Orthodoxy: Mystery, Liturgy, and Tradition

06/08/08

Scripture:

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of wit­nesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.

(Hebrews 12:1-2)

Key Insights

1. We are connected to all Christians by our belief in the same Father, the same Lord—Jesus Christ—and the same Holy Spirit. As we learn from one another, we come to understand our own stories better and be more-faithful disciples of Jesus Christ.

2. Orthodoxy claims to be the one true church and the tradition that holds most closely to the traditions of the early church.

3. The Orthodox church bases its doctrine on Christ, the Scriptures, and the ecumenical councils that summarized the beliefs of the early church (such as the Nicene Creed).

4. Orthodox Christians place an emphasis on both Scripture and tra­dition. They consider the early church Fathers- as interpreters of the Bible whose writings bear witness to what it means to be a Christian.

5. Orthodox worship is a mystical experience designed to help wor­shipers "see" divine reality.

• The dome in many Orthodox churches signifies the cosmos and reminds worshipers of the vastness of God's kingdom and God's presence, which continually surround us.

• Icons of saints and martyrs remind worshipers that they are sur­rounded by a great cloud of witnesses.

• Each service includes the liturgy of the Word (reading from the Holy Scriptures) and the liturgy of the Eucharist, which includes remembering the cross, the tomb, the Resurrection, the Ascension, and the Second Coming – something yet to happen in earthly terms but already accomplished in mystical terms.

6. Orthodox worship shows us the importance of gathering with other Christians to remember that this is not the real world and that we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, which builds our faith.

Taking It Home

Do some background reading on the Book of Hebrews in a study Bible or

Bible commentary. Who was the letter written for and why? Ask yourself:

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• 2008-06-08_Sermon: Orthodoxy

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