Constructive Synallelia

Fr. Stephen Freeman has posted an important entry on his blog about the role of freedom in permitting a believer to uncover his true self. Although his entry pertains directly to the field of psychology, it could apply also to the role of state compulsion in permitting or denying persons' ability to discover themselves.

The quotation from Fr. Dumitru Staniloae is instructive: “To the extent that man does not use his freedom, he is not himself. In order to emerge from that indeterminate state, he must utilize his freedom in order to know and be known as himself.”

I am optimistic about the emergence of an alternative to commonly-held Orthodox opinions about Church-State symphonia.

Ecumenism

Christus resurrexit de mortuis,
morte mortem calcavit,
et entibus in sepulchris vitam donavit.

Dunstan, Archbishop

By thee, O Dunstan, hath the whole land of England been wondrously adorned, for thou didst labor unceasingly to restore all the monastic houses laid waste by the heathen, to people them again with zealous monks and nuns, and to provide them with strict rules of pious order wherewith to govern their lives. Wherefore, the Church of Christ doth ever praise thine all-honorable name, O holy bishop.

Troparion, Tone 8

Petar (Zimonjic), Metropolitan of Dabro-Bosnia, Hieromartyr

Because of your faith in God and His Righteousness,
you have suffered in the flesh.
The earth sorrows, yet you have saved your souls, Heaven rejoices!
Your ancestors sang aloud with the Heaven,
greeting you at the gate of Paradise with song:
"Your names are in the Book of Eternity,
enter into Paradise, O children of immortality!"
We your posterity on earth, cry out in unison:
Holy Serbian New Martyrs, pray for us!

Troparion, Tone 8

George of Ioannina, Martyr

Let us praise George, Christ's Martyr,
Ioannina's boast and protector.
For he contested steadfastly and conquered the enemy in power of the spirit.
He now intercedes unceasingly that our souls may find mercy.

Troparion, Tone 5

Alexis Toth, Confessor and Defender

O righteous Father Alexis,
Our heavenly intercessor and teacher,
Divine adornment of the Church of Christ!
Entreat the Master of All To strengthen the Orthodox Faith in America,
To grant peace to the world
And to our souls, great mercy!

Troparion, Tone 4

Peter the Aleut, Martyr

Today Alaska rejoices and America celebrates,
For the new world has been sanctified by martyrdom.
Kodiak echoes with songs of thanksgiving,
Iliamna and Kenai observe the festival of faith.
The Apostle and martyr Juvenaly is glorified,
And Peter the Aleut is exalted by his voluntary sacrifice,
In their devotion and love for the Lord,
They willingly endured persecution and death for the Truth,
Now in the Kingdom of Heaven they intercede for our souls!


Troparion, Tone 1

Columba, Enlightener

By your God-inspired life You embodied both the mission and the dispersion of the Church, Most glorious Father Columba. Using your repentance and voluntary exile, Christ our God raised you up as a beacon of the True Faith, An apostle to the heathen and an indicator of the Way of salvation. Wherefore O holy one, cease not to intercede for us That our souls may be saved.

Troparion, Tone 5

Alban, Protomartyr

In his struggle your holy martyr Alban, Gained the crown of life, O Christ our God. For strengthened by you and in purity of heart, He spoke boldly before the judges of this world, Offering up his head to you, the Judge of all!

Troparion, Tone 4

Edward, King and Martyr

Celebrating the newly manifest commemoration of the holy King Edward, who shone forth of old in the virtues and suffered undeservedly we all bow down before the Icon of his honored countenance and in gladness cry out: Truly Thou art wonderful in thy Saints, O Lord!

Troparion, Tone 4