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We
believe that the Scriptures, Sacraments and Traditions of the fathers, as the
wisdom selected and collected in the Church throughout the centuries help the
faithful to establish their intimate personal and living relationship with God
the Father through the faith in our Lord and God Jesus Christ by the power of
the Holy Spirit.
God is
Love (1John 4:8). The Love includes Acceptance. The same acceptance which a
father demonstrates to his son in the parable of the prodigal son: "And
he arose, and went to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his
father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and threw his arms around his
neck, and kissed him" (Luke 15:20). But the experience of God's
unconditional love and acceptance is accompanied by our responsibility.
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It is
written in the Bible:
Jesus answered and said to him, If a man loves me, he
will keep my word: and my Father will love him, and we will come to him, and
make our abode with him. He who does not love me does not keep my words: and
the word which you hear is not mine, but the Father's who sent me. These things
I have spoken to you while I am still present with you. But the Comforter, the
Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all
things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatever I have said to you.
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you: not as the world gives, do I
give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (John
14:23-27).
Jesus said to him, You shall love the Lord your God
with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is
the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it, You shall love
your neighbour as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the
prophets. (Matthew 22:37-40)
A
new commandment I give to you, That you love one another; as I have loved you,
so you also love one another. By this shall all men know that you are my
disciples, if you have love for one another. (John 13:34-35)
All Christians are welcome at our services and may take prosfera as well
as receive a blessing at the close of the services.
Orthodox Christians may receive the sacraments.
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