559. HOW DOES HOLY SCRIPTURE SPEAK ABOUT REVERENCE FOR PASTORS AND SPIRITUAL TEACHERS?

The Holy Scriptures say the following about reverence for pastors and spiritual teachers:

"Obey your leaders and be obedient: for they are vigilant over your souls, as those who are obliged to give an account; that they do this with joy, and not with sighing: for it is not profitable for you."

(Hebrews 13:17).

560. HOW DOES HOLY SCRIPTURE SPEAK ABOUT REVERENCE FOR THE ELDERLY?

In the Holy Scriptures there is a special instruction to honor the elders, as well as parents. The Apostle Paul writes to the Apostle Timothy:

"Do not reproach the elder, but exhort him as a father; the younger ones as brothers; old women as mothers; young as sisters"

(1 Tim. 5:1-2).

"Rise up before the gray-haired man, and honor the face of the old man, and fear (the Lord) your God"

(Lev 19:32).

561. HOW DOES HOLY SCRIPTURE SPEAK ABOUT REVERENCE FOR BENEFACTORS?

To make sure that benefactors should be honored as parents, we can see the example of the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, Who obeyed Joseph, despite the fact that Joseph was not His father, but only His educator (see Luke 2:51).

562. WHO ELSE SHOULD BE REVERED LIKE PARENTS?

These are those who take care of our pious upbringing, that is, teachers and instructors; who protect us from disorder and disorder in society, i.e., civil leaders; those who protect us from offense by the force of the laws, i.e., judges; those to whom the Tsar entrusts the preservation and protection of public safety from enemies, i.e., military commanders.

563. HOW DOES HOLY SCRIPTURE SPEAK ABOUT REVERENCE FOR THOSE IN AUTHORITY?

The Holy Scriptures say about duties in relation to superiors of various kinds:

"Give to everyone what is due: to whom to give, to give; to whom a tribute, a tribute; to whom is fear, fear; to whom honor, honor"

(Romans 13:7).