At the Second Council of Nicaea, the holy fathers not only affirmed the production and veneration of the holy icons, but confirmed their own agreement with all the saving doctrines of the councils that went before them. God is Truth, and if we cling to falsehood, we cannot have a relationship with Truth. Orthodox doctrine is not a subject for speculation, nor is it the mere province of specialists: it is part and parcel of our salvation. That does not mean we must all become theological experts or undertake advanced doctrinal study. Rather, according to our own gifts and station, we must love God “with all our minds,” as the Savior says in his holy Gospel (Lk. 10:27, Mt. 22:36, Mk. 12:30). We believe, understand, and apply the doctrines of the holy fathers to the degree we are able, submitting humbly to the judgment and guidance of the Church through her archpastors and pastors.
Home / Work of the Church / Reflections in Christ / Metropolitan Tikhon /