On Monday, January 18, millions in the United States and around the world observed the Martin Luther King holiday, which commemorates the life of Dr. King and the struggle of the African-American community seeking freedom, equality, and justice in the United States.
The significance of this holiday should not be lost on Orthodox Christians. The experience of African Americans persevering in their pursuit of freedom, equality, and justice has many parallels for modern Christians around the world today who are likewise pursuing equality, justice, and religious freedom in countries such as Egypt, Iraq, Malaysia, and China.
For both African Americans and Christians generally, these campaigns for freedom, equality, and justice have a single goal, the perfect example of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who taught us: “A new commandment I give unto you: that you love one another, as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34, 35).
To commemorate this holiday and its significance for Christians, His Grace Bishop Serapion has issued a pastoral message on the commemoration of the Martin Luther King holiday and the lessons we can learn from it.
You may listen to or download this message here:
Martin Luther King’s Dream is Our Dream