Called Together in Community

Called Together in Community
Fr. John-Brian Paprock
Madison Wisconsin
delivered as a sermon in July 2002


Orthodox Christianity is a religion of individuals called together in community to worship the One True God in three persons revealed through the incarnation of Jesus Christ and delivered to the world through the Holy Apostles who created churches in various nations. The keys: individuals, community (communion), One God, Jesus Christ, Apostles, churches, nations.

This obviously means that there will be differences. The Apostles were called to carry the good news to all nations. Even from the earliest records there were difference of practice in the various churches, but there was enormous agreement on the Truth. (On this topic, see another 2002 article written by the author "Why We Still Follow the Apostles" and published on-line in the Indian Orthodox Herald and available here http://frjohbrian.blogspot.com/2009/07/why-do-we-still-follow-apostles.html)


Some of the differences between the Orthodox churches related to the non-Christian governmental systems that were dominate, often creating martyrs for the faith. Some were customs of the land that bore the Truths of God and were allowed to be incorporated through the divine revelation and inspiration of the Apostles and their successors. Geographical separations over decades and centuries allowed churches to grow in Holy Orthodoxy separately.

Each of us is an individual, called to a unique purpose under Christ Jesus through the power and gift of the Holy Spirit. If we fulfill that or not is a personal decision. No amount of water or oil (or chrism) or vesting or anything else will remove that decision from us. As such, we believe that salvation is not a sure thing because we confessed yesterday - but rather because we confess TODAY. We, as Orthodox Christians, also do not believe there is assurance of salvation beyond the church given to us through the Holy Apostles and kept alive to the present. Not that God cannot work in any manner He chooses - simply, we are assured salvation in the community of Holy Orthodoxy.

Holy Church cherishes our individuality so much that we each have to partake of the sacraments individually, by name if possible. If one is fallen or has gone astray, then each one needs to repent and be restored individually. Now the manner and form, although it must be within the acceptable practices of Holy Orthodoxy, can vary according to individual presenting needs. The determination of this is the burden of bishops and they will bear the weight of their decisions - but a repentant heart is never turned away from Holy Orthodoxy. So, whether one needs to receive baptism, Chrismation (muron) or confession, the Church will not turn away those that seek the Truth of Holy Community as long as they are willing to be participants in it. This determination is an individual matter. So, it follows that there would be a variety of stories about how different people and circumstances brought them to the One True Church.

When I go and see my doctor, I am glad that he treats me individually and doesn't give me unnecessary medication and treatment, neglecting my medical problems. So, the Divine Physician and Healer of our souls treats us for our individual needs and heals our unique spiritual pains and illnesses, if we are willing to be healed. Some priests and bishops are more cautious as they have seen great spiritual ills prevail in recent times. As such, there has been some modern confusion.

So, in Holy Orthodoxy, it matters much more that we are practicing and repentant Christians. We need to be true to our faith first and foremost. However, if someone wishes to join us, then we need to clear about what Holy Orthodoxy is:

Orthodox Christianity is a religion of individuals called together in community to worship the One True God in three persons revealed through the incarnation of Jesus Christ and delivered to the world through the Holy Apostles who created churches in various nations. The keys: individuals, community (communion), One God, Jesus Christ, Apostles, churches, nations.