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Title: True Orthodoxy and the Spirit of Sectarianism
Author: Archbishop John (Shakhovsky) of San Francisco
It is a mistake to assume that all those who call themselves Orthodox truly embody the spirit of Orthodoxy, just as it is wrong to view all sectarians as fully estranged from it. Today, we often encounter individuals who, though Orthodox in name, behave like sectarians in spirit — clinging rigidly to dogma, passing judgment with spiritual pride, and lacking the love and humility that define true Christianity. Conversely, some sectarians, while rejecting Orthodox doctrine or tradition, demonstrate a deep and sincere love for Christ, radiating brotherhood and humility.
This mixture of spirit and label within modern Christianity complicates discussions of interfaith relations. While sectarians may misunderstand Orthodoxy, we Orthodox often fail to practice our faith faithfully or to understand those outside our communion — many of whom strive sincerely to follow Christ.
The divisive human mind, corrupted by pride and unrenewed by the Holy Spirit, is the source of sectarianism — regardless of denomination. We claim to possess the fullness of truth in our Orthodox tradition, and while this may be true doctrinally, we often fail to live it. Too often, Orthodoxy becomes a badge of pride rather than a lived expression of humility and love. In this way, some sectarians may live more truly in the spirit of Orthodoxy than many who formally profess it.
Orthodoxy is not a privilege or a reason for arrogance; it is a path of repentance, humility, and transformation. It should be a living fire — one that either purifies or consumes. If we are not transformed by it, we risk becoming unworthy of the very truth we profess.
Sectarianism, in many cases, is an attempt — often misguided — to find the spirit of true faith. It may circle around Orthodoxy without fully entering into it, missing dogmatic clarity but sometimes capturing the living essence of faith. As in Christ’s parable of the two sons (Matthew 21:28-31), one may outwardly deny doctrinal authority but inwardly do the will of God more faithfully than another who claims belief but fails to live it.
True Orthodoxy must shine through love, not through condemnation. We cannot defend the truth of Christ with anger, sarcasm, or violence — whether physical or verbal. The Spirit of God, which defines Orthodoxy, cannot be revealed through arguments or denunciations, but only through the humble surrender of our own will and judgment to God’s will.
A fundamental task for Orthodox Christians is to clarify doctrine and demonstrate its transforming power through life. If we truly understand that Orthodoxy is a “terrible fire,” akin to the Holy Mysteries, we will tremble before it, recognizing that it demands inner renewal.
Sectarianism, then, is not merely a theological error, but often a symptom of spiritual thirst — a misguided journey toward what believers instinctively seek: the living truth of God. Often, their misdirection is due more to our failures — clergy and laity alike — than to their own rebellion. The presence of sectarianism among the people may indicate not their departure from truth, but their longing for it. That longing, if genuine, is in itself a form of Orthodoxy.
Even within monasteries and clergy, Orthodoxy can be undermined by pride, corruption, and worldliness. The 20th-century Russian Revolution exposed not only the weakness of some in the Orthodox clergy but also highlighted the courageous witness of many martyred priests and faithful.
To use Orthodoxy as a tool of judgment rather than salvation is a profound error. We might recite the Creed daily, venerate icons, and attend services faithfully yet miss the spirit behind it all — the spirit of Christ. Meanwhile, others outside the formal boundaries of Orthodoxy may live in humble love, self-sacrifice, and sincere devotion to the Lord. Which of these, the letter or the spirit, is more pleasing to God?
Orthodoxy must never be a weapon. It should not be used to condemn outsiders or exalt ourselves. Instead, the fullness of truth entrusted to us must be offered humbly, joyfully, and lovingly. Just as Jesus rebuked the disciples who wished to exclude those “not walking with us” (Luke 9:49), we too must recognize the work of God’s Spirit wherever it bears fruit.
Those who truly love and follow Christ — wherever they are found — are our brothers. We must judge no one harshly but ourselves. The only sin that cannot be forgiven is that which resists the Holy Spirit, which is love itself. Those who deny the faith in spirit — through hatred, pride, or ind
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