Metropolitan Naum: Conclusion on some unanswered questions
~+~
Each question has its own place, and its own time, and its own subject for answer. Or, not every question is answered anytime, anywhere and to anyone.
Some questions are answered first in practice, by deed, and then theoretically or verbally. For some questions, on the other hand, we never respond.
We need to assess everything.
There is one issue in our country, on which not all conclusions have been fully drawn. Now we will draw some more, and that will be enough for the future …
For example, the question about illnesses and participation in the Sacraments of the Church has always been crystal clear to Christians. This was also testified by His All Holiness the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew: “We firmly believe that, by partaking in the Holy Communion, by the intake of the Body and Blood of Christ, there is no danger of becoming infected … “ That is why we, as the Ecumenical Patriarchate, have not changed the way of giving Divine Communion. ”
This is the faith of all Orthodox Christians from all ages, from the beginning of the Church until today; and unto the end of time. However, from this faith, Episcopes from several Local Churches (see on the website of the MOC – OA) have drawn other logical-theological conclusions. Namely, we believe that the Church – the liturgical congregation of the faithful, as the Body of Christ, is also not a place, time and condition in which we can be infected by a disease. This also applies to the temple itself, which because of the Eucharistic Congregation (Council) we also call a church. The same applies for venerating the Holy Icons or Holy Relics, or for receiving a blessing from a clergyperson.
Subsequently, we should not be afraid of infection if we carry out Christ’s mission outside the Congregation (Church) or outside the temple (church). Everything is a mission, everything is a Liturgy and every place is a temple and an altar, sanctified by Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross and by His Blood. But we must also be careful not to tempt the Lord our God unnecessarily and not to misdirect others with our freedom. And for this we need spiritual knowledge and reckoning.
Also, because of our sins or because of an act of God’s Providence, God can, at any time, allow us to get sick or die. Thank God! But that does not mean we should change something, which would mean destroying our faith. Illness is illness – a gift. Sacred Tradition is a Sacred Tradition – and we are obliged to preserve it at all costs; Everything is Eucharist, everything is Thanksgiving.
If the state authorities temporarily (for a short or longer period) prohibit or order us, and if this is not in direct conflict with the essence of our faith, we will formally obey – we will somehow adjust. But beware, it is one thing for us, as the Church, to do something ourselves that in some way is in conflict with our faith, and it is another thing temporarily to endure, or compromise, carrying out a reasonable order of the state. First one makes us traitors and the other one makes us martyrs. I think the goal of the demon, for now, is the first one, not an open persecution.
It is irresponsible and unnecessary to provoke the state authorities, especially when in times of crisis they show tolerance towards us, and our public course of action, however, could harm others if they follow suit.
It can always happen (not in the near future – it is still time for general training only), as it has happened over the past centuries, that the state authorities permanently prohibit or order something, which will be in direct conflict with our faith in the God-Man Jesus Christ. Normally, in that case we will not obey! The sacrifice we will have to make is not important. We have said before, we can renounce everything, but never our Lord and Creator, Jesus Christ! At least this is clear.
It is also understandable that some of our loved ones, because of their weaker faith, might get frightened of an illness (or the threat of punishment). We should not reject and condemn them in any way, this is not a characteristic of Christians, but we should cover their weaknesses with a lots of love. As long as they take Communion (or want to partake) from one chalice, there is a hope for them. But at the same time, this does not mean that we will allow anyone to turn their weaknesses into theological doctrines (or to shift the blame to others – towards “the more accountable, appointed”).
Without great tribulations (temptations) there is no spiritual life; we cannot see what is hidden and what is in our heart, nor in the heart of our fellow man; inasmuch as we are permitted. Nor can we cleanse our heart of what defiles it. We can neither take preventive measures for the future, nor can we plan a strategy. Folk-wisdom has beautifully expressed this with the words: “In times of trouble we recognise the heroes.” Obviously, interesting times are ahead of us, but remember: everything depends on us, on our love (or repentance); and on no one else!
Otherwise, there is no more fertile atmosphere for the development of the Church than physical persecution; if and when, it happens. It is well known to you and has been proven many times. Therefore, anyone who, consciously or unconsciously, spreads fear on the subject of antichrist and physical persecution – is not sent by God. Cast away the fear which is in you. Infiltrated fear is a groundwork for betrayal. We, being weak, humbly pray for a life of peace and repentance, but if we are worthy of persecution, we will gladly and courageously accept it.
Much worse than the physical is the subtle persecution of the modern way of life, which through the sub-conscience, gradually weakens the faith of the Christians. And the demon knows that such persecution is far more effective than physical persecution. Many saints would rejoice to live in our time, but God has made us worthy.
Let us return to the topic. It is clear that the very way of Communion with the Body and Blood of Christ is an essential issue of the faith and it is unchangeable.
But let us not forget, what It heals us, can also make us sick or kill us if we approach without faith (without deeds): “But let a man examine himself and so let him eat of this bread and drink of this cup. For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner, eats and drinks judgement to himself, not discerning the Lord’s Body. For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many die.”(1 Cor. 11: 27-30).
Obviously, being unworthy (not prepared) and partaking in the Holy Communion, even not partaking in the Holy Communion, is a much greater danger than infection with any disease, Few care about this; it is not in “fashion”.
It is also clear that our conduct, as well as the result of our conduct, depends entirely on how much and what kind of faith we have: “According to your faith let it be done to you” (Matthew 9:29); “As you have believed, so let it be done to you” (Matthew 8:13). And all that we do by faith should be done for the glory of our God – the Holy Trinity, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, In Whom we worship; Amen! Not – in our own glory!
All-Holy Bogorodica (Birth-giver-of-God), save us!
P.S. “And He said to them, Go into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will follow those who believe: In my name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents, and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will be healed.” (Mark 16: 15-18). “He who has ears to hear, let him hear” (Matthew 11:15).
Metropolitan of Strumica Naum
(29.08.2020)
