Koinonia HCCAR Quarterly
KOINONIA
Koinonia is a biblical Greek word whose primary meaning is ‘fellowship, sharing in common, communion.’ The word occurs 20 times in the New Testament and the first occurrence can be found in Acts 2:42 ‘And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.’ Christian fellowship is a key aspect of the Christian life. Believers in Christ are to come together in love, faith, and encouragement. That is the essence of koinonia. Koinonia is being in agreement with one another, being united in purpose, and serving alongside each other. Our koinonia with each other is based on our common koinonia with Jesus Christ. That is what true biblical koinonia should look like.
That is what we had in mind with the creation of our Provincial newsletter Koinonia. Our prayer is in agreement with our Lord Jesus Christ as expressed in His high priestly prayer in the 17th chapter of the Gospel according to St. John the Apostle beginning at the 21st verse: ‘That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.’ We preach none other gospel but that which has been delivered unto us. There is amity and communion with those who are like-minded.
Comments and suggestions for Koinonia may be sent to koinonia@holycatholicanglican.org
In the Koinonia masthead, the circle with the cross in the center symbolizes the paten and the diverse elements which form a whole. The Mosaic represents the great cloud of witnesses and the church tradition. The red in the letters represents the blood of Christ with the font comprised of individual pieces of letters that are not joined until the blood unifies them.
KOINONIA’S TRIBUTE TO AMERICA 250
The war for independence is over. America is free. But for the Anglican Church, peace has brought uncertainty. For generations, the Church in America lived under the British Crown. Its clergy swore allegiance to the King. Its worship followed the Book of Common Prayer. Its authority depended upon bishops of the Church of England. Now those ties have been broken. Without bishops, who will ordain clergy and preserve apostolic succession? Without a common government, how can scattered congregations remain one Church? And how can Americans embrace an institution linked to the monarchy they have rejected? And more importantly, How can the new American Church remain a true part of the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church?