The Church’s use of Anathema

Extract from: The Kursk-Root Icon: A Miracle in Our Times

The Word “Anathema” and its Meaning by Saint John of San Francisco

In the acts of the Councils and the further course of the New Testament Church of Christ, the word “anathema” came to mean complete separation from the Church. “The Catholic and Apostolic Church anathematises,” “let him be anathema,” “let it be anathema,” means a complete tearing away from the Church. While in cases of “separation from the communion of the Church” and other epitimia or penances laid on a person, the person himself remained a member of the Church, even though his participation in her Grace-filled life was limited, those given over to anathema were thus completely torn away from her until their repentance. Realising that she is unable to do anything for their salvation, in view of their stubbornness and hardness of heart, the earthly Church lifts them up to the judgement of God.

Anathema is not final damnation: until death repentance is possible. “Anathema” is fearsome not because the Church wishes evil on anyone or because God seeks their damnation. They desire that all be saved. But it is fearsome to stand before the presence of God in the state of hardened evil: nothing is hidden from Him.

What is an Anathema? by Saint Theophan the Recluse

The Church excommunicates, expels from her midst (when it is said, “Anathema to so-and-so,” that means the same thing as, “So-and-so: get out”), or anathematises for the same reason that any society does. She is obliged to do this out of self-preservation and to preserve her children from destruction. Therefore there is nothing blame-worthy or incomprehensible about this present Rite. If anyone fears the act of anathema, let him avoid the teachings that cause one to fall under it. If anyone fears it for others, let him restore them to sound teaching. If you are Orthodox and yet you are not well disposed toward this act, then you are found to be contradicting yourself. But if you have already abandoned sound doctrine, then what business is it of yours what is done in the Church by those who maintain it?

By the very fact that you have conceived a different view of things than that which is maintained in the Church, you have already separated yourself from the Church. Having one’s name written in the baptismal records does not make one a member of the Church, but the spirit and content of one’s opinions. Whether your teaching and your name are pronounced as being under anathema or not, you already fall under it when your opinions are opposed to those of the Church, and when you persist in them. Fearful is the anathema. Leave off your evil opinions! Amen.