We are not a living body that contains a soul

We are a living soul that dwells within a body!

Monday September 3, 2007

The Early Administrative Structure of the Church:

Equally critical to the life of the Church was the formation of its administrative structure. The ministry of the Apostles was itinerate rather than stationary. After founding a church community, the Apostles would depart for another mission, leaving behind others to administer the new congregation and preside over the Eucharist and Baptism.

This resulted in a local hierarchy developing whose functions were stationary, administrative, and sacramental in contrast with the mobile authority of the Apostles. The presiding official of each community, especially at each of the Sunday Eucharistic meal, was the episcopos, or bishop, who was assisted by priests and deacons.

This system with its three-fold pattern of bishop, priest, and deacon was already in place in many areas by the early second century. There was nothing unusual in this development. After all, the Last Supper – the first Liturgy – could not have taken place without the Lord’s presiding presence. From the beginning, the existence of a presiding head was taken for granted by the Church. This establishment of a local “monarchial” episcopate is still at the very center of Orthodox ecclesiology.

I humbly hope and pray that you will accept this news with love and understanding. Reflect on its truth. Research it with an open mind in order to see the truth and if in fact any part of these letters that touches on any teaching that you are currently receiving and is shown to you to be true,

Then you will give up yourself, your pride, and your ego in this area and give it to the truth of Jesus Christ and change your life accordingly.

This is sent with the love of Christ for you from me.

As always, all comments and questions are welcome, send them to me at;

monkmichael@newwarriorministries.com.

Monk Michael

A humble servant of Jesus Christ

On the Web at: http://www.newwarriorministries.com

Email: monkmichael@newwarriorministries.com

Phone: (803) 377-1244

Chester, SC

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