Foundations of Faith: What Orthodox Christians Believe
Fullness of Apostolic Faith
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Foundation of Faith
Course Outline Introductions
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Orthodox Church Maintains Fullness of Apostolic Faith 1. Unbroken historical continuity. 2. Maintained the Apostolic Faith. 3. Maintained the Tradition with worship directed toward Trinitarian God.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Fullness of Apostolic Faith 1. Unbroken historical continuity with Original Church founded by Jesus Christ.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Fullness of Apostolic Faith History begins with beginning of Time Creation Fall Incarnation - Birth of Jesus Christ Crucifixion & Resurrection - Victory over Death Establishment of Earthly Church
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Historical Jesus Existence of Jesus is a proven historical fact! Roman historian Tactius 100AD and Jewish historian Josephus born in AD 37 describes Him as follows: Now there was about this time, Jesus, a wise man, if it be lawful to ca! him a man, for he was a doer of wonderful works, teacher of such men as receive the truth with pleasure. He drew over to Him both many of the Jews, and many of the Gentiles. He is Christ; and when Pilate, at the su$estion of the principal men amongst us, had condemned him to the cross, those that loved him at first did not forsake him, for he appeared to them alive again the third day, as the divine prophets had foretold these and ten thousand other wonderful things concerning him; and the tribe of Christians so named a&er him, are not extinct to this day. Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Historical Jesus Bible contains most of what we know about Jesus. Contains eye witness accounts Where did the Bible come from? The Church produced the Bible and still uses it in the original Greek. It has never been changed or translated. How do we know that it has not been changed over the years? Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Historical Jesus - Bible Books contained in the New Testament were probably written between Ad 40 and 100. There exist full manuscripts dating as early as 350 which is about the time the Church oďŹƒcially compiled the New Testament in 367. There are papyri containing most of the New Testament from the third century. There is a fragment of John’s Gospel from AD 139. There are over 5000 Greek Manuscripts, over 10,000 Latin Manuscripts, and 9300 other manuscripts. and over 36,000 citing in the writings of the early church fathers. There is no doubt about the authenticity and integrity of the books of the New Testament! Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Historical Jesus What do we Know about Him from these texts?: Miraculous birth from a holy virgin woman, Mary. Was Christ, the Son of God, fully divine and fully human. Transformed human nature and showed how to live in union with God - to love God and our neighbor. Showed his mercy - performed many miracles. Came for our healing and restoration of our created nature. Fulfilled over three hundred Old Testament prophecies. Suered and was crucified and then Resurrected victorious over death. Ascended into Heaven. Sent the Holy Spirit and His Apostles were transformed and began converting thousands establishing the Church. Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Historical Jesus The Bottom Line: Our Faith No doubt about His historical existence His virgin birth - became fully human and fully God His teaching - Love of God and Neighbor His death by Crucifixion and Resurrection - victory over death Establishment of His Church by His Apostles.
Orthodoxy holds these truths in their fullest.
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The Beginnings What happened on Pentecost? Beginning of the Church
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Acts 2 - Pentecost
Suddenly there came a sound 'om heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it fi!ed the whole house where they were sitting. There appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were a! filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues Then they were a! amazed and marveled, saying to one another, “Look, are not a! these who speak Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born? Peter spoke, ...being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received 'om the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear. “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you sha! receive the gi& of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to a! who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God wi! ca!.” Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. Wednesday, January 28, 2009
The Beginnings The Early Church - Foundation Where was first Church? Persecution led to spread of Faith - Saint Stephen the 1st of many martyrs. Jews and Gentiles become Christians Apostles head Missions & face Martyrdom.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Confession of Faith My soul like the spiritual bride of Christ is foretasting the Heavenly Kingdom, that the Holy God has prepared “to those that love� and it will be perfected in His Second and Glorious Coming and the final judgment of the living and the dead. My deification shakes my whole being, and makes me to live on earth like a man, but to act like a god. This is my Orthodox Faith. The Faith of my Forefathers, Fathers, Patriarchs, Prophets, Apostles, Preachers, Evangelists, Confessors, Martyrs and every spirit perfected in faith. This is the Faith that I confess and preach to all and forever and I will fight by the grace of God, to uphold undefiled and right until the end. I open my heart and my hands to a warm embrace to all the schismatics and heterodox my brothers, that want to come to Orthodoxy and I pray for them. I will not though permit to anyone ever, according to my ability, to alter or tear the unwoven garment of my Church. You, my Lord Jesus gave your precious Blood for her. Here, I am ready, give me Your grace to defend her. Light the fire of my humble soul for the Cross and the martyrdom. Amen. Paracletos Monastery Wednesday, January 28, 2009
