Russian Orthodox Church Apologizes for Photoshop Stunt - Yahoo! News (http://news.yahoo.com/russian-orthodox-church-apologizes-photoshop-stunt-191512414--abc-news-topstories.html)

Based on the reflection in the table, it is clear a watch on Patriarch Kirill's wrist was photoshopped out of the image.
The Russian Orthodox Church issued an official apology for digitally removing a luxury watch from an image of Patriarch Kirill.

He was pictured in a meeting with Russian Justice Minister Alexander Konovalov.

The original photo, dated July 3, 2009, showed Kirill, 65, wearing the expensive watch, according to the BBC. In the edited version, which appeared this month, the Patriarch is seen without the watch.

The deception might have gone unnoticed if not for one slight oversight: the reflection of the watch in the polished, shiny tabletop.

The attempt didn't fool bloggers, who latched on, prompting the church to issue an official apology.


The original image of Patriarch Kirill, released in July 2009, showing a watch that was later photoshopped out of the image.

"There will be a thorough investigation to determine why in this instance there was a crude violation of our internal ethical code," the patriarch's press team said in a statement. "The guilty ones will be punished severely."

The watch was a gold Breguet, with an estimated value of more than $30,000, the BBC reported.

Russian Orthodox Church Apologizes for Photoshop Stunt - Yahoo! News (http://news.yahoo.com/russian-orthodox-church-apologizes-photoshop-stunt-191512414--abc-news-topstories.html)

Based on the reflection in the table, it is clear a watch on Patriarch Kirill's wrist was photoshopped out of the image.
The Russian Orthodox Church issued an official apology for digitally removing a luxury watch from an image of Patriarch Kirill.

He was pictured in a meeting with Russian Justice Minister Alexander Konovalov.

The original photo, dated July 3, 2009, showed Kirill, 65, wearing the expensive watch, according to the BBC. In the edited version, which appeared this month, the Patriarch is seen without the watch.

The deception might have gone unnoticed if not for one slight oversight: the reflection of the watch in the polished, shiny tabletop.

The attempt didn't fool bloggers, who latched on, prompting the church to issue an official apology.


The original image of Patriarch Kirill, released in July 2009, showing a watch that was later photoshopped out of the image.

"There will be a thorough investigation to determine why in this instance there was a crude violation of our internal ethical code," the patriarch's press team said in a statement. "The guilty ones will be punished severely."

The watch was a gold Breguet, with an estimated value of more than $30,000, the BBC reported.


Goes to show that - Time Will Tell.

A $30,000.00 freakin watch?!?!? Y'all be sure to send in your tithe now!! Screw organized religion! :killingme

A $30,000.00 freakin watch?!?!? Y'all be sure to send in your tithe now!! Screw organized religion! :killingme

Greed has corrupted religious leadership. It happened back in the Old Testament Days when God had to chide the priests for "stealing" from what was intended to be responsibly used for ministry.

Today, religious leaders deceptively mis-quote a passage from Malachi out of context in order to lay a "guilt trip" that induces people to give tithes and offerings. All along, this portion of Scripture was directed specifically to the priests of the Old Testament days that were doing what the religious leaders of today are doing.

Does the following sound familiar to anyone ?



Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. (Malachi 3:8-9)



This applies to the greed and fiscal mismanagment in today's churches whereby the leaders are living lifestyles of luxury and wanton extravagance at the expense of the congregants.

Greed has corrupted religious leadership. It happened back in the Old Testament Days when God had to chide the priests for "stealing" from what was intended to be responsibly used for ministry.

Today, religious leaders deceptively mis-quote a passage from Malachi out of context in order to lay a "guilt trip" that induces people to give tithes and offerings. All along, this portion of Scripture was directed specifically to the priests of the Old Testament days that were doing what the religious leaders of today are doing.

Does the following sound familiar to anyone ?



This applies to the greed and fiscal mismanagment in today's churches whereby the leaders are living lifestyles of luxury and wanton extravagance at the expense of the congregants.

It goes beyond that. Those that say they believe but do not give to their ability to the church to be used for God's work are also robbing God of the tithe.

If you do not tithe because you think a church is misusing it, then find a different church, but do not give up tithing to God. Not all churches misuse the tithe.

Our minister lives modestly. Drives a truck that is more than 10 years old because it still serves the purpose of transportation. Our church just provided funds for food, clothing, and restoration of people in need in the Philippines. Our church provides for those in need in our community; we pay rent, buy food, pay utilities, whatever is needed as we have the resources. Without those that tithe, there would be few resources. Fortunately, even thought our congregation is relatively small, we are able to do much.

It goes beyond that. Those that say they believe but do not give to their ability to the church to be used for God's work are also robbing God of the tithe.

If you do not tithe because you think a church is misusing it, then find a different church, but do not give up tithing to God. Not all churches misuse the tithe.

Our minister lives modestly. Drives a truck that is more than 10 years old because it still serves the purpose of transportation. Our church just provided funds for food, clothing, and restoration of people in need in the Philippines. Our church provides for those in need in our community; we pay rent, buy food, pay utilities, whatever is needed as we have the resources. Without those that tithe, there would be few resources. Fortunately, even thought our congregation is relatively small, we are able to do much.


Was commenting on the mega-church ministries as cited whose leaders (and board of directors) are being caught in financial mismanagement of their flock's giving and the coercement of inducing congregants to give. Some even encouraging people to go into credit debt to fund a 'special project".

Your humble church, 2A, is the exception and is how the ministry should operate as good stewards. :yay: