Commandments

On the Law of God and the Commandments

The following ten commandments were written by the hand of God on two tablets of stone:

Commandment I • Commandment II • Commandment III • Commandment IV • Commandment V • Commandment VI • Commandment VII • Commandment VIII • Commandment IX • Commandment X

Commandment I

— I am the Lord your God —

Exodus 20:1–3; Deuteronomy 5:6–7

I am the Lord your God. You shall have no other gods besides Me.

— Exodus 20:1–3

— Deuteronomy 5:6–7

What do the words “I am the Lord your God” mean?

By these words, God points Himself out to mankind and commands each person to know the Lord their God — to recognize and confess Him as the one true God and Sovereign.

What duties follow from the command to know God?

We must seek to learn the knowledge of God, as the most necessary and essential knowledge.
We must listen attentively to teachings about God and His works, both in Church and at home.
We must read and hear books that teach the knowledge of God — above all, the Holy Scriptures, and secondly, the writings of the Holy Fathers.

What are we taught by the words, “You shall have no other gods but Me”?

We are taught to turn to and cleave only to the one true God, and devoutly worship Him with heart, soul, mind, and strength.

What are the duties of inward worship of God?

To believe in God.
To walk before God — meaning to live always mindful that God sees not only our actions but also our most secret thoughts.
To fear God — to regard offending our Heavenly Father as the greatest possible misfortune.
To trust in God — with full hope and confidence.
To love God — above all things.
To obey God — doing His will without complaint.
To adore God — as the Supreme Being.
To glorify God — as all-perfect and holy.
To give thanks to God — as our Creator, Sustainer, and Savior.
To call upon God — in every good endeavor, seeking His help and blessing.

What are the duties of outward worship of God?

To confess God publicly — acknowledging Him as the only true God even if it brings suffering or death.
To take part in public divine worship — as commanded by God and preserved by the Orthodox Church.
— Put God first not in words, but in worship. Be present in the Divine service.

— Make it your lifestyle priority.

What sins are against the First Commandment?

Atheism — denying the existence of God.
Polytheism — worshiping many false gods.
Infidelity — believing in God’s existence but denying His providence and revelation.
Heresy — corrupting the truth of the Orthodox Faith by mixing it with false opinions.
Schism — willful separation from the unity of the Orthodox Church and divine worship.
Apostasy — abandoning the true Faith out of fear of men or for worldly gain.
Despair — losing all hope in God's grace and salvation.
Sorcery and Black Magic — seeking supernatural power through evil spirits rather than trusting God.
Superstition — attributing divine power to created things (e.g., amulets, charms, horoscopes).
Love of creatures more than love of God — setting earthly things or people above God.
Men-Pleasing — seeking to please men rather than God.

"For if I still pleased men, I would not be a servant of Christ."

— Galatians 1:10

Trusting in man — relying on human strength instead of trusting in God.

"Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart departs from the Lord."

— Jeremiah 17:5

Pride — exalting oneself instead of humbling oneself before God.
Bragging and Vanity — boasting of oneself rather than glorifying God.
Careerism — making success or career advancement a false god.
Conceit — believing oneself self-sufficient, apart from God's grace.
Communism and all Anti-God Ideologies — adhering to systems that deny God and His commandments.
Astrology, Witchcraft — trusting in horoscopes, zodiac signs, or celestial forces instead of divine providence.
Psychics, Tarot, Divination, Occult — seeking knowledge or power from occult sources forbidden by God.
Visiting Healers, Shamans, Occult Practitioners — placing trust in demonic deception instead of God.
Sloth — negligence in prayer, attending divine services, and studying the Faith.
Idolatry of Self — Worshiping one’s own image by attempting to remake or exaggerate the outward appearance, rather than preserving the God-given form with humility and modesty.

This includes:

Shaving the beard — rejecting the natural mark of manhood given by God (Leviticus 19:27; Apostolic Constitutions I.3).
Wearing makeup — artificially enhancing the face to attract attention and admiration.
Adorning or coloring the hair — altering natural appearance for vanity.
Painting nails — bodily decoration done to draw attention to oneself, not glorify God.
Obsessive bodily grooming — excessive focus on personal appearance for praise or social image.
Plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures done not for medical necessity but to create a false image.
Immodest clothing — dressing to expose or emphasize the body rather than to express purity and humility.
Using filters, photo editing, or self-glorifying social media to project an idealized or self-worshiping image.

These practices, whether subtle or bold, replace worship of the Creator with worship of the self. They violate the First and Second Commandments by setting up the body as a graven image to be admired and served — turning one’s appearance into a false god.

Why are Men-Pleasing and Trusting in Man sins against the First Commandment?

Because if we place men, or our own self-interest, above the will and honor of God, we set up another god in place of the true God.

How can a one succeed in keeping the First Commandment?

They must deny themselves, according to the teaching of Christ:

“If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.”

— Mark 8:34

“He denies himself who puts off the old man with his deeds, which is corrupt through deceitful lusts, and who renounces worldly affections that hinder godliness. Perfect self-denial consists in bearing even the judgment of death within oneself, trusting no longer in oneself but entirely in God.”

— Saint Basil the Great

What consolation does one find in denying oneself?

The consolation of divine grace — a spiritual joy and peace that even suffering cannot destroy:

“For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ.”

— 2 Corinthians 1:5

How does honoring Angels and Saints agree with the First Commandment?

We honor the Angels and Saints not as gods, but as faithful servants of God, in whom God's grace shines.

By honoring them, we glorify God who works in them, and through them we seek God's help and intercession.

Keeping vs. Breaking the First Commandment

— Worship of the One True God in Spirit and Truth —

Keeping the First Commandment	Breaking the First Commandment
Believing in the One True God, worship Him alone	Worship idols, false gods, or created things
Loving God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength	Loving anything more than God — self, people, pleasure, money
Trusting in God’s providence fully	Trusting in astrology, charms, man, or one’s own strength
Praying to God, giving thanks, glorifying Him always	Neglecting prayer, gratitude, or giving glory to created things
Honoring the Mysteries and the saints as reflections of God's grace	Treating icons, relics, or holy things as magical objects
Studying God’s word, seeking to know Him deeply	Being indifferent or rebellious to His revelation
Fearing God with reverence and humility	Fearing men more than God, living for human praise
Obeying God's commandments from love	Refusing obedience out of pride or worldliness

“The beginning of virtue is faith in God, and the fear of Him who sees all. Without this, there is no foundation for the soul; for how shall one live uprightly, if he does not revere the One who gives life?”

— St. Basil the Great, Homily on Psalm 33

“Let us worship one God, the unbegotten Father, the only-begotten Son, and the Holy Spirit — three in one, and one in three. Let no one deceive you into honoring the creature above the Creator. For even the angels tremble before Him.”

