This kind of propaganda is very useful because it appeals at -- what else -- the ignorant and the stupid, and we all know there is no shortage of those!
Old Greek term for "servant" became the new Greek word for "slave." In Church Slavonic, the word "rab" (servant) likewise became the modern word for "slave." This is not a coincidence. Greeks believed that anyone who works for soemone else is not free. The concept of "employed" did not exist. You either worked for yourself and were free or you worked for someone else and were not free.
In the context of the times, being a servant and being a slave was one and the same.
Modern Russian/Serbian word for "servant" is sluga, not "rab". It denotes hired help, not owenership. The language of the Orthodox Church in Russia (and in other Slavic coutnries) is the original 9th century Church Slavonic. Thus, at Sacraments, the priest says "this servant of God" (rab Bozhii) is ... " where the word rab is used in the 9th century context and not the modern meaning.
Propagandists of the Kavkaz and similar source know that the majority of people who speak English will not know that. But such propaganda sources are easily discredited. Their "arguments" are transparent and invalid.
We all serve God's purpose and do His will -- if we choose. God is not our Father if we reject Him. That's why Jesus told the Pharisees that their father is the devil. But the Kavkaz people play on the fact that people not only don't know Church Slavonic but also don't read the Bibile. To me that means Satan is behind Kavkaz doing his dirty work.
Just in case you are interested ping.
Yes my dear brother. I believe that would be very true. Gospode poi melo.
< Old Greek term for "servant" became the new Greek word for "slave." In Church Slavonic, the word "rab" (servant) likewise became the modern word for "slave." This is not a coincidence. Greeks believed that anyone who works for soemone else is not free. The concept of "employed" did not exist. You either worked for yourself and were free or you worked for someone else and were not free.>
O Thoulos tou Theou... as opposed to O Sklavos tou Theou....
The difference is very real as you point out.
Sometimes we kid about particularly new and overly pious and groveling converts as Oi Sklavoi tou Theou. Not very Christian of us I suppose. Got the idea from a convert, not Greek, who insisted that we were all the "slaves of God".