WARNING

NOT EVERYTHING THAT

CALLS ITSELF ORTHODOX IS

TRULY ORTHODOX


The above warning was given to me when I first met Orthodoxy in 1986. Today [2009] it is even more perilous, even more difficult to find the Royal Path. For one thing there is a far greater abundance of misinformation. And many materials are missing, and other materials are being rapidly rewritten. For another thing there are fewer than ever guides remaining on the Royal Path, especially who speak English. Hopefully this website will be a place where Newcomers to the Faith can keep at least one foot on solid ground, while they are "exploring."


blog owner: Joanna Higginbotham

joannahigginbotham@runbox.com

jurisdiction: ROCA under Vladyka Agafangel

who did not submit to the RocorMP union in 2007

DISCLAIMER



January 6, 2016

Righteousness vs. Holiness

from Joanna's notepad


People are basically good.  In the heterodox churches and even in the pagan religions, we find good people – some extraordinarily good, such as Mother Theresa.   But only in the Orthodox Church do we find holy people. 


"Holiness is not simply righteousness, for which the righteous are accounted worthy to enjoy blessedness in the Kingdom of God, but is rather such a height of righteousness that men are so filled with the grace of God that it flows from them and out upon those who are in fellowship with them. Great is their blessedness, which proceeds from the vision of the Glory of God. Filled to overflowing also with a love for men which proceeds from love for God, they are responsive to the needs of men and to their supplications, and become mediators and intercessors for them before God." St. John of Shanghai & San Francisco


"Acquire the Holy Spirit, and a thousand around you will be saved". St. Seraphim of Sarov


St. Seraphim of Sarov was regarded as a saint even during his lifetime.  He is one chosen to return to earth in the very last days before the ruin of Antichrist and his reign.  This is his most famous spiritual instruction: that we can save others by acquiring the grace of the Spirit of God for ourselves.  St. Seraphim contrasted moralism and external works of piety with genuine spirituality.


Fr. Seraphim Rose taught that where the grace of the Spirit is lacking or waning, then moralism and charitable works creep in to replace it.   He called it the "social gospel."  Not that good morals and charitable works are bad — but that holiness is more.