— St. Gregory the Theologian, Oration 31, On the Holy Spirit

“To serve idols is not only to bow to stones, but to place anything in your heart above God. He who serves riches, pleasure, vanity, or pride — that man is an idolater, though he stand in the temple of the Lord.”

— St. John Chrysostom, Homily on Matthew 6

"What is purity of heart? It is when the mind clings to no created thing, and longs only for the Lord. It is when the soul says with truth, 'Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You.'

— St. Isaac the Syrian, Ascetical Homilies, Homily 2

"The glory of God is a living man; and the life of man consists in beholding God. But we cannot behold Him if we serve other gods — whether idols of stone or the idols of our heart."

— St. Irenaeus of Lyons, Against Heresies, Book IV

These reflections are a clear echo of Christ’s own summary: **"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind."

— Matthew 22:37

Is Celebrating Halloween a Sin Against the First Commandment?

Yes, it is — for several serious reasons:

Idolatry and Honor to Darkness
- Halloween customs glorify death, fear, horror, witchcraft, demons, and spirits of the dead — all of which are condemned in Holy Scripture as false worship and works of darkness.
- Dressing up as monsters, witches, or celebrating evil themes is symbolically giving honor to the powers opposed to God.

“What fellowship has light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Belial?”

— 2 Corinthians 6:14–15

Violation of the Call to Purity
- The First Commandment calls us to purify our heart for God alone.
- Participating in demonic imagery, fear-based festivities, or glorifying evil defiles the soul and draws the heart away from God.

"Do not participate in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them."

— Ephesians 5:11

Participation in Pagan and Occult Roots
- Halloween's origins trace back to Celtic paganism (Samhain festival/druidism), where it was believed that the spirits of the dead roamed the earth.
- Even if many celebrate it innocently today, the symbols (ghosts, witches, skeletons, sorcery, witchcraft) retain their dark meaning and confess alliance with fallen spirits.

"You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the Lord’s table and the table of demons."

— 1 Corinthians 10:21

Leading Others into Sin
- By participating, even passively, Orthodox Christians give bad example to children and to those weak in faith — making it seem harmless to glorify things that God condemns.

This would also be a violation of Christ's warning: “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck...”

— Matthew 18:6

“It is not enough that you do not worship idols — you must also hate and flee from anything that resembles idolatry.”

— St. John Chrysostom warns: Homily on 1 Corinthians 10

Celebrating Halloween (even casually) is a violation of the First Commandment because it:

Honors darkness rather than God,
Defiles the soul with symbols of death and evil,
Participates in the traditions of idolatry and occultism,
Scandalizes others, especially the young.

Old Believer Orthodox Christians and Halloween

Orthodox Christians are called to worship God alone and flee all works of darkness. Halloween glorifies death, fear, demons, cantoring, witchcraft, divination, druidism, paganism, and fantasy that defile the soul. Participation in Halloween, even “for fun”, breaks the First Commandment by honoring evil rather than Christ.

“Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness.”

— Ephesians 5:11

Therefore, all Orthodox Christians must completely abstain from Halloween in every form, choosing instead to live as children of light.

Commandment II

— You shall not make for yourself a graven image —

Exodus 20:4–5; Deuteronomy 5:8–9

"You shall not make for yourself a graven image, nor any likeness of anything in heaven above, or on the earth beneath, or in the waters under the earth. You shall not bow down to them nor serve them."

— Exodus 20:4–5

— Deuteronomy 5:8–9

What is a graven image, as spoken of in the Second Commandment?

A graven image, or idol, is any man-made likeness of something in heaven, on earth, or in the waters, which people bow down to and serve in place of the one true God, their Creator.

What exactly is forbidden by the Second Commandment?

We are forbidden to:

Bow down to, worship, or serve graven images or idols as if they were divine.
Render to created things the adoration due to God alone.

Are sacred representations — such as icons — forbidden?

No. This is clearly shown in Scripture itself: The same Moses who received this commandment also received a command from God to place golden cherubim — sacred images — in the Tabernacle (Exodus 25:18–22), including the Holy of Holies, where the people turned in worship to the true God.

What does this example teach the Orthodox Church?

It justifies and affirms our reverent use of Holy Icons, not as idols, but as windows into the heavenly reality. Icons are sacred manifestations of Christ our God, His Most Pure Mother, the Saints, and the Mysteries of salvation.

What is an icon?

The word icon comes from Greek and means image or likeness. In Orthodox usage, an icon is a sacred image written (painted) according to strict Church tradition for veneration — not worship.

Is the veneration of icons contrary to the Second Commandment?

Not at all — so long as icons are not worshiped as gods. Veneration of icons is not idolatry but honor offered to the person depicted. Icons are visual theology — books written in color and form, used for prayer and instruction.

What should our mindset be when venerating icons?

“While our bodily eyes look upon the icon, our soul ascends to the one depicted — Christ, the Theotokos, or the Saint — offering reverence to God through the one He has glorified."

Key Teaching:

“The honor given to the image passes to the prototype; and he who venerates the icon, venerates the person depicted therein, not the wood or colors.”

— Seventh Ecumenical Council, Act 7

“The bodily eye sees the image, but the intellect and soul ascend to the one portrayed.”

— St. John of Damascus, On the Divine Images, Book 1

Icons are not idols — they are sacred, theological affirmations of the Incarnation: “The Logos became flesh and dwelt among us.”

— John 1:14

But to treat icons or objects as magical, to adopt pagan symbols, or to bring images of evil into our homes violates this commandment.

Patristic Reflections on the Second Commandment

“You shall not make for yourself a carved image…”

— Exodus 20:4, LXX

When the Invisible One becomes visible in the flesh, you may then depict the likeness of His visible form. “I do not worship matter, but I worship the Creator of matter, who for my sake became matter, and through matter worked my salvation. I reverence all matter through which my salvation came — not as God, but because God has filled it with grace and power.”

— St. John of Damascus (Icon Defender) | On the Divine Images, Book I, Ch. 16

"The honor given to the image passes to the prototype. He who venerates the icon, venerates the person depicted in it."

— St. Basil the Great | Letter to Julian, Epistle 360

This became a core doctrinal formula at the Seventh Ecumenical Council — (Nicaea II, 787). This is a concise expression of the doctrine formally articulated by St. Theodore the Studite. “The person is made present through the icon.”

— St. Theodore the Studite

"To destroy the holy icons is to deny the truth of the Incarnation. If Christ became man, then His image can be drawn and venerated... for He sanctified matter by becoming man."

“The icon makes present what is absent — not by nature, but by grace and relation.”

— Antirrhetikos III, PG 99, 432–436

Iconoclasm is a heresy because it denies that God was truly made flesh.

St. Gregory of Nyssa

"The image is not the same as what is represented, but leads the mind upward to what it signifies Thus the icon, rightly used, becomes a ladder to contemplation of God."

