A Message from our Patriarch;
Bishop +Symeon John
Greetings in the blessed name of Jesus,The COC is now approaching her 5th anniversary on October 15th, 2003. When we began making plans for the COC almost 6 years ago, all we had were hopes and what we felt was a vision from the Holy Spirit. Today, with the work of a great many people, we are much more than a dream, we are a living and functioning community of believers around the world. Although most of our parishes are still small, we continue to add to our numbers through conversions and baptism. Making disciples, is now, and has always, been a central part of our vision. Although our website contains an introduction to us, there is so much more to the great journey that we are on.
In 2002 the COC began preparations for the production of a monthly newsjournal that would educate our members and help those who wanted to know about us. The ICON began monthly publication with the March 2003 edition. The ICON contains articles about Doctrine, Health, Church Practice, Religious Archeology, Politics, Relationships, Church News and other exciting and relevant items. I encourage you to click the link to the ICON right now and begin your subscription and passport into the world of revival in the church today.
For those of you who are investigating the possibility of entering ministry in the COC, then we encourage you to subscribe to the ICON and to order our Ordination Orientation Packet. The packet contains all of the forms that you need to begin your journey, plus a comprehensiev explanation of the ministry world inside the COC. If you are thinking about ordained ministry in the COC, then by all means order both the ICON and the Orientation Packet by going to the COC Product Order Page.
Now is not the time to shrink back from our task of preparing the way for our Lords return. In a day and age when there are no moral standards, even in the so caled 'church', we must not allow ourselves to conform to the liberal and sinful ways of others. According to surveys of 'born again' believers, only about 1/3rd declare a belief in absolute moral standards. Is it any wonder that society is in the bad shape that it is, when the church has lost her salt?
The COC has a courageous mission in front of her. Those who join the COC are proud to know that God has chosen the COC for a vital destiny in the end time church. Getting the COC off the ground has not been easy, it has included many stumblings, but yet we have prevailed with the power of the Holy Spirit. I invite you to join with us in this great quest to defeat the works of the evil one. Our churches contain people from all walks of life, those who are educated, those who are not, those who own their own businesses, and those who are looking for work. Jesus said that the harvest was great, but that the workers were few. That is so true, and ever more so as the world declines in moral values.
This is a great opportunity for you. People come across an opportunity like this perhaps only once in a lifetime. The COC has already been through some of the hardest years as we have struggled to lay a foundation. Now that the foundation has been laid, we must be about accomplishing the great work that we are called to. The early and large mistakes have already been made. The future has been paved with our blood and sweat, now we begin the process of accomplishing what He called us to. You still have an opportunity get in on the ground floor, to have access to the bishops and those who have allowed God to mold them into the leaders of this movement. You can learn from our mistakes, and yet build upon the foundation that has been prepared for you. Together, we can prophetically proclaim the coming of our Lord.
If you want a lukewarm church, then the COC will disappoint you. We don't use small language. Small language and dreams are for those with small minds and small faith. Big dreams and big faith are for prophets, apostles and true believers in Christ and His purpose. We are not here to engage in useless arguements about different church practices. The Bible, Canons, early church fathers and Holy Tradition are clear on those. We are here to get a job done. Let the small minded argue about such things, we desire the Spirit and to accomplish our destinies. Join with us, as we prepare the way!
