Eastern Orthodoxy

Definition

Eastern Orthodoxy is a branch of Christianity that emphasizes the continuity of the original Christian faith as established by the early church, characterized by its rich liturgical traditions and adherence to the decisions of the first seven ecumenical councils. It includes a wide array of national churches, each maintaining its own customs while sharing core beliefs, making it a vibrant expression of faith that has significantly influenced Eastern Europe and beyond.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Eastern Orthodoxy is comprised of several autocephalous churches, including the Greek Orthodox, Russian Orthodox, and Serbian Orthodox churches, each governing itself independently.
2. The Eastern Orthodox Church places a strong emphasis on liturgical worship, which includes ancient rituals, hymns, and prayers that have been passed down through centuries.
3. Icons play a significant role in Eastern Orthodoxy, not only as art but also as an integral part of worship and spiritual life, believed to facilitate communion with God.
4. The concept of Theosis is central to Eastern Orthodox theology, emphasizing the transformative journey towards divine union and spiritual growth in the life of believers.
5. Eastern Orthodoxy has been shaped by its historical interactions with various cultures, especially during the Byzantine Empire, and has maintained its distinct identity despite modern challenges.

Review Questions

• How does Eastern Orthodoxy maintain its beliefs and practices through various national churches?
  • Eastern Orthodoxy maintains its beliefs and practices through a structure of autocephalous churches that operate independently while adhering to a shared theology rooted in early church teachings. Each national church may have its unique customs and cultural expressions, but they all uphold the same fundamental doctrines established by the ecumenical councils. This unity amid diversity allows Eastern Orthodoxy to flourish across different cultures while remaining faithful to its origins.
• What role do ecumenical councils play in shaping Eastern Orthodox doctrine and practice?
  • Ecumenical councils play a crucial role in shaping Eastern Orthodox doctrine and practice by gathering bishops from various regions to discuss and resolve theological disputes. The decisions made at these councils, particularly those from the first seven councils, are considered authoritative and binding for the entire church. This collective decision-making process ensures that the faith remains consistent across different regions while also addressing contemporary issues within the church.
• Evaluate the impact of cultural and historical factors on the development of Eastern Orthodoxy as a distinct branch of Christianity.
  • The development of Eastern Orthodoxy as a distinct branch of Christianity has been heavily influenced by cultural and historical factors such as the Byzantine Empire's rise and fall, interactions with Islam, and various national movements. These influences shaped theological developments, liturgical practices, and even ecclesiastical governance. Additionally, historical events like the Great Schism in 1054 created clear boundaries between Eastern Orthodoxy and Western Christianity, solidifying its identity. Today, these factors continue to affect how Eastern Orthodoxy engages with modern society while preserving its rich traditions.

Related terms

Ecumenical Council: An assembly of bishops from the Christian church convened to discuss and settle matters of church doctrine and practice.

Theosis: The transformative process of becoming one with God, central to Eastern Orthodox spirituality, highlighting the belief in humanity's potential to achieve union with the divine.

Iconography: The religious art of creating icons, which are considered windows to the divine in Eastern Orthodoxy, serving both as objects of veneration and as educational tools for the faithful.