Icons are not idols, but holy witnesses to the truth that God became man.
To venerate an icon is not to worship matter, but to honor the One depicted — Christ, His saints, and His mighty acts.
To misuse icons superstitiously, or to venerate false images, fantasy figures, or symbols of darkness, is to break the Second Commandment.

This teaching was canonized conciliar doctrine: “The honor shown to the image passes to the prototype; he who venerates the icon, venerates the one depicted.”

— Nicaea II, Definition of Faith, 787 A.D.

“We venerate Christ, who is mystically manifested through the holy icon.”

This phrasing summarizes the theology of St. John of Damascus, especially in his

Apologia Against Those Who Decry the Holy Images.

— St. John of Damascus

“We do not depict the divine nature — how could we? — but the flesh of God the Word, which is seen... and in icons of saints we depict their likenesses as testimony to their sanctification by grace.”

— On the Divine Images, Book 2, Ch. 3

“In former times God, without form or body, could in no way be represented. But now that God has been seen in the flesh and lived among men, I can make an image of what I have seen of God... For what is seen is a likeness of God’s appearance made flesh.”

— On the Divine Images, Book 1, Ch. 16

Emphasized both the visual likeness (homoiōma) and the sanctity or grace of the one portrayed and often uses language like:

“Through the icon, we are led by the hand into the mystery.”
“The icon is not a mere picture; it is a mystical manifestation, a graced window into the heavenly reality”.
“The icon depicts the likeness and reveals the sanctity of the person shown.”

What is the general name for sin against this commandment?

Idolatry — giving to creatures or objects the honor that belongs to God alone.

Are there other sins against the Second Commandment?

Yes. In addition to gross idolatry, there are more subtle forms, including:

Covetousness — “Covetousness is idolatry.” (Colossians 3:5). When a person serves riches rather than God, wealth becomes their idol.
Gluttony and Sensuality (Belly-Service) — “Their god is their belly.” (Philippians 3:19). When sensual pleasure rules the heart, the stomach becomes one’s idol.
Pride and Vanity — When a person values their own greatness or beauty above all else, their ego becomes an idol. Example: King Nebuchadnezzar built a golden statue of himself and demanded worship. (Daniel 3)
Hypocrisy — When one uses religion outwardly (such as fasting or rituals) to gain praise from men instead of seeking to please God. See: (Matthew 6:5–7)

What opposite virtues are enjoined by this commandment?

Contentment instead of covetousness
Generosity instead of greed
Temperance and fasting instead of gluttony
Humility instead of pride
Hidden righteousness instead of hypocrisy
Reverence in worship instead of outward show
Chastity instead of sensuality

Celebrating Halloween Violates the First and Second Commandments

Violation of the First Commandment:

Halloween gives honor to demonic powers, death, fear, and occult imagery instead of worshiping and glorifying the One True God.
It trusts in and delights in the symbolism of darkness, rather than seeking purity and the Light of Christ.
It glorifies false spirits and evil, which is spiritual idolatry.

"You shall have no other gods before Me."

— Exodus 20:3

Violation of the Second Commandment:

Halloween is filled with images that glorify death, evil, witchcraft, spirits, sorcery, and fear.
Even if people do not “bow down” physically, they celebrate, dress as, decorate with, and take delight in these images — giving honor (rejoicing) where honor is forbidden.
The very images of ghosts, witches, zombies, skeletons, and monsters are perversions of God's creation and icons of corruption.
Participating in Halloween normalizes and venerates images of death and demonic forces — exactly what the Second Commandment forbids.

"You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or in the earth beneath, or in the waters under the earth; you shall not bow down to them or serve them."

— Exodus 20:4–5

"What is forbidden is not the making of any image whatsoever, but the making of idols — images set up in honor of demons, of vanity, or of human pride. To honor such images is to separate oneself from the living God."

— St. John of Damascus in his treatise | On the Divine Images

Halloween's imagery falls precisely into this forbidden category.

First Commandment violation — worship and trust in darkness rather than God.
Second Commandment violation — celebration and honoring of forbidden images of evil.

List of Sins:

Idol worship - false religions
Conjuring spirits/occult practices
Fortune-telling and divination
People-pleasing in place of God-pleasing
Covetousness/greed
Vanity
Pride
Gluttony
Drunkenness
Sensuality and lust
Belly-service - living for food and comfort
Hypocrisy - outward religion, no inner faith
Avarice
Superstition - believing in objects or forces instead of God's providence
Worship of celebrities, ideologies, or one’s own beauty

“Little children, keep yourselves from idols.”

— 1 John 5:21

“You shall not make for yourself a carved image...”

— Exodus 20:4–6, LXX

Keeping vs. Breaking the Second Commandment

Keeping the Second Commandment	Breaking the Second Commandment
Honoring holy icons as windows to the Kingdom	Treating icons superstitiously (e.g., as magic objects)
Venerating saints, not as gods, but as glorified members of the Body of Christ	Worshiping or praying to angels, spirits, or “energies” outside the Church
Using icons, crosses, and relics properly for prayer and inspiration	Using amulets, talismans, or religious items as good-luck charms
Teaching children the meaning of sacred images	Exposing children to horror, demonic, or occult imagery (e.g., Halloween decorations)
Rejecting all occult practices (divination, tarot, astrology)	Participating in New Age rituals, psychic readings, or superstitions
Believing God is invisible and uncreated — yet made manifest in the Incarnation	Creating false depictions of God, or imagining Him in corrupt ways
Glorifying God through sacred art in Church	Bringing pagan imagery (dragons, skulls, fantasy idols) into the home or worship
Focusing prayer through the person depicted in the icon	Making religious statues or objects into idols of personal worship

Examples of Modern Violations:

Displaying dragons, skulls, or sorcery symbols as “art”
Wearing crosses or icons as fashion, without reverence or prayer
Celebrating holidays like Halloween, which honor images of evil
Decorating with pagan holiday symbols (e.g., Yule logs, elves, Krampus)
Using statues or Catholic idols not according to Orthodox veneration

Commandment III

— You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain. —

Exodus 20:7; Deuteronomy 5:11

When is God's name taken in vain?

God’s name is taken in vain when it is spoken:

In idle, frivolous, or unprofitable talk
In lies or falsehoods
With irreverence, disrespect, or jesting about holy things

What sins are forbidden by the Third Commandment?

Blasphemy — speaking daring, offensive, or insulting words against God.
Murmuring — complaining against God's providence or questioning His justice.
Profaneness — treating sacred things lightly, joking about holy matters, or using holy names disrespectfully.
Inattention in prayer — praying carelessly, with wandering mind and cold heart.
Perjury — swearing falsely under oath.
Oath-breaking — failing to keep just and lawful oaths.
Breach of vows made to God — neglecting promises of service, repentance, or devotion.
Common swearing — using God's name carelessly in casual speech without necessity or reverence.

