r own parish priest for guidance. Whatever the case, each Orthodox has a unique bond with his spiritual father.
It has been mentioned that monks are often spiritual fathers – to laymen as well to other monks. Monasteries play an important part in Orthodoxy. They are seen as power-houses of prayer, great spiritual treasuries. They are peaceful and happy places, which overfull with spiritual well-being and wholeness, and lay Orthodox like to visit them for advice, renewal and to share, however briefly, in their serenity.
While the monastic profession is often not considered a sacrament like ordination or marriage many monks become deacons and priests, and all bishops are taken from the monastic clergy.
We call «Father» the rector of the church the priest Sergius Poddubnyi.
We call him father Sergius.
Father Sergius has a special place as father of his diocese, and this is made very vivid to us in services, when for part of the time he stands in the center of the church with his flock on all sides. It is a family picture
the father surrounded by his children – an image of the Kingdom of God.
Conclusion
Genuine Christian unity is possible only where men are one in Christ and the Holy Spirit, fully united in the truth, love and holiness of God. This unity is possible only in one Church which Christ founded, against which «the gates of hell shall not prevail» (Matthew 16:18). This unity is possible only in that Church which has preserved whole and unchanged the teachings of Christ and His Apostles, prophets, martyrs and saints. This unity is possible only in that Church which continues to proclaim the revelation of God in its fullness, not only in its doctrines and moral, but also in the whole order of spiritual, sacrament
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