On the fourth of July, we celebrate our country’s independence. Although it remains a secular holiday, there is assuredly an underlining spirituality of the day. The courage and the wisdom of our forefathers has afforded each and every generation of Americans the freedom to seek the Spirit of the Lord.
Will all seek Him? The obvious answer to this question is “No.” Sadly, there are even some who will go so far as to wage war against Him. Although this might sadden us as Orthodox Christians, our Constitution allows us to seek the Lord in our homes, in our churches, and in the marketplace…or not.
Yes, it has become all the more to difficult to live out our faith in this society, but it’s not impossible. Thanks be to God, we can still choose to seek the Lord. Even with all of her shortcomings, there is still something special or unique about America; this right is a testament to her blessings.
We must not forget that Orthodox Christianity is still new to this region of the world. I find great comfort in knowing that our presence has yet to be fully realized. We’re a young body of believers who continue to plant parishes and establish monasteries. And, it is from these spiritual centers that Saints will be nurtured to transfigure the landscape or to endure the harsh realities of a fallen world…all unto salvation.
When it comes to COVID-19, there are a host of opinions and ever-changing directives for us to consider. Personally, I’m thankful for the reminders to maintain good hygiene and if need to be wear a mask so that I don’t get sick or spread an ailment to others. I did so joyfully for three months supporting the work of Soldiers and Airmen in food banks, in medical warehouses and in clinics without a worry and, by God’s Grace, I will continue to do so.
Having said this though, I am worried that we’re becoming all the more isolated from one another and in some instances from our faith. Yes, we can preserve some of our relationships via technology but no App can take the place of a shared meal or an embrace; we are meant to be fully present with others. Similarly, we can practice elements of our faith in our homes, but the parish, the Cathedral and the monastery are super essential for us to live our lives in Christ. It is in these spiritual centers that we gather for corporate prayer and to partake of the sacraments, most profoundly the Body and Blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Freedom allow us to navigate these uncertain days by Grace. We need not be fearful of death, nor should we be aggressive with our words or actions. What is “right” isn’t determined for us by what political party we identify with or by the news channel we watch. Our activity in this world is determined by the standard-bearers of the Kingdom - the Saints - all of whom were reflections of Christ within their communities. Although they didn’t fear death, they weren’t careless with their lives; they valued the blessings of this life while also anticipating the life that was to come.
This my brothers and sisters in Christ is freedom. Freedom is not only seeking the Spirit, it’s also living by the Spirit. This is the opportunity that we have in America thanks be to the divinely inspired forefathers, the valiant and self-sacrificing men and women of our Armed Forces, and all of those who labor to preserve our God-given rights here in America.
President Ronald Reagan once said that “All are free to believe or not believe, all are free to practice a faith or not, but those who believe must be free to speak of and act on their belief, to apply moral teaching to public questions. Tolerant society is open to and encouraging of all religions, and this does not weaken us; it strengthens us. Without God, there is no virtue, because there's no prompting of the conscience. Without God, we're mired in the material, that flat world that tells us only what the senses perceive. Without God, there is a coarsening of the society and without God, democracy will not and cannot long endure.”
As my koumbaro wrote to his community, “With prayer and praise, let us commit ourselves to ensuring that our beloved country will always have the wisdom to recognize God’s presence, the willingness to do His Will and the fortitude to confront every challenge according to His Word.” I would only add that this is what it means to be an Orthodox Christian in America.
I encourage you to enjoy this blessed day with your family and or friends as best you are able. Maintain your prayers and also seek opportunities to attend services so that you can partake of the Holy Sacraments. And, when you come to the Church, respect and follow the directives of our hierarchs (wear a mask and maintain degrees of physical distancing); seeking the Spirit is done with conviction, but it’s also accomplished by Grace and in obedience!
Finally, with regards to signing in services, per direction from the Metropolis and a legal opinion that was offered, we will continue to have one or two chanters sing the responses for us. The Governor’s directive was a recommendation and not a mandate.
God bless our parish and may God bless America!
+fr. christopher
