The Cathedral Times - May 7, 2023

The CATHEDRAL TIMES

WHAT DOES “ETERNALLY BEGOTTEN” MEAN?

By the Very Rev. Sam Candler, Dean of the Cathedral

Careful. This article is about theology. But it is also about a saint whose feast day the Church celebrated this week. The feast day of Saint Athanasius was May 2.

Most of us have little idea who Athanasius was. Maybe a small number of us saw his name on some church calendar somewhere. A smaller number of us remember his name associated with an old church creed, maybe the Athanasian Creed, and maybe even the Nicene Creed.

But almost all of us who went to church this past Sunday used one of his phrases. When we said together the Nicene Creed, we said that “We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ…eternally begotten of the Father.” It is the two words, “eternally begotten” that I write about today. We say the phrase so frequently and easily that most of us have no idea what it might even mean.

Indeed, if we were to pause and consider, literally, what “eternally begotten” means, we would face a puzzle. If someone is “begotten” from a father, doesn’t that imply that they were born after the father? Wouldn’t that mean that their father pre-existed them? How could the son be eternal if he had been begotten from someone?

Such were the views of the fourth-century Arians, who argued that “there was a time when the Son was not.” They argued that, though Jesus was Lord, he was also the “Son” of God; thus, there was a time when he did not exist. These Arians had scripture on their side, quoting Proverbs 8.22 and understanding “Wisdom” to be the Word: “The LORD created me at the beginning of his work, the first of his acts of long ago.”

It was apparently Athanasius, who was a secretary to Bishop Alexander of Alexandria at the time, who came up with the phrase “eternally begotten,” to describe the co-eternal existence of Christ, the Son, with the Father. He was trying to defend the early Trinitarian theology of the time, that Jesus the Christ had to be completely and eternally equal to the Father. For Athanasius, Jesus could not be lesser than the Father in any way; Jesus had to be of the same substance and of the same eternity.

Thus, the addition of the word, “eternally” to “begotten.” Yes, Jesus is the Son of God, but he has also always existed with (and as) God. He is as eternal as the Father. His relationship as the Son is “eternal,” which is to say the relationship is “outside time.” God has always been Father, and Jesus has always been Son.

The argument can seem tedious and tiny, but it was critical to sustaining what would become the doctrine of the Trinity, that God is truly, and always, and eternally, three; there is no hierarchy within the Trinity. During the fourth century, empire-changing arguments developed between those who followed Athanasius and those who followed the Arians. The emperor usually determined which party would be in power. When different emperors resulted in Athanasius being exiled five different times, it was said, “Athanasius contra mundum,” “Athanasius against the world.”

The Church remembers May 2 as the feast day of Saint Athanasius. But, in a way, we also remember Athanasius every time we say the Nicene Creed. When we say the Nicene Creed, we are uniting ourselves with countless Christians who have witnessed before us. Our Christian ancestors have known God as Father, God as Son, and God as Holy Spirit – all equal and co-eternal. They are a relationship, a relationship that saves us daily.

This SUNDAY

MAY 7, 2023 · The Fifth Sunday of Easter, Year A Acts 7:55-60

8:45 A.M., 11:15 A.M., AND 4 P.M.: IN-PERSON AND ONLINE

7:45 A.M. HOLY EUCHARIST, MIKELL CHAPEL

Celebrant and Preacher: The Rev. Canon George Maxwell

8:45 A.M. AND 11:15 A.M HOLY EUCHARIST, CATHEDRAL

Celebrant: The Rev. Canon Julia Mitchener

Preacher: The Rev. Canon George Maxwell

8:45 a.m. Cathedral Singers / 11:15 a.m. Cathedral Choir: Craig Phillips (b. 1961), Let not your hearts be troubled

Matthew Owens (b. 1971), This joyful Eastertide

11:15 A.M. LA SANTA EUCARISTÍA, MIKELL CHAPEL

Celebrant: The Rev. Canon Lauren Holder

Preacher: The Rev. Deacon Juan Sandoval

4 P.M. CHORAL EVENSONG, CATHEDRAL

Officiant and Preacher: The Rev. Canon Julia Mitchener

Cathedral Schola:

Margaret Burk (b. 1990), Preces & Responses

Stephanie Martin (b. 1962), Selwyn Service

Craig Phillips (b. 1961), Let not your hearts be troubled

Dan Locklair (b. 1949), O Trinity of blessed Light

ADULT Education

THIS SUNDAY, MAY 7

Old Fashioned Sunday School

Child Hall , 10:10 a.m.

