The transformational power of our unchanging faith
In an age when many Christian denominations are trying to appear relevant and modern, I am amazed by the number of people who thank me for imaging the ancient faith of Orthodox Christianity in the midst of this secular world. Many Orthodox jurisdictions that previously wanted to blend in with their Catholic and Protestant neighbors by having clergy put off the traditional “look” of Orthodoxy, are now rediscovering the wisdom of these traditions. Now that large numbers of the clean shaven, and modern attired, heterodox clergy have been discredited in the minds of the world, due to theological and moral lapses, is there any logical reason we Orthodox would really want to imitate them?
Like other Orthodox clergy, I can also attest to the fact that my beard, and way I dress, are a great aids in keeping me attuned to my vocation as a monk and priest. It is hard to forget your high calling when you “dress for work” each and every hour of every day. The appearance of we Orthodox clergy is a constant reminder that we, as priests, have been set apart as Guardians of the Mysteries, and Servants of the Most High.
From my personal observations, I have come to believe that Orthodoxy, if it is to thrive into the next century, must adhere to the ancient traditions and roots of faith that have set her apart from the religions. The Church must proclaim the Good News of Christ in all its purity, so that the mystical and sacramental core of her very being be clearly seen by a world that so needs this ancient, unchanging faith. The world must see by our other worldliness that Orthodoxy offers the transformational healing that comes through a life spent in Christ’s Church. By clinging to her ancient, God inspired Tradition, the Church takes seriously the mystical and sacramental roots of her divinely founded self.
As we Orthodox look in amazement at the resurrection of our Church following the fall of communism, with the thousands of new churches being reopened, new ones built, and monasteries growing at a phenomenal rate, we can see that the twenty-first century could well be the Age of Orthodoxy. And for this to happen, we must put off everything that has brought down Western Christianity.
Accountability must be foremost in how we operate as religious institutions. Bishops and priests must be accountable to one another, transgressions against the Body of Christ must be rooted out, and the clergy (including our bishops) must serve others as humble servants of Christ, and as living icons of the Gospel message. Christ our Saviour must be seen in us. The Lord must be seen in how we serve, how we live, and in how we love. The transformational power of Orthodoxy must be allowed to change the world, as the “institutional” church is replaced with the gospel vision of the Church as Hospital of the Soul.
The Orthodox Church will thrive in the twenty-first century only if we commit to being the otherworldly people we are called to be, living in the world, but not being of the world. The Church will thrive, not because she adapts to modern styles of dress, and modern trends of moral and theological thought, but because of her willingness to serve the world in imitation of the holy fathers of the Church who have gone on before us. Just as the Church has always refused to conform to the styles and fashions of this fallen world, she must point the way to this unchanging Faith that has the power to transform lives, and usher us into communion with the Most High God.
Love in Christ,
Abbot Tryphon
Photos: We were blessed to have Archbishop Kyrill’s vicar bishop, His Grace Theodosy, spend Monday with us. The day began with Hieromonk Paul serving Liturgy, followed by a wonderful Lenten meal prepared by Monk Moses and Monk Martin. Vladyka Theodosy commented on the beauty of our monastic choir, suggesting we should do a CD.
Tuesday December 22, 2015 / December 9, 2015
30th Week after Pentecost. Tone four.
Nativity (St. Philip’s Fast). Fish Allowed
The Conception by St. Anna of the Most Holy Theotokos.
New Hieromartyr Vladimir priest (1919).
New Hieromartyr Vladimir priest and Virgin-martyr Ephrosia (1920).
New Hieromartyrs Basil and Alexander priests (1937).
New Martyr Priest Sergius Mechev of Moscow (1941).
Prophetess Anna (Hannah) (1100 B.C.), mother of the Prophet Samuel.
Saint Sophronios, Archbishop of Cyprus (6th C).
Venerable Stephen the “New Light” of Constantinople (912).
Icon of the Mother of God, named “Unexpected Joy”.
Martyr Narses of Persia (Greek).
St. Valeria of Aquitaine (2nd c.).
Martyr Sositheus of Persia (553).
Martyr Isaak (Greek).
