Even if only twelve remain, we will not abandon the truth

The author reflects on the origins of Christianity, noting that Jesus Christ began His Church with a small group of ordinary apostles who left everything to follow Him. They faced persecution, imprisonment, beatings, and many gave their lives rather than deny what they knew to be true. They did not alter the Gospel to gain worldly acceptance. Almost two thousand years later, the Orthodox Church continues to confess the same Jesus Christ, the same Holy Trinity, and the apostolic faith preserved through the Holy Fathers, the Ecumenical Councils, and generations of faithful Christians.

Throughout history, countless martyrs chose death rather than renounce Christ. Monks defended the faith during times of heresy. Bishops endured exile and imprisonment. Ordinary believers kept praying even when churches were closed and Christianity was persecuted.

They understood that truth is not determined by how many people believe it. Even if the whole world turns against the teachings of Christ, His words remain true. Defending the faith also means living it. There is no victory in arguing about Orthodoxy while allowing pride, hatred, and bitterness to rule the heart.

The truth must be defended with courage but lived with humility, repentance, and love. The Church does not need to become like the world to survive; it needs to remain faithful to Christ. Even if only a handful remained, the responsibility would be the same: never deny Christ, never trade the truth for acceptance, never abandon the faith handed down to us.