Page 252 - Orthodoxy Zizioulas

O r t h o d o x y
is in the Holy Spirit, then spiritual fatherhood becomes
σύναξις and κοινωνία of the faithful toward God. Hence spir-
itual fatherhood is sacred, apostolic, charismatic, and eccle-
sial. Without it there is neither communion nor unity among
the faithful.
The spiritual father is a διάκονος (servant) and ὑπηρέτης
(minister or attendant) of the faithful, not a κύριος (lord) or
δεσπότης (master). The Apostle Paul says: “We preach not
ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your ser-
vants for Jesus’ sake” (2 Cor 4:5). For this reason spiritual fa-
therhood is always a ministry of service, never domination.
Its essence is discernment, and discernment again discern-
ment, because only through discernment does the guidance
of souls remain in truth and freedom.
Spiritual fatherhood is the identity of spiritual life and one
of the great mysteries of the Church. Without it there is no
κοινωνία and no unity of believers. It is charismatic and eccle-
siastical; it is in the Holy Spirit and through the Holy Spirit.
Without the Holy Spirit there is no spiritual fatherhood, nei-
ther charismatic nor ecclesial.
Thus spiritual fatherhood is not private authority, nor per-
sonal possession, nor human domination. It is a gift of grace
within the Body of Christ, given for the salvation of souls, for
the building up of communion, and for the guidance of the
faithful into all truth. In spiritual fatherhood the Church man-
ifests herself as communion, and the grace of the Holy Spirit
leads persons not into dependence on man, but into freedom
in God.
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