Taking on the Mind of Christ

We have been talking about how we know what we know. This week, Canon Maxwell will focus on the question of how knowing is related to faith. The class will explore several of the New Testament images, metaphors, and teachings about transformation and conversion. What, for example, did Jesus mean when he talked about the Kingdom of Heaven? What did Paul mean when he talked about taking on the mind of Christ? What does surrender have to do with all of this?

Enjoy Biblical Greek Room 239 and on Zoom, 1:15 p.m.

This newcomer-friendly class is open to beginners, while including long-term members who enjoy exchanging tips, best learning practices, and coaching points on how to translate the Greek New Testament. Please contact the Rev. Dr. Thee Smith, tsmith@cathedralATL.org, for more information.

Living Faith

Chapter Room (319), 10:10 a.m.

Discovering Spiritual Growth in the Twelve Steps

Most of us have heard of the Twelve Steps so many people have used to live a life of recovery. Many of us may even be familiar with certain steps. Some of us have incorporated all Twelve Steps into our daily lives. The truth is, all of us can benefit from the spiritual growth the Twelve Steps offer, because all of us struggle with various forms of dependency and addiction. Richard Rohr says, “I believe Jesus and the Twelve Steps of A. A. are saying the same thing but with different vocabulary.” Come explore that vocabulary with Canons Holder, Mitchener, and Zappa and discover the freedom of Jesus and the Twelve Steps.

Young Professionals “Coffee & Conversation Cards”

Walthour Library, 10:10 a.m.

On Sunday mornings during the formation hour, the Young Professionals’ Group will gather in Walthour Library using conversation cards to inspire Christian discussions on scripture, faith and life.

SUNDAY AFTERNOON RECITALS

KATHERINE WEBB, ORGAN

Trinity Episcopal Church, Portland, Oregon

SUNDAY, MAY 7— 3:15 P.M.

IN-PERSON AND ONLINE AT CATHEDRALATL.ORG/RECITALS

Cecilia McDowall (b. 1951), Church Bells Beyond the Stars

Thomas H. Kerr, Jr. (1915-1988), Arietta

Samuel Coleridge-Taylor (1875-1912), Impromptu No. 1, Op. 78

Evelyn Simpson-Curenton (b. 1953), Meditation on “Were you there”

Emma Lou Diemer (b. 1927), Vruechten (“This joyful Eastertide”)

Adolphus Hailstork (b. 1941), Adagio and Fugue in F minor Mark A. Miller (b. 1967), Toccata on “Lift every voice”

The CATHEDRAL of ST. PHILIP

The Very Rev. Samuel G. Candler, Dean

Dale Adelmann, Ph.D., Canon for Music

The Rev. Lauren R. Holder, Canon for Community and Education

The Rev. George M. Maxwell, Jr., Vicar

The Rev. Canon Julia B. Mitchener, Canon for Mission

The Rev. Catherine Zappa, Canon for Liturgy and Pastoral Care

The Rev. Deacon Salmoon Bashir, Curate for Ecumenical and Interreligious Relations

The Rev. Deacon Juan Sandoval, Deacon for Hispanic Ministries and Pastoral Care

The Rev. Theophus “Thee” Smith, Ph.D., Priest Associate

Ward Bondurant, Senior Warden

Melody Palmore, Junior Warden

CATHEDRAL TIMES SUBMISSION DEADLINES: FOR THE SUNDAY, MAY 14 ISSUE, THE DEADLINE IS WEDNESDAY, MAY 3. FOR THE SUNDAY, MAY 21 ISSUE, THE DEADLINE IS WEDNESDAY, MAY 10. TO RECEIVE THE TIMES BY EMAIL: CONTACT LIZ AULL, LAULL@CATHEDRALATL.ORG.

TO SUBMIT AN ANNOUNCEMENT REQUEST: CONTACT SARA CRAIG-GOODELL, SCRAIGGOODELL@CATHEDRALATL.ORG.

404-365-1000 | cathedral ATL .org

pastoral care emergency line: 404-365-1003 cathedralatl

Enjoy a lovely summer evening respite amid the glow of stained glass, basking in music to sooth the soul and delight the senses presented by the professional core of the Cathedral of St. Philip Choir and organists. This concert is made possible by a bequest from the estate of Emile Fisher, and concert proceeds will support the Cathedral Choir’s 2024 England residencies at St. Paul’s Cathedral, London, and York Minster. Purchase tickets at: cathedralATL.org/concerts.