Are such oaths specially forbidden by Holy Scripture?

Yes. The Savior clearly teaches:

"But I say to you, do not swear at all... But let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'; for whatever is more than these is from the evil one."

— Matthew 5:34–37

Does this forbid all oaths in civil matters?

No. The Apostle Paul explains that lawful and serious oaths are permissible:

"For men indeed swear by the greater, and an oath for confirmation is for them an end of all dispute. Thus God, determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath."

— Hebrews 6:16–17

Thus, oaths may be permitted when:

Taken reverently and truthfully,
Required by lawful authority (such as in court or official matters),
Made with the firm intent to fulfill them.

However, all casual and unnecessary swearing remains forbidden.

What other duties are implied by the Third Commandment?

Reverent speaking of God's name and titles,
Carefulness in speaking about sacred things,
Respectful and attentive reading of the Holy Scriptures,
Respectful use of the names of the Saints, the Mysteries (Sacraments), the Cross, and holy objects.

List of Sins:

Blasphemy (cursing or mocking God)
Murmuring against God's providence
Profaning holy things (making jokes about God, the Church, Mysteries)
Inattention and irreverence in prayer
Perjury (lying under oath)
Breaking solemn vows to God
Careless, unnecessary swearing (using God's name in casual talk)
Thoughtless jokes or memes using God's name (especially online)
Disrespecting the Bible or treating it as ordinary literature
Neglecting daily reading of Holy Scripture

Keeping vs. Breaking the Third Commandment

Keeping the Third Commandment	Breaking the Third Commandment
Speaking God's name with reverence and fear	Speaking God's name casually or without thought
Praying attentively and humbly	Praying carelessly, inattentively, or without respect
Respecting holy things and Mysteries	Jesting about or mocking holy things
Reading and honoring the Holy Scriptures daily	Neglecting or treating the Bible as ordinary
Fulfilling lawful oaths and vows with truthfulness	Swearing falsely or breaking solemn promises to God
Refusing to use casual oaths in daily speech	Using unnecessary oaths or swearing in conversation
Trusting God's providence without complaint	Murmuring or complaining against God
Glorifying God's name in all actions	Blaspheming, cursing, or profaning God's holy name

"Blessed be the name of the Lord, from this time forth and forevermore!"

— Psalm 112:2, Septuagint

Commandment IV

— Remember the Sabbath day —

Exodus 20:8–10; Deuteronomy 5:12–14

"Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God."

— Exodus 20:8–10; Deuteronomy 5:12–14

Why is it commanded to keep the seventh day holy to God?

Because in six days God created the world, and on the seventh day He rested from His work of creation, setting it apart as a day of holiness and rest.

Is the Sabbath kept in the Christian Church?

Strictly speaking, the Old Testament Sabbath (Saturday) is not kept as a holy day.

However, the Christian Church continues the spirit of the commandment:

Honoring every seventh day,
Relaxing fasting rules on Saturday,
Commemorating the creation of the world.

How does the Christian Church fulfill the Fourth Commandment?

The Church still observes a seventh day in every week, but instead of the last day (Saturday), she celebrates the first day — Sunday, the Day of the Resurrection, the Lord’s Day.

Since when have Christians kept the Lord’s Day?

From the very time of Christ’s Resurrection, the Apostles and early Christians gathered on the first day of the week for the breaking of bread — the Divine Liturgy.

"On the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread..."

— Acts 20:7

"I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day."

— Revelation 1:10

Does the “seventh day” have a deeper meaning?

Yes. In the Old Testament, the term “Sabbath” also included major feast days and fast days (e.g., Passover, Day of Atonement).

Similarly, in the Christian Church we are called to honor, besides Sundays, other feast days established in honor of:

Christ’s Incarnation,
The Most Holy Mother of God,
The Saints,
The major events of salvation history.

What are the most important Feastsdays?

The Nativity of the Most Holy Mother of God.
The Entrance of the Most Holy Theotokos into the Temple.
The Annunciation to the Virgin Mary.
The Nativity (Birth) of Christ.
The Baptism of Christ (Epiphany, Manifestation of the Trinity).
The Meeting of the Lord in the Temple (Presentation).
The Transfiguration of the Lord.
The Lord’s Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem (Palm Sunday).
Pascha — the Feast of Feasts.
The Ascension of the Lord into Heaven.
Pentecost — the Descent of the Holy Spirit and celebration of the Holy Trinity.
The Exaltation of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross.
The Dormition (Falling Asleep) of the Most Holy Mother of God.

What is the Great Fast and why is it called Quadragesima?

The Great Fast (Great Lent), also called the Quadragesima.

Because it lasts forty days, following the example of Jesus Christ, who fasted forty days in the wilderness.

— Matthew 4:2

The week of Christ’s Passion (Holy Week) is added after these forty days.

Why do we fast on Wednesdays and Fridays?

On Wednesday, we remember the betrayal of the Lord.
On Friday, we remember His Crucifixion and death.

Thus, every Wednesday and Friday are days of fasting.

What are the other fasts observed by the Church?

Nativity Fast (before Christmas)
Dormition Fast (before the Dormition of the Theotokos)
Apostles’ Fast (before the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul)

These fasts prepare us spiritually to celebrate the holy feasts, and imitate the Apostles who fasted before their mission.

— Acts 13:3

How should we spend Sundays and Feastdays to fulfill the Fourth Commandment?

Abstain from unnecessary labor and worldly business.
Attend the Divine Services (especially the Divine Liturgy).
Pray and read Holy Scripture at home.
Have edifying conversations with family and fellow believers.
Give alms and support the Church — offering part of our means for the needs of the poor and the Church.
Visit the sick, imprisoned, or needy, performing works of Christian charity.

Why is it forbidden to work on Feastdays?

So that they may be used without hindrance for holy and God-pleasing deeds.

We should strive to do good works every day.

However, those burdened with work on weekdays must at the very least dedicate Holy Days to God in worship and good deeds.

How should we pray on all days?

It is our bounden duty to pray:

Morning and evening
Before and after meals
At the beginning and end of every important task

What about those who misuse Feastdays?

If lawful work is to be set aside, how much more are sinful entertainments condemned — activities that turn the heart away from God and toward vanity or vice.

Those who indulge in:

Indecent amusements (lustful shows, inappropriate games or media)
Vulgar songs (lyrics that mock virtue or promote sin)
Carnal entertainments (feasting, partying, and sensual pleasures without spiritual restraint)
Excessive eating and drinking (gluttony, drunkenness, or festive overindulgence)

Greatly desecrate the Holy Days and commit grave sin, not merely by omission of worship, but by replacing holy joy with profane distraction.

