The restoration of holy icons was more than a historical event — it was the restoration of the unity of the Church itself, the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America said in its encyclical for the Sunday of Orthodoxy.
The Assembly, of which His Eminence Metropolitan Nicolae, Romanian Orthodox Metropolitan of the Americas, is a member, traditionally marks the first Sunday of Great Lent as both the Sunday of Orthodoxy and Assembly of Bishops Sunday in the United States.
Quoting Saint Paul’s First Epistle to the Corinthians, the bishops recalled the apostolic call to unity:
“In his first letter to the Corinthians, Saint Paul’s ancient plea still resonates: he calls us to be “united in the same mind and the same judgment,” leaving no room for division (1 Cor 1:10). This mandate, paired with the celebration of the Sunday of Orthodoxy, reminds us that the restoration of icons was more than a historical event—it was the restoration of Church unity itself.”
The message further emphasises the theological significance of the Triumph of Orthodoxy:
“It was the victory of faith over fear and the reality of a God incarnate over a distant deity. ”
The US bishops also highlighted the spiritual dimension of venerating icons, calling believers to recognise Christ in one another:
“Just as we honor holy icons, we are called to see the icon of Christ in one another. By standing firm like the Saints of the 8th and 9th Centuries, we move past our differences to embrace the grace that unites us in the Body of Christ.”
Marking Assembly of Bishops Sunday alongside the Sunday of Orthodoxy, the hierarchs encouraged faithful engagement with the Assembly’s work:
“As we celebrate Assembly of Bishops Sunday – along with the Sunday of Orthodoxy – we encourage you all to learn about the Ministries of the Assembly as well as to support our sincere efforts for Orthodox Christian Unity through the steadfast and generous gifts of your time, talent, and treasure.”
The Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States was established to foster cooperation and unity among Orthodox jurisdictions in North America.
Photo: Facebook / The Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America
