Orthodoxy is a faith that demands full participation and deep commitment; otherwise, it becomes just another religion, devoid of salvific, transformational value. Orthodoxy is not magic, with the priest as a sort of wizard who performs all the right formulas, so we don’t have to make any effort. Orthodoxy demands that we participate fully, by reading the daily prescribed scripture readings, preparing ourselves for the Saturday night confession by taking note of our sins during the week, and being ready to be accountable before God, attending the Divine Services, receiving the Holy Mysteries on a regular basis, and keeping to a Prayer Rule. As well, our Church holds up the standard for our public and private life, while providing all that is needed for our spiritual journey into the Heart of God.
The spiritual life is an adventure, full of pitfalls and great heights. If we take this journey as the prime reason for living, the reward will be great. But if we try living our life with the Church placed in a secondary role, we will end our lives as losers, having lost both the battle and the reward. We are on a journey, and it begins with that first step. Christ Himself stands with us, ever ready to lift us up when we fall, and pull us along when we stumble or grow fainthearted. The journey is worthy of our focus and attention, and, in our struggle, we will see the Gates of Paradise open wide to us.
With love in Christ,
Abbot Tryphon
