National Flags in Churches (Teachings of the Orthodox Church) Christianity. Orthodoxy. Catholicism. Sense of life. Articles for Christians.
I tell you, my friends, don't be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.                But I will warn you whom you should fear. Fear him, who after he has killed, has power to cast into Gehenna. Yes, I tell you, fear him.                Aren't five sparrows sold for two assaria coins? Not one of them is forgotten by God.                But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Therefore don't be afraid. You are of more value than many sparrows.                I tell you, everyone who confesses me before men, him will the Son of Man also confess before the angels of God;                but he who denies me in the presence of men will be denied in the presence of the angels of God.               
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National Flags in Churches (Teachings of the Orthodox Church)
   

QUESTION:

What is the orthodox position concerning flags (e.g., the American flag) in churches?

ANSWER:

To my knowledge, there is no restriction against an American flag in church, even though there are many who seem to object to this. It is only my guess, but it seems that in many places during the McCarthy era -- and in some places even earlier -- American flags began to appear in some parishes as a way to downplay accusations that Russian-Americans were not "Soviets" or "communists." I remember as a kid during that era that there were a number of people who "americanized" their names, placed an American flag in our church, etc. because there were accusations that the "Russian" parish was "communist." Most, if not all, of the new parishes organized after that era seem to be flagless, however.

Before one makes a categorical judgment against such things, it would be wise to trace the origin of the practice. It may seem a bit purposeless today, since McCarthyism is not the reality any more, but those older parishioners who did endure negative experiences during that period well remember what things were like "back then." Of course, I am not speaking in favor of the use of American or other national flags, but I do think that the issue, in some parishes, would need to be approached with some sensitivity as to why those flags may have appeared in the first place.








Published in January 2011.









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