Sunday of the Fathers of 4th Ecum. Council Ocala, 2005

Today, world-wide Orthodoxy commemorates the Holy Fathers of the 4th Ecumenical Council, whose contributions to our Holy Church we had occasion to speak last year at this time. Today, I chose as a basis for my sermon, two verses from St. Paul's Epistle to the Romans. He states, that everything that was written in the past, was to teach us, and also for all to persevere and be encouraged that we might have hope.

Then St. Paul prays, that God Who gives endurance and encouragement, will give us a spirit of unity, as we follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and one mouth we may glorify God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

My heart rises in gratitude to Lord our God, that here in our young and loving Congregation we are bound together in God's love, --- in complete unity and harmony, and we do glorify God with one heart and one mouth, as St. Paul exhorts us to be,

Surely, one of the main sources of learning is from the written word. The masterpieces in literature of all the ages, have a profound meaning for humankind. For instance, the teachings of the ancient Greek philosophers have a great influence on those, who wish to educate themselves. Plato's Republic is a classic, and is conditioned throughout by a particular period in the history of ancient Greece. Yet, it is amazingly up to date, even in our present century.

It is universally recognized, that Shakespeare's plays are not of "an age, -- but for all time." This can be said for so many literary masterpieces, which enrich the mind and the heart.            However, the Bible is a unique Book, which has spoken in all periods of history, and speaks most vividly in our day. The Bible is unique, about what it has to say to us. It is a Book of such character, that when we open its pages to read with understanding, Christ Himself steps out of them, as One Who comes from God, and brings us to God!

The Bible is concerned with all humankind. Firstly, let us consider the place of the Bible in the present world situation. If it was possible to ask the Bible regarding, what is the most at stake today, the answer would be very clear. It would be freedom. Freedom is one of the major themes of the Bible.

The Old Testament tells us of the liberation of the Israelites from the Egyptian bondage. The New Testament speaks of the glorious liberation of the children of God, and our re-unification with God.

Freedom, as expressed in the Bible, is grounded in the idea, that all human authorities are under God, and therefore, these human authorities can claim true allegiance, only as they acknowledge themselves subject to God's righteousness. This is the ideal, that is, if it could be put in effect, which would guarantee the world the possibility of truly living in freedom.

We may recall the privilege of a Roman citizen, as was exercised by St. Paul, regarding his right to appeal from a provincial tribunal to the Emperor of Rome. Freedom is based upon the right possessed by every human being, since we were all created in the image and likeness of God. The fact though does remain, that regardless of what some leaders, or dictators might think, the truth remains, that the final source, and final guaranty of all authority is with God.

Unfortunately, freedom perishes, when some mortal person arrogates to himself an absolute right over his fellow men, -- and legislates, as though there was no one above him.

This disastrous condition was witnessed during the dictatorship of Hitler, Stalin and Mussolini and others, -- and unfortunately is continuing to this day by horrendous dictators, especially in the third-world countries world-wide.

However, in the case when the leader accepts the highest dignity of his position of power with deep humility, and holds to it as if given to him by God, and operates under the umbrella of God, there is where freedom is secure, and surely enjoyed.

The Bible is a binding force, even to the Churches that are so fragmented. Regardless of the jurisdictional or theological differences of the many Protestant denominations, the Bible is the source of spiritual life.

In the Ecumenical movement of the Christian Churches, although we cannot meet around the Lord's Table, that is, to enjoy the fruits of full communion, we still can all gather around the Bible. But, even on this point, it is distressing to read in the papers, and view from our television sets, the gross misrepresentation of Biblical teachings by so many Leaders of the various denominations?

Some time ago, on the front page of the Daytona News journal there was a lengthy article titled: "Marriage Bill Splits Area Clergy." And I thought to myself: "should this split, or division be even imagined by the clergy, who are committed to preach the word of God? What should the laity think, when they see this liberalism, which runs contra to the Biblical teachings?

A division such as described in the newspaper, is indeed difficult to understand from our Orthodox Church viewpoint, because we believe strictly, that the Apostles echoed the teachings of our Lord, followed by the Apostolic Fathers, and the Church Fathers, who bequeathed to us the true interpretation of the Bible, which we recognize as Divine tradition.

All these teachings that are unshakeable interpretations of the Bible constitute for us Divine Tradition, which is on an equal level with the written word, the Holy Bible.

That is why, there never has been, nor ever will be any doctrinal division, or reforming movement in our Holy Orthodox Church, which may be comprised of 15 jurisdictions, but have only one Altar in common.

As I mentioned, the Clergy, as the paper stated

were divided regarding the Constitutional Amendment to ban homosexual marriages. I cannot understand why, as preachers of the eternal word, they were not happy with the declaration of our President. He stands so firm on this issue, even risking the loss of votes, by asking the House and Senate to send to the States for ratification an amendment, that defines marriage in the United States, as a union of a man and woman, as husband and wife.

It is so disheartening to witness the extent, as to what immoral depths, human beings have permitted themselves, in which to slide. At some point though, it is hoped, that the silent majority will stand up and speak. To remind us, as to what has been the norm since time immemorial, and also the accepted eternal values, which enrich one's life, because their source is directly from the Biblical teachings.

Now the question: What about the Bible and us? Is it the Book of God, that we pick up on a regular basis, or, is it a Book that gathers dust on the shelf? So many Christians can be guilty of this, even though they may be dedicated and God-loving people.

St. Paul stated it explicitly when he wrote: "For everything that was written in the Scriptures in the past, was written for our learning, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope." Romans 15:4

As Christians, we should heed the admonition of St Paul to his disciple Timothy, "whatever you were taught by me in the presence of so many witnesses, these teachings entrust to reliable men, who will be able to teach others the evangelical truths." 2 Tim. 2:2. It follows then, that all Christians should be well versed in their faith, so as to be able to give answers to anyone who would ask. But, the stark reality is, that so many Christians lack even the basic knowledge of their faith.

That is why it is so ultra important, that the Bible should always be handy to us. To read it, to meditate on it, and to be inspired by it, to always be strong and unshakeable in our Faith.

What can the Bible do for us? Firstly, it can inform us concerning God's search for all people; concerning God's dealing with His people; concerning his first covenant with ancient Israel and of course His supreme personal revelation in Jesus Christ, by opening again the gates of Heaven to receive all, who are reborn through His Divine Grace, dispensed through our Holy Sacraments.

Secondly, the Bible can reform us. Time and again, the principles, the teachings and the design of God unfolded in the Holy Scriptures, have inspired reform and salvation of people and communities.

Lastly the Bible can also transform us. This, the Bible does, not through any magical form, but by releasing in its readers the transforming Spirit of God. When we read the Bible, as we would read a letter, let us say, God has a chance to get His word through to us.

Studying the Bible gives us the saving promises of God for our encouragement. The Bible is to inspire, and keep us steady on our feet, by reading and memorizing verses, which strengthen our belief in God's tremendous promises and assurances.

Summarizing all that I have mentioned, two favorite verses come to my mind to close this sermon. They are from St. John's Gospel, Chapter 8, verses 31-32: "Then Jesus said to those Jews, who believed in Him, 'if you continue in my word, then you are my disciples indeed; and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free'." Amen.