"Let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth."

— 1 Corinthians 5:8

Does the commandment to work six days also teach against idleness?

Yes. The Fourth Commandment condemns not only working on Holy Days but also idleness during work days. Those who live in laziness and useless entertainment during the six days violate God's command to work honestly according to their calling.

List of Sins:

Skipping Divine Services on Sundays or Feastdays
Unnecessary work on Holy Days
Sloth and idleness during the six workdays
Breaking the appointed fasts of the Church
Engaging in vulgar or sinful activities on Holy Days
Neglecting prayer and spiritual reading

"Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God."

— Exodus 20:9–10

Keeping vs. Breaking the Fourth Commandment

How to Sanctify or Desecrate the Holy Day

Keeping the Fourth Commandment	Breaking the Fourth Commandment
Attending Divine Liturgy and other Church services	Skipping Sunday or feast day services without necessity
Refraining from unnecessary labor or business	Working on Holy Days without true need
Spending the day in prayer, Scripture reading, and spiritual conversation	Spending the day in idle chatter, gossip, listening to music or worldly distraction
Observing the fasts established by the Church	Breaking fasts out of laziness or disregard
Participating in charitable works: almsgiving, visiting the sick, helping the poor	Indulging in gluttony, drunkenness, entertainment, or vulgar amusements
Honoring the Resurrection every Sunday with reverence	Treating Sundays and feast days as ordinary or for self-indulgence
Living the six workdays with diligence and discipline	Wasting the workweek in laziness and idleness
Raising the mind to God and eternal life	Using the day only for bodily comfort and worldly pleasure

"What-so-ever you do, do it all to the glory of God."

— 1 Corinthians 10:31

Commandment V

— Honor your father and your mother —

Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 5:16

"Honor your father and your mother, so that it may be well with you, and your days may be long upon the good land the Lord your God is giving you."

— Exodus 20:12

— Deuteronomy 5:16

What does the Fifth Commandment require?

To honor, obey, and love our parents and all rightful authorities whom God has placed over us, both in the family and society. What duties does this commandment prescribe toward our parents?

To behave respectfully to them in word, action, and attitude.
To obey them in all things not contrary to God's law.
To care for them in sickness, old age, or hardship.
To pray for them after their death and fulfill their final requests, as long as they are lawful and moral.

"He who honors his father will have long life… kindness to a father will not be forgotten."

— Wisdom of Sirach 3:6–15

Does the New Testament affirm this commandment?

Yes. The Apostle Paul calls it “the first commandment with a promise":

"Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘Honor your father and mother,’ which is the first commandment with a promise: ‘that it may be well with you and that you may live long on the earth.’"

— Ephesians 6:1–3

How should one judge the gravity of the sin of dishonoring one's parents?

Just as it is easy and natural to love and honor our parents — to whom we are indebted for our very life — so great is the sin of dishonoring them. For this reason, in the Law of Moses, a death sentence was prescribed for reviling one’s father or mother. See Exodus 21.

Why is this commandment the first among those concerning our neighbor?

Because our parents are naturally the closest neighbors to us — the first people God commands us to love.

Who else is included under the name of “parents"?

All those who, in various ways, act as parents or hold God-given authority over us:

Rulers and country (sovereign and homeland)
Spiritual shepherds and teachers (Bishops, Priests, catechists)
Elders in age (senior members of society)
Benefactors
Superiors in work, government, education, military, and law

How does Scripture speak of honoring rulers and sovereigns?

Scripture teaches that all earthly authority exists under God’s providence, and therefore every soul is called to offer due respect, honor, and obedience to those who govern. We give tribute to whom it is owed and honor to whom honor is due, while always giving to God what belongs to God alone. In fearing God and honoring the governing authority, we fulfill our duty both as citizens of this world and as servants of the Kingdom above.

"Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except from God… Therefore render to all their due: tribute to whom tribute, honor to whom honor."

— Romans 13:1, 7

"Fear God, honor the king."

— 1 Peter 2:17

"Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s."

— Matthew 22:21

What kind of love should we have for sovereign and country?

A love so deep that we are ready to lay down our lives for them, if necessary.

"Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends."

— John 15:13

How should we honor spiritual shepherds?

Scripture calls us to obey and submit to those who watch over our souls, for their stewardship is given by God. Those elders who lead well and labor in the word and in teaching are to be granted double honor, for through their service the Church is strengthened and guided in truth.

"Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch for your souls..."

— Hebrews 13:17

"Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine."

— 1 Timothy 5:17

How should we treat our elders?

Scripture teaches us to treat our elders with reverence and love, to correct not with pride but with gentleness, as sons and daughters speaking to fathers and mothers. To rise before the gray-headed is to honor both age and the God who grants it. In showing respect to those who came before us, we learn humility before the Lord Himself.

"Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father… older women as mothers."

— 1 Timothy 5:1–2

"You shall rise up before the gray-headed and honor the presence of an old man, and fear your God."

— Leviticus 19:32

How do we know we must honor benefactors?

By the example of Christ Himself, who was subject to Joseph, even though Joseph was not His real father but His guardian.

— 1 Timothy 5:1–2

Who else must be honored?

Teachers, tutors, and school governors (educational superiors)
Civil magistrates and judges (guardians of public order)
Military commanders (defenders of the state)
Masters or employers, especially in regard to servants and laborers

What does Scripture say about obedience in work and social roles?

Scripture teaches that those under authority should serve with sincerity, not to impress people, but as servants of Christ. Even when those over us are imperfect, we are called to act with humility and integrity, entrusting ourselves to God who judges righteously.

"Servants, be obedient to your masters… not with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but as servants of Christ."

— Ephesians 6:5–6

"Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle but also to the harsh."

— 1 Peter 2:18

Are there duties for parents and superiors as well?

Yes. Scripture teaches that fathers must not provoke their children but raise them in the fear of God. Spiritual shepherds must guide the flock with humility and holiness. Those in authority must treat those under them with justice, remembering they themselves serve a Master in heaven.

Fathers must not provoke their children, but bring them up in the fear of God.

— Ephesians 6:4

Spiritual shepherds must guide the flock with humility and holiness.

— 1 Peter 5:2–3

Masters must treat their servants justly, knowing they also have a Master in heaven.

— Colossians 4:1

What if a parent or superior demands something against God's law?

We must obey God above all, even if it brings suffering and reply as the Apostles did:

"Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge."

— Acts 4:19

What is the virtue required by the Fifth Commandment?

Complete obedience — loving and honoring all God-given authority with humility, unless it contradicts the commandments of God.

List of Sins:

Disrespecting, cursing, or dishonoring parents
Failing to support parents in old age
Neglecting to pray for deceased parents
Swearing against priests or lawful authorities
Disobeying elders, teachers, or benefactors
Neglecting or mocking spiritual shepherds
Refusing to call a priest for dying relatives
Speaking abusively to rulers or lawful superiors
Refusing military or civic duty out of pride or rebellion

"He who curses his father or his mother shall surely be put to death."

