7.1 Eastern Orthodoxy

Eastern Orthodoxy, rooted in early Christianity, developed distinctly in the Byzantine Empire. It diverged from Western Christianity due to theological and cultural differences, culminating in the Great Schism of 1054.

Key beliefs include the Holy Trinity, Christ's divinity, and the importance of tradition. Eastern Orthodox worship centers on the Divine Liturgy, with icons, saints, and sacraments playing crucial roles in spiritual life.

Origins of Eastern Orthodoxy

• Eastern Orthodoxy traces its roots back to the early Christian Church and the teachings of the apostles
• Developed distinctly in the eastern part of the Roman Empire, particularly in the Byzantine Empire
• Gradually diverged from Western Christianity due to theological, cultural, and political differences

Schism with Western Christianity

Top images from around the web for Schism with Western Christianity

• 

  File:Filioque.JPG - Wikimedia Commons View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  The Great Schism of 1054 | Western Civilization View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Schisme de 1054 - Vikidia, l’encyclopédie des 8-13 ans View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  File:Filioque.JPG - Wikimedia Commons View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  The Great Schism of 1054 | Western Civilization View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Schism with Western Christianity

• 

  File:Filioque.JPG - Wikimedia Commons View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  The Great Schism of 1054 | Western Civilization View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Schisme de 1054 - Vikidia, l’encyclopédie des 8-13 ans View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  File:Filioque.JPG - Wikimedia Commons View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  The Great Schism of 1054 | Western Civilization View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• The Great Schism of 1054 formally divided the Christian Church into Eastern (Orthodox) and Western (Catholic) branches
• Key disagreements included:
  • The addition of the "filioque" clause to the Nicene Creed by the Western Church
  • The authority and primacy of the Pope
  • Differences in liturgical practices and traditions
• The schism solidified the distinct identity of the Eastern Orthodox Church

Byzantine Empire's influence

• The Byzantine Empire, centered in Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul), played a crucial role in the development of Eastern Orthodoxy
• Byzantine emperors often involved themselves in church affairs and theology
• The Byzantine Empire's political and cultural influence helped shape the Eastern Orthodox tradition
• The fall of Constantinople to the Ottoman Turks in 1453 had a significant impact on the Eastern Orthodox world

Key beliefs and practices

• Eastern Orthodoxy emphasizes the preservation of the faith and traditions handed down from the apostles and early Church Fathers
• Central beliefs include the Holy Trinity, the divinity of Christ, and the resurrection
• Adherence to the teachings of the seven Ecumenical Councils held between the 4th and 8th centuries

Importance of tradition and continuity

• Holy Tradition, which includes the Scriptures, the writings of the Church Fathers, and liturgical practices, is considered essential in understanding and living the faith
• Emphasis on maintaining the unchanged faith and practices of the early Church
• Resistance to innovations or changes in doctrine and worship

Concept of theosis

• Theosis, or deification, is the process of becoming more like God through the grace of the Holy Spirit
• Involves the purification of sin, illumination of the mind, and union with God
• Seen as the ultimate goal of the Christian life

Veneration of icons

• Icons, or sacred images, are an integral part of Eastern Orthodox worship and spirituality
• Not considered idols, but rather windows into the divine realm and aids for prayer and contemplation
• Iconography follows strict guidelines and symbolism to convey theological truths

Role of saints and relics

• Saints are venerated as examples of holiness and intercessors before God
• Relics, or physical remains of saints, are honored and believed to have spiritual power
• The Eastern Orthodox Church has a rich tradition of hagiography, or the writing of saints' lives

Liturgy and worship

• Eastern Orthodox worship is characterized by its ancient, unchanging, and mystical nature
• Worship services are highly structured, symbolic, and involve all the senses

Divine Liturgy structure

• The Divine Liturgy, or Eucharistic service, is the central act of worship in the Eastern Orthodox Church
• Consists of three main parts:
  1. Liturgy of Preparation (Proskomedia)
  2. Liturgy of the Word (Liturgy of the Catechumens)
  3. Liturgy of the Faithful (Eucharist)
• Includes prayers, hymns, Scripture readings, and the consecration and distribution of the Eucharist

Iconostasis and sacred space

• The iconostasis is a screen or wall adorned with icons that separates the nave (main body of the church) from the sanctuary (altar area)
• Represents the boundary between the earthly and heavenly realms
• The arrangement of icons on the iconostasis follows a specific theological and liturgical order

Sacraments and mysteries

• The Eastern Orthodox Church recognizes seven sacraments, or mysteries:
  1. Baptism
  2. Chrismation (confirmation)
  3. Eucharist
  4. Repentance (confession)
  5. Holy Orders
  6. Marriage
  7. Anointing of the Sick (Holy Unction)
• Sacraments are seen as means of grace and encounters with the divine

Monastic life and spirituality

• Monasticism has played a significant role in the history and spirituality of the Eastern Orthodox Church
• Monks and nuns dedicate their lives to prayer, asceticism, and service to God and the community

Hesychasm and prayer

• Hesychasm is a form of mystical prayer that seeks to achieve inner stillness and union with God
• Involves the repetition of the Jesus Prayer: "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner"
• Hesychastic practice influenced the development of Eastern Orthodox spirituality

Prominent monasteries and saints

• Notable monasteries include:
  • Mount Athos in Greece
  • Kiev Pechersk Lavra in Ukraine
  • Optina Monastery in Russia
• Influential monastic saints include:
  • St. Anthony the Great
  • St. Pachomius
  • St. John Climacus
  • St. Sergius of Radonezh
  • St. Seraphim of Sarov

Organizational structure

• The Eastern Orthodox Church is a communion of autocephalous (self-governing) churches, each with its own hierarchy and administration
• Unity is maintained through shared faith, liturgy, and canonical practices

Autocephalous churches

• There are several autocephalous Eastern Orthodox churches, including:
  • Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople
  • Greek Orthodox Church
  • Russian Orthodox Church
  • Serbian Orthodox Church
  • Romanian Orthodox Church
  • Bulgarian Orthodox Church
• Each autocephalous church is led by a patriarch or archbishop

Role of patriarchs and bishops

• Patriarchs are the highest-ranking bishops and spiritual leaders of their respective autocephalous churches
• Bishops oversee dioceses and are responsible for teaching, governing, and sanctifying the faithful
• Episcopal succession and apostolic continuity are emphasized in the Eastern Orthodox Church

Ecumenical councils and authority

• The Eastern Orthodox Church recognizes seven Ecumenical Councils (4th-8th centuries) as authoritative in matters of faith and doctrine
• Decisions of the Ecumenical Councils are considered infallible and binding for the whole Church
• Subsequent local and regional councils also hold authority within their respective churches

Eastern Orthodoxy vs Roman Catholicism

• While sharing a common heritage, Eastern Orthodoxy and Roman Catholicism have significant differences that have led to their separation

Theological differences

• Filioque controversy: The Eastern Orthodox Church rejects the addition of "and the Son" to the procession of the Holy Spirit in the Nicene Creed
• Understanding of original sin and its consequences
• Views on purgatory and indulgences
• Differences in Mariology and the Immaculate Conception

Ecclesiological distinctions

• The Eastern Orthodox Church does not recognize the universal jurisdiction and infallibility of the Pope
• Emphasis on conciliarity and the equality of bishops in the Eastern Orthodox Church
• Differences in the understanding of the nature and boundaries of the Church

Cultural and historical factors

• The division of the Roman Empire and the rise of distinct cultural and linguistic traditions in the East and West
• The Crusades and the sack of Constantinople in 1204 deepened the rift between Eastern and Western Christianity
• Political and nationalistic tensions have also contributed to the ongoing separation

Eastern Orthodoxy in the modern world

• The Eastern Orthodox Church faces various challenges and opportunities in the contemporary context

Challenges of secularization

• Increasing secularization in traditionally Orthodox countries
• Need to engage with modern society while preserving traditional faith and practices
• Balancing the demands of the modern world with the ascetic and liturgical life of the Church

Relations with other Christian denominations

• Ecumenical dialogue and efforts towards Christian unity
• Participation in the World Council of Churches and other ecumenical organizations
• Ongoing theological and ecclesiological differences that hinder full communion

Orthodoxy in diaspora communities

• Growth of Eastern Orthodox communities in countries outside of traditional Orthodox heartlands
• Challenges of preserving Orthodox identity and traditions in diverse cultural contexts
• Opportunities for mission, evangelism, and witness in new settings
• Adaptation and inculturation of Orthodox faith and practices in diaspora communities