On Nominal Orthodoxy

St. Theophan the Recluse 1815-1894

There will be a part that holds the true faith as it was passed down by the Holy Apostles and is preserved in the Orthodox Church, but even of these a not inconsiderable part will be Orthodox only by name, but in their hearts they will not have that order that is demanded by faith, but they will love the present age. Although the name of ‘Christian’ will be heard everywhere, and everywhere there will be seen churches and church orders, all this will be only appearance, while within there will be complete apostasy. On this soil the kingdom of the Antichrist will be born – and it will grow in the same spirit of appearance. (Interpretation of the Second Epistle to the Thessalonians)