My convictions as an Orthodox Christian are deeply held.
Nevertheless, I have a deep love of the Jewish faith and the history of the Jewish people. I say so unapologetically despite Christian antisemitism becoming so popular in online circles.
It is my strong belief that the Jewish people had and have a unique place in salvation history and in God's providence. Therefore, the history of this people is not merely that of a particular group, but rather is a divine history, a history of God's love for his own, a microcosm of his love for all creation.
It is God who has preserved this people throughout history despite the demonic hatred that has long made an enemy of the Jews. And it is to our shame that much of this came from Christians who, rejecting the Gospel for religious politics, saw Jewish existence as a threat to themselves.
But God's love is manifest in the Jewish people, preserved despite the assaults of Christian, Muslim, and Soviet civilization. In them we see God's promises fulfilled, his ever-enduring love.
The resurgence of antisemitism, Nazism, and holocaust denial ought to be an occasion for reflection on, and indeed repentance of, the narratives that have given ammunition to Jew-hatred: A Christ-killing people, cursed by God, deserving of the harshest condemnation, threats to society, perpetrators of satanism and "Judaeo-Bolshevism", etc.
The ubiquity of antisemitism on this site in particular is not happenstance. It is calculated and deliberate. This site has become among the foremost platforms for the most vile forms of anti-Jewish bigotry, despite being cloaked by wolves in the language of Christian belief.
There is nothing Christian about it, nor indeed the entire edifice of so-called traditionalism that reactionaries on social media promote.
And, I am sad to say, my own faith in particular, Orthodoxy, has become associated with anti-Jewish sentiment and hate.
I abhor this with a passion and moral certitude that cannot be understated, since, I believe, antisemitism is not merely an immature fad. Rather, it is hatred of God himself and a rejection of his love and providence. One cannot be a true follower of Christ and hate His people, lest he hate Christ.
I pray fervently for a rapprochement of Christians and Jews, as I believe our fates are inextricably tied.
And on this, I always return to the words of the divine Paul, the saint nearest to my heart:
"As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the father's sakes. For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.
For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief: Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy. For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.
O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again?
For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen."