St. Francis of Assisi (Teachings of the Orthodox Church) Christianity. Orthodoxy. Catholicism. Sense of life. Articles for Christians.
If I speak with the languages of men and of angels, but don't have love, I have become sounding brass, or a clanging cymbal.                If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but don't have love, I am nothing.                If I dole out all my goods to feed the poor, and if I give my body to be burned, but don't have love, it profits me nothing.                Love is patient and is kind; love doesn't envy. Love doesn't brag, is not proud, doesn't behave itself inappropriately, doesn't seek its own way, is not provoked, takes no account of evil; doesn't rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will be done away with.               
English versionChristian Portal

Christian Resources

Vote!

 
St. Francis of Assisi (Teachings of the Orthodox Church)
   

QUESTION:

Whilst surfing the web I noticed that New Skete Monastary is offering what appear to be icons of Francis and Hilary of Assisi.

Are these two people Orthodox Saints?

If not, is it proper for an Orthodox monastary to be selling icons of them? Could that not fall under leading other faithful to stumble? or am I just raising problems over nothing?

ANSWER:

Thank you for your enquiry. I checked out the New Skete web site and indeed they have made available icon cards of Francis of Assisi and Clare.

While it may appear odd that an Orthodox monastery would be selling icons of individuals who are not listed on the Orthodox calendar of saints, I am not sure that the appearance of such products will "lead someone astray," as you suggest. [Quite honestly, one could think of dozens of other things that could be dangerous to one's soul and salvation, and these would not include a card with the image and prayer of Francis of Assisi printed thereon.]

By way of background, the New Skete Monastic Community was for years before entering Orthodox Christianity, a Byzantine Rite Franciscan community, so at least one can consider this to be the reason they make cards of St Francis or St Clare available to the public.

I might also add that there have been occasional comparisons made by some Orthodox Christians between Francis of Assisi and Seraphim of Sarov.

Another way to look at this: New Skete's site also advertises cheesecakes and books on raising dogs; this in no way implies that Orthodox Christianity has an official policy on desserts or pets, or that the Orthodox Church promotes the eating of cheesecake as opposed to chocolate pie.

Please do not think that I am being glib here, because I certainly am not. I do hope, however, that I have provided a different angle from which to view your concern.






Published in January 2011.









Read more Christian articles

Recommend this page to your friend!






Read also: