Article 1. God, the supreme Lord and King of all the world, has for His own glory and the public good ordained civil magistrates to be, under Him, over the people. To this end He has armed them with the power of the sword for the defense and encouragement of those who do good and for the punishment of evil doers.
Article 2. It is lawful for Christians to accept and execute the office of a magistrate when called to it. In the management of such office, as they ought especially to maintain justice and peace, according to the wholesome laws of each commonwealth, so they may lawfully wage war under just and necessary occasions.
Article 3. In that civil magistrates are set up by God and for these good ends, subjection ought to be yielded by us in the Lord in all lawful things commanded by them, not only for wrath, but for conscience' sake. We ought also to make supplications and prayers for kings and all that are in authority, so that under them we may live a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
Article 2. It is lawful for Christians to accept and execute the office of a magistrate when called to it. In the management of such office, as they ought especially to maintain justice and peace, according to the wholesome laws of each commonwealth, so they may lawfully wage war under just and necessary occasions.
Article 3. In that civil magistrates are set up by God and for these good ends, subjection ought to be yielded by us in the Lord in all lawful things commanded by them, not only for wrath, but for conscience' sake. We ought also to make supplications and prayers for kings and all that are in authority, so that under them we may live a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
Q. What does God require of us in the fifth commandment?
A. That we yield due honor, love, and faithfulness to our parents, and to all who have authority over us, and submit ourselves with such obedience as is fitting to their faithful commandments and chastisements. And that by our patience, we endure their mannerisms, thinking within ourselves that God will govern and guide us by them.
An Orthodox Catechism, Question 117.