Scripture Readings
Hebrews 9:8-10
8 the Holy Spirit indicating this, that the way into the Holiest of All was not yet made manifest while the first tabernacle was still standing. 9 It was symbolic for the present time in which both gifts and sacrifices are offered which cannot make him who performed the service perfect in regard to the conscience— 10 concerned only with foods and drinks, various washings, and fleshly ordinances imposed until the time of reformation.
Hebrews 9:15-23
15 And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.
The Mediator’s Death Necessary
16 For where there is a testament, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. 17 For a testament is in force after men are dead, since it has no power at all while the testator lives. 18 Therefore not even the first covenant was dedicated without blood. 19 For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and goats, with water, scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book itself and all the people, 20 saying, “This is the blood of the covenant which God has commanded you.” 21 Then likewise he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle and all the vessels of the ministry. 22 And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission.
Greatness of Christ’s Sacrifice
23 Therefore it was necessary that the copies of the things in the heavens should be purified with these, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.
Luke 21:12-19
12 But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons. You will be brought before kings and rulers for My name’s sake. 13 But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony. 14 Therefore settle it in your hearts not to meditate beforehand on what you will answer; 15 for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist. 16 You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. 17 And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. 18 But not a hair of your head shall be lost. 19 By your patience possess your souls.
Thank you very much Abba.
As an Orthodox musician, choir director and chanter andreader, I am also hired by area evangelical churches, once in a while, to perform in their “praise bands”, (I play the French Horn). When the big screens come down, and the Canaanite drums start pounding, the dancing girls of the “Worship team” come across the platform, I praise God that Orthodoxy has not changed in anyway. The Western churches are all contaminated. They have gone the way of Balaam. It is Orthodoxy or what? May we stay true to Christ and the Great Tradition. Under the mercy, Dr.D.L.Whitman
Father bless! I have long enjoyed your choir just from the opening andclosing snippets on your podcasts–I would love to hear more! And look at Hammy! Such a baby! Thank you so much for all you do! God bless! * kissing your right hand *
The Great Doxology based on Mozarabic chant melody. Arranged by the monks here on Vashon Island.
It will be on our new CD which we hope to start recording soon.
With all due respect, one should exercise caution making comparisons between churches or communions. Though I believe the Orthodox Church is the original one, the evil one will take every advantage possible to exploit any person’s or church’s or groups’ weaknesses… and not just weaknesses. Traditional appearance can be a subterfuge for this kind of misbehaviour, whether among clergy and monastics or by the layperson with a clean-cut, responsible appearance. Thank heavens Orthodoxy does not have the institutional structure to make a hiding place for rampant examples of this kind of abuse. In the case of the Roman Catholic church, this is an example of the bigger they come, the harder they fall.
Having address my opinion concerning the need to present Orthodoxy in the fullness of the Tradition, I will also say that I have a deep respect, and love, for a number of local Orthodox clergy who are clean shaven, and wear clerical collars. It is, ultimately, better to be a loving, kind, and generous priest with a shaven face, than have the “look” down, but have not love in the heart. One can be a traditionalist, yet not be a Christian.
I personally would love it if you did a CD! We listen to a lot of Orthodox music in our house, and a CD from your monastery would be a welcome addition!
A CD is actually in the works!
Why am I not surprised he commented on the choir? Oh, that’s right, Fr. Martin is directing! I was blessed to sing in the choir under Fr. Martin in Manton, CA, for 9 months before we all left. I know what he brings to the kliros.
That being said, I have a question for you, Fr. Tryphon. What song is played at the beginning of your podcasts? And who sings/chants it? I was wondering if it was your choir. (By the way, I’d buy that CD in a heartbeat, and I know others would too. My Matushka runs our bookstore at our church, and I’m sure she’d order boxes of them).
Thank you Dear Abbot Tryphon,
I agree with your thoughts on traditions, which add to Orthodox spirituality.
I would add that for any “organisation” to prosper, two aspects are essential – the strength of the culture in the mindset of the particular people, and how well the “organisation” is or is seen as an integral part of that culture. Our Holy Orthodoxy knew this well.
When national cultures disintegrate, as is the programme of the money changers pox of “multiculturalism” on European peoples, the cultures organisations all enter steep decline also.
Holy Orthodoxy is the very basis for High Cultures!.
Merry Christmas to all,
Tom