Beasts in Cassocks: The Crimes of the Heads of the Russian Greek Catholic Orthodox Church in America/Chapter 5

by John Feoktist Dudikoff

CHAPTER V.

Platon Takes My Money For "Safe-Keeping"

The first few days of my probation were over. I was summoned to the "saintly" Prelate who asked me: "Aren't you afraid to carry your money about with you?" I replied that I was indeed afraid at times. The Archbishop then replied: "We are beginning to think quite well of you. I have in my service a very loyal man, whom I entrust with the most confidential matters; he needs an assistant, and I think, after I know you better, I will appoint you confidential Inspector General to work under him. I will have you meet him as soon as he comes. And now, let me give you my fatherly advice: keep some money for current expenses, and let me have the rest for safe-keeping. You have a considerable sum of money on you and if you are robbed, whom will you hold responsible? Why, you will lay the blame at my door because I am the representative and spiritual Father and guardian of the Russians in America."

I was some what surprised to learn that what I had told the priest at the confessional became known to Platon, but trusting him as an Archbishop of the Russian Church, I gave him the money and asked him to keep it until I should ask for it.

When I met Father Slunin the next day he remarked: "Do you know, Ivan Feoktistovitch, his Eminence, the Archbishop, is beginning to have faith in you and is planning to reward the confidence you showed in him by giving him your money for safe-keeping. He intends to appoint you in a few days to a very good and very responsible position. An oath, however, will be required of you never

Practicing the 10th Commandment

to reveal anything of what you may see or hear, even though you may be subjected to the most excruciating tortures."

I thanked the Father for the good news but did not mention what Platon had told me. The next day Father Slunin, who had missed the "business session" with the fair sex held the previous night, chanced upon me and asked me sotto voce to tell him what had taken place. True to my vow, I answered: "Father Archpresbyter, pardon me, but since you were absent I have no right to tell you, without the permission of those present. Keep in mind that I do not participate in the sessions; I only wait on the members."

Father Slunin slapped me on the shoulder in sign of approval, saying: "Yes, we have made no mistake in recommending you to both the Bishop and the Archbishop as a man who knows how to hold his tongue. You'll do splendidly. One meets such men very seldom, and one is never sorry to meet them. Don't fail to call on their Eminences to-night."

 

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