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Bishops and marriage

Unknown
edited December 1969 in Coptic Orthodox Church
I am pretty sure this was a past topic...

What were the events and trends in history that has led to the current position of Bishops being first monks (and thus celibrate).

Comments

  • torabtorab
    cause the fathers said it would be better if a bishop is not married cause so he can concentrate on his schusrch and doesnt have the problems at home with wife and childrens....thats the main reason to keep it brief
  • Anglican
    Dear Thomas,

    Αριψαλιν is correct. It has been the tradition of the Church back to Apostolic times. A bishop gives himself wholly to his people, he has no time for another love - just God and his flock - a huge responsibility for any man.

    Our own bishop in the British Orthodox Church, Abba Seraphim of Glastonbury, gives so much so often that one sees in practice the wisdom of the Church in having this practice; he is truly married to the Church. I stand amazed at what he, and other bishops, do for us; and without the comfort that a wife can provide: awesome men!

    In Christ,

    John
  • jydeaconjydeacon
    Anglian and Aripsalin are correct, bishops must be celibate and monks first before they are ordained. they must be married to the church for the reasons they mentioned.
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