Eastern Orthodoxy

Introduction

The term Eastern Orthodox designates the large body of Christians who claim to follow the doctrines defined by the first seven ecumenical councils. There was a schism between the churches of the east and the west in the year 1054.

As opposed to the centrality of Rome, Eastern Orthodoxy embraced the idea of a system of local churches, at Alexandria, Antioch and Jerusalem, for example. Hence, for the eastern religion, the highest authority is the ecumenical council. There are patriarchs (church leaders), though they do not make claims to authority to the same degree as the western Popes.

Doctrine

Eastern Orthodoxy claims to have preserved the original apostolic faith, defined at the ecumenical councils, for example, Nicea (325). Besides organisational differences, there are many exterior similarities between Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy, such as a priestly hierarchy, monasticism and traditionalism. However, the dogmas of Mary's Immaculate Conception (1854), Papal Infallibility (1870) and the Assumption of Mary (1950) were responded to negatively by the Orthodox leaders. There are also many subtle theological differences. Orthodoxy states that God is by nature unknowable. Therefore He must be defined in terms of what He is not. [ie: immortal - Ed]

Salvation is conceived in terms of uniting the human and the divine, with the divine overcoming human mortality and weaknesses and finally, exalting man to divine life itself. Fellowship in the sacramental life of the church provides a free and personal experience of the truth. As a result, there is a reluctance to define precisely matters of faith and doctrine, preserved by the church in their simplicity. [EO services are characterised by intense spiritual drama as events are symbolically 'enacted' by the priests. They also baptise babies ... by full immersion! - Ed]

Orthodox Community life is centred almost exclusively around the liturgy. A rich tradition of representing Biblical figures and events in art is an important aspect of the 'exterior' life of the church, as well as serving the purposes of devotion. Candles, bells and smells abound. The violent persecution suffered by the Russian church after the Communist Revolution has, among other things constituted one of the major challenges to Eastern Orthodoxy this century.