secular authority.
Well, he had done that. Or rather, the Burgundians had, and Rhaban had not fought them. Reforming his Church on the other hand was a loaded topic.
All secular authority.
Well, he had done that. Or rather, the Burgundians had, and Rhaban had not fought them. Reforming his Church on the other hand was a loaded topic.
Alexander’s breath caught in his throat. This was a major development. If even the Catholic pope was to affirm the Miracle, then…then his own position would be unimpeachable. Alexander shook his head slowly. Pride and ambition were not unknown to a man who climbed the Church’s ladders of power, but his current…extreme…authority required a clear head and heart. He knew he probably could rule like a king if he truly desired…then again, he bit down a chuckle, the Lord has already shown where that path lay. Rhaban was not a man to emulate.
It seemed…cruel…to thank him for that guidance, but perhaps honesty and openness would be best served here. His lip twisted. He rather hoped Rhaban did not remember how their last argument had pertained to ‘seeing’ clearly, or at all. If he was not careful, ‘prophet’ would be attached to his growing list of accolades.
It seemed…cruel…to thank him for that guidance, but perhaps honesty and openness would be best served here. His lip twisted. He rather hoped Rhaban did not remember how their last argument had pertained to ‘seeing’ clearly, or at all. If he was not careful, ‘prophet’ would be attached to his growing list of accolades.
Alexander could not help a small reaction to that. The truth was, both sides of this divide had behaved poorly. In most unchristian ways. He did not know the minds of his forebears. Some no doubt had sought to control the entire continent for their own sake. It was unavoidable when so many emperor-saints had such a strong and important role in the revitalisation of both Church and Empire.
Still…Alexander had consoled himself with what the Church had become since then. What they had done with their power, wealth and privilege. Some still abused all three, but the vast majority had embodied Christ’s message. And the world appeared to agree, as men and women of all races and cultures accessed and acceded to the Orthodox Faith.
The Catholic and Latin divide was an artificial one of politics and culture rather than true religious divergence…and yet, millions had died in the resultant war. People continued to suffer due to it.
Still…Alexander had consoled himself with what the Church had become since then. What they had done with their power, wealth and privilege. Some still abused all three, but the vast majority had embodied Christ’s message. And the world appeared to agree, as men and women of all races and cultures accessed and acceded to the Orthodox Faith.
The Catholic and Latin divide was an artificial one of politics and culture rather than true religious divergence…and yet, millions had died in the resultant war. People continued to suffer due to it.
Rhaban understood, Alexander thought. Finally. Though to what end? One banner? Did that mean a détente or entente or…syncretism? Rhaban even suggesting reconciliation is beyond the minds of mortal men.
It would indeed be harder for the Catholics. For the College and Council…and the wider Church beyond that…Alexander considered. Discounting the Latin Rite, most did not have an explicit hatred or even suspicion of the Catholics, viewing them as an offshoot of the Rite, as occurred often enough in other rites. However, what everyone, including the Latin Christians, would take exception to…the universalism and ideological arrogance of ‘Catholicism’ – an ideology essentially incompatible with the Orthodox Faith as it now was, which understood the world and universe to be a complicated place and people no less so.
And the Latin Rite…well…they were a very large section of the Church, and the European section of that community had been as badly mauled by the Catholics as they in turn had been hurt by the Latins.
There would have to be some kind of accord between the two, even if they would finally agree to be separate Rites within the Church…quite how they would divide the buildings, places of worship etc that the Latins had built but the Catholics had occupied for a generation…
He was getting ahead of himself. His own word would be enough to begin the conversation, if that was indeed what Rhaban was seeking, and he would use his increasingly inflating powers for this if nothing else. The mere chance of peace between the one real divide in Christendom…no one would blame him for the attempt. Although many would curse him for trying anyway.
And the Latin Rite…well…they were a very large section of the Church, and the European section of that community had been as badly mauled by the Catholics as they in turn had been hurt by the Latins.
There would have to be some kind of accord between the two, even if they would finally agree to be separate Rites within the Church…quite how they would divide the buildings, places of worship etc that the Latins had built but the Catholics had occupied for a generation…
He was getting ahead of himself. His own word would be enough to begin the conversation, if that was indeed what Rhaban was seeking, and he would use his increasingly inflating powers for this if nothing else. The mere chance of peace between the one real divide in Christendom…no one would blame him for the attempt. Although many would curse him for trying anyway.
