View source for God the Father

'''God the Father''' ''(Abba)'' is the fountainhead (source) of the [[Holy Trinity]], and the maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.
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==Creator== 
[[God]] the Father created all things through the [[Jesus Christ|Son]], in the [[Holy Spirit]] ([[Genesis]] 1 and 2; [[Gospel of John|John]] 1:3; [[Job]] 33:4), and Orthodox Christians are called to [[worship]] Him (John 4:23). The Father loves us and sent His Son to give us everlasting life (John 3;16).
==First person of the Trinity== 
The [[scripture]]s reveal the one God is Three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, eternally sharing the one divine nature. From the Father the Son is begotten before all ages and all time ([[Psalm]] 2:7; [[II Corinthians]] 11:31). It is also from the Father the Holy Spirit eternally proceeds (John 15:26). The Orthodox Church teaches that we come to know the Father through Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Spirit ([[Gospel of Matthew|Matthew]] 11:27).
==The name Father==
In the [[Old Testament]] the intimate name of Father was not used to address God in [[prayer]]. Only in Christ and because of Christ can Christians have such boldness. Only Christians can properly say the [[Lord's Prayer]] that was taught to them by the Son of God. Only those who have died and risen with Christ in [[baptism]], and have received the power to become sons of God by the Holy Spirit in [[Chrismation]] are enabled to approach the Almighty God most high as their Father (John 1:12; Matthew 6:9; [[Romans]] 8:14; [[Galatians]] 4:4).

==God the Father in iconography==
[[Icon]]s depicting God the Father do not conform to the teachings of the [[Seventh Ecumenical Council]].  God the Father is invisible and not able to be depicted.  Since Christ was born of the indescribable Father, the Father cannot have an image.

But icons such as  the ''Ancient of Days icon'' depict God the Father as an old man with a white beard, sometimes at the top of other icons.  Russian ''Trinity icons'' sometimes show Christ and the Father setting on two thrones with a dove between them.  

Another icon, that depicts the Father, is the ''Paternity icon''.  It also depicts God the Father as an old man with a white beard with the young boy Jesus, sitting on his lap,  holding a dove.

==External link==
*[http://oca.org/OCchapter.asp?SID=2&ID=12 God] - [[OCA]] website


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[[Category:Theology]]

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