HELLO!!!
Lord’s Prayer
Understanding the Lord’s Prayer in Its Original
Eastern Context
Why does this translation differ from the common one found in most English Bibles?
This version is based on the 8th-century Greek and 11th-century Church Slavonic texts, reflecting Eastern Orthodox theology without Western influence.
Why "Who are in the heavens" instead of "Who art in Heaven"?
The original Greek and Slavonic use the plural "heavens," affirming Orthodox cosmology that teaches multiple levels of heaven and highlights God's transcendence and immanence.
Why "May Your name be made holy" instead of "Hallowed be Your name"?
This is a more precise rendering of the passive imperative in Greek and Slavonic, emphasizing a petition for God to sanctify His name actively in creation.
Why "May Your Kingdom come"?
It reflects the volitive mood of the original texts, conveying the desire for the Kingdom to be manifest both spiritually and liturgically (especially in the Eucharist).
What does "As in the heavens, so also on the earth" mean?
It expresses harmony and imitation between heaven and earth, emphasizing synergy rather than separation.
Why "essential bread" instead of "daily bread"?
The Greek "epiousion" and Slavonic "насущный" refer to what is necessary for life—both physical and spiritual—hinting at Eucharistic meaning.
Why retain "debts" instead of using "sins" or "transgressions"?
The Greek and Slavonic words mean "debts"—spiritual and moral obligations—which aligns with the Orthodox view of sin as a failure to fulfill what is owed to God.
Does "Do not lead us into temptation" mean God tempts us?
No. It is a plea for protection from trials that could lead to sin, not an accusation against God, aligning with James 1:13.
Why "the evil one" instead of just "evil"?
The original language refers to a personal adversary (Satan), emphasizing the reality of spiritual warfare.
What does this translation restore?
It restores Orthodox theology from the Greek and Slavonic tradition—preserving spiritual accuracy, sacramental meaning, and synergy in prayer.
Word-for-Word Translation:
Our Father, Who are in the heavens,
May Your name be made holy,
May Your Kingdom come,
May Your will be done,
As in the heavens, so also on the earth,
Give us this day our essential bread,
And forgive us our debts,
As we also forgive our debtors,
And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.The Orthodox Church's Teaching on the Virgin Mary and the Term "All-Pure"
What does "All-Pure" mean?
It refers to the Virgin Mary's personal holiness, voluntary purity, and obedience to God's will. It does not mean an exemption from human nature or sin at conception.
Does the Orthodox Church believe in the Immaculate Conception?
No. The Orthodox Church teaches that Mary was born into the fallen condition like all humans, and her holiness came through grace and her own free will.
Why is Mary called "all-pure" in Orthodox prayers and hymns?
The term refers to her life of virginity and sanctity. It reflects patristic reverence for her spotless life, not a Roman Catholic notion of preemptive exemption from sin.
What does St. John of Damascus teach?
He affirms Mary’s sanctity stems from her God-loving life, not from being exempt from human nature. Christ took His flesh from her fully and truly.
How does Orthodoxy understand her holiness without the Immaculate Conception?
Mary inherited ancestral sin but never committed personal sin. Her purity was synergistic—through cooperation with divine grace.
Why is the Roman Catholic dogma problematic?
- It undermines Christology by implying Christ did not assume fallen human nature.
- It distorts anthropology by suggesting sin is unavoidable without preemptive grace.
- It removes Mary’s need for a Savior.
- It violates Orthodox conciliar ecclesiology.
What about "birth without defilement"?
Orthodoxy understands this spiritually, not biologically. Mary's virginity was preserved through divine mystery, not anatomical preservation.
St. John of Damascus on Ever-Virginity:
He uses mystical images (e.g., light through glass) to describe Mary's virginal birth of Christ, affirming it as a divine and incorrupt mystery.
Accurate Translation of “Достойно есть”:
"It is truly worthy to call You blessed, O Theotokos, the ever-blessed, all-pure, and the Mother of our God. More honorable than the Cherubim, and truly more glorious than the Seraphim, who without corruption gave birth to God the Logos, truly the Mother of God — You we magnify."
Summary:
Orthodoxy honors the Theotokos as all-pure due to her cooperation with divine grace and her role in the Incarnation. It rejects the Immaculate Conception and all doctrinal distortions that shift focus away from Christ.
Mary is the highest example of human sanctification—not because she was exempt from sin by nature, but because she fulfilled humanity’s potential by faith, humility, and obedience to God the Logos.