By Fr. David Khorey, OCAN Spiritual Advisor

As Orthodox Christians, names mean something to us.  As attorneys, definitions matter. What about our name, “Orthodox Christian Attorneys Network”? What do each of the words mean and how do they relate to each other?  What do they reveal about who we are?

"Orthodox"

Many things can be said about “right glory.” Thank God.  But in this context, two points stand out.  First, we are held together by our common Orthodox faith.  This unity renders the  prefix “pan-” unnecessary if not misleading. Our efforts are conscious of but not determined by “jurisdictions” (more on the use of that legal term in a church context, someday). Second, as Orthodox and as attorneys we know something about authority.  We know it does not rest in the individual, but in hierarchy.

"Christian"

 “Little Christ.”   How hard it is to live the Christian life! Yet, again thank God! For in such struggle we find our renewal, through His great and enduring mercy. Our salvation is a process, an unfolding grace in a fallen world where sin abounds. Through the Cross, joy has come into the world. We mature as Christians when we are not blind to the passions but rather are in control of them, cognizant of their potential and consequences. We ripen as Christians when we live humbly and sacrificially, in communion with Him who we have “put on.” These things are true, whatever our profession or livelihood. They should be manifest in our conscience and conduct at all times, such that those around us may know even in our imperfection that we follow the One who is perfect love.

"Attorneys"

Now we come to those things we have in common with each other, that are unique to us.  As members of the bench and bar each of us is among the “civil authorities” the Church expressly prays for so fervently every Sunday. This is because we help keep the peace.  The alternative to the rule of law is combat and chaos.  In return for the privilege of being officers of the court, we have chosen to submit to an enforceable code of ethics which calls us to a higher standard. We do not shirk duties.  We also know pressure. We know people.  We think critically and communicate effectively.  We serve. This is what attorneys do, regardless of experience, specialty, or location. And, in some mysterious way, it was God’s plan that all of us would be attorneys. This is the life in which we get to live out our salvation and that of those around us.  Thank God. Glory to His providence!

"Network"

We are about connections and relationships, not ideology or prestige. We are all Orthodox Christian Attorneys, which means none of us are islands.  May our faith be great, so that our commonalities are sufficient for prayerful consideration of the big things that affect us the most, in fellowship.  God is good!  Thank God, who continues to work in our lives, for He is Lord, and has revealed Himself to us.

And so we reveal Him to the world, in our own time and place and yes, our professional lives.  We bring the Church to the world and the world to the Church.  This is what our name, our vision and purpose, may reveal, God willing, and let us pray His will be done!

Father David Khorey is the associate pastor of St. Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame  and Vanderbilt University Law School. Fr. David was a partner at a large regional law firm where he practiced labor and employment law for nearly four decades.