Jeorge
Instagram
Why Orthodox Christians Call Priests 'Father' Despite Matthew 23:9
The video addresses the common objection to Orthodox Christians calling priests "father" based on Jesus' words in Matthew 23:9. It explains that the same passage also forbids the title "teacher," yet people universally use that word for educators and call their biological fathers "father." This shows Jesus was not issuing a blanket ban on vocabulary but warning religious leaders who sought honor, titles, and the best seats out of pride.
The apostles themselves employed father language. Paul writes to the Corinthians that though they may have many teachers, they have not many fathers, adding, "In Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel." He also calls Timothy "my true son in the faith." This pattern establishes spiritual fatherhood as a biblical concept.
Orthodox Christians call their priest "father" not because he stands above God but because, like Paul, he gives birth to them in the faith. The priest baptizes, hears confession, and feeds the faithful with the body and blood of Christ, acting as a spiritual father. A good priest knows the title is not about himself; the only true Father is in heaven.
Key moments
- 0:00 Jesus said "Call no one on earth your father" in Matthew 23, but the same chapter also says "Do not be called teacher," yet people call teachers teacher and their own dad father, showing Jesus was not banning a word.
- 0:00 Jesus was warning religious leaders who loved titles, honor, and the best seats; he was talking about pride.
- 0:30 The apostles used father language; Paul writes to the Corinthians that they may have many teachers but not many fathers, and says "In Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel."
- 0:30 Paul calls Timothy "my true son in the faith."
- 0:30 That is why Orthodox call priests father: not because he is above God, but because like Paul he gives birth to them in the faith.
- 1:04 The priest baptizes, hears confession, and feeds with the body and blood of Christ; he is a spiritual father.
- 1:04 A good priest knows the title is not about him; the only true father is in heaven.