The Organizational Moral Covenant for the Orthodox Archdiocese of America’s Clergy and Members in Good Standing
As a member of the World Federation of Orthodox and Apostolic Churches and the Orthodox Archdiocese of America, I solemnly affirm and commit to uphold the following traditional Christian family values, in accordance with the ancient and Apostolic Orthodox and Catholic teachings of the Undivided Church. This covenant is a testament to our Nicene Faith, Orthodox Practice, biblical morality, and family values. I will strive to keep this covenant to the best of my ability, so help me God.
Personal Identity and Sexual Ethics:
1. I will affirm that my identity is rooted in being created in the image and likeness of God, and I will honor my body as a temple of the Holy Spirit (Genesis 1:27, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
2. I will uphold the biblical teachings on sexual purity, refraining from all forms of fornication and adultery, recognizing that sexual relations are sacred and reserved for the sanctity of marriage between one man and one woman (1 Corinthians 6:9-10, Hebrews 13:4).
Family Structure and Marriage:
3. I will honor and respect the traditional family structure as ordained by God, consisting of a lifelong, monogamous union between one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:4-6).
4. I will cherish my spouse, commit to marital fidelity, and reject any form of divorce, except in the cases explicitly permitted by the teachings of the Undivided Church (Matthew 5:32, Matthew 19:9).
5. If divorce is inevitable, I commit to a life of celibacy and chastity, as commanded by the Holy Canons and the admonitions of St. Paul (1 Corinthians 7:10-11, 1 Corinthians 7:8-9).
Children:
6. I will welcome children as a blessing from God and will raise them in the fear and admonition of the Lord, teaching them the Christian faith and values (Psalm 127:3, Ephesians 6:4).
7. I will uphold the sanctity of life from conception to natural death, unequivocally opposing abortion and euthanasia (Psalm 139:13-16, Exodus 20:13).
Communal Life:
8. I will support and participate in the life of the Church community, fostering love, unity, and mutual respect among all members (Hebrews 10:24-25, 1 Corinthians 12:25-27).
9. I will resist the secular and degrading values that contradict biblical morality, including the normalization of homosexuality and the promotion of transgender ideology, standing firm in the truth of God’s design for humanity (Romans 1:26-27, Deuteronomy 22:5).
Commitment to Biblical Morality:
10. I will live out my faith through acts of love, mercy, and justice, reflecting the light of Christ in a fallen world (Micah 6:8, Matthew 5:16).
11. I will continually seek to grow in holiness, relying on the grace of God, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and the teachings of the Holy Scriptures and the Church Fathers (1 Peter 1:15-16, 2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Final Affirmation:
I, [Name], commit myself to this membership covenant, recognizing its sacred importance in my personal life, family, and community. I will strive to live out these values faithfully, holding fast to the traditions handed down by the Apostles and the One, Holy, Catholic, Apostolic and Orthodox Church, so help me God.
Signature:
__________________________
Date:
__________________________
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This covenant has been solemnly affirmed, signed and sealed by all members of the Holy Synod, June 1st, 2024, and is recommended to all priests, deacons, minor clergy and faithful, and is to be affirmed by all individuals and organizations joining our Church, embodying our commitment to uphold the teachings and values of our holy Orthodox Christian Faith.