The Church
There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism.
St Paul's Letter to the Church of Ephesus - Chapter 4, Verse 5
THE MYSTICAL BODY OF JESUS CHRIST
THE CHURCH, THE CLERGY, THE PEOPLE, THE LIVING ORGANISM FOUNDED ON THE FAITH PREACHED BY THE APOSTLES AND CONFESSED BY THE MARTYRS GIVEN TO MANY WHO WHOLEHEARTEDLY ACCEPT BOTH IN WORD AND DEED VIA THE MYSTERIES (SACRAMENTS) DRAWING US INTO THE COMMUNION OF SAINTS – BECOMING HIS KINGDOM BEGINNING WITHIN US!
Through, with, and in the power of His (God’s) Name which is LOVE – the Father Pantocrator breathed his Spirit upon the dust of the terrain and called forth the children of the earth to rise in his image; according to that which was set apart from the rest of creation which he then blessed, authorised and multiplied…..He thus beheld the splendour of His creative power, and was pleased with the goodness He poured out and invested which through divine Love came to be! (Gen 1:27-11)
I once gave a sermon on God’s creation (us) which is perfect – using a wondrous breathtaking stained glass window I beheld on an autumn’s day in a charming small church building here in the North of Melbourne. The problem was that it (the glass) being exposed to the elements throughout the years becoming tainted; although the sun’s rays were coming through – the original beauty was no longer and had darkened quasi disfiguring the depictions.
The sad reality is that this is exactly how things are when it comes to classifying that which is and is not church. Although some things may appear to be intact, but that is not enough to warrant authenticity; words, deeds, liturgy, style and intention must go hand in hand! On the other side of the equation, opposing groups of the past who rejected anything that was set in stone from the beginning – creating their own versions due to poor historical knowledge; founded on emotions which ever change, are also at a great loss!
Arguments from the past and present regarding the more traditional groups who compete canonicity (apostolic accredited) variations on, who, or what comes first – clergy, people, liturgy, social justice; cause a chemical imbalance - remote from what IS the Church which should be of one mind! Then of course there exists the ever present stances and canning/bagging everyone and anyone who is not part of that particular communion/group! We are all too busy in the boxing ring rather than coming to terms with our true selves, hiding who we really are, being friends with everyone in compromising the faith so not to offend others. This behaviour backfires because it offends ourselves via such stupidity (inter faith) there is respect, but it must be mutual (a two way street!) We can gather and pray for one another as we rightfully should do, but we can’t pray with each other: obviously not the same God especially if one says love and the other kill! Either we acknowledge one or we cling to another; God who is eternal can’t change his mind!!!….this many names for God is the largest rot and demonic deception that is prevailing in our current society!
Furthermore, we are way too comfortable and set up (physical commodities) which impedes us big time. When there is no risking for the love and sake of others; It’s is an indication in itself that another institution under the guise of church is present! Sadly it’s all messed up and like that stained glass; a major clean up needs to be done in order to regain legitimacy! We can be tied by blood (apostolic succession) but if we derail and dishonour without repentance (failing to observe Christ’s commands) we lose everything we have been given (becoming un-canonical)
Likewise, we may govern ourselves with the reading of scripture and upbeat music - most of that which has been translated (the bible) is frightfully wrong and out of context; it can’t be rightfully taught due to this alarming factor! (A glimpse of this is seen with the above correct quotation from Genesis) Whatever the equation we find ourselves in; are we ready to live by the scriptures and become people of scripture who live in Christ and become his disciples – letting others know him by using what we have to aid others and dry the tears of the oppressed??? More importantly, are we ready to let go of all that has been perceived as church and with renewed faith and humility truly embrace that which is the Church - regardless of our emotions even if that means others who are family, friends, acquaintances turning against us, loss of status and acquiring thereof; becoming modern day lepers??? Supposedly we are known to be Christians by our love – this is becoming a major rarity!!!
In the Gospel written by the Apostle Matthew (Matt 16: 13-19) after the Lord sent the Apostles out two by two ordaining them to administer in his Name – there was a discussion between them regarding who Jesus IS! Thus, Jesus asked them two questions: “Who do people think I am?” and “What have you to say concerning me?” The following responses regarding interpretation - obviously used to gain prestige, have been the cause of divisions within the historical church!
