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| Source: pixnio.com |
"Celebrating the ideals of the Declaration of Independence is hard if you don’t believe in them."
- Anne Applebaum
'We draw our people, our strength, from every country and every corner of the world."
- Ronald Reagan
The Fourth of July this year is the 250th anniversary of our country. "Only" a quarter of a millennium, but still a significant number of years for the "American Experiment" to take root, grow and inspire other nations, as well as evoke a healthy patriotism in our own minds. Yet, there is no contradiction with having pride in one's country and its achievements, while at the same time acknowledging any historical "sins" that only serve to undermine the basic principles that make our country "great" among the nations of the world. As responsible and patriotic citizens, our collective role is to vigilantly promote, protect and preserve these basic principles - especially our democracy - with moral and ethical integrity.
However, I would further add: Democracy is not a religion and the Constitution is not sacred scripture. Yet, both allow for a maximum of freedom (not license) in a pluralistic society that from the beginning has not sanctioned one church or religion over another. It is important that we respect those with whom we disagree, even on such basic issues as to how we understand God and what we believe and claim with certainty as divine revelation. I firmly believe that the Gospel can withstand any form of indifference, criticism or rejection, coming from any conceivable source. We will leave all judgment in the hands of the God who is love.
All in all, I look forward to celebrating our 250th anniversary and the ideals of the Declaration of Independence, and hope and pray that those ideals can withstand any challenge that threatens them. Our future and that of our children and grandchildren depend upon that.
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The Holy Synod of Bishops has issued a statement on the 250th Anniversary of our nation's existence. There is also a "Service of Thanksgiving for the Well-being of our Nation" that has been created for that celebration. We will pray a portion of that service on Sunday during the Divine Liturgy. The link below will take you to both:
