“Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another and be clothed with humility.” (1Peter 5:5)
Here is the principle of true Orthodox community. It is based on the unreserved obedience of the younger towards the elder and on the mutual obedience of equals to each other, and on humility in both the elder and the younger. ‘Lowliness’ is a good word, ‘humility’ is better, and ‘humble-mindedness’ is the best; this last conveying exactly the meaning of the Greek word that the Apostle uses in his Epistle. ‘Humble-mindedness’ means regarding oneself as lowly and God as exalted, keeping ever in mind one’s own weakness, ignorance, wickedness and unworthiness, and keeping ever in mind God’s power, wisdom, mercy and dignity.
God is the only King of men. This is why God opposed the Israelites’ desire to have a king for themselves from among the people. God reigns, and the people serve Him. Those who have authority and those who submit are both God’s servants. When it is known and accepted that God is King and that men are His servants, there is thus established the foundation of angelic society. The house of God, an angelic fellowship, is built upon this foundation, helped by the obedience of the younger to the elder and the mutual obedience of equals to one another, and the humble-mindedness of all. By this means, two of the world’s greatest evils are avoided: tyranny (the imposed rule of the one over the many) and anarchy (mob rule).
The principle of community is organic, i.e. living. It is the principle of mutual service, mutual help and mutual love. May God make us wise, my brethren, to have recourse to these saving principles in our lives.
O Lord Jesus, Thou obedient and humble Lover of men, sow in us and strengthen in us obedience to Thy Law, and mutual obedience is love and humble-mindedness before Thine unspeakable power and wisdom. To Thee be glory and praise for ever. Amen.