On the other hand, their beliefs were so different that it is impossible to present their mutually exclusive concepts as a single and integral stream of Christian truths. I think that if Russell were alive today, he would not be able to become even an "unbaptized publisher" in your organization. The beliefs of the early "Jehovah's Witnesses" and the modern "theology" of the "Jehovah's Witnesses" contain mutually exclusive and contradictory concepts and ideas.

The true Church has always been and is: "... The Church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the Truth" (1 Tim. 3:15). "Affirmation of the Truth", and not mutually contradictory opinions. When the Church makes a doctrinal or disciplinary decision, she does not speak in a speculative and vague way. On the contrary, its position is concrete and expressed with the authorities. Bearing witness to their faith, the Apostles said: "In this we are witnesses to Him, and the Holy Spirit, Whom God has given to them that obey Him" (Acts 5:32); and again: "For it is pleasing to the Holy Spirit and to us..." (Acts 15:28).

The authority of the Church is unique and inimitable, extending from earth to heaven: "And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven" (Matthew 16:19). That is why Christ said: "... tell the church; and if he will not listen to the church, let him be to you as a heathen and a publican" (Matt. 18:17).

There is an ancient saying: "To whom the Church is not a mother, God is not a Father" (Cyprian of Carthage). Jehovah's Witness: I want to offer you a text from the Bible. I wonder how you interpret it. "For I know that after my departure grievous wolves will enter in among you, not sparing the flock; and men will arise from among yourselves, speaking perversely, in order to draw away disciples after them.

Therefore watch, remembering that for three years I have been teaching each one of you day and night without ceasing with tears. And now I commit you, brethren, to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to edify you more, and to give you an inheritance with all those who are sanctified" (Acts 20:29-32). Here it is said that at the end of the apostolic age, a spirit of apostasy from the truth will enter the church.

Then it will be necessary to pay more attention to the Scriptures. Up. Paul says: "Now I commit you, brethren, to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to edify you more." It is known that Emperor Constantine played the role of chairman at the Council of Nicaea, actively led the course of discussions. In reverence for the emperor, the bishops, with the exception of only two, recognized and signed the creed, although for many of them this meant going against their convictions.

But it is known that Constantine never refused to worship the Sun and continued to mint its image on his coins. And the day before his death, he made a sacrifice to Zeus in accordance with the title of Pontifex Maximus. Do you call it, in my opinion, "Equal-to-the-Apostles"? As you can see, we also try to study the history of Christianity. Orthodox: Have you read the speeches of the Emperor Constantine at the Council, his letters to Arius? Jehovah's Witness: No.

Orthodox: Then I will allow myself to read some of the excerpts from his letters and speeches: "What more will I say with my poorly prepared speech, except that my soul, redeemed by His blood, must remain pure." From this text we see his humility and deep hope in the significance of the redemptive sacrifice of the Blood of the Son of God. "Providence!

What a wound it has inflicted on my heart to learn that there have been disagreements among yourselves, far more important than in Africa, that you, through whom I hoped to give medicine to others, are yourself in need of much greater healing." Here we see how genuinely concerned he was about the disorders in the Christian church and their consequences for the cause of spreading the gospel.

As he sang of Christian love: "This house of the Lord is guarded by two guards: on the one hand, the fear of God for the correction of the thoughts of some people, on the other hand, for the sober-minded, the ever-present love of God, this reward of wisdom." It is difficult to imagine that having such statements, a person was renounced Christian principles and concepts and allowed to preside over the Ecumenical Council in Nicaea.

The significance of the Seven Ecumenical Councils was also emphasized in biblical prophecies: "Wisdom built herself a house, hewn out its seven pillars" (Proverbs 9:1); "And he cried out with a loud voice, like a lion roaring; and when he cried out, then the seven thunders spoke with their voices" (Rev. 10:3). But let us return to our discussion of the Church. I spoke about the continuity of true Christianity, which for me is identical with the concept of Orthodoxy.

Now I would like to say about the importance of such a concept as ordination. A lawful, properly ordained priesthood, which has succession from the apostles, is a guarantee of the continuity and truth of the Christian assembly (Church).   3. Orthodox Ordination: I know that you do not have ordination as such. I think this circumstance puts you in a contradictory position in relation to those biblical texts that speak of ordination.

The Bible teaches that through ordination the spirit of wisdom and the right to command (to rule over the people of God) are given: "And Joshua the son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom, because Moses laid his hands on him, and the children of Israel obeyed him, and did as the Lord commanded Moses" (Deuteronomy 34:9). Through the ordination, the grace of God was given, and this order was established by God Himself: "And the Lord said to Moses, 'Take to you Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom there is the Spirit, and lay your hand on him...

and give him of thy glory, that all the congregation of the children of Israel may hear him" (Num. 27:18,20). St. the apostles were called to service by the Lord Himself, and He Himself gave them the authority to perform the Sacraments: "Jesus said to them a second time, Peace be unto you! as the Father has sent me, so do I send you. And when he had said this, he breathed, and said unto them, Receive ye the Holy Spirit" (John 20:21-22); "At last he appeared to the eleven themselves, who were reclining at the supper...