"This is a religiously themed post, so if that isn't your cup of tea, I understand and ask that you just ignore it. I will destroy with extreme prejudice any comments of a derogatory or inflammatory nature that are added to it. Consider yourself warned."

I was appalled today after seeing the video of the altercation between Armenian Orthodox and Greek Orthodox monks at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. What is even more disturbing is the reason behind it, and the position of the Patriarchs involved.

The Holy Sepulcher belongs to the Church, not to any Jurisdiction in it, just as Christ belongs to the Church, not any jurisdiction in it. I am appalled that men who have set themselves apart from the world to pray for it would treat each other with such disregard.

I am scandalized by the fact that the Hierarch of Greece's response amounted to "We didn't start it." I don't care who started it. I demand a formal apology and request for forgiveness from the Hierarchs of Armenia and Greece, on behalf of their Churches for the shame and scandal that has been laid at the door of every Orthodox Christian in the world by the actions of those under their omophorion.

We are the Church of the Saints, and although we might have our differences, our great example of how we treat each other is always the Icon of Sts Peter and Paul sharing the kiss of peace.