Catechism 12: Some Notes on Church History, the Ecumenical Synods, and the Great Theologians (2022)

[@mitchelljimeno3564]

Praise God! Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit! praise the Lord, Thank you for this series

[@DonRA33]

You don’t know how important these have been for me thank God☦️ may God grant you many years father Paul 🌎🙏🏽

[@kristenhertzler4386]

Hi Father Paul, Can you put the book list on here?

[@frpaul]

sppoc.org/required-reading/

[@zealandsword9557]

Father, looking for counsel on warfare, is it okay for orthodox members to fight to protect Gods flock and the helpless? I truly believe it is, I believe certain Christians were called as warriors, I find this in my life as it brings forth meaning in all the events that transpired and brought me forth into where I am today. This could pertain to the military. Can you guide me in this thought?

[@frpaul]

There is a definite balance that we have to strike with this issue. On the one hand, the Church holds in great reverence many Saints who were military leaders and soldiers... some of whom we know fought in battles, others who did not. Certainly, Christ's words that laying down our life for our brother is the greatest love we can show is relevant. At the same time, we recognize that warfare - even in defense of Orthodox countries or principles - is necessary only because we live in a fallen, broken world. Because of this, we fight and defend with courage but, afterwards, we sorrow that we even HAVE to participate in the horrors of warfare in the first place. For this reason, the Church has canons that call for a soldier returning from war to abstain from Holy Communion for a time in repentance... not out of a punishment but rather out of necessary healing and care for that soldier. If he participated in killing - directly or indirectly - he must sorrow for our broken world in which this was necessary and heal, as even "justifiable killing" is damaging to our own soul. So this is the balance: we honor those who would lay down their life for their brother while recognize that any killing is something harmful to our own soul and requires healing.

[@zealandsword9557]

@@frpaul Once again Father, thank you for the clarity you have granted me. ☦️

[@chrisepp5569]

@frpaul What are the criteria in the tradition of the Church and the example of Christ for "justifiable war"?

[@elizabethkydd779]

Father, I was wondering if it's ok for Orthodox Christians to watch TV and movies that don't have major inapropriate things, but maybe some minor things. The rest of my family aren't Orthodox so it makes movie night difficult. Any guidance?

[@jackwilliamatkins5602]

Jesus Christ is in Nunawading