Fortunately up to now, all deviations from Tradition which we have described have not cut off the Orthodox churches
from their root. The tree remains alive and thriving in spite of all the
garnishes which they have added to it. The Orthodox churches have not
withered as has happened to the «churches» of the West. If you just shake
off the dust which the secular spirit has scattered upon them, you will find
the fresh leaves of the authentic Tradition. Tradition has never ceased to
live and to be in force in the sphere of Orthodoxy.
There are still monks who live Orthodox
monasticism. There are still genuine theologians who have not defiled the
truth, but keep it shining and pure, far from any alien mingling. There
are still Byzantine chanters and true bearers of the Orthodox iconographic
tradition. There are still priests like the old ones, dedicated to their
sacred function, whose constant contact with God does not permit them to be
distressed over their long beards and black robes, but rather makes these
things radiate holiness. There are still simple people who are worthy of
seeing great miracles.
The true Tradition, then -the life, the
spiritual experience, and the teaching of the Apostles and the Holy Fathers
of all ages, these imprints of the walking of the Holy Spirit in the hearts
of Christians- exists and continues alive among the living without any
break from the Apostolic times. There is a constant harmony in all the
actions of the Orthodox of all ages up to the present day, written and
unwritten; and this is the golden rule upon which everyone must measure his
thoughts and actions in order to see if he is within or out of the scope of
Orthodoxy. The outward signs might give the impression that the continuity
has been corrupted or broken, but if one looks a little further he will see
that it still blossoms and refreshes those who seek it. …
