Children

I would like to share with you something very close to the heart of the Orthodox Church: our duty to protect children and all who are vulnerable. This is not only a moral responsibility, but a command from our Lord Himself.

Jesus welcomed children with love. When His disciples tried to turn them away, Jesus said: “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 19:14). In the Orthodox Church, we believe children are precious gifts of God, and they must be nurtured in faith, love, and safety.

Harming children is a grave sin. Jesus also gave a very strong warning: “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened round his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea” (Matthew 18:6). This shows the seriousness with which God views the protection of children.

The vulnerable must be defended. The Bible often speaks of God’s care for the weak. “Learn to do good; seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow” (Isaiah 1:17). The Church sees this as a command to stand up for those who cannot protect themselves.

Our example is Christ the Good Shepherd. Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11). Just as He watches over us with love, we are called to watch over the little ones and those who are at risk, guarding them from those who would cause harm.

Protecting children is part of keeping the faith. Saint Paul reminds us to “stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught” (2 Thessalonians 2:15). One of those traditions is to live out the love of Christ in our daily lives. To guard the innocent is to live faithfully as Christians, for love “does no wrong to a neighbor” (Romans 13:10).

The holy Orthodox Church teaches that we must always protect children and the vulnerable from harm. To do this is to follow the command of Christ, to reflect His love, and to preserve the faith He entrusted to us.

With love in Christ,
Fr. Charles

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