The Law of Faith
This lecture presents a deep explanation of the opening of the Creed, focusing on the nature of faith, the oneness of God, and the description of God the Father as the Pantocrator and Creator of heaven and earth. His Holiness explains the relationship between faith and reason, and how faith surpasses the limits of the human mind without contradicting it. He then clarifies the Orthodox essence of God’s oneness within the Holy Trinity.
1. The Meaning of “The Creed”
His Holiness explains that the English word Creed means “the law of faith,” and that the Creed existed in apostolic times, but took its defined form at the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD, and was completed regarding the Holy Spirit at the Council of Constantinople in 381 AD.
He emphasizes that all true Christian churches believe in this Creed, and that whoever rejects it is not considered Christian.
2. Faith: Above Reason but Not Against It
He explains that faith surpasses the level of reason without opposing it. Realities such as the spirit, angels, resurrection, divine inspiration, and miracles are accepted by faith because the mind is unable to grasp them.
He gives examples like the child who believes simply without doubt, unlike adults whose intellect may become mixed with doubts.
3. The Need for Humble and Simple Faith
His Holiness teaches that faith requires humility and simplicity.
The more the human mind becomes complicated, the more it may lose the purity of faith. Simple people often accept God’s work with sincere hearts, as in the apparitions of the Virgin in Zeitoun.
4. The Oneness of God in the Creed
He explains that the Creed, although it speaks of the Trinity, begins with the oneness of God: “Truly we believe in one God.”
The Trinity does not contradict monotheism—the Scripture says “in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,” not “in the names,” meaning one God in three hypostases.
5. God the Father, the Pantocrator
His Holiness explains the meaning of “Pantocrator”:
– God governs the entire universe.
– He sees all things and oversees what is visible and invisible.
– Even Satan cannot act without divine permission.
– Nothing escapes God’s knowledge, authority, or judgment.
6. God the Creator of Heaven and Earth, of All That Is Seen and Unseen
He explains the difference between creator and maker:
– The Creator brings existence from nothing, and this belongs to God alone.
– Humans are makers who use materials God created.
He also explains the different meanings of “heaven,” the distinction between the material heaven, paradise, and the “heaven of heavens.”
He also clarifies the meaning of “seen and unseen,” including visible and invisible creatures such as angels and spirits.
Spiritual Message of the Lecture
The lecture calls for a true faith built on heartfelt trust, spiritual depth, and the authentic oneness of God within the Holy Trinity. It invites the believer to live in humility and simplicity, trusting that the Pantocrator oversees all things with love and wisdom.
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