"The Father's Blessing Establishes the Children's Homes"

(Sir 3:9). God especially preserves the life and arranges for the well-being of those who honor parents on earth; and, as a reward for the accomplished virtue, grants immortal and blessed life in the Heavenly Fatherland.

554. WHY ARE PARENTS MENTIONED FIRST OF ALL IN THE COMMANDMENTS ABOUT LOVE FOR ONE'S NEIGHBOR?

In the commandments, which prescribe love for one's neighbor, parents are mentioned first of all, because parents, naturally, are closest to us.

555. WHOM, BESIDES PARENTS, SHOULD WE HONOR?

In the fifth commandment, the name of parents should be understood as all those who in various respects are for us instead of parents.

556. WHO CAN BE FOR US INSTEAD OF OUR PARENTS?

Instead of parents for us, there are: the Fatherland, because it is a great family, in which the Tsar is the father, and the subjects are the children of the Tsar and the Fatherland; spiritual pastors and teachers, because by teaching and the Sacraments they give birth to us into spiritual life and educate us in it; older in age; Benefactors; superiors in various respects.

557. HOW DOES HOLY SCRIPTURE SPEAK ABOUT REVERENCE FOR THE SOVEREIGN?

The Holy Scriptures speak of reverence for the Tsar as follows:

"Let every soul be subject to the superior authorities: for there is no authority except from God; but the existing authorities are established by God. Therefore he who resists authority resists God's decree."

(Romans 13:1-2).

«Потому надобно повиноваться не только из страха наказания, но и по совести»

(Рим. 13:5).