Hence, the Apostle Peter, the one who teased him (Jesus) in the beginning, who found it hard to gravitate towards Jesus - being what Andrew his brother and the majority knew (Jesus being the one set apart) who after Jesus calmed the storm on the sea of galilee while they (the Apostles) were struggling in the boat: told Jesus to remove himself from him (Peter) due to his lack of faith and constant bagging then exhorted: “You are the One who has been promised to come, the Son of the living God!” Then the Lord for the first time mentions the foundation of his Church – at which has caused major confusion due to interpretations, and at which when such is translated from Greek to other languages – trouble starts due to such transliteral expeditions ignorantly been taken out of context! A perfect example is our own English language – when translating from other languages into English people forget that word by word translation DOES NOT WORK! For unlike the Mediterranean and European languages, English does not suppose you know the context; everything must be explained in order to make sense!!! This is like when people are translating lyrics to fit into rhythm….it doesn’t work due to the mentality of that language the lyrics originated from and the musical culture of the rhythm it encapsulates; there is a reason there are 4 Gospels which are diverse due to the audience they were written for!
Hence, the Lord declares to the Apostle:
“Simon son of Jonah you have been blessed for the Spirit of Truth has spoken in you and your heart which has come to know me via the pleasure of the Father who desires all to accept me has confirmed the faith that you have proclaimed and your brothers wholeheartedly accept which is to be solid as rock! Thus, I address you as Rock; the one who must remain strong in the time of temptation for I the cornerstone will raise my Church upon your united confession and the gates of hell will never have victory over her, for I bestow onto you all the keys of my kingdom (through your “Apostolic” work many will come) and whatever you obtain on earth shall be secured in heaven (salvation of souls) and whatever you admonish on earth shall be obliterated in heaven!” (The rejection of those who are hardened in heart and do not repent of their ways especially at death)
Here begins the conflict of thought in whom is to rule over who, and by who’s authority one may administer – this was way before the Apostle Paul came into the Picture; thus reprimanding Peter over circumcision observance:
“When I witnessed the inconsistency with not observing the truth of the gospel, I denounced Cephas publically saying: ‘You are a Jew by birth, but now live as a gentile; why now are you compelling gentiles to live and observe that which the Jews keep?” (Gal2:14) (No infallibility here!)
The Apostles themselves were at odds with one another:
“A dispute arose amongst the twelve in whom should take charge and the category of decent regarding the authority of each.” (Lk22:24)
The Zebedee twins (James and John) also caused friction via their mother’s bidding at who’s request are to be seated on either side of Christ’s throne.
“Hence, their mother pleaded with him (Jesus) saying: “Grant that these two sons of mine will be seated – one on your right hand and the other by your left in your kingdom to come!” (Matt20:21)
The Apostle Paul reminds the churches in those days that there is only one Bishop or more precisely one Lord of the Church and that is Jesus Christ; there was a tendency for groups claiming authenticity and exclusive fellowship with certain Apostles and Disciples
“Many of you exhort your membership with I Paul, others Apollos, then there are allegiances to Cephas, but you maintain to profess Christ. Has Christ been divided? Was I Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptised in my name?” (1Cor 1:12-13)
Paul reminds them that there is only one person we are to follow in which we have been baptised and robed in
“Have you truly understood that we all have been baptized into Christ and have shared in the merits of his death – thus dying with him, being buried with him, and via the Fathers love are raised in the glory of Christ’s resurrection becoming a new people who live and walk in his light? (Rom 6:3-4)
Thus Jesus IS the stone of salvation as acclaimed in the 18th Psalm by David the King:
“I love you my Lord who fills me with strength for you Lord are the unshakable stone, the fortress, and the deliverance within the turbulence of my life; truly you are the living God who shelters, upholds, and secures victory for me over my foes – my fortress and salvation!” (P18:1-2)
Therefore, with the above notion- it is important to note as members of Christ’s Church that Jesus has indicated all leaders (Apostles) of His Church are equal! Thus in the account of the Apostle Luke it is stated: A lingering dispute which was brewing over time arose amongst them about who should be regarded as the greatest amongst them.