PASTORAL Care

LANDSCAPES OF GRIEF

A five-week grief-support group

May 14 – June 18 (no meeting May 28)

3:30 – 5:00 p.m.

Offered in partnership with Hospice Atlanta, this grief-support group is open to anyone in the community who is grieving the death of a loved one and is willing to commit to attending all five sessions. We meet at the Cathedral of St. Philip from 3:30 –5:00 p.m. on five Sunday afternoons. To maintain a comfortable group size, space is limited and registration is required. For more information or to register, contact Canon Zappa at czappa@cathedralATL.org.

For many, Mother’s Day can be a complex mixture of joy and gratitude as well as sorrow and regret. The loss of a mother, or a child, and women whose dreams to become a mother that have been altered due to infertility, miscarriage, or another unwelcome reason can make this day feel heavy. Deep pain often resides beside love. We want to create a space to honor this grief. Please join us on Friday, May 12 from 5–6 p.m. for a support group in the Lanier House led by parishioner and therapist, Carter Monroe, followed by a healing service officiated by Julia Mitchener. RSVPs are appreciated, but all are welcome.

RSVP at cathedralATL.org/mindful. For questions, please contact julia.mitchener@cathedralATL.org.

YOUTH Ministry

FOR THOSE WHO ARE ILL OR RECOVERING: FOR IMMEDIATE NEEDS: Anna Clifford

LONG TERM PRAYERS: R. Huntley Allen • Randy Allen • Virginia Bicksler • Miguel Boaz-Contreras • The Bryant Family • Don Cameron • Connie Chapman • Geraldine Charles • Heather Clark • Lawrence Cowart • Sharon Crews • The Crossley Family • Rita Daly • Terry Dornbush • Sarah duBignon • Deborah Ellington • Paul Fekete • Joyce Egan Ferris • Phoebe Forio • Susan Frierson • Aidan Gray • Ken Griffiths • Elizabeth Groseth • Jenny Ham • Suzanne Haerther • Karen Howard • Jane Jones • Lisa Krysiak • Jill Mahaffey • Tommy Mason • Lee Moran • Estanislao Muniz • Susan Myers • Jim Myrick • Charlie Neal • Marian Palmore • Rubye and Wayne Reid • Lorraine Reynolds • Barbara and Joel Rice • Karen Richardson • Bob Riggins • Agnes Elizabeth Robertson • Betty Roper • Louis "Skip" Schueddig • Greg Smith • Gail Morgan Timmis • Tommy Truesdale • Ron Wallace • Jonathan Wright

FAMILY AND FRIENDS: Josephine Rose Adams • Elizabeth Alexander • Evelyn Armstrong • Caroline Ballard • Foster Bam • Bettina Bass • Charlotte Eloise Bell • Ray and Pat Bell • Jason Brady • Catherine Brinton • Lila Jo Callaway • Penelope Plunkett Campbell • Kelly Grey Carlisle • Bob Carreras • Mika Chorey • Marie Corrigan • Ava Corroon • Bob Crawford • Judy Crosby • Ruth Crow •

Freddie DeSantiago • Redell DuBose • Megan Dyer • Ron Dyer • Joanne Elsey • Kenneth Farr • Peter Foster • Don Harp III • Gayle

Higley • Caroline Hooper • Jay Horton • Sarnia Hayes Hoyt • Beth Ingle • Cami Jackson • Patty and Shannon Jafolis • GK Johnson • Kathy Johnson • The Kelly Family • Robin Kemp • Herb Larrabee • Rachel Laurin • Pete Livezey • Cakers Long • Carolyn R. Lusk •

Lauren Makhlouf • Kendall Martin and family • Michele McBride • Susan Mendivil • Elaine Metcalf • Denise Mims • Betsy Moore •

Malcolm A. Moore • Linus Nickel • John K. Ottley, Jr. • James Paul • Einar Sagstuen • James Sands • Skip Saunders • Patricia Schooley •

Stacey Schuitema • John W. Shroyer • Don Smith • Philip Gregory Smith • Michael and Kathryn Snider • Christine Still • John and Cleary Tanner • Pierson Thames • Amy Wadsworth • Donnie Waller • Cheryl Waybright • Jason Wilke • Kirk Winterstein • Christie Woodfin • Jennifer Wright • Whit A. Wright • Hollis Youngner

FOR THOSE WHO HAVE DIED: Ralph Hajosy

Vacation Bible School for ages 4 – 5th Grade

We will follow in the footsteps of the Israelites as God used the Ten Commandments to show them love when they were in the Wilderness. Register at cathedralATL.org/children

What is the Summer Slide?

