Video Review: Heretical Teachings That the Orthodox Church Must Reject | Greek Orthodox Sermon (1/26/25)

 This is a WONDERFUL short video to consider for not just soon to be chrismated catechumens, but for all Orthodox Christians.

  Presented by Fr. Maggos from Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Rochester, part of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America,  puts together beautiful resources for his parish, and this video seemed very appropriate for pour class!   I put together a comprehensive summary for you.  Enjoy! 

• Summary

  The sermon discusses heretical teachings that new members of the Orthodox Church must renounce, emphasizing essential doctrines and traditions.

  Highlights

  •  Renouncement of pluralism: Only Jesus Christ leads to salvation.
  •  Rejection of papal authority: Salvation is guided by a synod of bishops.
  •  Disavowal of sola scriptura: Salvation involves the community and tradition, not just scripture.
  •  Faith and works: Salvation requires both faith and tangible good deeds.
  •  Denial of universal salvation: Not all will be saved; deeds reveal true faith.
  •  Commitment to liturgical calendar: Life governed by the church’s liturgical year.
  •  Importance of Holy Communion: Regular participation is essential for salvation.

  Key Insights

  •  Exclusivity of Salvation: The Orthodox Church emphasizes that salvation can only be found through Jesus Christ, countering modern pluralistic views that suggest multiple paths to God. This highlights the importance of Christ’s unique role in salvation.
  •  Synodal Governance: Unlike the Catholic view of a singular pope, the Orthodox Church’s governance by a synod of bishops reinforces communal decision-making, ensuring shared leadership and accountability.
  • Community and Tradition: The Orthodox faith teaches that scripture cannot be separated from the rich tradition of the church, stressing the necessity of community involvement in the journey to salvation.
  • Faith in Action: The teaching that faith must be accompanied by works challenges the idea that belief alone is sufficient for salvation, emphasizing the moral responsibility of believers to serve others.
  • Conditional Salvation: The rejection of universal salvation underscores the Orthodox belief in moral accountability, as individuals’ actions determine their eternal fate according to scripture.
  • Liturgical Life: Adhering to the church’s liturgical calendar fosters a rhythm of spiritual life, connecting believers to the historic and communal aspects of faith.
  • Necessity of Communion: Regular participation in Holy Communion is viewed as vital for spiritual sustenance and salvation, contrasting with perspectives that diminish its importance.

The Filioque : Orthodox Theologian Fr Thomas Hopko Teaches Us The Truth About The Catholic Heresy

 

Summary

In a recent discussion, Father Thomas Hopko, Dean Emeritus of St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Seminary, delves into the significance of the Holy Spirit within the context of Christianity, particularly during the celebration of Pentecost. He emphasizes the intrinsic relationship between the Holy Spirit, God the Father, and Jesus Christ, asserting that one cannot fully understand or teach about Jesus without acknowledging the role of the Holy Spirit. Father Hopko explores the concept of the Holy Trinity, clarifying that although the term “Trinity” does not appear in the New Testament, the essence of God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is deeply embedded in scripture.

He references various biblical texts that highlight the Holy Spirit’s presence and action throughout both the Old and New Testaments, portraying the Spirit as the agent of God’s will and a vital part of the divine narrative. The discussion also covers the historical and theological complexities surrounding the addition of the term “filioque” (Latin for “and the Son”) to the Nicene Creed, which has been a point of contention between the Eastern Orthodox and Western Christian traditions. Father Hopko argues that this addition altered the original meaning of the Creed, leading to significant theological divisions that persist today.

Highlights

• The Holy Trinity: The relationship between God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit is central to Christian faith.
• Biblical Foundation: The presence of the Holy Spirit is woven throughout the Old and New Testaments, acting as the agent of God’s will.
• Pentecost Significance: Celebrating Pentecost invites reflection on the role of the Holy Spirit in believers’ lives and the Church.
• Theological Controversy: The addition of “filioque” to the Nicene Creed sparked a significant theological rift between Eastern and Western Christianity.
• Christ’s Ministry: Jesus’ actions and teachings were carried out through the Holy Spirit, showcasing the Spirit’s integral role in His earthly ministry.
• Creed Evolution: The Nicene Creed underwent modifications that have lasting implications for Christian doctrine and unity.
• Recommended Reading: Father Hopko suggests further exploration of the theological implications of the Holy Spirit through recommended literature.

Key Insights

• Trinitarian Understanding: The concept of the Holy Trinity is foundational to Christianity, representing the unity of God the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. Father Hopko emphasizes that understanding this relationship is crucial for authentic Christian faith and practice. The absence of the term “Trinity” in the New Testament does not diminish its scriptural basis; rather, the New Testament contains numerous references that elucidate how these three persons interact and coexist.

• The Role of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is portrayed as the active presence of God in the world, from creation through the ministry of Jesus and into the lives of believers today. Throughout scripture, the Holy Spirit is depicted as the agent through which God communicates, acts, and reveals His will. This highlights the dynamic relationship between the Holy Spirit and humanity, emphasizing the Spirit’s role in guiding, teaching, and empowering believers.

• Scriptural Testimony: Father Hopko draws attention to key biblical passages, especially from the Gospel of John, that underscore Jesus’ promise of the Holy Spirit to His disciples. Such texts reinforce the belief that the Holy Spirit is integral to understanding Jesus’ mission and divine identity. The Spirit not only comforts and guides believers but also serves to testify about Jesus, thereby reinforcing His message and mission.

• The Filioque Controversy: The theological implications of adding “filioque” to the Nicene Creed represent a significant rupture in Christian unity. The phrase implies that the Holy Spirit proceeds from both the Father and the Son, a notion contested by Eastern Orthodox theology, which maintains that the Holy Spirit proceeds solely from the Father. This disagreement reflects deeper differences in understanding the nature and relationships within the Trinity, leading to a schism between Eastern and Western Christianity.

• Historical Context: Father Hopko recounts the historical circumstances that led to the filioque controversy, noting that various councils and theologians played significant roles in shaping the understanding of the Trinity. The debates surrounding the filioque reflect broader theological and political dynamics, illustrating how doctrinal developments can be influenced by historical events and cultural contexts.

• Unity and Division: The ongoing debate over the filioque underscores a larger concern about unity within the Church. Father Hopko expresses hope for greater dialogue and understanding between Eastern and Western Christian traditions, emphasizing that these discussions are essential for healing divisions and fostering a unified witness to the Gospel.

• Continued Exploration: Father Hopko encourages further exploration of the Holy Spirit’s role within the Christian faith through recommended readings and scholarly works. By engaging with historical and theological texts, believers can deepen their understanding of the Holy Spirit and its implications for their faith and practice.

In conclusion, Father Thomas Hopko’s discourse on the Holy Spirit, the Trinity, and the filioque controversy invites a rich exploration of Christian doctrine. His insights emphasize the need for unity in understanding the divine mystery of God, fostering a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit, and navigating the complexities of historical theological developments. Through this understanding, believers are encouraged to embrace the fullness of the Christian faith and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in their lives.

St. Joseph, the Holy Family, and Discernment of Heresy

Catechism Lesson Recap: St. Joseph, the Holy Family, and Discernment of Heresy

St. Joseph being tempted to Disgrace the Theotokos

From the Bottom left corner of the Nativity Icon

In today’s catechism lesson, we began with a thought-provoking discussion about a novel heterodox icon of the Holy Family, which some have called “heretical.” This sparked an important conversation about the distinction between actual heresy and well-intentioned mistakes. Here’s a recap of the topics we covered:

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Understanding Heresy vs. Mistakes

Before diving into the lesson, we clarified what constitutes heresy. True heresy involves deliberate deviation from the foundational truths of the Orthodox faith as revealed by God, often accompanied by an unrepentant refusal to align with Church teaching. However, not all theological errors or artistic missteps rise to the level of heresy. Many well-intentioned individuals can make mistakes due to misunderstanding or lack of proper catechesis.

This distinction is crucial in fostering a spirit of discernment and humility, allowing us to approach such issues with clarity and charity, rather than condemnation.

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The True Role and Age of St. Joseph

We then examined the Eastern Orthodox understanding of St. Joseph, emphasizing his role as the betrothed guardian of the Theotokos and protector of Christ. Unlike Western depictions that often show him as a young man, Orthodox tradition portrays him as older widower with six children from a previous marriage.

This depiction supports the Orthodox understanding of his relationship with Mary as one of betrothal, not a conventional marriage, and highlights his obedience to God’s will in serving as her protector.

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Betrothal and Marriage in the New Testament

The discussion then shifted to Joseph’s righteousness in response to discovering Mary’s pregnancy. Under Mosaic law, he could have exposed her as an adulterer, which would have subjected her to death. Instead, his sense of justice was tempered with mercy, and he resolved to divorce her quietly.

It was through the intervention of the angel in a dream that Joseph learned the truth: “Do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 1:20). This moment underscores Joseph’s faith and humility, as he aligned himself with God’s plan despite the immense responsibility it entailed.

