LIVING ORTHODOX

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Brothers and sisters, in continuing with the theme from last Sunday’s homily, which was in regards to the Holy Spirit, and how through the fathers of the ecumenical councils, the Holy Spirit guides the Church (which is the pillar and ground of truth) away from error which could separate one from God—in other words, heresy. 

Perhaps the best way to understand the unity of our faith is to know more about the one who was sent to us, the one who proceeds from the Father, that is the person of Holy Spirit.

Looking back at Acts 12, we see how the Apostles gathered in Jerusalem in council, to discuss the matter of Baptism and circumcision. St. Peter was arguing for the heresy of Judiazing the Gentile converts. However, St. Paul argues that Baptism into Christ is our circumcision from the world, circumcision, meaning to be “cut off,” for in Baptism we cut ourselves off from the world, sin, and death along with the old man, that is to say, the devil.

It is, of course, immediately after Baptism that we receive the in-dwelling of the Holy Spirit. For in Baptism we experience our death, burial, and resurrection in Christ. We, like the Church on Pentecost, then receive the Paraclete (comforter) in Chrismation.

Brothers and sisters, we live in a society, a milieu, that encourages a most terrible heresy (a belief that means to choose outside of the Church), which claims that despite certain doctrinal differences that we are all “one.” This couldn’t be further from the truth, as we see in the example of Acts 12. For at the end of the council when it was decided that the gentiles would not need circumcision, the apostles wrote: “It appears good to us and the Holy Spirit.” This is what is meant by the passage “when two or more are gathered in my name, I am with them.” We see the dangers in breaking from the one mind of the Church in the Latin heresy of filioque, which means “and from the Son.” This runs contrary to what is written in the Symbol of our Faith, which says the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father. Full stop. Jesus, Himself says this to His disciples. “I will send one, the comforter, who proceeds from the Father.”

The issue of the filioque is that, like many non-Orthodox teachings, this comes from the worship of individual intellect and the pride it brings, which leads to the denial of what was revealed in council by the Holy Spirit, Himself. This has led many to claim the Holy Spirit is not a person, but rather, a force. Lord, have mercy. This has led the Roman Church into a state of decay. Thusly, we must reject the notion of Catholic devotions (such as the “sacred and immaculate hearts”), and as Orthodox we must NOT, under any circumstance, pray to Catholic saints. For they have been victims of heresy and are proclaimed as such by virtue of false doctrines that weren’t handed down by the Apostles and their successors. A branch which is fallen from the vine withers and dies, unless it is grafted back on, which can only be done by initiation into the Orthodox faith. 

We also see the absence of the Holy Spirit in the Protestant churches, for the fact that all them—some 30,000 plus denominations, or groups—have differing interpretations of scripture and doctrine, agreeing most of the time (albeit with some exceptions) on only minute matters. The oneness of faith, mind, brotherly love, and piety is absent, which only leaves two options: either the Holy Spirit has problems (which He does not!) and is telling one group one thing, and something different to another, or they are being led by another spirit—one that is NOT holy. 

God is Spirit, brothers and sisters. Thusly, the worship we render to God must be spiritual (Romans 12:1). When we come to Church we must remember that it isn’t merely the lighting of our candles that grants us something from God. But rather, it is an offering of ourselves in prayer to God. Devotions, incense any of these things without piety and repentance lacks the spiritual dimensions needed to be acceptable and pleasing to God. Do not do things such as these because of superstition and thus reject the proper traditions of the Church, which are meant to teach and guide us towards God. Everything the Holy Spirit has revealed in the councils of the Church is ultimately for our salvation. 

If we are about to Baptize our children, remember that this isn’t some mere ritual, or a coming of age event. This is an offering to God. We offer our children back to God, who gave them to us in the first place. And in turn, God bestows them with His life, with the grace of the Holy Spirit and newness in Christ. Remember to observe the 40 days of purification after child birth before this, for our Lady the Theotokos, who is most pure, observed this. For all this was revealed in the law of Moses and upheld in the councils and canons of our Holy Church under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. 

Let us remember that the Holy Spirit has a will of His own and speaks to us through the Holy Fathers and the councils of the Church. Being God, He is perfect and has no need of change. 

By adhering to Orthodox teaching and the councils which have changed nothing, but rather, have reinforced what is true, we in turn adhere to the voice of the Holy Spirit, who manifests Himself in the Oneness and Catholicity of our Faith, for ultimately, it is obedience which saves. May God grant us all wisdom to hear His voice and that we may all be one, as the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit are one. 

Amen. 

Fr. Mikhail