Eastern Orthodoxy
Eastern Orthodoxy, also known as the Orthodox Catholic Church, is one of the three main branches of Christianity, alongside Roman Catholicism and Protestantism. It represents a communion of autocephalous (self-governing) churches, with the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople holding a position of honor as the "first among equals."
History
- Origins: The roots of Eastern Orthodoxy can be traced back to the early Christian Church, particularly in the Roman Empire's Eastern provinces. Christianity spread through these regions, eventually becoming the state religion under Emperor Constantine the Great in the 4th century.
- Great Schism: The formal split with the Roman Catholic Church occurred in 1054, known as the Great Schism. This was due to theological, political, and cultural differences, notably the dispute over the use of the Filioque clause in the Nicene Creed, and issues of authority.
- Byzantine Influence: The Byzantine Empire played a significant role in shaping Eastern Orthodoxy. The Church was closely linked to the Byzantine state, influencing its theology, liturgy, and iconography.
Core Beliefs and Practices
- Theology: Eastern Orthodoxy emphasizes Theosis or Divinization, the process by which humans become partakers of the divine nature through union with God. It also holds to the Seven Ecumenical Councils for doctrinal guidance.
- Liturgy: Worship in the Orthodox Church is highly liturgical, with services rich in iconography, chanting, and the use of incense. The Divine Liturgy is the central act of worship, where the Eucharist is celebrated.
- Sacraments: The Church recognizes seven Sacraments: Baptism, Chrismation, Holy Communion, Confession, Holy Orders, Marriage, and Anointing of the Sick.
- Icons: Icons are not just art but are considered to be windows to the divine, participating in the holiness they represent. The use of icons was affirmed in the Second Council of Nicaea (787).
Structure
The Church is organized into various autocephalous churches, each with its own head, often titled Patriarch or Metropolitan. These include:
Modern Era
In the 20th and 21st centuries, Eastern Orthodoxy has faced challenges including:
- The spread of Communism in countries like Russia, which led to severe persecution of the Church.
- The Diaspora of Orthodox Christians worldwide, leading to the establishment of Orthodox communities in North America, Western Europe, and Australia.
- Dialogues with other Christian denominations for potential reunion or at least better understanding, known as the Ecumenical Movement.
External Links
Related Topics