The Lord knowing their hearts, reminded them that “The rulers of the gentiles along with their ministers, rule over their people exercising prestige with the title of benefactors and protectors of the community: THIS MUST NEVER HAPPEN AMONGST YOU! I who am the one who is great have come amongst you like the one who is the youngest of their brothers and as Lord I am the servant of all! Greatness is measured by one’s humility and I as Lord do not sit at table awaiting you to serve me, rather I have invited you to recline at my table and as host I serve you and attend to that which is needful of my guests!” (Lk 21: 24-27)
When scripture is translated correctly the results are frightening and indeed challenging! Thus, it’s evident that our Lord and Saviour did not leave the Apostle Peter as his sole Vicar (administrator) on earth as such a later tradition arose amongst the Roman Catholics. Furthermore, it is striking to note that an excellent treaty featuring the works of the renowned German Scholar and historian Johann J. Von Dollinger, entitled ‘The myth of Papal infallibility’ published by St John of Kronsrtadt Press - that ALL Church Fathers saw bishops/Episkopoi (Overseers) and presbyters/Yierondoi (Elders) as being equal and in Apostolic Succession (p35). However, due to political ambition and greed – this is what occurs when that which is supposed to be the Church (Gregorian observers of the calendar and Julian observers authentic and reformed alike _old and new calandarists) detaches itself from the Heavenly Kingdom to form an earthly empire: the See of Rome unfortunately sought to better its position in the world and by the 5th century AD the Patriarchs of Rome were trying to claim that which was not theirs to claim – absolute control and governance of the Church.
It is true that from a historical perspective the Church in formative years was stooped in tradition, but when traditions (however old which may not be correct but we carry on with them for the sake of human authenticity) become the very divisions from the genuine article himself (Jesus Christ) then these must be laid aside! For there are no arguments in particular that can be used to support any of the tradition of Rome’s claims of supremacy due to that which is recorded in the account of the Apostle Matthew 16:18 if one looks at the original Greek text - any claims of supremacy cannot be supported for such reckonings fall apart! Now we don’t want to have a round of table tennis in the sense of throwing the ball to the opponent as a means of condemnation along with derogatory flatulence, but in all honesty if we really are the Church, we then need to look at facts and not tow lines which will ultimately lead to paling away into insignificance – this is already evident in Australia because the number of church goers are dropping (the people who truly would do anything for their neighbours – not club members that seek status) like flies that have been squatted!
Hence, in the same noteworthy book ‘the Myth of Papal infallibility’ highlighted on page 23 that: ‘The Greek equivalent for Peter is Petros meaning ‘little stone’. The Greek word for rock is Petra. Petra is feminine; therefore it could not refer to a masculine Peter (a fact conveniently overlooked by Roman Apologists). What Jesus said is: “You are Peter” (Petros a little stone) AND UPON THIS ROCK (Your proclamation of me as Christ) I WILL BUILD MY CHURCH, since you alone could not support the weight of its foundation.” For He (Jesus) clarifies this notion later in the account of the Apostle John when the synedrion officials confront him about the riot in the temple and he (Jesus) responds to these:
“You will destroy this temple but on the third day it will rise with living stones!” (Jn 2:19)
For he reminds them (the synedrion) as recorded in the account of the Apostle Matthew about Psalm 118 in the 22nd verse where:
“the stone that (they) the builders rejected has become the cornerstone of the renewed edifice – a wonder that the Lord only can perform which is marvellous in the site of those who have faith!” (Matt21:42)
Furthermore, the Apostle Paul is very clear in his exhortation to the Church of Corinth that Christ is the Rock as the verse reads: “For no one can lay another foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ”. (1 Cor 3:11) Again, if the Apostle Peter were the head of the Church, why then was he (Peter) overruled by the Apostle James at the Council of Jerusalem as recorded in the 15th chapter of the book of the Acts of the Apostles??? Also, if the Apostle Peter were the head of the Church and infallible, then why was he proven wrong on the issue regarding Christians of gentile origins observing the tenants of the old law??? In addition, there is evidence that up until quite late in the second century the Church of Rome was governed by a council of Presbyters with no Bishop present as bishops were introduced much later as explained by St Jerome:
“The Presbyter is the same as the bishop, and ere by the Devils prompting there came to be competition in religious affairs and people were saying, ‘I am of Paul, I of Cephas,’ the Churches were governed by a joint council of presbyters. Afterwards, when each presbyter thought that those who had been baptised by him belonged to him, the rule was made that one presbyter should be chosen to be above the rest. Accordingly, as the presbyters knew that by custom of the Church they were subject to the person that was placed over them, so the bishops knew that they were above the Presbyters in a consequence of custom rather than any arrangement of true overlordship.”
