An Introduction to the Christian Orthodox Churches

Front Cover
Cambridge University Press, Jul 4, 2002 - Religion - 270 pages
This clear and accessible introduction describes the life of the Orthodox Churches of the Christian East from the accession of the Emperor Constantine in 312 up to the year 2000. The distinctive Orthodox approaches to the themes of liturgy, theology, monastic life and spirituality, iconography, popular religion, mission, politics and the schism between East and West are disc ussed in turn. A final chapter examines the response of the Churches to the new freedom following the collapse of communism and the prospects for the future.
 

Contents

Introduction identifying Orthodoxy
1
Description a map of Orthodoxy
9
Liturgy where heaven and earth meet
39
Doctrine believing in the Orthodox Churches
61
Icons revelation in image
97
Monasticism shaping of saints
107
Popular piety people places pilgrimage
135
Mission incarnation as proclamation
143
Church and state the dream of Gods kingdom on earth
161
East and West the division of Christendom
201
Prospect a cautious reforming
233
Table of dates
251
Bibliography
253
Index
263
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