ONE OF THE GREATEST OF ALL SCANDALS IN CHRISTIAN HISTORY IS THE FRAGMENTATION OF CHRISTIANS WORLDWIDE

My beloved brothers and sisters in Christ Our Only True Lord, God, and Savior,

CHRIST IS IN OUR MIDST! HE WAS, IS, AND EVER SHALL BE.

ONE OF THE GREATEST OF ALL SCANDALS IN CHRISTIAN
HISTORY IS THE FRAGMENTATION OF CHRISTIANS
WORLDWIDE.

"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." [Nicene Creed]

The Holy Orthodox Church believes that the Church is fundamentally ONE, JUST as Christ is ONE, and that divisions contradict the very nature of the Church. It is most important to note that the Orthodox Church is NOT one denomination among many but is the continuation of the ancient, UNDIVIDED CHURCH FOUNDED BY HER HEAD JESUS CHRIST HIMSELF. The Orthodox Church views divisions among Christians as a scandalous and trago departure from the UNITY THAT CHRIST INTENDED FOR HIS CHURCH.

The Great Schism, also known as the East-West Schism, was the formal split of the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church in 1054. A central point of contention was the Pope’s claim to universal jurisdiction over all of Christnedom, a concept the Eastern Orthodox Church did not accept. The Roman Catholic or Western Church added the phrase "and of the Son" (filioque) to the Nicene Creed, stating that the Holy Spirit proceeds from both the Father and the Son. The Eastern Orthodox Church, which maintained the original wording (Holy Spirit proceeding from the Father), viewed this addition as a heresy and an unauthorized change to a foundational Creed. Other theological issues are: the nature of the Eucharist i.e., using leavened or unleavened bread), the concept of purgatory, role of icons, the created grace, the immaculate conception of the Virgin Mary, the assumption of the Virgin Mary, the mandated priestly celibacy, the use of indulgences, the infallibility of the Pope and other. The mutual excommunications of 1054 marked a formal break in communion. Also, the sacking of Constantinople by the Fourth Crusade in 1204 further deepened the divide and animosity between the two Churches. While there have been efforts at reconciliation, the Great Schism continues to this day, with both Churches maintaining their distinct identities and theological understandings. As we know, the Roman Catholic Church is still not in communion, even though in 1965 Pope Paul VI and Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras I lifted the mutual anathema of 1054.

The Protestant Reformation was a 16th century religious and political movement that aimed to reform the Roman Church, leading to the establishment of Protestantism. It was sparked by Martin Luther’s challenge to the Church ‘s authority and practices, particularly the sale of indulgences, and spread through Europe, creating significant religious and political upheaval. The Reformation challenged the Pope’s authority and the Catholic Church’s hierarchical structure, advocating for a direct relationship between individual believers and God. Core Protestant beliefs included "sola scriptura" (the Bible as the SOLE AUTHORITY) and "sola fide" (salvation by faith ALONE), contrasting with the Roman Catholic emphasis on faith and good works. The Reformation led to the development of various PROTESTANT DENOMINATIONS, including Lutheranism, Calvinism, and Anglicanism, each with its own interpretations of Christian doctrine and practice. There are an estimated 45,000 Protestant denominations in the world today, according to the Center for the Study of Global Christianity.

The sheer number of Protestant denominations highlights the diversity within this Christian tradition. These denominations vary in their interpretation of Scripture, their practices,and their governance structure. Differences in theology, church governance, and cultural contexts have contributed to the ongoing FRAGMENTATION WITHIN PROTESTANTISM. Protestantism continues to grow worldwide, with new denominations and independent churches emerging.

Whereas the Orthodox Church still insists that the individual believer submit his or her authority to the authority of the Church, in many Protestant sects there is no authority of the Church, for there IS NO CHURCH. In Protestantism theology is everybody’s and nobody’s business or preoccupation. The fragmentation of Protestantism is a direct consequence of the application of irresponsible freedom IN INTERPRETATION OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES when given to individuals, or usurped by them. When Protestantism granted to individuals the right to interpret the Holy Scriptures, which until then was THE PREROGATIVE OF THE CHURCH, it opened the door to boundless dissension, which in turn led to the divisions and fragmentations of Protestansim.

Unanimity is impossible without Church Tradition and discipline. With the Protestanta, however, individuals, whether educated of uneducated, allegedly ‘inspired’ by who knows what kind of spirit or spirits, by who knows what kind of spirit or spirits, deprived of the Church’s guidance, left on their own and to themselves, insufficiently spiritualized and aware, start with the Bible and end up with some kind of their own ‘Bible.’ Starting from Christianity, het without accepting it as A WHOLE they end with their own kind of distorted ‘Christianity’ and their own ‘churches.’ Accepting one or several Christian principles, but rejecting all the other, gave rise to SECTS in which little or no genuine Christian theology is left. The Bible, left to the mercy of hte judgment of THE RATIONALITY OF INDIVIDUALS, became the shelter and the lurking place of many who assail the Divinity of Jesus Christ. ARIANISM, condemned at the First Ecumenical Council in 325 A.D., has BEEN REVIVED IN MANY PROTESTANT SECTS which consider themselves Christian. Arius, the founder of the above Christological heresy at the beginning of the 4th century denied the Divinity of Christ.

Our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ praying to the Father says: "Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, THAT THEY MAY BE ONE AS WE ARE" [John 17:11]. According to the Orthodox interpretation of John 17:11, emphasizes the importance OF UNITY among believers, modeled after the perfect unity of the Father and the Son. This unity is not merely a human construct but a Divine gift, reflecting the very nature OF THE HOLY TRINITY. The verse highlights the need for believers TO REMAIN CONNECTED TO GOD AND TO EACH OTHER, ESPECIALLYAMIDST THE CHALLENGES OF THE WORLD. The Church, understood as the body of Christ, is seen as the primary place where this unity is manifested and experienced. It is through the Church that believers are united to God and to each other.

