«Without Jesus Christ, we build nothing.»
«United under the name of Jesus Christ.»
-ICXCNIKA
We at ICXCNIKA are bound by a holy covenant before God: to live and serve according to the 72 Instruments of Good Works from Chapter 4 of the Rule of St. Benedict (c. 530 AD) and the living example of the Early Church in Acts 2:43-47. Jesus Christ of Nazareth, the only-begotten Son of the true God, is our cornerstone. Every day we witness His miracles.
He is our true Counselor, our First Brother, our Eternal Partner. From His love and humility springs every work we do.
This covenant is one-way. We promise to treat you with honor, truth, and Christian love — whether you are a partner, a collaborator, or a passer-by. No matter how you treat us. No one is obliged to follow the Rule or the spirit of Acts. Yet we testify: whoever walks this path finds a life more joyful, more meaningful, more deeply rooted in Christ.
(Rule of St. Benedict, Chapter 4)
3-7. You shall not murder · You shall not commit adultery · You shall not steal · You shall not covet · You shall not bear false witness.
8-21. Honor all people · Do not do to another what you do not want done to you · Deny yourself to follow Christ · Be a stranger to the ways of the world · Prefer nothing to the love of Christ.
14-19. Relieve the poor · Clothe the naked · Visit the sick · Bury the dead · Help in time of trouble · Console the sorrowful.
22-33. Do not give way to anger · Do not harbor grudges · Do not entertain deceit · Do not offer false peace · Never abandon charity · Do not swear · Speak only truth · Do not return evil for evil · Love your enemies · Bless and do not curse · Endure persecution for justice's sake.
34-40. Be not proud · Do not get drunk · Do not overeat · Do not be slothful · Do not grumble · Do not slander.
41-50. Put your hope in God · Give Him credit for every good · Own your evil · Fear the Day of Judgment · Dread hell · Long for eternal life with all your being · Keep death daily before your eyes · Guard every action · Know that God sees you everywhere · Dash evil thoughts against Christ.
51-59. Confess evil thoughts to a spiritual father · Guard your tongue · Do not love much talking · Avoid foolish or laughter-provoking words · Listen eagerly to holy reading · Pray often · Confess your sins daily with tears · Hate your own will.
60-72. Obey even when superiors fail · Do not wish to be called holy before you are · Fulfill the commandments in deeds · Love chastity · Hate no one · Do not be jealous · Do not love strife · Shun arrogance · Respect elders · Love the young · Pray for your enemies · Make peace before sunset · Never despair of God's mercy.
(Acts 2:43-47)
Greek (Nestle-Aland 28 / UBS5)
Ἐγένετο δὲ πάσῃ ψυχῇ φόβος, πολλά τε τέρατα καὶ σημεῖα διὰ τῶν ἀποστόλων ἐγίνετο. πάντες δὲ οἱ πιστεύοντες ἦσαν ἐπὶ τὸ αὐτὸ καὶ εἶχον ἅπαντα κοινά, καὶ τὰ κτήματα καὶ τὰς ὑπάρξεις ἐπίπρασκον καὶ διεμέριζον αὐτὰ πᾶσι καθότι ἂν τις χρείαν εἶχε· καθ᾿ ἡμέραν τε προσκαρτεροῦντες ὁμοθυμαδὸν ἐν τῷ ἱερῷ, κλῶντές τε κατ᾿ οἶκον ἄρτον, μετελάμβανον τροφῆς ἐν ἀγαλλιάσει καὶ ἀφελότητι καρδίας, αἰνοῦντες τὸν Θεὸν καὶ ἔχοντες χάριν πρὸς ὅλον τὸν λαόν. ὁ δὲ Κύριος προσετίθει τοὺς σῳζομένους καθ᾿ ἡμέραν τῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ.
English (literal & reverent)
And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they sold their possessions and goods and distributed the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.
We live this vision today:
Every decision is measured against these two pillars. Every partner is welcomed exactly as Jesus Christ welcomed us: without condition, without judgment, with open arms.
This is the house we build.
Upon the Rock that never shakes.
Soli Deo Gloria.
ICXCNIKA