Yes, they were both rambling. To return to business…
Hmm. Now this would be a harder and easier ask all at once. It had caused a great deal of consternation in…well, the Church but also much of the world and Europe generally, to watch as the Catholics took over Orthodox regions and their charitable practices…only to watch them wither.
The Catholic Church just didn’t have the same interest in spending wealth on people, rather on things. Their temples, and the ‘reclaimed’ Orthodox ones, were richly adorned, as were their priests. But their parishioners were hungry, and the sick houses were closed, and the streets filled with the homeless.
The difference between Rome, a city with a sizable Orthodox minority operation, and Milan further north, were so striking that a series of articles had been done with photographic side-by-side examples of poverty in each.
Quite frankly, the Catholics needed help if they were going to be setting up charitable missions. That would not be controversial in the College. Letting the Catholics in on the Three Pillar organisations, however, would be, for the aforementioned reasons. That would take a good few decades of appreciable effort before anyone would be convinced this was not simply a money-making exercise for a notably money-hungry sect.
A leap of faith from us, Alexander thought, and some dedication from them.
The Catholic Church just didn’t have the same interest in spending wealth on people, rather on things. Their temples, and the ‘reclaimed’ Orthodox ones, were richly adorned, as were their priests. But their parishioners were hungry, and the sick houses were closed, and the streets filled with the homeless.
The difference between Rome, a city with a sizable Orthodox minority operation, and Milan further north, were so striking that a series of articles had been done with photographic side-by-side examples of poverty in each.
Quite frankly, the Catholics needed help if they were going to be setting up charitable missions. That would not be controversial in the College. Letting the Catholics in on the Three Pillar organisations, however, would be, for the aforementioned reasons. That would take a good few decades of appreciable effort before anyone would be convinced this was not simply a money-making exercise for a notably money-hungry sect.
A leap of faith from us, Alexander thought, and some dedication from them.
Rhaban was genuinely nervous. He was sweating and shivering in the heat. Alexander shifted and frowned in thought. What could he be taking exception to? Obviously not the charity, we were doing it already, and he wants in. It cannot possibly be the extraction politically from the Empire. The expansion of the hierarchy perhaps? He still clearly believes in the divine right of kings and ‘popes’.
Ah… Alexander clicked his tongue, and regretted it immediately. It was not an invalid concern. The expansion of the Άγιος Guard was far from a settled question even now, and was one of the most heavily debated parts of the Synod. Forming a defensive force to operate outside of the Holy Mound was of grave concern, despite it being necessary if other sovereign territory was to be added to the Church. And such territory was going to be added. Brazil, the UTA and the Empire had all confirmed their acceptance of that position, and various holy cities and isolated settlements were in various stages of discussion regarding their future.
However, given his own experiences with militias, regulated and not, Alexander was worried about leaving the Church entirely dependant on the secular authorities to defend them, and also about the Church having its own army.
The Peacekeepers were more of an outgrowth of the Three Pillars, and a more ideological rather than practical measure. The hope with this, still theoretical, organisation was that areas of international concern, conflict and trouble could have a deployment of these unarmed and neutral observation and protection forces to build and maintain refugee camps, shelters, food and medical stations etc. Much like the already existing Red Cross, which had quickly been confirmed as a central figure in the Three Pillars, and which had come about in much the same way: a Christian organisation dedicated to active battlefield care, compassion etc. It seemed wrong, to Alexander and many others, to have an organisation for warzones and not also expand it to cover the innocent, the defenceless and the exiled of war.
However, given his own experiences with militias, regulated and not, Alexander was worried about leaving the Church entirely dependant on the secular authorities to defend them, and also about the Church having its own army.
The Peacekeepers were more of an outgrowth of the Three Pillars, and a more ideological rather than practical measure. The hope with this, still theoretical, organisation was that areas of international concern, conflict and trouble could have a deployment of these unarmed and neutral observation and protection forces to build and maintain refugee camps, shelters, food and medical stations etc. Much like the already existing Red Cross, which had quickly been confirmed as a central figure in the Three Pillars, and which had come about in much the same way: a Christian organisation dedicated to active battlefield care, compassion etc. It seemed wrong, to Alexander and many others, to have an organisation for warzones and not also expand it to cover the innocent, the defenceless and the exiled of war.
Now, this was important. Alexander focused hard as Rhaban actually spoke about the perils of being a secular and a religious leader at the same time, and combining a church and a state.
Of course, Alexander had been leader of the Orthodox Faith for years at this point. And had also been regent of the Empire. But this new chapter of history was different. He was now, as affirmed by the College and Council, the absolute, final authority in Church matters, an there was no secular body or ruler who could stop him without starting a major war. Rhaban was right to be worried, he realised. The Orthodox Church and State was a lot richer and better connected than Burgundy ever was, and Rhaban had nearly conquered half of Western Europe.
There were differences though. The Orthodox world was inherently quite a bit less authority driven, compared to the Catholics. As much as Alexander reigned, technically, he was a guiding hand and not an iron fist. A later Patriarch might well be, he reflected, but that has been and gone before.
Corruption and greed…now that was a worry. Because Alexander had met them already in his Church. Those south sea colonies needed cleaning up, and unfortunately, the Church in them did as well. But elsewhere, the globe-spanning organisation was remarkably clean of issues, save for the standard bureaucracy and occasional pig-headedness of any large organisation throughout history. No…the people were mostly good, and the systems they were building were knowing and cognisant of people’s failings. Corruption, unavoidable as it was, would not, he thought, be a death to this Church.
He also had the opportunity, as first true Patriarch of the entire World, to demonstrate how his successors should think, act and behave during their time in this highest of offices. Perhaps, he thought, up to and including abdication and hermitage, should it come to that.
There was also a part of him that rankled at Rhaban, the world’s least humble and thoughtful ruler, taking his Church and himself to task regarding greed and arrogance.
Then again, Rhaban had been struck blind by God, not struck down. He clearly was to be alive for some purpose. Possibly, he returned again to his musing from before, as an example of what not to do, and how to be.
Of course, Alexander had been leader of the Orthodox Faith for years at this point. And had also been regent of the Empire. But this new chapter of history was different. He was now, as affirmed by the College and Council, the absolute, final authority in Church matters, an there was no secular body or ruler who could stop him without starting a major war. Rhaban was right to be worried, he realised. The Orthodox Church and State was a lot richer and better connected than Burgundy ever was, and Rhaban had nearly conquered half of Western Europe.
There were differences though. The Orthodox world was inherently quite a bit less authority driven, compared to the Catholics. As much as Alexander reigned, technically, he was a guiding hand and not an iron fist. A later Patriarch might well be, he reflected, but that has been and gone before.
Corruption and greed…now that was a worry. Because Alexander had met them already in his Church. Those south sea colonies needed cleaning up, and unfortunately, the Church in them did as well. But elsewhere, the globe-spanning organisation was remarkably clean of issues, save for the standard bureaucracy and occasional pig-headedness of any large organisation throughout history. No…the people were mostly good, and the systems they were building were knowing and cognisant of people’s failings. Corruption, unavoidable as it was, would not, he thought, be a death to this Church.
He also had the opportunity, as first true Patriarch of the entire World, to demonstrate how his successors should think, act and behave during their time in this highest of offices. Perhaps, he thought, up to and including abdication and hermitage, should it come to that.
There was also a part of him that rankled at Rhaban, the world’s least humble and thoughtful ruler, taking his Church and himself to task regarding greed and arrogance.
Then again, Rhaban had been struck blind by God, not struck down. He clearly was to be alive for some purpose. Possibly, he returned again to his musing from before, as an example of what not to do, and how to be.
Rhaban went silent, as did the room.
Several minutes passed in quite contemplation, before Alexander spoke up.
“I told you once, on our last meeting, that I prayed you would see clearer than you did. I am sorry you were blinded by the messenger of God. It is a terrible judgement to carry. You are much diminished from what you once were, and yet…quite a bit wiser.”
He sighed.
“This will not be an easy path for you. Your following in your…church…was based on your absolute commitment to your vision, your ambitions and your certainty that you were right. I do not know how much support you will have now you preach reconciliation with your enemies, especially, as you say, you built your organisation around hating us.”
“I can tell you several things based on what you have said. First, it will be important to ascertain the exact wording of what the angel said to you. This is the first confirmed and direct communication from the Heavens in…many years. This,” he passed the staff over into Rhaban’s hands, “was far more indirect and esoteric. Then again, perhaps it was felt I did not need directing quite so much.”
He paused. “I apologise, that sounded very pious and arrogant.” And yet, he thought, accurate.
