Church
by The Most. Rev. Margo Wilson
In anticipation of our coming birthday of the church, let us examine who, what and why we have a church. The Greek word for church is ekklesia which also means assembly. This can refer to any gathering of people. An assembly or gathering of people who believe in the good news about Jesus Christ, have been shown God’s purpose and have been chosen to do God’s will in the world is what we commonly call “church."
The Church belongs to Jesus Christ who is its head. The Greek word for Lord is kyrios, so the Church is also called kyriakon, which means "belonging to the Lord." Kyriakon is the basis for the English word, church.
In the Acts of the Apostles, Saint Luke paints a picture of the early Christian community three times. He notes that immediately after the Ascension of Jesus into Heaven, the apostles gathered around themselves a small group of the Lord’s disciples. In a way, this was the prototype church. (Acts 1:12-14).
This gathering took place in Jerusalem, not far from Mount Olivet, from which Jesus had ascended into Heaven. The apostles then stayed in an upper room somewhere in the city to tarry as the Lord had instructed them to do for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
It is important to note that this first official gathering took place around the apostles. Luke thus proceeds to name them: they are the Church. Others were also present including some women. They are not numbered nor named yet mentioned in the Scripture as a part of the gathering.
The atmosphere of this community was like that of a retreat. We hear nothing of the conversations that must have occurred. Not a word is said about any feelings, doubts, or regrets. There was a silence from which the future was to grow. This first congregation included people from all walks of life, men, women, professionals (such as Doctor Luke), fishermen, and any others who had followed Jesus around in His earthly ministry years. They simply devoted themselves with one accord to prayer. Unity of hearts, fraternal communion, and devotion to prayers are characteristics of the early Christian community.
The Church is also referred to as the “body of Christ” in 1 Cor. 1:12, 27-31. In 1 Peter, the writer refers to the people who make up the Church as “God’s chosen and special people” and “a group of royal priests and a holy nation”. In John, the Church is described as a flock of sheep belonging to the Good Shepherd. John 15:1-16 refers to the Church as the branches of Jesus, the true vine.
After the first generation of the apostles was gone, the Church gradually became more structured in its organization, with clear leadership roles and rules for the behavior of its members clearly defined. Descriptions of this organization begin to appear in letters like Ephesians, 1 and 2 Timothy, and Titus, and in the writings of second century church leaders known as the Apostolic Fathers. It was then that leaders called in Greek episkopoi (sometimes translated as bishops) were appointed to oversee the work of the churches.
We are instructed in Hebrews 10:25 to never forsake the assembling of ourselves together as the manner of some is. As we approach the day of Pentecost, let us remember once again that since Our Lord ascended into Heaven and we await His next coming, let us be in one accord and devote our times together in prayer, communion and unity of hearts.
“One thing I ask of the Lord; this I seek: To dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, That I may gaze upon the loveliness of the Lord and contemplate His temple.” (Psalm 27:4)
This Sunday's sermon is by The Most Rev. Margo Wilson, Bishop of Colorado. Bishop Wilson is the founder and Superior of the Benedictine Order of St. Michael the Archangel. She is also the Rector of Good Shepherd of the Hills Cathedral in Pueblo. Her national title is Regional Coadjutor to the Metropolitan Primate of the American Orthodox Catholic Church.
by The Most. Rev. Margo Wilson
In anticipation of our coming birthday of the church, let us examine who, what and why we have a church. The Greek word for church is ekklesia which also means assembly. This can refer to any gathering of people. An assembly or gathering of people who believe in the good news about Jesus Christ, have been shown God’s purpose and have been chosen to do God’s will in the world is what we commonly call “church."
The Church belongs to Jesus Christ who is its head. The Greek word for Lord is kyrios, so the Church is also called kyriakon, which means "belonging to the Lord." Kyriakon is the basis for the English word, church.
In the Acts of the Apostles, Saint Luke paints a picture of the early Christian community three times. He notes that immediately after the Ascension of Jesus into Heaven, the apostles gathered around themselves a small group of the Lord’s disciples. In a way, this was the prototype church. (Acts 1:12-14).
This gathering took place in Jerusalem, not far from Mount Olivet, from which Jesus had ascended into Heaven. The apostles then stayed in an upper room somewhere in the city to tarry as the Lord had instructed them to do for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
It is important to note that this first official gathering took place around the apostles. Luke thus proceeds to name them: they are the Church. Others were also present including some women. They are not numbered nor named yet mentioned in the Scripture as a part of the gathering.
The atmosphere of this community was like that of a retreat. We hear nothing of the conversations that must have occurred. Not a word is said about any feelings, doubts, or regrets. There was a silence from which the future was to grow. This first congregation included people from all walks of life, men, women, professionals (such as Doctor Luke), fishermen, and any others who had followed Jesus around in His earthly ministry years. They simply devoted themselves with one accord to prayer. Unity of hearts, fraternal communion, and devotion to prayers are characteristics of the early Christian community.
The Church is also referred to as the “body of Christ” in 1 Cor. 1:12, 27-31. In 1 Peter, the writer refers to the people who make up the Church as “God’s chosen and special people” and “a group of royal priests and a holy nation”. In John, the Church is described as a flock of sheep belonging to the Good Shepherd. John 15:1-16 refers to the Church as the branches of Jesus, the true vine.
After the first generation of the apostles was gone, the Church gradually became more structured in its organization, with clear leadership roles and rules for the behavior of its members clearly defined. Descriptions of this organization begin to appear in letters like Ephesians, 1 and 2 Timothy, and Titus, and in the writings of second century church leaders known as the Apostolic Fathers. It was then that leaders called in Greek episkopoi (sometimes translated as bishops) were appointed to oversee the work of the churches.
We are instructed in Hebrews 10:25 to never forsake the assembling of ourselves together as the manner of some is. As we approach the day of Pentecost, let us remember once again that since Our Lord ascended into Heaven and we await His next coming, let us be in one accord and devote our times together in prayer, communion and unity of hearts.
“One thing I ask of the Lord; this I seek: To dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, That I may gaze upon the loveliness of the Lord and contemplate His temple.” (Psalm 27:4)
This Sunday's sermon is by The Most Rev. Margo Wilson, Bishop of Colorado. Bishop Wilson is the founder and Superior of the Benedictine Order of St. Michael the Archangel. She is also the Rector of Good Shepherd of the Hills Cathedral in Pueblo. Her national title is Regional Coadjutor to the Metropolitan Primate of the American Orthodox Catholic Church.
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