When Blessed Polycarp paid a visit to Rome in Anicetus’ time, though they had minor differences [on the day on which Easter should be celebrated], they at once made peace, having no desire to quarrel on this point.
Anicetus could not persuade Polycarp not [to break the Lentern fast on the same day as the Jewish Passover], since he had always done so with John the disciple of our Lord and the other Apostles with whom he had been familiar. Nor did Polycarp persuade Anicetus to keep [the Jewish Passover]: Anicetus said he must stick to [celebrating Easter on the Sunday, the day of the resurrection], the practice of the presbyters before him. Though the position was such, they remained in communion with each other, and in church Anicetus made way for Polycarp to celebrate the Eucharist [on the 14 Nisan] – out of respect, obviously.
They parted company in peace, and the whole Church was at peace, both those who kept the day and those who did not.
-Letter from Irenaeus to Pope Victor (2nd Century AD)
I would just like to post the above in response to my previous post on some Chinese Christians celebrating Jewish festivals. I doubt they have direct Apostolic sucession back to the Apostle John, but nevertheless eireine if they wish to do this. The Christians in China, in terms of practicing their faith, have far worse problems.
In your link you write:
‘So I am indeed blessed, and though I hunger for the next time I can approach the altar, at least I am able to freely and without fear of retribution from any other man. Until then I will continue to pray and do “the small things” that the saints have taught us. Most especially I will pray for those who are denied their right to sincerely approach the chalice and partake in Christ’s sacrifice to all mankind.’
Here in the West we are really lucky in this respect: though we have problems of our own, of a different kind, we do have the freedom to worship. I shall pray for those very same intentions too.
Paul (flying finn)
Comment by Flying Finn — July 22, 2007 @ 6:15 pm
Of course there is also this, Apostolic Canon LXX.
“If any bishop, presbyter, or deacon, or any one of the list of clergy, keeps fast or festival with the Jews, or receives from them any of the gifts of their feasts, as unleavened bread, any such things, let him be deposed. If he be a layman, let him be excommunicated.”
Comment by 執事尼古拉 — August 7, 2007 @ 2:57 am
Fr. Deacon Nikolai,
You are right to bring up the Apostolic Canon, thank you for the correction. Of course “If he be a layman, let him be excommunicated.” applies to my friend, but would she even disagree with that? The people I am speaking of are not members of the Church, and so are not in communion with us as their natural state. Yet they still have a faith in Christ - something which cannot be ignored.
This is not to say they are alright as they are, but to say that any correction I would be forward enough to give them would be misplaced. They’re not a part of the Church so criticizing them for not following her is wrong, I believe. Better to attract them to the Church first. This is why their faith and love of God is important - they are on their first step to entering the Church. I see all heterodox as Cathecumens
Comment by JMC1 — August 10, 2007 @ 11:44 am
Oh, I meant to say that there was this, but that they would probably not even know of the Ecumenical councils, let alone the canons of the Early Church. So I do agree with your points, I just wanted to also back up your initial comment. There is right and there is wrong, but sometimes compassion is even more important.
Comment by 執事尼古拉 — August 11, 2007 @ 10:55 pm
Thank you Father Deacon.
Comment by JMC — August 12, 2007 @ 4:28 am