“Regardless, both of us being delivered…in differing ways…by angels is as clear as sign as any that change is needed and desired by the Lord. As to your points…” Alexander shrugged, then recalled his host’s blindness. “We have along way to go. The world may be Orthodox, but Europe is divided between Catholics, Latins and the rest. The former two despise one another for understandable reasons, whilst the latter mistrust the Catholics, also for understandable reasons. This distrust and loathing is now on a cultural and political, as well as a spiritual level. The German and Russians use their anti-papist population’s feeling well. The Empire has it mixed with a lingering sense of betrayal and longing for their western terrorises.”
“With the Church,” he continued, “the wider world is ambivalent toward Catholicism, for the most part. They…do not like you, personally, and he ideological issues with the universalism and strange intellectualism of your Church, but most would not be opposed to closer relations if certain changes and reforms came from within. And we shall get to those…the big problem will of course be the Latin Rite, whom have been deeply wronged by the current hierarchy of the Catholic Church, and hold considerable sway in Europe and the Church. I can tell you now that you will have to show considerable repentance and institute some major reforms to gain their favour again, if it be possible. Indeed…but we shall come to that later,” he would not bring Franciscus in yet.
“I propose a joint-affirmation of the two Miracles. With a full official record of what occurred in each…for our purposes, the Bosphorus account is already sufficient but you have yet to release your own account and witnesses. That will gain considerable population attention and interest. If we further tie this with a join-declaration of recognition and…apology, for the many souls tortured and killed by the religious war between us throughout the centuries…that will, I think, shock many into reconsidering your earnestness. To be blunt, my international reputation and favour is considerably higher than yours. You will have to work hard to get anyone to trust anything you say.” Particularly after I published that film of yours, Alexander winced internally. Oh well…
“Based on the reaction to these, we can discuss further steps. As to Christian charity, we would of course be delighted to aid in rebuilding our old systems in your territories…though allowing you access to our wider networks and the new Three Pillars unifying it all together will be difficult, considering both your own and your government’s…prior attitudes.”
“As to the new order, it was necessary to remove the Faith from the secular government of the Empire, and I know you agree with that. Having done so, we found ourselves a large and powerful organisation without borders and restraint. It is necessary for a global Church such as ours to organise ourselves as the world does, into a state onto itself. We will be an internationalist, neutral and pacifist realm, dedicated to the expansion and prosperity of Humanity in general. The world sorely needs such a thing, as a place of diplomacy, agreement of standards and ethics, of trade, medicine, and all other things in this modern world that require standardisation and enforcement. We…I…do not seek to rule this planet, nor any of its people. I do not need a crown or a throne to do good, and this Church has done much even limited as it was tied to the Empire. Without it, I agree we face the temptation of unrestrained action, pride in our superior moral intellect, and yes, a great deal of wealth and influence across the Great Powers, and everywhere else besides.”
“And yet, such is the way of the world. Of humanity. We should not cut ourselves off from our fellow people out of fear of corruption or correction. The Orthodox way is a humanist way, where we are found where Jesus would be found, in the dirty backstreets and poor houses, helping the most unfortunate, and helping the fortunate remember the unfortunate. We are not superior to our fellow man by withdrawing to an isolated spiritual world. Nor would it be a good use of our abilities to refuse to use them out of fear of what we could become. I do not believe God, who made this world, wants us to abandon it.”
Alexander paused and grasped the free hand of Rhaban. “It is possible, I think, to make a better world than this. If we can repair what has been broken, and with honesty and consistency walk this path together, we need fear no evil. There is nothing bitter about being true to thine self, and no one ever want to Hell for an abundance of compassion. If we are wise, and clear headed, and serve as examples of how to be, the rest follows. You, Rhaban, need to learn how to trust your people. Be not afraid of them, or of God. We are their guides, not their rulers or jailers. For all you have lost, you begin to see clearer than in many a year. Now, try to see a bit further.”
Several minutes passed in quite contemplation, before Alexander spoke up.
“I told you once, on our last meeting, that I prayed you would see clearer than you did. I am sorry you were blinded by the messenger of God. It is a terrible judgement to carry. You are much diminished from what you once were, and yet…quite a bit wiser.”
He sighed.
“This will not be an easy path for you. Your following in your…church…was based on your absolute commitment to your vision, your ambitions and your certainty that you were right. I do not know how much support you will have now you preach reconciliation with your enemies, especially, as you say, you built your organisation around hating us.”
