Anul 2 Teologie Pastorală

Petcu Rareş Cristian

(ierodiacon Rafail)

Essay

Elder Sophrony Sackharov from the The Patriarchal Stavropegic Monastery of St John the
Baptist, in Essex – Britain was the disciple of Saint Silouan the Athonite. All the people who
knew Archimandrite Sophrony considered him to be a saint too. He lived a very pure faith that’s
why he’s teachings about the spiritual warfare had great impact on christians. One of his many
interesting sayings is this: “There are three things I cannot take in: non-dogmatic faith, non-
ecclesiological Christianity and non-ascetic Christianity”.

It is clear that it exists only one truth abouth God. Actually Christ, The Son of God is the
Way, the Truth, and the Life.Christ became man and taught the world the truth about God,
because people couldn’t reach this high state through their own powers and capacities. Some
people throughout history even greek philosophers realized that there is only one God and other
facts related to christianity but not in a very clear manner. The Orthodox Church maintains
unchainged and guards the teachings of Our Lord Jesus Christ, of the Apostles and Saints who
participated at the Ecumenical Councils. People who say that they believe in God but they don’t
need dogmas probably are not aware of the Revelation of God and feel more confortable to
create their own god.

The second important thing mentioned in the quote of Elder Sophrony is the Church. We
discover in The New Testament that The Church is the Mistycal Body of Christ. We receive in
this very holy place The Sacraments, especially the Eucharist, the real Blood and Body of our
Lord and Saviour.We must not forget the holy services, the Liturgy, that brings us in communion
with the Saints and all who are now in heaven.Whe also know that the Apostles ordained priests
and bishops to continue the holy work of Jesus Christ. If we want to save our souls it’s not
enough to stay home and pray.

The last thing mentioned is ascetism. It has high value in our spiritual life. We must purify
ourselves in order to get closer to God, to experience this reality. God tell us to become saints
like Him. Deification is our goal.

The words of Elder Sophrony Sackharov are very important nowdays. People are very
confused and are tempted to try different, wrong paths. Elder Sophrony leads us to God
following the teachings of the saints, who were inspired by The Holy Spirit.