Experience the fullness of the Christian Faith

Christian Citizenship is in Heaven

Home
>>
Blog
>>
Christian Citizenship is in Heaven
Fr. Geoff Harvey
February 9, 2007 3:27 PM

The Letter to Diognetus was written by an unknown early Christian apologist during the time when the early Church was persecuted by the pagan Roman government. The author attacks pagan beliefs and practices as superstitious and immoral. He argues that biblical teaching is superior to pagan philosophy, because it is grounded in the divine revelation, not in human wisdom. Believers are good citizens because their moral values transcend the conventions of pagan society. Let's see what the writer of this letter believed made Chrisitans unique from the rest of society.

For Christians are not distinguished from the rest of humanity by country, language, or custom. For nowhere do they live in cities of their own, nor do they speak some unusual dialect, nor do they practice an eccentric life-style.

This teaching of theirs has not been discovered by the thought and reflection of ingenious men, nor do they promote any human doctrine, as some do. But while they live in both Greek and barbarian cities, as each one’s lot was cast, and follow the local customs in dress and food and other aspects of life, at the same time they demonstrate the remarkable and admittedly unusual character of their own citizenship.

They live in their own countries, but only as aliens; they participate in everything as citizens, and endure everything as foreigners. Every foreign country is their fatherland, and every fatherland is foreign. They marry like everyone else, and have children, but they do not expose their offspring. They share their food, but not their wives. They are “in the flesh,” but they do not live “according to the flesh.” They live on earth, but their citizenship is in heaven.

They obey the established laws; indeed in their private lives they transcend the laws. They love everyone, and by everyone they are persecuted.*

 

*The Epistle to Diognetus, in The Apostolic Fathers, ed. and rev. Michael W. Holmes (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2002), 541. In other translations see 5.1–11.

The letter to Diognetus was written by an anonymous Correspondent (c. 100–150)

Read the Epistle to Diognetus.

Blog

The Anchor of Our Hope: Faith, Perseverance, and God’s Promise
Fr. Nicholas Frazer
Fr. Nicholas Frazer
March 30, 2025 11:00 AM
In this sermon, Fr. Nicholas reflects on the encouragement found in the Epistle to the Hebrews—God’s unshakable promise and the call to faith, trust, and endurance. As the journey toward Holy Pascha continues, he highlights Abraham’s steadfast hope and Christ’s role as our Forerunner, securing salvation for all. May this message strengthen faith and anchor the soul in the hope of Christ.
Embracing the Cross: Finding Strength in Christ’s Sacrifice
Sdn Tim Grace
Sdn Tim Grace
March 23, 2025 11:00 AM
On this Third Sunday of Lent, Sub Dn. Timothy Grace reflects on the story of St. Peter and his encounter with Christ on the road from Rome—where Peter sought to flee, but Jesus walked toward sacrifice. How do we respond to our own crosses? Do we flee suffering, or do we embrace it as Christ did? Join Sub Dn. Tim as he explores the beauty and mystery of the Cross, learning to see our struggles not as burdens, but as opportunities for transformation and grace.
More...
Get involved by visiting our Facebook Page
Follow us on X.
Follow us on Instagram
@TheGoodShepherdOrthodoxChurch
Sign up to receive a regular email newsletter from Fr. Geoff.
Thank you! Please check your inbox and click the confirmation link to finish subscribing.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.