“I can tell you several things based on what you have said. First, it will be important to ascertain the exact wording of what the angel said to you. This is the first confirmed and direct communication from the Heavens in…many years. This,” he passed the staff over into Rhaban’s hands, “was far more indirect and esoteric. Then again, perhaps it was felt I did not need directing quite so much.”
He paused. “I apologise, that sounded very pious and arrogant.” And yet, he thought, accurate.
“Regardless, both of us being delivered…in differing ways…by angels is as clear as sign as any that change is needed and desired by the Lord. As to your points…” Alexander shrugged, then recalled his host’s blindness. “We have along way to go. The world may be Orthodox, but Europe is divided between Catholics, Latins and the rest. The former two despise one another for understandable reasons, whilst the latter mistrust the Catholics, also for understandable reasons. This distrust and loathing is now on a cultural and political, as well as a spiritual level. The German and Russians use their anti-papist population’s feeling well. The Empire has it mixed with a lingering sense of betrayal and longing for their western terrorises.”
“With the Church,” he continued, “the wider world is ambivalent toward Catholicism, for the most part. They…do not like you, personally, and he ideological issues with the universalism and strange intellectualism of your Church, but most would not be opposed to closer relations if certain changes and reforms came from within. And we shall get to those…the big problem will of course be the Latin Rite, whom have been deeply wronged by the current hierarchy of the Catholic Church, and hold considerable sway in Europe and the Church. I can tell you now that you will have to show considerable repentance and institute some major reforms to gain their favour again, if it be possible. Indeed…but we shall come to that later,” he would not bring Franciscus in yet.
“I propose a joint-affirmation of the two Miracles. With a full official record of what occurred in each…for our purposes, the Bosphorus account is already sufficient but you have yet to release your own account and witnesses. That will gain considerable population attention and interest. If we further tie this with a join-declaration of recognition and…apology, for the many souls tortured and killed by the religious war between us throughout the centuries…that will, I think, shock many into reconsidering your earnestness. To be blunt, my international reputation and favour is considerably higher than yours. You will have to work hard to get anyone to trust anything you say.” Particularly after I published that film of yours, Alexander winced internally. Oh well…
“Based on the reaction to these, we can discuss further steps. As to Christian charity, we would of course be delighted to aid in rebuilding our old systems in your territories…though allowing you access to our wider networks and the new Three Pillars unifying it all together will be difficult, considering both your own and your government’s…prior attitudes.”
“As to the new order, it was necessary to remove the Faith from the secular government of the Empire, and I know you agree with that. Having done so, we found ourselves a large and powerful organisation without borders and restraint. It is necessary for a global Church such as ours to organise ourselves as the world does, into a state onto itself. We will be an internationalist, neutral and pacifist realm, dedicated to the expansion and prosperity of Humanity in general. The world sorely needs such a thing, as a place of diplomacy, agreement of standards and ethics, of trade, medicine, and all other things in this modern world that require standardisation and enforcement. We…I…do not seek to rule this planet, nor any of its people. I do not need a crown or a throne to do good, and this Church has done much even limited as it was tied to the Empire. Without it, I agree we face the temptation of unrestrained action, pride in our superior moral intellect, and yes, a great deal of wealth and influence across the Great Powers, and everywhere else besides.”
“And yet, such is the way of the world. Of humanity. We should not cut ourselves off from our fellow people out of fear of corruption or correction. The Orthodox way is a humanist way, where we are found where Jesus would be found, in the dirty backstreets and poor houses, helping the most unfortunate, and helping the fortunate remember the unfortunate. We are not superior to our fellow man by withdrawing to an isolated spiritual world. Nor would it be a good use of our abilities to refuse to use them out of fear of what we could become. I do not believe God, who made this world, wants us to abandon it.”
Alexander paused and grasped the free hand of Rhaban. “It is possible, I think, to make a better world than this. If we can repair what has been broken, and with honesty and consistency walk this path together, we need fear no evil. There is nothing bitter about being true to thine self, and no one ever want to Hell for an abundance of compassion. If we are wise, and clear headed, and serve as examples of how to be, the rest follows. You, Rhaban, need to learn how to trust your people. Be not afraid of them, or of God. We are their guides, not their rulers or jailers. For all you have lost, you begin to see clearer than in many a year. Now, try to see a bit further.”
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