— Exodus 21:17

Keeping vs. Breaking the Fifth Commandment

Keeping the Fifth Commandment	Breaking the Fifth Commandment
Showing respect and obedience to parents	Speaking disrespectfully or defiantly to parents
Supporting and comforting parents in old age or illness	Neglecting or abandoning aged or suffering parents
Praying for parents during life and after death	Forgetting to commemorate parents or refusing to pray for their souls
Honoring spiritual fathers, bishops, and priests	Slandering or cursing the priesthood and spiritual authorities
Obeying lawful rulers and civil authorities	Reviling, rebelling against, or mocking lawful government
Submitting to elders and teachers with humility	Ignoring the guidance of elders, teachers, or benefactors
Calling a priest for dying relatives to give the Mysteries	Neglecting or refusing to call a priest before death
Accepting correction from superiors as from God	Being proud, stubborn, or hostile toward authority
Loving one’s country and being willing to defend it	Treating country and public order with contempt or scorn
Raising children in the fear of God	Provoking, spoiling, or corrupting one’s children

"The blessing of a father establishes the houses of children, but the curse of a mother uproots their foundations." — Wisdom of Sirach 3:9

Commandment VI

— You shall not murder —

Exodus 20:13; Deuteronomy 5:17

What is forbidden by the Sixth Commandment?

The unjust taking of human life — that is, murder, in any form or by any means.

Are all forms of killing considered murder?

No. The commandment does not forbid every act of killing, but specifically the unlawful and unjust taking of life.

In what cases is taking life not considered a sin?

Capital punishment — when a criminal is lawfully sentenced to death after due judgment.
Defense in war — when a soldier kills an enemy while lawfully defending his country and sovereign.

These are not counted as murder when done justly and lawfully.

What about involuntary manslaughter?

Involuntary homicide (accidental killing) is not considered willful murder.

However, the person is not always blameless unless:

They took all reasonable precautions,
They did not act with negligence.

According to the Canons of the Church, the conscience must be cleansed through repentance and penance.

What other acts are considered murder under this commandment?

Condemning the innocent — a judge who knowingly sentences an innocent person.
Protecting a murderer — helping a killer escape justice or hide from punishment.
Neglecting to save — when one allows another to die through indifference (e.g., a rich man ignoring a starving poor man).
Oppression — when someone wears out subordinates with excessive labor or punishment, hastening their death.
Self-destructive behavior — when a person shortens his own life through intemperance, vice, or neglect.

What about suicide?

Suicide is the most grievous and unnatural form of murder— because:

It is against nature: even animals seek to preserve their own life.
It is a rebellion against God, who alone is the Giver and Taker of life.
Our life does not belong to us, but to God.

To take one’s own life is not only to reject God as the Giver of life, but to despair of His mercy and cut off repentance — thus committing a sin against the Holy Spirit, which according to the Savior, is the most dangerous of all sins. “Our life is not our own, but God’s, who gave it.”

“Suicide is worse than murder. He who murders another may repent, but he who kills himself cuts off every hope of repentance.”

— St. John Chrysostom

“To kill oneself is to defy the commandment ‘You shall not kill,’ not directed to others only, but to oneself.”_

— St. Augustine

To willfully end one’s life is a rejection of:

Hope in God,
Trust in His providence,
The possibility of repentance and salvation.

What about duels?

Duels are forbidden and sinful because they involve:

Rebellion — taking justice into one’s own hands.
Murder — risking another’s life unjustly.
Suicide — risking one’s own life willingly.

Thus, a duel combines three grave sins in one.

Is there such a thing as spiritual murder?

Yes. A person commits spiritual murder when he causes another to fall into sin, heresy, or unbelief.

“Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea.”

— Matthew 18:6

Are there more subtle forms of murder?

Yes.

These include:

Hatred, anger, and malice,
Acts or words that harm your neighbor’s peace, safety, or dignity,
Any inward hostility not yet shown in action.

“Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.”

— 1 John 3:15

If we are forbidden to harm life, what positive duty does this commandment imply?

We are obliged to do everything in our power to protect, preserve, and support life.

What duties follow from the Sixth Commandment?

Helping the poor — giving food, clothing, and shelter.
Ministering to the sick — visiting and supporting the infirm.
Comforting the sorrowful — giving hope to the afflicted.
Easing the suffering — helping the unfortunate and oppressed.
Living peaceably — speaking and acting with gentleness and love.
Reconciliation — resolving conflicts and restoring peace.
Forgiveness and charity — loving your enemies and praying for them.

List of Sins:

Murder (in any form, including assisted murder)
Suicide (taking one’s own life)
Abortion (the murder of unborn life)
Spiritual murder (causing others to fall into sin or unbelief)
Anger and rage
Hatred and resentment
Irritability and verbal abuse
Fights and violence
Abuse (physical, emotional, or spiritual)
Neglect of others in danger
Self-destruction through vice or addiction

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God."

— 1 Matthew 5:9

Keeping vs. Breaking the Sixth Commandment
— Protecting Life, Body, and Soul —

Keeping the Sixth Commandment	Breaking the Sixth Commandment
Valuing all human life as sacred	Murder or destruction of human life
Trusting in God's providence amid suffering	Suicide or self-harm (a sin against the Holy Spirit)
Defending one’s neighbor’s life and well-being	Harming, neglecting, or endangering others
Helping the poor, sick, or elderly	Ignoring those in need or letting them suffer
Reconciling with others and promoting peace	Hatred, resentment, vengeance, or malice
Speaking gently and charitably	Speaking abusively, provoking fights or anger
Forgiving injuries and showing mercy	Bitterness, rage, and refusal to forgive
Teaching truth and encouraging holiness	Leading others into sin or unbelief (spiritual murder)
Honoring unborn life and motherhood	Abortion or defending it
Living temperately and caring for your body	Destroying your health through vice or addiction

“He who says he is in the light and hates his brother is in darkness until now. He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him. But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.”

— 1 John 2:9–11

“If someone says, 'I love God,' and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?"

— 1 John 4:20

“You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.' But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without cause shall be in danger of judgment. And whoever says to his brother, 'Raca!' shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, 'You fool!' shall be in danger of hell fire."

— Matthew 5:21–22 (Words of Christ)

Commandment VII

— You shall not commit adultery —

Exodus 20:7; Deuteronomy 5:18

What is forbidden by the Seventh Commandment?

The sin of adultery and all forms of sexual impurity.

What forms of sin are forbidden under the name of adultery?

"But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints."

