Unpacking “Call No Man Father”: Orthodoxy’s Tradition of Respect
The Orthodox Christian tradition of addressing priests as “Father” is a biblically rooted expression of spiritual mentorship and humility
Introduction: Addressing the Question
The question often arises among Christians exploring Orthodox Christianity: Isn’t it inappropriate to call a priest “Father” when Jesus said, “Call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven” (Matt. 23:9)?
At first glance, this verse might seem to challenge the Orthodox Christian practice of addressing priests, deacons, and monks as “Father.” However, a careful look at Scripture, the teachings of the Church Fathers, and the historical development of this tradition reveals that it not only aligns with biblical principles but also embodies a theology of spiritual mentorship and humility. Let’s explore why Orthodox Christians use this term and how it harmonizes with Jesus’s teaching.
The Context of Jesus’s Teaching
In Matthew 23:1-12, Jesus critiques the scribes and Pharisees for their spiritual pride and hypocrisy. He notes that they “love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces and being called rabbi by others” (Mt. 23:6-7). His command to “call no man father” targets their craving for titles to elevate themselves, not merely the use of respectful address. Jesus does not forbid the use of such titles altogether, but rather condemns the spirit of pride and the misuse of authority.” The issue is not the word “father” but the heart behind its use.
Biblical Evidence for “Father”
Scripture provides numerous examples that support this understanding. Jesus refers to Abraham as “father” in Luke 16:24, saying, “Father Abraham, have mercy on me.” St. Paul describes himself as a spiritual father: “For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel” (1 Cor. 4:15). St. Stephen addresses Jewish leaders as “fathers” (Acts 7:2), and the Ten Commandments command us to “honor your father and your mother” (Ex. 20:12).
As one tract put it:
Peter followed the same custom [as St. Paul], referring to Mark as his son: “She who is at Babylon, who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings; and so does my son Mark” (1 Pet. 5:13). The apostles sometimes referred to entire churches under their care as their children. Paul writes, “Here for the third time I am ready to come to you. And I will not be a burden, for I seek not what is yours but you; for children ought not to lay up for their parents, but parents for their children” (2 Cor. 12:14); and, “My little children, with whom I am again in travail until Christ be formed in you!” (Gal. 4:19).
John said, “My little children, I am writing this to you so that you may not sin; but if any one does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1 John 2:1); “No greater joy can I have than this, to hear that my children follow the truth” (3 John 4). In fact, John also addresses men in his congregations as “fathers” (1 John 2:13–14).
These instances show that “father” was a common term for both biological and spiritual relationships, undermining a wooden literal interpretation of Matthew 23:9 as a ban on the word.
Historical Roots of the Practice
Understanding the history of calling priests “Father” in the Orthodox Church can further help us see its significance. The practice is biblically rooted and took shape in early Christian communities. In the New Testament, St. Paul’s use of “father” for spiritual mentorship set a precedent, while Jesus’s critique in Matthew 23:9 addressed pride, not respectful address. By the 2nd century, St. Ignatius of Antioch made reference to bishops and presbyters as spiritual fathers, reflecting the Church as a family (e.g., Epistle to the Magnesians, Chapter 3). In the 4th century, Church Fathers like St. Basil and St. Gregory reinforced this, seeing priests as humble guides, while monastic “abba” (father) influenced parish clergy. By the Byzantine era, “Father” was a standard, affectionate address, and it carried over into Slavic traditions like calling a monk or priest “Batiushka” (батюшка)—a Russian term, meaning “father” or “dear father,” used as a respectful and affectionate term of address for a priest.
Cultural and Theological Significance
This practice, rooted in both cultural and historical norms of respect, is consistent with Orthodoxy’s theological vision of the world. The term “Father” for priests became widespread as Christianity grew, drawing on Greco-Roman and Semitic customs where teachers and elders were honored with familial terms. The Desert Fathers, compiled in the 4th and 5th centuries, used “abba” for spiritual elders, a practice that spread to parish clergy. Today, we might see it as a fatherly relationship of love and guidance, not domination. Theologically, the priest’s role is to nurture the faithful through sacraments and teaching, always pointing to God’s ultimate fatherhood.
Addressing the Staunch Literalists
If we were to take Matthew 23:9 in a wooden literal fashion, we’d face inconsistencies. Jesus also says, “You are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher” (Mt. 23:8), and “Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ” (Mt. 23:10). A strict reading would prohibit calling anyone “teacher” or “instructor,” yet we use these terms for educators and Sunday school teachers without hesitation. This is why St. Augustine clarifies that Jesus in his earthly ministry aimed to correct the intention of the heart—something he addresses 73 times in his homily on the Sermon on the Mount—rather than ban specific forms of address (Sermon on the Mount, Book II, Chapter 23). The focus is on humility, not vocabulary.
“Father” as Respectful Address
In Orthodox practice, calling a priest “Father” is a respectful address, not a formal title. A priest’s official title might be “The Very Reverend Archpriest,” but “Father” conveys warmth and familiarity, and acknowledges his role as a spiritual guide. While we live in an informal time, cultural norms across history manifested in respectful terms like “Your Honor” for judges or “Doctor” for physicians—both of these examples honor roles without elevating individuals above God.
St. Basil writes, “I beseech the people to continue to show you the respect and honor due to fathers, that in the goodly order of your Church you may keep your strength and the foundation of your faith in Christ; that God's name may be glorified and the good gift of love increase and abound.” (Letters, 222).
Humility and Servanthood
At the heart of Jesus’s teaching is servanthood. He concludes, “The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted” (Matt. 23:11-12). In Orthodoxy, priests are called to embody this servant-leadership. The term “Father” reminds them to care for their flock with humility, that the pastor must be a servant, not a ruler, and lead by example. For Orthodox Christians, addressing priests as “Father” is a practice rooted in Scripture, Tradition, and history, honoring spiritual mentors while pointing to God as the ultimate Father.
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