This exhortation by the much revered Latin Father St Jerome, therefore shows that – yes, bishops are a necessity in the Church of today due to its sheer size and complexity; they provide a source of unity! Furthermore, the above quote highlights the important relationship between the presbyters and bishops. Presbyters are therefore required to respect their bishop and the bishop is to govern his diocese in consultation with his council of presbyters as they (the presbyters) are the ones who deal with the everyday reality of the Church in his diocese. Finally, if the undeniable fact of Churches been governed by councils of presbyters up until the late second century AD, then how could the Apostle Peter possibly be said to have ordained his papal successors for Rome??? If we want to go about things for the sake of what was done yesteryear - Traditionally speaking; does it not take at least two bishops to confer a presbyter into the rank of a bishop??? Clearly the Patriarch of Rome’s contention that he is the successor of the Apostle Peter as governor of the Church Universal is false due to the very fact that bishops did not exist in Rome until the late second century!
Going back to the opening paragraphs regarding the wondrous stained glass window – it has become grouted by the elements of opposition and foreignness to the commandments of Christ as groom/Lord of his Church! The window needs a thorough clean not like the protesters and reformers did in the early years of iconoclasm repeated in English and Germanic Christendom (protestant reformers)– the water pressure was too strong and the glass broke…..we need to gently wash away the filth of earthly empires and restore the former beauty of celestial reality.
The words of the Saviour written in the account of the Apostle John must re-echo through the branches that have willingly severed themselves from the vine and rise from the ashes in order to live, bloom, and grow in him!
“I am the vine that gives life onto you who are the branches that live in me for the Father will remove any branch found not fulfilling its function in me! Thus, those branches who feed on me - blooming in the constant production of fruit; the Father tends gracefully too and refines via pruning in order to produce abundantly. Your hearts have aligned to mine and thus have been sealed in my name that you may live in me as I in you. Therefore, branches cannot produce fruit and live without remaining sound in the vine just as you cannot live nor produce any good without remaining in me! For I am the vine and you are my branches!” (Jn15:1-5)
Therefore, just like this wondrous icon of the Church founded upon the united confession of the Apostles that we are the mystical body of Christ in the world, we must safeguard ourselves at all times! We must shun opportunities of self-want and begin to honour the blood of the Martyrs who gave their lives for the sake of the vine! We must become a living parable in the world which is most challenging to our very surroundings! We must not hiding who we really are, in pretending to be what we are not! We must never pass judgment on others especially if they are indifferent and we may not understand how and why such are the way they are! Above all, we must not be afraid but work and pray for the salvation of all and like the righteous Dismas who hung on the Lord’s right we must acclaim: “Remember us in your Kingdom!”
For the Lord calls his Church to be light in the darkness of the world:
“through your good works those who live in the oppression of darkness will come to their senses in the realisation that the source of your light is the Father’s love (Jesus) in whom they will glorify!”
