Importance of History -

We can learn from history how past generations thought and acted, how they responded to the demands of their time and how they solved their problems. We can learn by analogy, not by example, for our circumstances will always be different than theirs were. The main thing history can teach us is that human actions have consequences and that certain choices, once made, cannot be undone. They foreclose the possibility of making other choices and thus they determine future events.

- Gerda Lerner

The quote is so applicable to our Church. When the Apostolic tradition and history is mentioned to most, it's usually met with a roll of the eyes and sarcasm.

But, without an appreciation of history it's impossible to truly appreciate the sacrifice of the martyrs of the Church died for the Faith, or why the Apostles cautioned against false teaching.

This appreciation of history also brings the truly humbling awareness of the huge responsibility that is on all of us who claim to be Orthodox Christians. The misunderstanding and misconceptions of the Faith are corrected by all our actions, words and deeds.