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Why the Angel Spoke in a Dream

We reflected on why the angel appeared to Joseph in a dream rather than directly. Dreams provide a means of divine communication that protects God’s plan from being intercepted by the devil, who cannot read human thoughts. This subtle yet profound detail reminds us of God’s wisdom in safeguarding the mystery of the Incarnation.

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A Monastic Tale: Testing the Spirits

To illustrate the importance of discernment, I shared the story of a novice monk who believed he was receiving daily lessons from his guardian angel. When he confided in his elder, the elder proposed a test: the angel should reveal what the elder had fixed in his mind. If it were truly an angel of God, it would discern the elder’s unspoken thought. If it failed, it would reveal itself as a demon masquerading as an angel of light.

The “angel” failed the test, unveiling its demonic nature and attacking the novice. The elder defended him, battling the demon in hand-to-hand combat. This cautionary tale highlights the necessity of humility, discernment, and seeking the guidance of spiritual elders in matters of faith.

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Daily Advice for Catechumens

I concluded the lesson with this practical advice:

1. Go to church faithfully. Participation in worship strengthens and nurtures your faith.
2. Say your prayers daily. Prayer connects you to God and centers your spiritual life.
3. Read your Bible regularly. Scripture is the foundation of your understanding of God’s Revelation.
4. Avoid self-righteousness. Pride can lead to spiritual delusion; stay humble and seek God’s grace in all things.

From the Ladder by St. John Climacus

“Some people living carelessly in the world put a question to me: “How can we who are married and living amid public cares aspire to the monastic life?” I answered: “Do whatever good you may. Speak evil of no one. Rob no one. Tell no lie. Despise no one and carry no hate. Do not separate yourself from the church assemblies (Liturgy). Show compassion to the needy. Do not be a cause of scandal to anyone. Stay away from the bed of another, and be satisfied with what your own wives can provide you. If you do all this, you will not be far from the kingdom of heaven.”

The Mystery of Theophany (Epiphany) Revealed; A Video by Fr. Demetrius

A special acknowledgement to Fr. Demetrius for a beautiful and inspiring video short! 

Many celebrate the Feast days and know their designations but the cause for which they were established they know not thus concerning this that the present Feast is called theophany everyone knows but what this is theophany and whether it be one thing or another they know not why is not that day on which the Lord was born considered the but rather this day on which he was baptized this present day it is on which he was baptized and Sanctified the nature of water why then is this day called theophany because Christ made himself 

known to all not then when he was born but then when he was baptized until this time it was not known to the people and that the people did not know him who he was listen about this to John the Baptist who says amidst you stands him whom you know not of and I said he knew him not but he that did send me to baptize with water about this one did tell unto me over him that shalt see the spirit descending and abiding upon him this one it is who baptizes in the Holy Spirit thus from this it is evident that

There are two theophanies and why Christ comes at baptism and on whichever baptism he comes about this it is necessary to say it is therefore necessary to know both the one and equally the other so did any of you know about these layers of meaning behind theophany have you ever celebrated this feast in your community or church I'd love to hear your thoughts if you found this video enlightening please hit that like button drop your experiences or questions in the comment and don't forget to subscribe to the channel for more insights into fascinating religious traditions and events about what's going on in our world let's keep the conversation going like comment and subscribe to join our community of Learners and Believers thanks for watching. 

Orthodox Miracle The River Jordan Turning Back (2006)

 

The video titled "Holy Land's Miracle: The River Jordan Reversed its Flow!" describes a miraculous event associated with the River Jordan. This phenomenon, often linked to the Feast of Theophany and the baptism of Jesus Christ, recalls the scriptural moment when the waters of the Jordan parted, allowing the Israelites to cross into the Promised Land under Joshua’s leadership (Joshua 3:13-17).

Holy Land's Miracle: the River Jordan Reversed its Flow! (Article and Video)

In the video, it is shown that during the blessing of the waters on the Feast of Theophany, the River Jordan is observed reversing its flow—an extraordinary sign that serves as a powerful reminder of God's presence and the sanctification of creation. This event is seen by many believers as a reaffirmation of the sacred history tied to the Jordan River, where Christ was baptized and the Holy Trinity was revealed.

The attached article then recounts the miraculous reversal of the Jordan River’s flow, observed during the blessing of the waters on the Eve of Epiphany (January 18, Julian Calendar) in 2006. This annual phenomenon, commemorating Christ's baptism, symbolizes the river reversing as described in Orthodox tradition when Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist.