(Matt 5:14-16)
The Lord calls his Church to be salt for when the earth’s distasteful habits founded on lies and greed that are craftily honey-coated:
“through your striving in safeguarding your good works, those who have been fooled by the blandness of deceit will come to their senses when they taste the flavoursome words that you speak and actions that your convey in my Name. But if you begin to stray from my words that are truthful, and forget to render the merciful ways of my heart; the flavour of your endeavours that were once pleasing will be distasteful and totally disregarded like spoiled substance that has no use and is thrown away to be trampled on!” (Matt 5: 13)
As Church, the Lord exhorts her to be like a small seed that is planted and flourishes:
“Although you are the smallest of all seeds when planted in the garden of the earth; you will begin to acquire many stems via the striving of your good works that I have blessed which are firmly rooted in me. Thy tree shall be a refuge for all people - just like the birds of the forest settle upon the branches – my people too shall take rest under the shade of your labours accomplished in me!” (Matt 13: 31-32)
On pages 3-4 of the first chapter entitled “The Church” of his book “The Orthodox Church” the renowned Russian scholar Father Sergius Bulgakov writes: "The Church exists, it is ‘given” in a certain sense, independently of its historic origin; it took form because it already existed in the divine, superhuman plan. It exists in us, not as an institution or a society, but first of all as a spiritual certainty, a special experience, a new life. The preaching of primitive Christianity is the joyous and triumphant announcement of that new life. The life is indefinable, but it can be described and it can be lived. There can thus be no satisfactory and complete definition of the Church. “Come and see” – one recognizes the Church only by experience, by grace, by participation in its life. This is why before making any formal definition, the Church must be conceived in its mystical being, underlying all definitions, but larger than them all. The Church, in its essence as a divine-human unity, belongs to the realm of the divine. It is from God, but it exists in the world, in human history. However, if the Church is considered only as a society on this earth, its original nature is not understood, that quality of expressing the eternal in the temporal, of showing the uncreated in the created. The essence of the Church is the divine life, revealing itself in the life of the creature; it is the deification of the creature by the power of the Incarnation and Pentecost.”
Unfortunately, there exists those entities that mascaraed themselves as Church but deep down are the epitome of fallen humanity seeking to deceive and manipulate that which pertains to God; thus presenting him through their guile, malice and hidden agenda as a total barbarian - making him in their own image and likeness! We who have had the eye opening experience with such groups and individuals, are still scared with their wickedness, but the Lord has given awareness and charged us to safeguard the flock in being blessed with a most distasteful experience! Thus, the Lord exhorts in the account of the Apostle John that he is the caring shepherd who safeguards his flock:
“There are many amongst you who are only fulfilling an obligation as far as being hired for work! These are not shepherds for they do not own the sheep, neither are they overly concerned for their welfare, rather they run at the sight of danger - leaving the sheep defenceless and dispersed whilst the wolves of maliciousness devour the flock to their pleasing. Therefore, I reassure you that I am the caring shepherd who knows my sheep well for they who are the flock of my pastures have also come to know and love me in a similar way that the Father and I in communion are known. It is through this love that you may know that I have come to lay my life down for the sake of my flock. Although there are other sheep who may not belong to this fold, but so that the love of the Father which we inseparably share may be manifested, I will bring these also for they will recognise my voice as Shepherd of all!” (Jn 10: 11-16)
When I was given authority over the Church of Australia as Dean of presbyters (Archimandrite) there were and still are various problems that are unacceptable in Orthodoxy as far as church buildings are concerned! Committees, Trustees, Boards and particularly Administrators who begin to exercise authority which is not theirs, tend to hire and fire clergy and synods – just like one butts out a cigarette! Further, fluctuating mentalities on practice of faith in a particular church according to the mood swings of such people unlawfully in charge that we can’t correct and eradicate due to present establishments is complete madness! This resulted and still remains the cause of clerical breakdown, lobby groups, also good people that are either turned away because they don’t fit their mould or they walk away because such (the people) will rightfully not yield to their (ruling groups) madness and other such practices that are a breach of canonical requirements that are there to keep a church running healthy! Therefore I could not keep silent, but wrote to the Synod of the Church in Greece urging them to take action – however polite their response, these hired servants ignored my pleading of behalf of the diocese which I endeavoured to present within the following selected paragraphs:
As you may be aware, the communities here in this land of the Southern Cross are rather particular and indeed difficult - in a constant state of flux between the three factors; clergy, committee and laity. Although this is nothing new, but with few to no clergy and lack of support - along with that of committees/administrating bodies who act as the sole authority; this has and is still causing further disintegration which will result in the closure of churches!
The fact is that Orthodoxy never started properly here!!!! It is true that the sate church has followed Rome in its administrative system which has had some advantage, but we who have in a sense remained faithful to the elder traditions; have in actual fact shipwrecked ourselves due to no one firmly taking responsibility and leading the situation! In addition, youth are scarce in attendance whilst the rest are either of late middle aged who have come back to religion ( not necessary in terms of faith ) seeking some form of standing; the rest who are seniors are busy with running the place like a social club along with its gossip tendencies!
