About #truth and #religion
Question፦ Selam 👋.
When searching for truth, does that mean I have to separate myself from my Orthodoxy to search for truth? I don't know how to reconcile the search for truth with that of believing in the sacraments and dogmas of the Church (Considering I take Holy Communion and Confession). How can I accept the Church's teachings but raise questions wondering whether or not the Church I am in is still true? The only thing I can come up with is that my belief in the Church teachings is based off of a child-like faith, similar to blind faith, and seeking truth not on a neutral basis, disconnected from the Church, but seeking it with the help of the Church and God (like parents) and leave the future as a mystery of what the result of my investigation will be.
Answer፦ It is important to understand that the Orthodox Church is founded on the teachings of Jesus Christ and the Holy Scriptures. The Holy Communion, for example, is a sacrament of the Holy Body and Precious Blood of Christ, and it is central to our faith. When we partake in this sacrament, we are reminded of the sacrifice that Christ made for us and our responsibility to live our lives in accordance with His teachings.
Similarly, the other ceremonies performed in the church, such as baptism and confession, are also important aspects of our faith. Through baptism, we are born again and become members of the body of Christ, while confession allows us to seek forgiveness for our sins and strive towards spiritual purity.
It is natural to have doubts and questions about our faith, but it is important to seek answers within the framework of the teachings of the Orthodox Church. As believers, we are encouraged to deepen our understanding of the Holy Scriptures and the teachings of our church through prayer, study, and participation in church activities.
Ultimately, our faith is a personal journey that requires a sincere commitment to seeking the truth and living a life that is pleasing to God. We must trust in the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the wisdom of our church leaders as we strive to deepen our understanding of our faith and live our lives in accordance with its teachings.
It is important to approach our faith with an open heart and mind, seeking to deepen our understanding of its teachings and embracing its sacraments as essential to our spiritual growth. We must trust in the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the teachings of our church leaders as we seek to live a life that is pleasing to God.
Humans have both a physical and mental nature. Our minds often focus on mundane and earthly things, leading us to make mistakes. But when we recognize our errors and seek truth, we can overcome temptation and lack of understanding. Those who are unable to grasp truth are like Balaam who was sitting in his donkey when the angel of God stood with a sword. The donkey saw the angel but not Balaam. Although humans are the ones that have been given the understanding of God, our sins break our bondage with God and we lose this grace that is needed to understand God and experience God. This is another tragic story where we see how man can be so separated from the understanding of the heavenly things.
About the Mystery of the #Holy #Eucharist (#Communion)
What is the Holy Communion?
What is the origin and system of the Holy Communion?
Why is the sacrament called a mystery?
Who is worthy of the Holy Communion?
What preparation do we do before and after receiving the Holy Communion?
The sacrament of Holy Communion is one of the seven sacraments of the Orthodox Church. The term "Qurban" is an Arabic word meaning "blessing," "gift of money, knowledge, labor and time." In the Old Testament, the blood of animals offered by the Israelites for their sins and for the glory of God was called a sacrifice.
In the New Testament, communion or sacrifice means the faithful (true) sacrifice that God offered as an offering to reconcile Himself with mankind. This offering is Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God. Thus, the sacrament means the perfect Body and Blood of our God, Jesus Christ, our Savior.
It was Jesus Christ who founded the sacrament of Holy Communion on the eve of the crucifixion on Thursday. Only his twelve disciples were with him when he established this great sacrement and mystery. He did not reveal it to all the people who were following him like he did with other sacrements. This is why the Holy Church shroudes it in veil and honor as she offers it to the faithful.
The Holy Communion is called a mystery because of the transformation of bread into the flesh of God and wine into the blood of God, which is visible only to believers with the eyes of faith. The priests prepare the bread only from pure wheat and prepare the wine only from pure grapes or raisins. When the priest blesses the bread and wine by saying, "Aækote Barëkë Wokëdësë," the authority of the priest, the word of God, and the action of the Holy Spirit transform the bread and wine into the flesh and blood of God, making it a mystery that is hidden from the unbeliever.
Before receiving the Holy Communion, one must believe without doubt in the change of the bread and wine into the flesh and blood of God, which is necessary for the healing of the stain and wound of sin and the source of eternal life. One must also repent from past sins, confess, return, and guard against future sins. There is no age limit for receiving Holy Communion, and one should not stay away from the Holy Communion until the end of one's life.
After receiving the Holy Communion, one should take precautions, such as refraining from eating or drinking for a certain period, and contemplating on the spiritual benefit received from the sacrament. The Holy Communion is a great mystery and is the sacrament that is central to the Orthodox Church's teachings.