The summer slide is the term used to describe a decline in reading ability and other academic skills that can occur over the summer months when school isn’t in session.

St. Veronica’s Guild, along with the ECW, is raising funds to help eliminate that slide for some of Georgia’s most vulnerable children.

THE BENEFICIARIES

THE BOYCE L. ANSLEY SCHOOL

Funds raised will be used to support the Ansley School’s inaugural summer learning program.

L aAMISTAD

Books and other summer enrichment materials will be purchased for the 24 students who have been tutored at the Cathedral during the 2022-2023 school year.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

1. DONATE!

EMMAUS HOUSE

Emmaus House is collecting items to provide swimsuits for their Freedom School participants and care packages for their teachers. Funds will also support educational activities like field trips.

APPLETON EPISCOPAL MINISTRIES

Funds raised will be used to purchase science equipment for students in the Free to Read program.

Scan the QR Code to the left with your phone or visit cathedralATL.org/SummerSlide to donate. No gift is too small!

2. MAKE A PURCHASE!

You can purchase items requested by our beneficiaries, such as books or teacher appreciation gifts, at the Cathedral Book Store. You can also donate a new bathing suit (sizes 5-13, any gender) for the participants of the Emmaus House Freedom School.

PLEASE DONATE, MAKE YOUR PURCHASES, AND DROP OFF BATHING SUITS AT THE CATHEDRAL BOOK STORE BEFORE MONDAY, MAY 15.

THIS IS THE ONLY KIND OF SLIDING OUR KIDS SHOULD BE DOING THIS SUMMER.

STEWARDSHIP Update

Thank you, as always, for your responsiveness to the 2023 Stewardship Campaign! The parish added 24 pledges totaling nearly $88,000 in the month of April. We are still over $1,000,000 ahead of where we were in April 2022, with 117 new pledging families. We will need to maintain this momentum in order to reach our Wildly Important Goal of $4,050,000 in pledges for the year. To date, the members of the Stewardship Committee have solicited almost 50 small groups, written over 650 thank you letters, launched a children’s stewardship campaign, and staffed the Atrium on Sunday mornings. In order to stay on track (increasing the rate and amount of pledging), we need support from as many households as possible. Join the fun! Please go make your pledge today at cathedralATL.org/pledge. Thank you!

CATHEDRAL

This sunday at a glance

MAY 7, 2023

7:45 a.m. Holy Eucharist Mikell Chapel

8:45 a.m. Holy Eucharist Cathedral

10 a.m. Informed First Communion Classes for Hispanic Ministry Conference Room 239

10:10 a.m. Old Fashioned Sunday School Child Hall

10:10 a.m. Living Faith Chapter Room (319)

10:10 a.m. Youth Sunday School Room 382

10:10 a.m. Young Professionals

“Coffee and Conversation Cards” Walthour Library

11:15 a.m. Holy Eucharist Cathedral

11:15 a.m. La Santa Eucaristía Mikell Chapel

1:15 p.m. Enjoy Biblical Greek Room 239

3:15 p.m. Sunday Afternoon Recital: Katherine Webb Cathedral

4 p.m. Choral Evensong Cathedral

5:30 p.m. Chill on the Hill Cathedral Parking Lot

6 p.m. EYC for Middle and High School Room 381

What

Makes You Come Alive

with Lerita Coleman Brown

Saturday, May 20, 1 p.m.

Please join the Cathedral Book Store as we welcome Lerita Coleman Brown on Saturday, May 20. The book discussion is free, but RSVPs are greatly appreciated.

RSVP at CathedralBookStore.org

UTO Ingathering

WITH GRATEFUL HEARTS, CONSIDER GIVING TO UTO THIS SUNDAY

This Sunday, May 7, is United Thank Offering (UTO) Sunday, when we’ll come together with the worldwide Episcopal community in thanksgiving for God’s blessings and then give back. Even the smallest acts of gratitude and giving can create a meaningful impact on your own life and on the struggling communities that UTO grants support.

We invite you to spend a few moments this week to pause with gratitude to consider the gifts God has given you, then this Sunday, reflect on those blessings, and make a thank offering at cathedralATL.org/uto.

I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.