Word on the acceptance of Severian

“The Sermon on the Acceptance of Severian” was delivered by St. John Chrysostom in Constantinople, probably in April - May 401 or 402 in connection with the reconciliation of the saint with Bishop Severian of Gabala. St. John calls on the flock to accept the bishop. Severian in the world as a brother in Christ: “Receive him with a sincere heart, with open arms. If anything regrettable has happened, forget: during peace there should be no memories of discord, so that there will be joy in heaven, joy on earth, joy and spiritual delight in the Church of God.” *The title of the work in Latin is De recipiendo Severiano. 1. Just as the head needs to be in connection with the body, so the Church - with the priest and the people - with the ruler; and just as branches need to unite with the root and rivers with sources, so sons need to connect with their father and students with their teacher. It was not in vain that we expressed this to your love, but since I need to announce something to you, [then I want to prepare you] so that later no one will be embarrassed or somehow interrupt our speech, but so that the obedience of the disciples will increase in you and it will be clear what kind of disposition you have towards your father. Adorn me, children, and place on me the crown of your obedience, make everyone consider me blessed and glorify my teaching with your obedience, according to the admonition of the apostle, who says: “Obey your teachers and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls” (Heb. 13:17). This I proclaim beforehand, lest anyone should neglect our admonition. I am a father and I need to give advice to children; What the nature of the flesh does in carnal fathers, the grace of the Spirit does in us. I am a father, and I am extremely caring for my children, so much so that I am ready to shed my blood for you. And this is not my merit, this is the apostolic law and the commandment of the Lord, who says: “The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11). And you do the same for us, since you are attached to us with the same love. So also Paul, hear what he says: “Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who laid down their lives for my life” (Rom. 16:3-4). Truly, just as it is wonderful for a shepherd to be slain for the sheep, it is just as wonderful for the sheep not to be separated from the shepherd in death itself; if they are inseparable with him, they will not be afraid of the wolf - the devil. The wall of love is stronger than adamant. “A brother who helps his brother is like a strong and high city” (Prov. 18:19). I began my speech with this, so that you would listen with love to what we say, and so that none of you would become indignant. We are talking about a matter that is worthy to talk about in the Church and which is worthy to listen to willingly. We are talking to you about peace. And what becomes a priest of God if not to dispose the people towards peace? There is no contradiction where the embassy is sacred and the ambassador is courteous. We are talking about peace for which the Son of God descended to earth in order to reconcile with his blood not only what is on earth, but also what is in heaven, and to unite earthly with heavenly. We are talking about the world for which the Son of God suffered, for which He was nailed to the cross and buried. He left us peace instead of any inherited property and gave it to the Church instead of walls, He placed it as a shield against the devil, He armed us with it as a sword against demons; in the world He showed the faithful a calm haven and in it He gave us a means to propitiate God and a way to cleanse our sins. I have come to you as an intercessor for this peace. Do not cover me with shame, do not dishonor my embassy; agree with me, I ask you. There have already been many sad events in the Church, I confess to God; but I do not approve of disturbances, I do not like riots. Let's leave it at that; stop, calm down, pacify your spirit, curb your anger; The Church has already suffered enough; let there be an end, let the unrest end. This is pleasing to God and pleasing to the pious sovereign. One must also obey kings, especially when they themselves obey church laws; if the apostle says: “submit to the rulers and authorities” (Titus 3:1), then how much more so to a pious king who cares about the Church? So, if I have prepared your souls to receive my embassy, ​​then accept our brother, Severian the bishop. Thank you for accompanying my speech with praise. You give me the fruits of obedience; Now I rejoice that I sowed good seed, because now I am gathering sheaves of wheat. May the Lord reward you for your favor and obedience! Now you have made a true sacrifice of peace to God, because upon hearing this name, no one was indignant, but you accept it with love, and as soon as we uttered the word, you immediately expelled all anger from your soul. Accept him with a sincere heart, with open arms. If something unfortunate has happened, forget: during peace there should be no memories of discord, so that there will be joy in heaven, joy on earth, joy and spiritual delight in the Church of God. However, let us pray that God will be pleased to preserve the Church in peace, to grant her firm and continuous peace, in Christ Jesus our Lord, with whom to God the Father, with the Holy Spirit, be glory forever and ever. Amen.