One of the Effective Means for the Conversion of Schismatics to Orthodoxy
February 23
(A Homily from the Paterikon on Melchizedek)
By Archpriest Victor Guryev
February 23
(A Homily from the Paterikon on Melchizedek)
By Archpriest Victor Guryev
Why is it, brethren, that among us there are few who convert from schism to Orthodoxy? There are many reasons for this. But one of the chief reasons, in our opinion, is our hot-tempered zeal. When Orthodox Christians and the so-called Old Believers meet to discuss matters of faith, the matter rarely ends in peace. They argue, quarrel, and part ways. Of course, in such a case no benefit for the cause can be expected. From evil comes only evil. But if the discussion were conducted under different conditions — if it were carried on meekly and thoughtfully — then the outcome would be different.
There once lived a monk in the land of Egypt who was distinguished by coarseness and ignorance, because of which he told everyone that Melchizedek was the Son of God. This was reported to Archbishop Cyril, and the latter summoned the monk to him. Being a wise man and knowing that by meekness one can best turn a person from evil to good, Cyril did not enter into dispute with the monk, but gently said to him:
“Father, I beseech you, help me. I am troubled by two thoughts: one says that Melchizedek is the Son of God, and the other that he is a man and only a high priest of God. Which thought should I hold to? Pray that the Lord reveal this to you, and then tell me.”
The monk replied, “Wait three days. I will ask God to reveal to me who Melchizedek is, and then I will tell you.”
After three days the monk returned to blessed Cyril and said, “Melchizedek is not the Son of God, but a man.”
“How did you learn this?” asked the archbishop.
The monk answered, “God showed me the Old Testament patriarchs, who passed one after another, and among them was Melchizedek. And the Angel of the Lord pointed him out to me and said, ‘And here is Melchizedek.’”
From that time on, the monk told everyone that Melchizedek was not the Son of God, but a man. And Saint Cyril rejoiced that God had helped him save the brother.
Thus meekness prevailed, and coarseness was overcome. And from this you have a lesson on how to conduct discussions with the so-called Old Believers. “God is not in might, but in truth,” it is said. Therefore do not shout in discussions and do not become heated, but be meek and reasonable. Be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Speak yourselves, but allow others to speak as well. Do the words of your interlocutors disturb you? Arm yourselves with patience. Have no strength to endure? Arm yourselves with meekness and pray to God with the prayer of the heart. And then it will not be you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you (Matthew 10:20). The Lord will give you understanding.
In general, never forget that fire is not extinguished with oil, and evil is not stopped by evil. “Overcome,” says the Apostle, “evil with good” — and not with evil. Amen.
Source: Translated by John Sanidopoulos.
