Comments on: Early Orthodoxy in Galveston & New Orleans

By: Fr. Oliver Herbel

Fr. Oliver Herbel — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 21:12:49 +0000

Fair enough. Yes, one can be significant in terms of the impact made and one can be significant in terms of “exemplar,” and I think, at this point at least, that Archimandrite Theoklitos fits the latter category. At this point, barring something unseemly, I think he’s downright inspiring!

By: Matthew Namee

Matthew Namee — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 17:52:06 +0000

Well, I did say that he “may be” the most interesting man. But the point, as you know, is that Triantafilides is a unique figure worthy of a great deal of attention today. If we define historical significance as being impact on the course of history, then Triantafilides isn’t very high on the list of most significant American Orthodox figures. But I think (and I know you do too) that historical significance goes beyond mere “impact.” And I think (and I know you do too) that Triantafilides is a VERY significant figure.

Anyway, for my money, I’ll take Triantafilides as the most interesting man. Granted, that’s not really an important distinction, and it’s entirely subjective. But the man was born in Greece, lived on Mount Athos, worked for the Greek king, tutored the last Russian tsar, and at retirement age, he moved to Galveston, TX (of all places) and served a multiethnic Orthodox parish with great success. Not sure who, in American Orthodox history, tops that

By: Fr. Oliver Herbel

Fr. Oliver Herbel — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 17:43:04 +0000

Hmmm. No offense, but I wouldn’t worry about who’s the “most interesting man.” That will vary from person to person. What I think we ought to be interested in, really, is significance and importance and that is where Archimandrite Theoklitos does seem to shine. He wasn’t St. Tikhon, but was significant, and still may be, for reasons I know you’ll get to later.