“I am deeply troubled,” a woman wrote Fr. Seraphim, “as to how Orthodoxy views what the world would call Western Christians, i.e., Protestants and Roman Catholics. I have read many articles by many Orthodox writers, and a few use words like ‘Papists,’ etc., which I find deeply disturbing and quite offensive. I find them offensive…
“I am deeply troubled,” a woman wrote Fr. Seraphim, “as to how Orthodoxy views what the world would call Western Christians, i.e., Protestants and Roman Catholics. I have read many articles by many Orthodox writers, and a few use words like ‘Papists,’ etc., which I find deeply disturbing and quite offensive. I find them offensive because as a person of a race (the woman writing is black) which has been subjected to much name-calling I despise and do not wish to adopt the habit of name-calling myself. Even ‘heretic’ disturbs me….Where do I stand with my friends and relatives? They do not know about Orthodoxy or they do not understand it. Yet they believe in and worship Christ…. Am I to treat my friends and relatives as if they have no God, no Christ?… Or can I call them Christians, but just ones who do not know the true Church?”
Fr. Seraphim Rose gives a pastoral response to a very real issue, still relevant of our day. In his response, Fr. Seraphim holds together in harmony things that are often in tension, showing us the royal path. If we can treat people the God would have us, more would come to Orthodoxy and find the joy we have find in Christ in His Church.
This text comes from Father Seraphim Rose: His Life and Works by Hieromonk Damascene, published by St. Herman Press in Platina, California (pgs 812-815).
This channel is dedicated to sharing the writings and lives of the Saints of the Eastern Orthodox Church. Glory to Jesus Christ!
I literally just prayed for the intercession of Mt. Michael to show me the proper attitude to have toward the non orthodox. As I have been harsh in my words against protestants and Roman's. It become frustrating when non orthodox swear they have the truth especially protestants which have no historical roots to early Christianity. However, I realize this is a lack of patience on my part. Like teaching a child how to ride a bike for the first time. Thank you St. Michael for this prayer being answered now pray that the grace of God gives me the strength to follow these wise words. Of Fr. Seraphim Rose.
Not even black people care to be called “Africa American.” So why do whites use that utterly PC designation?
Wonderful. This should be shared far and wide, especially to our beloved Orthobros on Twitter.
Based. Thanks for posting. Fr. Seraphim Rose, pray for us!
Thank you so much. I love fr. Seraphim Rose and consider all his teachings purely Orthodox. May our Lord help us walk that tight rope so that we don't look down at anyone who isn't Orthodox, nor compromise the truth of Orthodoxy in the name of "love" or "unity". Love at the expense of Truth isn't love!
Wow, very wise words. Unfortunately it has become too easy for us to declare the other a heretic and show how better we are. This only brings harm. This is a sensitive issue. Thank you.
Reading Fr Rose' books over the past few years has literally changed my life.
Do you have a link my brother ? To read this ? God bless you
i have read this letter before. i am forced to wonder where that woman is now. i wonder if she took fr seraphim's words to heart
Is there any place where Fr. Seraphim discussed the energy-essence distinction of Palamas? As a Roman Catholic feeling drawn to Orthodoxy I'm finding it to be a stumbling block. Is it really a major doctrinal difference or something closer to semantics?
"Sharing protestant nonsense from across the world DMs open for submissions". @protnonsense is the Twitter handle for the account whose description I just shared. The brother is Eastern Orthodox , If i am not wrong. If I am, I ask to be corrected.
In my experience presenting orthodoxy to Protestants has been like casting pearls to swine. They absolutely reject it and are even repulsed by it. I don't oppose the anathema's spoken against them each year by our bishops.
sorry, but Orthodoxy debunked in 1 sentence: Whoever celebrates pagan feats (such as christmas,easter,SUNday…) isn't a follower of YESHUA haMASHIACH!