NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. If it did so, I should believe in the Church, but unfortunately it teaches the contrary.
FATHER GERÁSIM. The Church cannot teach the contrary, because it was established by the Lord himself. It is written, “I give you power,” and, “Upon this rock I will build my Church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. That was not said in this connection at all, and proves nothing. But even if we were to admit that Christ established the Church, how do I know that it was your Church?
FATHER GERÁSIM. Because it is said, “Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”
NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. That, too, was not said in this connection, and proves nothing.
FATHER GERÁSIM. How can one deny the Church? It alone provides salvation.
NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. I did not deny the Church until I found it supported everything that is contrary to Christianity.
FATHER GERÁSIM. It can make no mistakes, for it alone has the truth. Those who leave it go astray, but the Church is sacred.
NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. I have already told you that I do not accept that. I do not accept it because, as is said in the Gospels, “By their deeds shall ye know them, by their fruit shall ye know them.” I have found out that the Church blesses oaths, murders and executions.
FATHER GERÁSIM. The Church acknowledges and sanctifies the Powers ordained by God.