Fr. Seraphim Rose on False Unity and the Antichrist's Preparation

The post presents two related Orthodox perspectives on the last days. The first, attributed to Fr. Seraphim Rose, warns that ecumenical expressions of unity across religions, such as a charismatic Protestant saying "It is wonderful what Jesus can do when we open ourselves to Him. No wonder people of all religions are now able to pray together," or a Pentecostal Catholic saying "The members of all religious denominations are now beginning to look beyond the walls of division and recognize the image of Jesus Christ in one another", may signal a psychological and even physical preparation for the Antichrist.

Rose cites Christ's warning in Matthew 24:23-27 against false christs and false prophets who perform signs to deceive even the elect, and John 5:43 on the one who comes in his own name. He contrasts the true Christ, who founded the Orthodox Church as the ark of salvation, with a counterfeit christ who gathers those who reject or corrupt the one Church.

The second passage, attributed to Fr. Stephen Runc, addresses the Orthodox Christian's stance toward secular authorities. While acknowledging that rulers deserve respect and prayer per Romans 13:1-7, it insists they are not the true Christian Commonwealth. The "gods" of this world serve God's providential and eschatological purposes, but the Antichrist's powers will be destroyed by the breath of Christ's mouth (2 Thess. 2:8).

The Orthodox political vision is expressed in the Divine Liturgy's prayer: "For the Christian power and the Orthodox authorities, in peace, and in all piety, guard us, O Lord, and preserve us, O Lord, and grant us peace, so that we may pass the remaining time of our life in peace and repentance." The prayer for a "Sovereign" or "President" of the world is not the King of Kings who will appear "in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory" (Matt. 24:30).