— Apostle Paul-Ephesians 5:3

The following sins are forbidden:

Fornication — unlawful carnal relations between unmarried persons.
Adultery — when married persons betray the exclusive love and fidelity owed to each other.
Incest — carnal relations between close relatives, forbidden by divine and natural law.
Lust of the heart — according to the Savior's teaching: _"Whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart."
— Matthew 5:28

How should we guard against falling into even inward adultery?

Avoid everything that excites impure passions:

Lewd songs, dances, and jokes
Immodest games or entertainments
Indecent sights
Reading books or viewing media that describe or glorify impure love

Practice custody of the eyes, following Christ’s command:

"If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you."

— Matthew 5:29

Are we to literally pluck out the offending eye?

No. The commandment is understood spiritually:

We are to discipline our will,
Resolutely turn away from anything that leads us into sin,
Refuse even to look upon that which may cause temptation.

He who firmly resolves not even to look upon sinful things has already plucked out the offending eye with the will.

What positive virtues are enjoined by the Seventh Commandment?

Conjugal love and fidelity — for those married.
Perfect chastity and purity — for those called to virginity or celibacy.

How does Holy Scripture describe the duties of husband and wife?

Scripture calls husbands to love their wives with the self-giving love of Christ, and wives to offer respectful devotion as the Church does to Christ. Together they are united in a holy partnership ordered by love, sacrifice, and mutual faithfulness.

"Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the Church and gave Himself for her."

— Ephesians 5:25

"Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the Church."

— 1 Ephesians 5:22–23

Marriage is not simply a human contract, but an image of Christ and the Church — and thus demands purity, fidelity, and mutual love.

What motives does Holy Scripture give for fleeing fornication and living chastely?

Our bodies are members of Christ and temples of the Holy Spirit.
Sexual sin not only offends God but also defiles the body and weakens the mind — damaging imagination, memory, and judgment.

"Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? ...Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body."

— 1 Corinthians 6:15–18

List of Sins:

Adultery
Fornication (sexual relations before marriage)
Homosexual acts
Masturbation (self-pollution)
Viewing pornography or indecent images
Entertaining impure thoughts willfully
Participation in or encouragement of lewd entertainments

"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God."

— Matthew 5:8

Keeping vs. Breaking the Seventh Commandment

Chastity, Purity, and Faithfulness

Keeping the Seventh Commandment	Breaking the Seventh Commandment
Living in purity of body, mind, and heart	Committing adultery or sexual immorality
Preserving chastity before marriage	Engaging in fornication
Being faithful in marriage to one's spouse	Betraying marital vows through infidelity
Guarding the senses, especially the eyes and heart	Entertaining lustful sights, thoughts, or fantasies
Avoiding indecent songs, media, conversations	Participating in or promoting vulgarity and impurity
Fleeing from temptation through prayer and vigilance	Willfully exposing oneself to impure temptations
Seeing the body as a temple of the Holy Spirit	Defiling the body through impure acts or habits
Raising the mind to God in prayer and watchfulness	Letting the mind be enslaved to passions and desires

Commandment VIII

— You shall not steal —

Exodus 20:15; Deuteronomy 5:19

What is forbidden by the Eighth Commandment?

To steal — that is, to take or appropriate in any way what rightfully belongs to another.

What particular sins fall under this commandment?

Robbery — openly taking what belongs to another by force or violence.
Theft — secretly taking what belongs to another.
Fraud — obtaining what is another’s through deception:
- Passing off counterfeit goods or currency
- Using false weights or measures
- Concealing assets to avoid paying debts
- Failing to fulfill contracts or execute wills
- Covering for others’ dishonesty to hinder justice
Sacrilege — taking for oneself what belongs to God or the Church.
Spiritual sacrilege — obtaining sacred offices or honors through bribery or favoritism rather than worthiness.
Bribery — receiving or giving money or gifts in exchange for unjust favor:
- Appointing the unworthy
- Acquitting the guilty
- Oppressing the innocent
Extortion — using unjust or cruel means to gain from another’s need or misfortune:
- Charging usury (excessive interest)
- Overworking laborers
- Exploiting famine or disaster to raise prices unfairly

What virtues are enjoined by this commandment?

The following are required:

Impartiality — in dealings, judgment, and treatment of others.
Good faith — keeping promises, contracts, and trust.
Justice — giving everyone their rightful due.
Mercy to the poor — giving of our abundance to those in need.

Does withholding mercy from the poor violate this commandment?

Yes — if one has the means to help and does not, it is a sin of theft.

All we possess ultimately belongs to God, and He grants abundance that we may help others.

By hoarding our wealth or refusing aid, we defraud the poor of their due and withhold what God entrusted to us for their benefit.

Is there a higher virtue beyond what this commandment requires?

Yes — the virtue of voluntary poverty, or the renunciation of all property for the sake of Christ.

This is not commanded for all, but offered in the Gospel as a path of perfection.

"If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me."

— Matthew 19:21

List of Sins:

Theft — secret taking
Robbery — violent taking
Fraud and deceit in business
Usury — oppressive interest
Greed and hoarding
Bribery and corruption
Extortion and price-gouging
Withholding help from the poor when able
Appropriating Church property
Illegitimately seeking sacred positions
Wasting or destroying the goods of others

"Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give to him who has need."

— Ephesians 4:28

Keeping vs. Breaking the Eighth Commandment

Stewardship, Justice, and Love for Neighbor

Keeping the Eighth Commandment	Breaking the Eighth Commandment
Respecting others' property and boundaries	Stealing, robbing, or defrauding others
Acting justly in trade and agreements	Using deceit, false weights, or manipulation
Paying debts, wages, and dues honestly	Concealing assets, cheating workers or creditors
Treating Church property with reverence	Misusing, stealing, or profaning sacred objects
Supporting the poor with one’s abundance	Hoarding wealth or ignoring those in need
Rejecting bribery, favoritism, and corruption	Giving or accepting bribes to pervert justice
Practicing voluntary generosity	Taking advantage of others’ weakness or misfortune
Seeking positions rightly and humbly	Acquiring Church offices for gain or status

"The rich are not owners of their wealth, but stewards of what belongs to the poor. If you have received more, it is for distribution to those who lack. To withhold is theft; to hoard is robbery. What is given to you by God does not belong to you alone, but also to your needy neighbor."

— St. John Chrysostom on Almsgiving and Ownership

Homily on Lazarus and the Rich Man

"The bread in your cupboard belongs to the hungry. The cloak hanging unused in your closet belongs to the naked. The shoes rotting in your possession belong to the barefoot. The money you bury underground belongs to the poor. You wrong as many people as you fail to help."

— St. Basil the Great on Hoarding and Injustice

Homily on Avarice

Commandment IX

— You shall not bear false witness —

Exodus 20:16; Deuteronomy 5:20

What is forbidden by the Ninth Commandment?

