[Greek] παροικία (paroikia), [Latin] peregrinus, [Latin] moratus, [German] pilgerin, [French] voyager: parishioners, alien residence, sojourning, non-citizens dwelling as residents, pilgrims on a journey; Act.13:17, 1Pet.1:17
Colorized image of newly arrived immigrants in New York City’s Lower East Side in 1900
Background Information:
Greek Hellenism: This term derives its meaning from paroikos, meaning alien, stranger, and foreigner. This term pertains to the stranger who lives in a place for a short period of time. The non-citizen (neighbor) may be a resident alien with few civic rights but living under the common protection. This term occurs primarily occurs in a biblical sense. Resident aliens, outside of the Greek cultural sphere, were often perceived as barbarians.
Isocrates’ Panegyricus 4.162: “For since the barbarians are unequal to small divisions of the Hellenes, it is not hard to forsee what their plight if they should be forced into a war against our united forces.”
Thucydides’ The Peloponnesian War 3.93: “The Thessalians were afraid that it might prove a very powerful neighbor and continually harassed and made war upon the new settlers.”
Thucydides’ The Peloponnesian War 6.82: “Our kinfolk came against their mother country and chose to be slaves themselves.”
Old Testament: This term also derives its meaning from being a sojourner. The Hebrews (Israelites) themselves experienced exile and captivity. Such sojourners include the Israelites in the Egypt and in the wilderness, Abraham in Egypt and Gerar, Isaac in Canaan, and Jacob in Hebron. The Israelites have a relationship of sojourning with Yahweh. The Jews of the Diaspora, while retaining their Jewish ways, become residents aliens in foreign lands.
Resident aliens: The alien, who leaves his own land, forfeits both country and legal standing. Although the ordinance of circumcision separates the Jew from the alien, the alien may desire circumcision in order to become a full-fledged Israelite from the cultic standpoint. Otherwise, the alien cannot participate in cultic rights and eat the paschal lamb. The alien can eat the flesh (meat) of the fallen animal. The alien can receive the right of protection and fruits of the jubilee which are afforded to the Israelite. The alien can be set free at the next jubilee. The alien must also abide by the ordinances against eating sacrifices and meats offered through idol sacrifices.
New Testament: This term, occurring twice, means an alien residence (the stay of a stranger in a foreign place.) Scriptural reference is made to the Hebrews sojourning in Egypt. The New Testament, in welcoming both Jew and Gentile, removes the ordinance of circumcision. Christians become fellow citizens of the saints and members of God’s household. These Christians are still sojourners walking in the path of Jesus. The Church, as it spreads, becomes a diaspora in a general sense. These Christians, belonging to Jesus, also must sojourn in the secular and political world.
Scripture:
“The God of this people Israel chose our ancestors and exalted the people during their sojourn in the land of Egypt. With uplifted arm He led them out of it.” Acts 13:17
The Israelites sojourned in captivity in Egypt.
“Now if you invoke as Father Him who judges impartially according to each one’s works, conduct yourselves with reverence during the time of your sojourning.” 1Pet.1:17
Christians are still travelers in their Christian path.
Early Church: Even after the New Testament era, the Church still regards itself as travelers and resident aliens. St. Polycarp, a 2nd century bishop, was a disciple of the Apostle John. The Martyrdom of St. Polycarp (155 A.D) states, “The Church of God which sojourns in Smyrna, to the Church of God which sojourns in Philomelium, and to all the dioceses of the holy Catholic Church in every place.” The Epistle of Diognetus 5:5 (130 A.D) states, “The Christians dwell in their own countries, but only as sojourners; they bear their share in all things as citizens, and they endure all hardships as strangers.”
Conclusion:
Parish, parochial, peregrine, moratorium, voyager, pilgrim
It is interesting to note that this term does not appear in the Greco-Roman era. Perhaps it makes sense that this term is more defined by the sojourner. These foreigners or settlers often were encountered by conquering Greek and Roman forces. Now they would be perceived as resident aliens in conquered lands. These aliens, not being influenced by Greco-Roman culture, would be seen as barbarians.
This term plays a prominent role in defining Israel’s relationship with Yahweh. There are numerous examples of sojourners in the Old Testament. Resident aliens were to have some basic rights, yet were excluded from the rights from circumcision.
Although part of the Church, the Christian remains a sojourner in his path as a Christian. It makes sense that the Church is also a diaspora on its path to salvation.
By the early part of the 4th century, the diocese was a well-established term for an ecclesiastical district of jurisdiction. The Roman Empire was also organized by dioceses. The word diocese comes from the Greek dioikein, meaning to govern. Dioikein and paroikia both have the root oikia, meaning house.
“Life is tough, pilgrim. It is even tougher if you’re stupid.” John Wayne
“We are travelers; not yet in our native land.” St. Augustine
Whether we are Christians, non-Christians, immigrants, or resident-aliens, we are all pilgrims and sojourners on our journey in life.