Youth are scarce!!!!! As a young priest, I must confess in all conscience; who in their right mind would want to be part of such a circus? Fathers, the young are not interested! Vocations can’t be fostered in these circumstances; the faith is not been taught (not so much in the means of homiletics) but, rather in the true pastoral sense implementing the words from the Apostles James Epistle “Faith without works is dead!”
We have several problems here; the clergy rarely see/meet and greet one another; no moral support for one another especially in times of crisis…….fraudulent bishops and counterfeit priests who open up shop so to speak and clean out peoples bank accounts whilst causing friction amongst the wider community……people who have been deluded and have gone back to the new calendar……old and new calendar people mixing with each other and no one knows who is who……administrative bodies/entities who privately own or have lease of properties and allow whatever clergy are around regardless of where they come from to serve the mysteries…..this must stop immediately for it is nothing but complete madness; all parties twist church canons to their own convenience!!!!
Venerable Fathers, I do not wish to accuse anyone, nor do I wish to create friction, but in conscience I could no longer keep silent - especially with the traumatic experiences I witnessed and suffered; experiences that under Australian law are criminal offences! It is of primary importance that you are aware of the situation here and do your best to resolve it before there is nothing left to resolve! Having stated thus, I pray that the Holy Synod works ardently to rectify the matter.
Furthermore, in all sincere honesty, I cannot tolerate the former group/rather (the cult leader) I served under who is notorious in the orthodox world: Is still in good standing with the Church after the mental, spiritual, and physical damage he has caused one of your clerics (me) - having done so to others and to many of the faithful in the past and continues to do so; wallowing in his own poor delusion! Lent may be the time for forgiveness, but how can there be forgiveness if there is no true repentance??? May God grant worthy clerics to work with you in bringing about reconciliation amongst your people!
Late last year, when the Lord appointed me via the Elder Orthodox Holy Synod of Rome under the presidency of Metropolitan Basilio 1 as Exarch and Apostle of the Church in Australia, I wrote about such dangers in a decree given to the Diakonia (The college of Deacons who are the rightful overseers of the administration {Finances and Properties} of the church) of the Exarchate within the timeframe of Holy Advent – vowing that I would do everything within my power that no soul would experience such traumas within the Exarchate! Hence, in the fourth paragraph of the first page thus decreed:
“If at any time that which is classified as CHURCH becomes: oppressive, conditional, overwhelmingly harmful “soul destroying” to one’s health and growth - ‘‘no healing” or even the means of suffering turmoil due to indifference; especially where lay control hijacks its growth - This is not the Church but a diabolical agency that threatens salvation! Therefore, such is to be immediately closed down via ecclesiastical law and with the collaboration of legal means– thoroughly investigated by our Australian Authorities! For we must not allow the Ark of Salvation to become the titanic and house of horrors where wolves devour the flock in which Christ our Bishop warns we must safeguard!”
(Prayer of Entrustment after Holy Communion – Liturgy of St John Chrysostom)
Priest: Lord our God, you bless those who bless you with their minds and hearts and sanctify those who place their lives in your hands trusting in your divine providence; bless your people and us your inheritance. Furthermore, preserve the fullness of your Holy Church in your Name that it may always heed to your voice as chief shepherd of your flock.
Hence, sanctify us who serve and all who gather with love for the beauty of your house; glorify all with thy divine power and in your compassion do not cast us away, but hold us close for we have placed our hope in thee! Christ our God, you said to your disciples: “Peace I leave you, my peace I give you; a peace the world cannot give!” We pray thee Lord to impart that same peace upon us who serve you in the ranks of the clergy and those who gather to hallow your Name in faith.
Grant peace to the world that through the merits of thy gospel all nations may learn to live in harmony and all who administer law and order may do so justly; surrendering to thy love! For you Lord are the gift from above; the bread of angels and Father of Lights, hence we render all glory, honour and worship to thee; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages.
All: Amen.
(Typikon/Ceremonial of the Sothern Cross: Holy Apostles Exarchate)
