Archpriest Victor Potapov, rector of St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Washington, DC, Dean of the South, spoke on the reaction of Orthodox America to the legalization of homosexual marriage in the USA.

– Father Victor, please tell us how the Orthodox of America reacted to the decision of the Supreme Court of the United States to recognize same-sex marriage as legal across the entire country?

– Our mood is grave, to be honest. Of course, what transpired came as a surprise to no one: we all understood that the majority in the Supreme Court would vote to permit same-sex marriages. This all started long ago, and over a year ago, the Supreme Court ruled the Defense of Marriage Act illegal. And now, we see this result.

Of course, homosexuals maintain that they seek equality in civic life, and wish for homosexual husbands and wives to have the right to visit each other in the hospital, inherit property, raise children, and have rights which are afforded to traditional couples. But I think that, in actuality, they pursue other aims. Just this morning, I read an interview with the relatively well-known Russian émigré Masha Gessen, who has long been an activist for the LGBT movement. She is an anarchist, of course, but America listens to her opinions, and she said: "Our goal is to destroy marriage as an institution, so that there is no longer such a thing as marriage."[1] And we must take these words very seriously.

Likewise, I am very alarmed by what will come next and which groups will now demand equality. Now someone can say: Why not, for example, legalize polygamy? It already had a place in American history among the Mormons and now it is being discussed once more. Why can’t a man have many wives, or a woman many husbands? And moreover, isn’t it in some sense more natural than homosexual marriage? Therefore, what awaits us is unpredictable.

And now, what will they be teaching our children and grandchildren in school? This also alarms us all. Because now the attitude toward homosexuality as a norm will be integrated into school curricula, children will grow up with this, and will grow accustomed to it. As of yet, disputes continue in school boards of throughout America, where some preserve the traditional approach to teaching children about sexuality, while in others it is more liberal, already brusquely explaining to children that a child can have two fathers, without a mother, and non-traditional families are presented as a norm.

And it is plain to see what is next. Once the law of the land upholds the legality of same-sex marriages, it is simply a matter of time before propaganda in schools becomes widespread. Parents, who are displeased, and have alternative views, may teach children at home until sending them to religious schools. And in public school everything will be "by the book."

– And amongst the Orthodox in America, is the position toward the law unanimous, everyone reacting negatively?

– So far it is practically unanimous, but in some jurisdictions, there are already priests beginning to voice contrary opinions.

Unfortunately, for over the past 15 years, there has been pro-homosexual propaganda, where many have already been overcome; even some Orthodox say, "Well so what, it’s not so scary, let them do that they what, it doesn’t concern us." But what is happening is like an earthquake: the order ordained by the Lord is being changed. It is terrifying that we are infringing on the Will of God.

Of course, to a certain extent, we Christians are to blame ourselves in this occurrence. I observe how in Russia and in America, marriage is not honored. Young people leisurely cohabitate, and only after 5-6 years will decide to request a church marriage. And yet, the prayers and rites of Matrimony are addressed to a chaste couple. Imagine what it is like for us priests, marrying people who already have children. I’m not speaking of the older generation, who knew nothing of the Church entirely, but of the current generation – young people. We do not duly honor marriage as a divinely-established institution.

On this topic, both Patriarch Ilia II of Georgia and the Mid-American Diocese of ROCOR have reacted, condemning the decision of the Supreme Court, and likewise reminding us that we must despise the sin but love the sinner.

But there is another danger: recently, we discovered that in Great Britain a gay couple is suing the Anglican Church, wishing to obtain the right to marry. So, encroachment upon the Church is already beginning. People are generally afraid to say anything negative about the homosexual lifestyle, because anyone who objects is accused of homophobia and misanthropy. We are already losing our freedom of speech. And I fear that with time it will get worse and worse.

– But you have not had a precedent in which such a couple came and requested a marriage service?

– No, it has not happened. There actually was one so-called Orthodox Christian, who led this lifestyle; he asked if he could be wed within our church. Of course, we answered him that this is absolutely impossible. But this was the only case. And, of course, if in the future there will be similar attempts, we will deny them outright.

Every person is a child of God, and everyone deserves to pastoral attention and care. After all, we help the destitute and psychologically ill; we do not turn anyone away. We are all in need of God’s help, but encouraging sin is not allowable.

– Is it possible that, with these events unfolding in America, in time there will be pressure on the Church, so that the Church will be compelled to recognize gay marriage?

– Yes, it is possible, and I am not surprised by anything. I cannot predict it, of course, but could we conceive 15 years ago that the legalization of same-sex marriage would occur? It was inconceivable to the mind, and moreover with such speed.

I recently heard an interview with one of the representatives of the gay movement, and the interviewer asked: "And what’s next?" – "Next will take on other countries. We will promulgate our politics in other countries where it is illegal."

Last year, I was in [the Republic of] Georgia, and at that time gay parades were being orchestrated; the Orthodox became upset and resisted. But now, as they wish to enter the European Union, this will simply be required of them – to legally conduct gay parades and give the country’s homosexuals full rights. This is now a common requirement.

And so, dear Russia, hold on; they will come after you soon enough.

Interview conducted by Maria Stroganova
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