During the ceremony led by Patriarch Theophilus III of Jerusalem and an Orthodox priest on the Jordanian side, the river initially flowed as usual. However, as the Patriarch and priest dropped crosses into the water, chanting "En Iorthani Vaptizomenou Sou Kyrie" ("During your Baptism in Jordan, Lord"), the river began to bubble, forming dual currents—one flowing in its usual direction and the other reversing. This state lasted until the crosses were removed, after which the river returned to its original course.

This event, witnessed by over 4,000 pilgrims, highlights the sanctity of the Jordan River and serves as a testament to Christ’s divine presence. The miraculous occurrence garnered global attention, reaffirming the Orthodox Christian faith's spiritual depth and historical continuity.

Such miracles deepen faith and emphasize the ongoing sanctification of the natural world through Christ's incarnation and baptism.

Eve of the Theophany of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Commemorated

Eve of Theophany: Lessons from Today’s Catechism Class

Today, on the Eve of the Theophany of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we gathered to reflect on the profound theological and spiritual truths revealed through this great feast. Here are the key topics we discussed during the lesson:

The Icon of Theophany

We explored the elements of the Theophany icon in detail, unpacking their rich symbolism. Each component—Christ standing in the Jordan, the descent of the Holy Spirit as a dove, the heavens opening, and the presence of John the Baptist—reveals layers of theological meaning. This sacred image invites us to contemplate the mystery of Christ’s baptism and its role in salvation history.

The Eternal Divinity of Christ

We affirmed that Jesus was not “made divine” when the Holy Spirit descended upon Him. He has always been fully divine, the eternal Son of God. This truth counters misunderstandings and underscores the unchanging nature of Christ's divinity.

Heresies: Docetism and Adoptionism

We discussed how heresies like docetism and adoptionism represent attempts to rationalize the ineffable. Docetism denies Christ’s true humanity, while adoptionism distorts His eternal divinity. These errors remind us of the importance of preserving the Orthodox understanding of Christ as fully God and fully man.These errors highlight the importance of holding fast to the Orthodox understanding that Christ is fully God and fully man, united in one person.

Theophany and Trinitarian Theology

Theophany marks the beginning of the revelation of Trinitarian theology. In Christ’s baptism, we witness the simultaneous presence of the Father’s voice, the Son in the Jordan, and the Holy Spirit descending as a dove. This event proclaims the mystery of the Holy Trinity to the world.

John’s Baptism: A Call to Repentance

We examined John’s baptism as a baptism of repentance, preparing souls for the revelation of the Lord Jesus. John’s role as the Forerunner is pivotal in helping people recognize and receive Christ as the promised Messiah.

The Troparion of Theophany

Finally, we delved into the Troparion of Theophany line by line:

“When You, O Lord, were baptized in the Jordan,
the worship of the Trinity was made manifest.
For the voice of the Father bore witness to You,
calling You His beloved Son.
And the Spirit, in the form of a dove,
confirmed the truthfulness of His word.
O Christ our God, You have revealed Yourself,
and have enlightened the world, glory to You!”

Each line encapsulates the feast’s theological essence, celebrating the manifestation of Christ and the illumination of the world.

This discussion deepened our understanding of Theophany’s significance and its central place in the Orthodox faith. As we prepare for tomorrow’s celebration, may we carry these insights into our hearts, reflecting on the profound revelation of the Holy Trinity in the baptism of our Lord.

Blessed Eve of Theophany to all!

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What part of today’s discussion stood out to you most? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Welcome to the Catechism Blog!

 Welcome to the Catechism Blog!

Greetings, and welcome to the Catechism Blog, the official companion to Exploring Orthodoxy: Faith, Worship, and Tradition!

This blog is dedicated to offering thoughtful and engaging content that explores the depth of Orthodox Christianity. Through a collection of theological essays, reflections, and catechetical lessons, we aim to inspire, educate, and guide readers on their spiritual journey.

Here, you’ll find posts covering a wide range of topics, including:

• Biblical insights and reflections on Holy Scripture.
• Teachings from the Church Fathers and the lives of saints.
• Discussions on Orthodox doctrine, theology, and philosophy.
• Liturgical practices and their spiritual significance.
• Holy Tradition and the treasures of pre-canonical texts.

Whether you’re a catechumen, a lifelong Orthodox Christian, or simply exploring the faith, this blog is for you. Each post is written to encourage personal reflection and foster a deeper connection with the teachings and traditions of the Orthodox Church.

Thank you for joining us on this journey. Be sure to explore the archives, share your favorite posts, and connect with us through comments or questions. Let’s grow in faith together!

Stay tuned for upcoming posts, and may God bless your journey into His truth.

— Exploring Orthodoxy: Faith, Worship, and Tradition