Gleanings from Orthodox Christian Authors and the Holy Fathers

prayer_with_heretics

5 Entries

3. Theological dialogue must not in any way be linked with prayer in common, or by joint participation in any liturgical or worship services whatsoever; or in other activities which might create the impression that our Orthodox Church accepts, on the one hand, Roman Catholics as part of the fullness of the Church, or, on the other hand, the Pope as the canonical bishop of Rome. Activities such as these mislead both the fullness of the Orthodox people and the Roman Catholics themselves, fostering among them a mistaken notion as to what Orthodoxy thinks of their teaching. The Extraordinary Joint Conference of the Sacred Community on Mount Athos, April 9/22, 1980

---

Concerning the fact that those belonging to the Church must not be allowed to go visiting the cemeteries or the so called martyria of any heretics, for the purpose of prayer or of cure, but, on the contrary, those who do so, if they be among the faithful, shall be excluded from communion for a time until they repent and confess their having made a mistake, when they may be readmitted to communion. Canon IX of Laodicia (Also approved by the Ecumenical Synods)

---

If any clergymen, or laymen, enter a synagogue of Jews, or of heretics, to pray, let him be both deposed and excommunicated. Canon LXV Of the Holy Apostles:

---

Let any Bishop, or Presbyter, or deacon that merely joins in prayer with heretics be suspended, but if he had permitted them to perform any service as Clergymen, let him be deposed. Canon XLV of the Holy Apostles

---

One must not join in prayer with heretics or schismatics. Canon XXXIII of Laodicia

---