To bear false witness, meaning to lie or deceive — especially in matters that harm our neighbor’s good name, justice, or dignity.

What is included under false witness?

Perjury in court — when someone gives false testimony, informs falsely, or brings unjust accusations before the law.
False accusations outside of court — slandering someone behind their back or blaming them to their face without just cause.

May we speak of another’s faults if they are true?

No — unless we are in a position of spiritual or legal authority, such as a priest, parent, or judge, and speak for the person’s correction, not condemnation.

The Lord commands:

"Judge not, that you be not judged."

— Matthew 7:1

Are lies ever acceptable if we do not intend harm?

No — even harmless lies are forbidden because:

They are inconsistent with Christian love and dignity,
They violate truth and trust between people,
They are unworthy of one created in the image of the God of Truth.

"Therefore, putting away lying, let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor, for we are members of one another."

— Ephesians 4:25

What rule must we follow to avoid sins of the tongue?

We must bridle the tongue — speaking only what is necessary, kind, and true.

"He who would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit."

— 1 Peter 3:10

"If anyone among you thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless."

— James 1:26

List of Sins:

Perjury — lying under oath
Lying — in any form, even casually
Slander — unjustly speaking evil of someone
Gossip — spreading damaging or unnecessary information
Betrayal of confidences — violating trust or secrecy
Deceit — misleading others by words, actions, or silence

"The Lord detests lying lips, but delights in those who are truthful."

— Proverbs 12:22

Keeping vs. Breaking the Ninth Commandment

Truthfulness and Guarding the Tongue

Keeping the Ninth Commandment	Breaking the Ninth Commandment
Speaking the truth at all times	Lying in any form, even “harmless” lies
Giving honest testimony in court	Bearing false witness, perjury, slandering
Defending others’ reputations	Spreading gossip or suspicion
Correcting others in love and authority	Judging, blaming, or condemning unjustly
Guarding confidences and secrets	Betraying trust or exposing private matters
Keeping the tongue under control	Speaking rashly, cruelly, or manipulatively
Building others up in truth and love	Causing harm by falsehood or rumor

"The tongue is a small member, yet it can set a whole forest ablaze. By it we bless God, and by it we curse men made in His image. He who cannot bridle his tongue wounds not only others but pierces his own soul. Let your mouth be a fountain of blessing, not a sword of destruction."

— St. John Chrysostom on the Power of the Tongue

Homily on James 3

"Speak only when your words are more beautiful than silence. Much talk is a doorway to sin; silence is the guardian of purity. He who delights in many words will not escape judgment, but he who keeps watch over his lips is great in the sight of the Lord."

— St. Ephraim the Syrian on Silence and Sin

Sayings of St. Ephraim, On the Tongue

Commandment X

— You shall not covet —

Exodus 20:17; Deuteronomy 5:21

"You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife. You shall not covet your neighbor’s house, nor his land, nor his man-servant, nor his maid-servant, nor his ox, nor his mule, nor anything that is your neighbor’s."

What is forbidden by the Tenth Commandment?

All desires, wishes, and thoughts that are contrary to love and purity toward our neighbor — especially those that lead to envy, lust, and greed. Why are we forbidden not only evil deeds, but also evil thoughts and desires?

Because even thoughts and desires defile the soul and make it unworthy of God.

"The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord."

— Proverbs 15:26

"Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God."

— 2 Corinthians 7:1

Because evil actions begin with evil desires, like seeds producing fruit.

"For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies; these are the things which defile a man."

— Matthew 15:19–20

"Each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death."

— James 1:14–15

What sin lies at the heart of unlawful desire?

Envy — the sorrow or agitation we feel when we see the good of another. What is forbidden by the words, You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife? All lustful desires, impure thoughts, and inward adultery, even if no external act follows.

"Anyone who looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart."

— Matthew 5:28

What is forbidden by the words, "You shall not covet your neighbor’s house... nor anything that is your neighbor’s"?

All thoughts of:

Avarice (desire for riches or possessions),
Ambition (desire to have what others have out of pride or status-seeking),
Discontent (dissatisfaction with one's God-given lot in life).

What positive virtues does the Tenth Commandment call us to cultivate?

Purity of heart — rejecting not only sinful acts, but sinful thoughts and intentions.
Contentment — accepting with thanksgiving the portion that God has given us.

"Godliness with contentment is great gain."

— 1 Timothy 6:6

What is indispensable for cleansing and guarding the heart?

The frequent, reverent, and heartfelt invocation of the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

"Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner." — This prayer, repeated often, extinguishes sinful desire and fills the heart with grace.

List of Sins:

Envy
Covetousness (wanting what belongs to others)
Lustful desire
Greed for wealth, status, or power
Ambition rooted in pride
Discontentment with one’s situation
Murmuring, complaining, or grumbling against Providence

"Do not love the world or the things in the world... For all that is in the world — the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life — is not of the Father but is of the world."

— 1 John 2:15–16

Keeping vs. Breaking the Tenth Commandment

Purity of Heart and Contentment

Keeping the Tenth Commandment	Breaking the Tenth Commandment
Desiring only what is pure and God-pleasing	Desiring what belongs to another
Rejoicing in others' blessings	Envying others' success, beauty, wealth, or spouse
Being content with your own life and station	Being dissatisfied and resentful about your condition
Guarding the heart through prayer and watchfulness	Entertaining lustful or ambitious thoughts
Thanking God for your lot in life	Murmuring or grumbling against Divine Providence
Living simply and gratefully	Craving wealth, fame, or possessions out of greed

"Strive to enter the treasury within you, and you will see the heavenly treasures. For the same door that leads to the kingdom is the one that lies within you: it is your heart. Cleanse it of sin and desire, and there you will behold Christ. The man who keeps watch over his thoughts is greater than the one who raises the dead."

— St. Isaac the Syrian on Guarding the Heart

Homily 2, St. Isaac the Syrian

"The first struggle we must engage is against carnal thoughts and desires — the origin of every visible sin. If we fail to expel them at the root, they will grow into actions and then into habits. He who conquers desire in his heart will find peace in all his external actions."

— St. John Cassian on Thoughts and Purity

Conferences, Book 5, On the Eight Principal Faults

Why this quote fits: It teaches that every act of theft, envy, or lust begins with undisciplined inward desire — exactly what the Tenth Commandment forbids.

"Do not say, 'I am not disturbed by money,' when you still take pleasure in owning it. The heart is tested not only by what it does, but by what it desires. Renounce not only possessions, but also the attachment to them. For a man may be poor in belongings and yet rich in covetousness."

— St. John Climacus (The Ladder of Divine Ascent)

Ladder of Divine Ascent, Step 17: On Poverty

Why this quote fits: It clarifies that covetousness is not about outward wealth, but about the inner attachment, the very thing the Tenth Commandment condemns.