About Saint Stephen Orthodox Cathedral
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Welcome to Saint Stephen Orthodox Cathedral in Philadelphia. We believe that the Bible is the Word of God, fully inspired and without error in the original manuscripts, written by men under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and that it has supreme authority in all matters of faith and conduct. The Bible, including all the books of the Old Testament and New Testament, is Holy Scripture and the inspired true word of God. It is fully authoritative and our only absolutely trustworthy guide for life and faith. We believe that eternal life in heaven is the reward of all who believe and receive Christ as their Lord.
God's gospel originates in and demonstrates the holy love of the eternal, triune God. We believe in one God, Creator of all things, holy, infinitely perfect, and eternally existing in a loving unity of three equally divine Persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This one God, all-knowing and all-powerful, has, in love and grace, purposed from eternity to redeem a people for Himself and to restore His fallen creation for His own glory.
About Observance: We believe that the church is governed by Christ's laws, exercises the gifts He gives through the Holy Spirit, serves one another in love, and seeks to extend the gospel to the ends of the earth. We believe that the local church meets on the Lord's Day, the first day of the week, in observance of Christ's resurrection
About Separation of Church and State: We believe that each local church is self-governing, and must be free from interference by any external ecclesiastical or political authority; that every human being is ultimately responsible to God in matters of faith and life; and that each person is free to worship God according to the dictates of his/her conscience. We further believe that governments are established by God; that Christians, as good citizens, should be subject to governing authorities insofar as possible, recognizing our greater allegiance to God and His kingdom in matters wherein human authorities conflict with clear, biblical mandates.
