I deleted my previous post of Metropolitan Isaiahs (of the Greek Orthodox Denver Diocese) article on the Nativity because someone expressed the ungracious opinion of Yuck, an editorial comment that was neither correct nor helpful to anyone. Its not the first time I have seen such expressions of contempt for our Greek Orthodox hierarchs. How are such comments edifying for seekers of Orthodoxy? Are we to show them that we are ungracious, contemptuous, rude, sarcastic, filled with false pride, and contentious? Or is it our purpose to reflect the light and love of Christ as revealed in the Orthodox Church? I offer this reminder: What made our Lord Jesus Christ lay aside his garments, gird himself with a towel, and, pouring water into a basin, begin to wash the feet of those who were below Him (John 13:4, etc.), if not to teach us humility? For it was humility He showed us by example of what He then did. And indeed those who want to be accepted into the foremost rank cannot achieve this otherwise than through humility; for in the beginning the thing that caused downfall from heaven was a movement of pride. So, if a man lacks extreme humility, if he is not humble with all his heart, all his mind, all his spirit, all his soul and body - he will not inherit the kingdom of God. St Anthony the Great Early Fathers From the Philokalia, by E. Kadloubovsky and G.E.H. Palmer, (London: Faber and Faber, 1954), pp. 45-46. Delineating ourselves by Russian, Greek, Serbian, and so on is in direct opposition to Orthodox teaching and the few who publish their insults and sarcastic remarks on these forums may actually turn away sincere seekers. Personally, I love our Church no matter what the ethnic attachment. So I once again offer my wishes to all for a blessed Nativity celebration, and post this beautiful message, Vesperal Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil on the Paramony of the Nativity of Christ, December 24; The Paramony of the Nativity of Christ with service in English and Greek. denver.goarch.org/liturgical/nativity/12-24_VDL.pdf
Posted on: Wed, 24 Dec 2014 18:26:16 +0000
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