The Creed

THE DEVELOPMENT OF WHAT THE CHURCH BELIEVES BY REDEFINING ITS CREED IN THE TORRENTS OF EXTERIOR THOUGHTS WHICH SOUGHT TO PREVAIL OVER APOSTOLIC TEACHING THROUGH THE CENTURIES

Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, he was buried, he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures

1 CORINTHIANS 15:3-4

The faith and the faithful

When we think of faith and faithfulness, we often think of the divine being and the centres of worship that supposedly mirror thus – the call to be light in a world that seems to be partially in darkness. (Mat 5:14) Within the opening pages of Holy Scripture, we encounter that separation between that which is light and that which is dark. (Gen 1:3) Illumination of mind and heart draw forth faith which is a gift and a call from within (Ep 2:8-9) – the desire to shine brightly in all that we say and do (Jam 2:14-26) so that we may be a blessing true which cements the call to communion. (Act 2:42)

Alike any good company which renders wholesome products, there are always competitors which may have every good intention, yet cracks begin to appear in their produce due to conflicting ideologies. Hence, when it comes to the Church and discernment of what is of God and what is not (2 Cor 11:14) the Lord himself reminded those who were at odds with his ministry how consistency is paramount. (Mat 12:16) Transparency is a constant theme in the nascent period of the New Testament Church (Col 3: 1-17) what is of the apostolic faith which binds that which is Church (1 Cor 12: 12-13) and the paling away of that what is not. (Act 19: 2-7)

Just as the prophets proclaimed the word of the Lord to his people (Deut 6: 4-15) and how they should keep to his commandments in order to be bound by the covenant of the Old Testament Church, so too did they prepare the hearts of the faithful for his coming (Isa 40: 3-5) – the fulfilment of the eternal covenant by his ordinances. (Isa 6: 6-8) These same rites he established for the faithful of his inheritance which would flood the parched wells of the souls of all nations (Jn 4:10) who desire to live and not merely exist in him via his holy Church. (Jn 6:54)

As we know, there are various denominations which have their roots in the ancient breakaway groups which the apostles themselves were contending with. (1 Cor 1:12, 3:4) Thus, the second paragraph of this document likens such heresies (departures from sound doctrine) to competitoring sectors which cause confusion and spiritual damage – parching wells of the soul. When the apostles returned from their first mission after the Pentecost to Mother Zion (Jerusalem) the Church of all churches, they sort to establish universal (Katholic) teaching as a means of greater communion. (Act 15)

ORTHODOX THEOPHANY ICON

Within the New Testament, the Trinity was manifest on the day of Holy Theophany (Lk 3:22) where Jesus arose from the waters of the Jordan, the Holy Spirit descended upon him in the form of a dove, and the Father’s voice was heard acclaiming his Son. Yet, the first manifestation occurred in the Genesis where the three persons came onto Abraham at the Oak of Mamre and he (Abraham) addressed them in the singular: Lord! (Gen 18: 1-3)

It is of great importance to acknowledge that a ritualistic faction of Judaism (priests of the temple) did not believe in life eternal – the resurrection, these were concerned only for the temporal. This may raise eyebrows amongst various spiritual people and believers, yet the fact that life beyond the tombs did not exist for these Sadducees, is most significant to the Messiahship of Jesus who by his very life - unveiled divine reality and cleansed us from imaginary error and deceit (2 Cor 10:5)

This is where Apostle St. Paul elaborates on the reason why the Redeemer was to be the suffering servant as seen in Isaiah (Isa 53) and was to be brutally tortured to the point of death. (1Cor 1:23) Yet, he reminds the Sadducees and others who were remote from afterlife sentimentalities that if the Messiah did not rise from the dead, if there is no life in him, then there is no point to profess such faith – only God himself may reconcile all life unto himself through being born in time, place, and space as Emmanuel. (2 Cor 5: 18-20)

Yet, the Apostles had to contend continuously with various groups (heresies) rising out of the nascent communities which were at odds with the Christ of the Gospels and on what the function of the Church is (Gal 1:8) This is the reason why the Church of the New Testament via the grace of the Holy Spirit and under the instruction of those very apostles who were the first eyewitnesses along with the first 70 disciples needed to boldly clarify what is the faith of the Church -reiterating her Creed and safeguarding her people (Rom 1:5) who would participate in the Communion of Saints (1 Cor 10:16)

Hence, the First Apostolic Council of the Church of Jerusalem (50AD) formulated a basic Creed/profession of faith which was used as the means of initiation for Christians. What that statement was, we comfortably know that it was a Trinitarian affirmation – the affirmation which evolved as the Apostles Creed.

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth,
and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died and was buried; He descended into hell;
on the third day He rose again from the dead;

He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty;
from there He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church,
the communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting.
Amen.

THE APOSTLES CREED

50AD

The wolves within the Church.

Another category of people who like a virus caused ailments within the Church were often initiated by brilliant academics - ego blinding them from the reality and simplicity of faith, community, and service. Such ideologies are called Heresies – departure from doctrine as established previously. One of the first offenders arose out of Egypt Arianism: Arius of Alexandria (256 -336AD) declaring that God the Son was Created as opposed to what the Creed of the Church states as begotten (not created – always with the Father and the Spirit in eternity.)

According to Arius, Jesus was not always eternal (not with the Father in the beginning) yet St. John’s Gospel clearly states within the Holy Thursday account that: Jesus thanks the Father and prays for his Apostles and the world – sharing in the glory with the Father from the beginning (Jn 17:5) There can be no distortion in the All Holy Trinity! Either Jesus is God or he is not!

Current alternative groups that sprang forth from this heresy are vaulted within the sectarian platform of Mormonism/Latter day Saints (Joseph Smith 1805-1844AD) which distorts God the Son (Jesus) sharing perfect communion with God the Father -rendering inferiority. Then there is the famous Jehovah’s Witness (Charles Russell 1852-1916AD) which ratifies the Arian claim of Jesus being a Created being and not having divine status – a theology that denies the dogma of God the All Holy Trinity.

Yet, mere man cannot save! Many good people come and go, but they cannot put things right! It took God himself to come and enter our mortal frame, so that we may be vested in blessedness which we once had – that utopia of what we fantasize about: Retirement which is free from ailments and earthly madness! Thus, Jesus is not the stupidity of a classification entitled: THE GOOD MAN, (similar to the heresy of Nestorianism) nor the derailed view of a PHILOSOPHY OF COMPASSION, nor the repugnant declaration of THE FIRST COMMUNIST! In plain words: HE IS GOD THE SON!!!

Therefore, the Fathers of the Church and successors of the apostles (bishops) tallying 300 gathered in the ancient city of Nicaea (Iznik – Turkey) within the province of Bithynia and palace of Emperor St. Constantine. Within a month’s timeframe, they formulated the Nicaean Creed 325AD in order to combat the falsehood of Arius.

The doctrine of God

The Holy Trinity has always puzzled those who are outside the apostolic faith, just like the people who were not aware nor believed in the Holy Spirit which Apostle St. Paul rectified as seen in the Acts (19:1-7) Various groups failed to see that In the Triune God, there cannot be any form of conflict. Furthermore, the three persons of the All Holy Trinity are of the same essence and majesty – there is no inferiority, but eternal communion that compliments and nurtures.

Just as Arius believed that God the Son (Jesus the Lord) was created and Nestorius (386-451AD) an archbishop of Constantinople who professed him as the Christ but not the God man – further acclaiming the Theotokos (Mother of God) as Kristotokos (Carrier of Christ the man) so too did bishop Macedonius of Constantinople (342-360AD) before them have issues regarding the Holy Spirit and his effectiveness.

I believe in One God, Father Almighty (Pantocrator) creator of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. I believe in One Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and the only begotten of the Father before all ages. Light of Light; true God of true God; Begotten not created; of One Essence with the Father, by Whom all things were created; who for us and for our salvation came down from heaven, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mariam, and became man.

He was crucified for us at the time of Pontius Pilate, and suffered death and was buried. On the third day He rose from the dead fulfilling the Scriptures, and ascended into the heavens, and sits at the right hand of the Father; he will come again with glory to judge the living and the dead; whose Kingdom shall have no end.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life, Who proceeds from the Father; who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; who spoke by the prophets.

I believe in One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

THE NICEAN CREED

325AD

Unfortunately, various individuals and their followers tended to come out of the wood works so to speak and cause further distortions within Christendom. We see this in our times with the rise of new non-conformist groups which spring up across the globe. It is also true that the supposed mainstream churches tend to go arid and form their own club settings which alienate potential believers from belonging. Yet, there is a problem when the Christ of the Gospels is replaced with a messiah which resembles the idol of self and the convenience of group precepts

Therefore, distortions in the Christ of the gospels began to be preached via making appearances through other heresies like Eutychianism (fusion with two natures) and Kenoticism (overemphasized humanity of Christ) a teaching that portrays Christ the Man relinquishing his Christ God status in the mystery of the Incarnation.

We mentioned denominational fragility – groups that surfaced from past heresies, thus Kenoticism sprung up in 19th century Anglican theology, (bishop Charles Gore 1853-1932AD) having its roots in Nestorianism. It is worth noting that Charles Wesley (1707-1788AD) an Anglican Priest who later founded Methodism touched on such doctrine in various hymns he composed.

Thus, (Kenoticism) embraced the Letter of St Paul to the Church in Philippi (2:7) alas misunderstood the concept of self-emptying. Alike the parable of the Prodigal Son (Lk 15: 11-32) the Father invests the Son with his goods, the Son uses them up and then begs to return as a mere servant. Yet, it is the Son that takes on human fragility and raises it up to the dignity of receiving his divine grace through his passion, death, resurrection and ascension via reconciling us to the Father.

Eutyches who was an archimandrite (high ranking monk) from Constantinople tried to knock down the Nestorian position regarding the humanity of Christ. Yet, he fell short when he morphed Christ into one divine nature, for if the Saviour who is one person does not share dual nature (fully divine and fully human) then he cannot be the Redeemer.

Moreover, if God did not become Man, then there is no point to the redemption of humanity. This of course leads us to the error of Monophysites (one natured) which swept across Egypt and Syria thus focusing only on the Divinity of Christ. Later key players who invested in this heresy were Severus a native of Egypt who became patriarch of Antioch (465-538AD) and Philoxenus Xenaias bishop of Mabbug a native of Northern Iraq (484-518AD)

Hence, the Chalcedonian Creed 451AD which was the affirmation of the Church that convened in Chalcedon (Kadikoy – Istanbul) with the presence of 520 bishops, set in stone the theological guidelines regarding the Christ of the Gospels who is God – the Second Person of the Holy Trinity who is Divine and became fully Human; One Person with two natures! Furthermore, ratifying the Holy Spirit as equal to the Father and the Son, and the Church which is One and cannot have fragmentations for it is the Ark of Salvation whom the Spirit guides and perfects.

The Chalcedonian Creed thus added a specific statement regarding the natures of Jesus Christ to enforce the earlier definition of the Nicene Creed where it states:

...I believe in One Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and the only begotten of the Father before all ages. Light of Light; true God of true God; Begotten not created; of One Essence with the Father, by Whom all things were created; who for us and for our salvation came down from heaven, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mariam, and became man.

The Chalcedonian definition clarifies affirming:

We, then, following the holy Fathers, all with one consent, teach men to confess one and the same Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, the same perfect in Godhead and also perfect in manhood; truly God and truly man, of a reasonable soul and body; consubstantial with us according to the manhood; in all things like unto us, without sin; begotten before all ages of the Father according to the Godhead.

Thus, in these latter days, for us and for our salvation, born of the virgin Mary, the mother of God, according to the manhood; one and the same Christ, Son, Lord, Only-begotten, to be acknowledged in two natures, inconfusedly, unchangeably, indivisibly, inseparably.

Hence, the distinction of natures, is by no means taken away by the union, but rather the property of each nature being preserved, and concurring in one Person and one Subsistence, not parted or divided into two persons, but one and the same Son, and only begotten, God the Word, the Lord Jesus Christ, as the prophets from the beginning have declared concerning him, and the Lord Jesus Christ himself taught us, and the Creed of the holy Fathers has handed down to us.

The Filioque Controversy

There is an issue that has divided Eastern and Western Christendom which many still today try to justify and rebuttal: THE FILIOQUE CONSTROVERSY. When we talk about Filioque, we address God the Son and his place regarding the worship of the All Holy Trinity, or more to the point – the precedence and procession of God the Holy Spirit. In the Beginning, and as stated in the early creeds: ALL PROCEEDS FROM GOD THE FATHER! Hence, why the distortion? Why is it a significant issue? Where did this arise from? How should we proceed?

The Filioque came into the creed when the Western Roman Empire was being hijacked by Germanic tribes……..which brings us to an unlit era of history - the dark ages which lasted 400 years handicapping Western Christendom and causing loss of contact with Eastern Christendom which had significantly developed its patristic theology. Thus, the Franks invaded Spain who were converted by the teachings of Arius as described previously. Hence, 72 Bishops of Spain convened a council (III Council of Toledo 589AD) in order to combat the Arian Heresy via the usage of the double procession highlighting that Jesus is equal to the Father and not a lesser being – Filioque.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life, Who proceeds from the Father and the Son; who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; who spoke by the prophets.

The Norman Invasion of 1017AD paved the way for the decline of Byzantine Rule and Spirituality which resulted in 1071AD. Furthermore, the Bishop of Rome was proclaimed Exarch of Ravenna and granted Papal Territories via Prince Pepin the Short (Father of Charlemagne) in 755AD after the defeat of the Lombards. Eventually, the Primacy of Rome came into effect after the death of St. Leo the Great 604AD firstly over the Bishops of Gaul. When Pope Leo III anointed Charlemagne as Roman Emperor on the day of Holy Nativity 800AD – the City of Rome became part of the Frankish Kingdom. Hence, the Bishop of Rome’s Primacy now extended over the Bishops of Western Europe.

Hence, the Frankish church (6th century) enforced this clause (Filioque) at which Charlemagne (768- 814AD) caused further divisions between Eastern and Western Christians. Leo the III was elevated via Charlemagne early on in the piece by giving him charge over the West (controlling the pope and all bishops under him) Further convenient moves were made such as the forgery of the Athanasian Creed with the Filioque additions, and a document Tonatem of Constantine claiming that the Holy Emperor who had all authority gave such (primacy) to the See of Rome (Pope Sylvester I) along with all (canonical) authority to act.

The Forgery of the Athanasian Creed

Whosoever will be saved, before all things it is necessary that he hold the catholic faith; Which faith except every one do keep whole and undefiled, without doubt he shall perish everlastingly. And the catholic faith is this: That we worship one God in Trinity, and Trinity in Unity; neither confounding the persons nor dividing the substance.

For there is one person of the Father, another of the Son, and another of the Holy Spirit. But the Godhead of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit is all one, the glory equal, the majesty coeternal. Such as the Father is, such is the Son, and such is the Holy Spirit.

The Father uncreated, the Son uncreated, and the Holy Spirit uncreated. The Father incomprehensible, the Son incomprehensible, and the Holy Spirit incomprehensible. The Father eternal, the Son eternal, and the Holy Spirit eternal. And yet they are not three eternals but one eternal.

As also there are not three uncreated nor three incomprehensible, but one uncreated and one incomprehensible. So likewise the Father is almighty, the Son almighty, and the Holy Spirit almighty. And yet they are not three almighties, but one almighty. So the Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy Spirit is God; and yet they are not three Gods, but one God.

So likewise the Father is Lord, the Son Lord, and the Holy Spirit Lord; and yet they are not three Lords but one Lord. For like as we are compelled by the Christian verity to acknowledge every Person by himself to be God and Lord; so are we forbidden by the catholic religion to say; there are three Gods or three Lords.

The Father is made of none, neither created nor begotten. The Son is of the Father alone; not made nor created, but begotten. The Holy Spirit is of the Father and of the Son; neither made, nor created, nor begotten, but proceeding. So there is one Father, not three Fathers; one Son, not three Sons; one Holy Spirit, not three Holy Spirits. And in this Trinity none is afore or after another; none is greater or less than another. But the whole three persons are coeternal, and coequal.

So that in all things, as aforesaid, the Unity in Trinity and the Trinity in Unity is to be worshipped. He therefore that will be saved must thus think of the Trinity. Furthermore it is necessary to everlasting salvation that he also believe rightly the incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ. For the right faith is that we believe and confess that our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is God and man. God of the substance of the Father, begotten before the worlds; and man of substance of His mother, born in the world.

Perfect God and perfect man, of a reasonable soul and human flesh subsisting. Equal to the Father as touching His Godhead, and inferior to the Father as touching His manhood. Who, although He is God and man, yet He is not two, but one Christ. One, not by conversion of the Godhead into flesh, but by taking of that manhood into God. One altogether, not by confusion of substance, but by unity of person.

For as the reasonable soul and flesh is one man, so God and man is one Christ; Who suffered for our salvation, descended into hell, rose again the third day from the dead; He ascended into heaven, He sits on the right hand of the Father, God, Almighty; From thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. At whose coming all men shall rise again with their bodies; and shall give account of their own works. And they that have done good shall go into life everlasting and they that have done evil into everlasting fire.

This is the catholic faith, which except a man believe faithfully he cannot be saved.

THE ATHANASIAN CREED

500AD

attributed to St. Athanasius (composed in France)

To the credit of Pope Leo III, he knew that the Filioque was not part of the original creed but an act of Charlemagne’s will to exercise authority, so he (Pope Leo) had the creed inscribed on silver plaques in all Roman Churches, this was removed at the end of Leo’s papacy once a Frankish pope (Stephen V 816-817AD) was placed in the cathedra.

Yet, Charlemagne through his Carolingian theologians (Alcuin of York 781AD & Theodulf of Orleans 798AD at which Paschasius Radbertus 789AD set in stone throughout the monasteries) advanced the Filioque along with the use of unleavened bread (the bread of penance) due to making claims that the paschal meal was unleavened. Here we have a problem once again with who Jesus is and what is the purpose of the Incarnation.

The Passover of old was celebrated in haste (Ex 12: 8-11) yet God the Son came to perfect and establish the new and eternal covenant (1Cor 5:7) until God is in all (1Cor 15:28) via Holy Theosis - Growth in God (2 Pet 3:18) In the Byzantine Orthodox Church, we do not use unleavened bread which was of the Old Passover where the people partook of the bread of penance, but Leavened Bread for the Church is the Body of Christ which rises to new life in him (Lk 13:20-21) Moreover, when the body is afflicted, the grace of the Holy Spirit binds that which is broken and heals that which is infirm via his very presence as the leaven in the dough: the great thanksgiving of peace (Lev 7:13) the offering of the first fruits (Lev 23:17) as the Eucharist – the peoples liturgy.

It is to be noted that clergy in Eastern Christendom have the option to either enter the monastic life, or have a family as various apostles did and that their family/siblings or relations would accompany them on their missionary journeys, for family and its foundation - Matrimony is Holy and a great gift in itself (Mat 19: 4-6) Regarding what the Lord said concerning his call to discipleship where God honours vows made: “If you truly want to follow me - this then means that you will taste the pain of crucifixion because you will feel isolation, you will feel the pressure of many concerns as the weight of its wood, and you may ultimately follow me in the footsteps of martyrdom!” (Mk 8: 34)

Hence, the celibate priesthood (not to be confused with monasticism) began to take root in the West under Charlemagne (made mandatory later on at the Second Lateran Council 1139AD) with the objective of raising a priestly army in Charlemagne’s reign to assist with political upheaval. It is true that the Maccabees (167-164 BC) were a priestly family who fought for Judea (2Mac 8: 1-7) yet Pentecost opened the doors to all nations (Act 2: 1-11) via the bidding of he who is peace (Isa 9:6) which reigns in the hearts of those who are united with him in faith! (Jn 15:5)

Therefore, the reason why the Filioque is uncanonical (out of ecclesial order) lies simply upon the Greek text in terms of the Holy Evangelist St. John - describing the distinction between the Son and the Spirit: (Jn 1:18) begotten (the Son) and (Jn 15:26) proceeds (the Spirit) Thus, although Jesus says that He will send the Spirit to the Apostles (Jn 14: 16-17) yet the Spirit proceeds directly from the Father (Jn 14:26) and it is the Father that sent the Son! (Jn 20:21)

Regarding the Athanasian Creed which the Eastern Church did not adopt due to its irregularity: it is interesting that when St Athanasius (328 – 373AD) was exiled (exiled five times) from his See in Alexandria – Founded by Apostle and Evangelist St Mark (49AD) the Arians confiscated/hijacked the churches of his diocese. The people of his Metropolis cried out to him as their shepherd lamenting: “Father Bishop Athanasius, we have no more churches to go to!” He thus replied: “We may have no church buildings, but we have something they (the Arians) do not possess- The Apostolic Faith!”

Thus, should the Fathers of the Church alike St. Athanasius have written thus, it would have most confidently been similar to the following rendering - cementing the totality of the Lord’s Holy Incarnation and rejecting any uncanonical alterations!

I believe in One God, Father Pantocrator, creator of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. He is without beginning unbegotten, without cause, but is himself the natural beginning and cause of the Son and the Spirit. I believe in One Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and the only begotten of the Father before all ages. He is without mutation and without time begotten of him – being of one essence with him by whom all things were made.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, who proceeds from he who is the Father and with him is glorified as coeternal, being of one essence with him – equal in glory and enthroned with him who is the author of creation. I believe that the second person of the super-substantial and life-giving Trinity, the only begotten Word, came down from heaven, for us men and for our salvation was incarnate by the Holy Spirit in the womb of the Virgin Mariam and became man being perfect in manhood yet remaining God – to which nothing changed regarding his divinity in essence by assuming our state of flesh nor did his incarnation transmute into anything else: but without mutation assuming man’s nature – he endured suffering and death; being free in his divine nature from all sufferings!

He himself arose again from the dead on the third day; ascending into the heavens where he sits at the right hand of God his Father. I wholeheartedly believe and profess the apostolic traditions which form the One, Catholic and Apostolic Church we have received from God and his holy and chosen apostles. I profess one Baptism for the remission of sins. I look with certainty in the Resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come.

Furthermore, I confess of the Second Person the Word made flesh: professing in the apostolic faith that he who is Christ is one and the same in two natures after his incarnation – preserving those things which were in them and from them. Therefore, I totally adore the two wills, in that each nature remains its own special will and its own action.

I sincerely adore Christ himself and reverence his blessed carrier: Mariam All Holy who is the new Ark of the promise who bore him who is the Holy of Holies. I also render reverence to those who live and reflect his grace; the saints of both covenants – addressing them in their glorious state as is just in honour via the prayer of the Church.

I totally reject those of past and present who refuse thus and have cut themselves off the living vine of the Church. Hence, I profess as true Theotokos our Holy Mother bestowed us by the Lord from his cross: Mariam All Holy who bore the Second person who is Christ.

He Jesus Christ is Bishop of us his Church and the Second Person of the Thrice Blessed Trinity who was conceived in the flesh in virginity by she who is the pure one and Daughter of Sion – our protectoress, helper and defender of our lives via her constant prayers and devotion to her Son Christ our God. Amen!

CREED

Christ of the Gospels

Regarding the Christ of the Gospels, it is paramount in the light of the Creeds of the Church that both covenants are in unison when drawing from Salvation History - Holy Scripture. Eastern Christendom and certain parts of the Western remnant have always held onto the Old Testament (Septuagint) translation of the Seventy Elders of Israel who were invited by Pharaoh Ptolemy Philadelphus ii (284-246BC) to Egypt in order to make it available in Greek which was in many ways the universal English today.

Unfortunately, the divisions in Western Christendom (protestants and other break away groups) adopted the Masoretic Text (the Jewish Old Testament “Tanakh”) this 9th Century innovation drew away from the Septuagint in order to detach itself from the Christological criteria’s which pointed to Jesus the Nazarene (God the Son).

Hence, the Masoretic text was furnished to redirect its messianic criteria upon a more favourable candidate who is not a divine being but an earthly king (Leader/Ruler) in the line of David who will rebuild the Temple which was destroyed (70AD). Therefore, when such texts are employed within groups who claim to be part of Christ’s body the Church, the reality of the situation unveils unsound foundation. Such foundations ultimately collapsed as seen in the various reformations in Western Christendom (British Isles 1509-1547AD – Europe 1517-1600AD) which are remote from apostolic creeds and the faith of the Church Christ founded!

Furthermore, we who are the baptised members of his Holy Church are to remain firmly anchored onto Christ who is the Rock of Salvation (Ps 18:2) and must remember that salvation flows forth from his holy bride which is the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Orthodox Church. Should one fail to confess the Creeds of the Church in particular the Nicene Creed – once defined at the Holy Council of Nicaea, then they cannot be genuine Christians of the Church the Saviour founded! For to confess another creed which does not share in the fullness of the faith of the Church which the holy martyrs spilt their blood for its preservation, such contrary to this is outside of the Church!

If there were indeed many truths, why then did the God-bearing Church Fathers (Apostles-Disciples-Evangelists) not deliver to us a multitude of creeds, with optional elements suited to each person’s preference? Rather, they handed down but one Creed, forged in the fire of confession and sealed by the All Holy Spirit that all the faithful may be of one heart and one mind in Christ. (Phil 2:2) For a house divided against itself cannot stand, and as we have seen in our own days, those communities which permit a multitude of doctrines in one place collapse swiftly into ruin. The Lord made clear that: “No one can serve two masters!” (Mat 6:24)

Therefore, to confess another creed is to confess another master, another faith, and this is nothing less than a form of spiritual idolatry. For such a person who holds onto these does not worship the All Holy Trinity, but rather the idol of human reason, which ever seeks its own way and not the way of God. (Is 44:20)

And this pride – this desire to exult one’s own thought above the truth revealed – was the very poison that cast down the devil and his rebellion from heaven and brought about the fall of humanity – mirroring him in the shackles of ancestral sin and disorder! Such pride we must shun with vigilance, and cleave humbly to the one Faith delivered once for all to the Saints (1 Pet 5: 8-9)

Regarding the Faith which we have received from our Apostolic Succession, our history begins in Slavonic Lands (986AD) when the then Prince Volodymir Sviatoslavych of Kiev (956 -1015AD) searched for the faith that would fill his people with grace; sending emissaries (987AD) to various centres within Christendom in the hope of finding compatibility, catechesis and a true sense belonging.

After these emissaries travelled throughout Christendom, they were in awe with what they beheld in the Great City of Constantinople; the rites within the basilica of Agia Sophia (Holy Wisdom) radiated solemnity – a window into the Kingdom of Heaven made liturgically visible.

Upon their return, they recounted all the places they had visited to their prince – yet they emphasized that which they experienced at the Constantinopolitan basilica exhorting: “We were not aware of earthbound perimeters for the worship that was rendered is truly celestial; resounding all that which the gospel mirrors – the Lord truly is in their midst!”

We have seen the true Light for You Lord Jesus were acclaimed as the light to enlighten the gentiles by Simeon and your apostles Peter, James, and John beheld the light of your transfiguration! We have received the heavenly Spirit for you breathed on your apostles and through them hallowed the new priesthood and sanctified all people who partake of thy mysteries! We have found the true Faith, worshiping the undivided Trinity, who has saved us for you commanded all nations to be baptised in your name; we render all glory and honour to thee!

ARCHBISHOP AND EXARCH

CHURCH OF THE HOLY APOSTLES