Heresy and division can never be condoned, tolerated, ignored, approved or promoted by anyone who professes to be a Christian. The early Church through the Ecumenical Councils unanimously acted on the various heresies threatening the unity Church. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, the "Spirit of Truth" the Holy Fathers formulated the Symbol of Faith or Nicaean Constantinopolitan Creed which defines the True Christian faith and by doing so ALL CHRISTIANS WOULD CONFESS AND PRACTICE ONE FAITH.

The Seven Ecumenical (General) Councils hold paramount importance for the Orthodox Church, serving as the FOUNDATIONAL PILLARS UPON WHICH THE DOCTRINE, LITURGY AND GOVERNANCE ARE BUILT. These Councils were convened between the 4th and 8th centuries to address theological controversies and heresies that threatened the unity and purity of the Chrisstian faith received from the Holy Apostles. These Ecumenical Councils provided authoritative statements of faith on core doctrines, particularly concerning the nature of Christ and the Trinity. For example, the First Ecumenical Council (325 A.D.) affirmed THE FULL DIVINITY OF CHRIST ND PRODUCED THE NICENE CREED, A CORNERSTONE OF ORTHODOX THEOLOGY. These Councils were CRUCIAL IN COMBATING VARIOUS HERESIES THAT CHALLENGED THE FOUNDATIONAL BELIEFS OF THE CHURCH. THEY CLARIFIED AND DEFENDED THE TRUE TEACHINGS OF THE CHRISTIAN FAITH AGAINST INCORRECT INTERPRETATIONS, ENSUING THE CONTINUITY AND INTEGRITY OF ORTHODOX DOCTRINE.

Also, we have the establishment of Canons and Church Order: Beyond Doctrinal definitions, the Ecumenical Councils also promulgated Canons, or Church Laws, governing the administration and discipline of the Church. These Holy Canons provided GUIDANCE FOR CLERGY CONDUCT, LITURGICAL PRACTICES AND THE STRUCTURE OF THE CHURCH, ENSUING ORDER AND UNITY. The Ecumenical Councils embody the Orthodox Church’s emphasis ON CONCILIARITY AND SYNODALITY, MEANING DECISIONS ARE MADE THROUGH THE COLLECTIVE WISDOM AND DISCERNMENT OF THE CHURCH’S LEADERSHIP, GUIDED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT. THIS APPROACH EMPHASIZES THE SHARED RESPONSIBILITY AND UNITY OF THE CHURCH IN PRESERVING AND TRANSMITTING THE FAITH. The decisions of these Ecumenical Councils or Synods continue to shape Orthodox beliefs and practices today. Therefore, the Ecu;menical Councils are not merely historical events for the Orthodox but remain LIVING AUTHORITY AND GUIDANCE FOR UNDERSTANDING AND LIVING THE CHRISTIAN FAITH.

Schisms and heresies are destructive and damage the very fabric of the Church. In Orthodox Christianity, schism refers to a division or separation within the Church, specifically when a group breaks away from the main body due to disagreements or disputes, often leading to separate communities or churches. It differs from heresy, which involves rejection of fundamental Doctrines, a schism that can arise from organizational, jurisdictional, or other non-doctrinal issues. Therefore, schisms and heresies must be avoided and if they occur to be condemned by all Christians. The Greek word σχίζω (schizo) means to tear, rend, split. Every true Christian must agree that Jesus Christ condemns all heretics and schismatics that divide His Church, HIs people, and cause havoc, confusion and revolt against the Truth. Many Christians and specifically Orthodox Christians have suffered martyrdom and death over the centuries who fight against heretics and schismatics. Heresy distorts the truth, and undermines the Holy Gospel and Gospel message in the world. Schismatics and heretics are the enemies of our Lord Jesus Christ. This is what the Holy Apostle Peter says: "But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring destructive HERESIES, even DENYING THE LORD WHO BOUGHT THEM, AND BRING ON THEMSELVES SWIFT DESTRUCTION. And many will follow their DESTRUCTIVE WAYS, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. By covetousness they will exploit you with DECEPTIVE WORDS; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber" [2 Peter:1-3].

The Holy Apostle Peter reaches his main concern: "False teachers" who are unholy and communicate HERESY. They are arrogant, sensual, and greedy, and they deny accountability in their lives. Isolating themselves from Apostolic Doctrine concerning Christ, they hold their own "private interpretations," misconstruing doctrines about the Second Coming and the ultimate authority of Christ over us. Being DECEIVERS, THEY TEACH AS THOUGH THEY POSSESS TRUE APOSTOLICITY.

Let us pray to the Lord.

Kyrie Eleison

ILLUMINE our hearts, O Master Who lovest mankind, with the pure light
of Thy divine knowledge. Open the eyes of our mind to the understanding
of Thy Gospel teachings. Implant also in us the fear of Thy Blessed
Commandments, that, trampling down all carnal desires, we may enter upon
a spiritual manner of living, both thinking and doing such things as are well-
pleasing unto Thee. For Thou art the illumination of our souls and bodies,
O Christ our God, and unto Thee we ascribe glory, together with Thy Father,
Who is from everlasting, and Thine All-Holy, Good, and Life-creating Spirit,
now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen. [Divine Liturgy]

___________
"Glory Be To GOD
For
All Things!"
– Saint John Chrysostomos
+ + +

With sincere agape in His Divine and Glorious Diakonia (Ministry)
The sinner and unworthy servant of God.
+ Father George