The Ecclesia Ec cle si´a means “to Gather” Images of Church from New Testament Vineyard (John 15:1-8) Shepherd and the flock (John 10:1-16) Head and the Body of Christ (Eph 1:22-23) A building under construction (Eph 2:19-22) A house or family (1Tim 3:15) Church is not a human-made institution. Not a building. Not a set of rules. A living relationship with Christ. Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Church - Our Spiritual Home Where we heal spiritually to be in communion with God. Christ is the Head, Founder, Foundation and Chief Priest. The Body of Christ. “In Him we live.�(Acts 17:28) Christ sent Holy Spirit and promised it would remain with them forever and after the Resurrection. It unites us with Christ & lives in us through the sacraments. It is active and alive in Orthodox Church We participate in the Church (Ecclesia) for our spiritual healing.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Jesus did not specify that the Church be organized as the Roman empire. that they a! may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me. (John 17:21-23) Church is an act of communion. Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Church Hierarchy established by Christ through His Apostles All are equal before the judgment of God. This hierarchy was established by Jesus Christ. He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the Body of Christ: ti! we a! come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fu!ness of Christ (Eph 4:11-13) No one can take upon himself the hierarchal ministry Only one who is called and lawfully placed through the Mystery of Ordination. No man taketh this honor unto himself, but that is ca!ed of God, as was Aaron. (Heb 5:4) Apostolic succession Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Hierarchy Ecumenical Council Bishop Deacons
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Presbyters
Councils of the Church How did Apostles resolve their disputes? When the Apostles needed to resolve a dispute about circumcision of the Gentiles, the Apostles gathered in a Council in Jerusalem (Acts 15) In Council the Holy Spirit gave them direction. The decrees of this Council were acknowledged as obligatory for the whole church. (Acts 16:4). They established an example of conciliar resolution of important questions in the Church for all times. The council of bishops is highest authority in the Church. Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Hierarchy The Apostles placed Bishops as their immediate successors and Presbyters as helpers of the bishops. Presbyters (literally elders) both in Apostolic times and all subsequent time the second degree of the hierarchy. Apostle James tells us that presbyters perform the Church’s sacred rites, and that in the early church there could by several presbyters in each community. Is any sick among you? Let him ca! for the elders (presbyters) of the Church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. (James 5:14) Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Metropolitan Alexios Metropolis of Atlanta
Father Tom Pistolis Presbyter
Hierarchy Third hierarchal degree is the deacon. Seven in number where chosen by the community in Jerusalem and ordained by the Apostles. Their first assignment was to help the Apostles in practical, secondary activity: The were entrusted to “serve tables” to give out food, and be concerned for the widows. Deacons were appointed by bishops (1 Tim 3:8-13) Justin Martyr (150A.D.) writes: Those called deacons among us give to each of those present communion of the Bread upon which has been performed the Thanksgiving (Eucharist) and of the Wine and the Water, and they carry them out to those who are absent.” Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Saint Stephen
A Time Line of Church History Luther’s 95 Theses. Reformation begins 1517
CRUSADES 1291 1095
ONE HOLY CATHOLIC AND APOSTOLIC CHURCH 69 150 Bishop Justin Martyr Ignatius describes liturgy consecrated in Antioch
urch h C c i thol a C n a
1870 Dogma of Papal Infalibility
325 1st Ecumenical Council and the Nicene Creed
397 451 Synod of Council of Carthage Chalcedon ratifies Biblical Canon
589 Filioque added to Nicene creed by Synod in Spain and later adopted by Roman Church
787 Icons approved at seventh Ecumenical council
880 The Photian Schism
988 Conversion of Russia begins
1054 Great Schism
The Eastern Orthodox Church 1204 Sack of Constantinople by Crusaders
1333 Gregory Palamas defends Orthodox spirituality
1453 Turks overrun Constantinople
1768 Arrival of the first Greeks in US.
Find this chart in your class materials
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
1854 Dogma of Immaculate conception
Byzantine Empire
Apostalic Age
33 Pentecost
om The R
Church of England 1529
1794 Rusian Missionaries arrive at Kodiak Island Alaska
1832 Greece recognized a Free Country Treaty of Constantinople
1864 1st Greek Orthodox church established in New Orleans
1921 Greek Orthodox archdiocese established in US.
1993 Construction begins on Cathedral in Greenville.
Liberation from Persecution A Time Line of Church History Luther’s 95 Theses. Reformation begins 1517
CRUSADES 1291 1095
LIBERATION ONE HOLY CATHOLIC AND APOSTOLIC CHURCH & CREED 69 150 Bishop Justin Martyr Ignatius describes liturgy consecrated in Antioch
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
urch h C c i thol a C n a
1854 Dogma of Immaculate conception
1870 Dogma of Papal Infalibility
Byzantine Empire
Apostalic Age
33 Pentecost
om The R
Church of England 1529
325 1st Ecumenical Council and the Nicene Creed
397 451 Synod of Council of Carthage Chalcedon ratifies Biblical Canon
589 Filioque added to Nicene creed by Synod in Spain and later adopted by Roman Church
787 Icons approved at seventh Ecumenical council
880 The Photian Schism
988 Conversion of Russia begins
1054 Great Schism
The Eastern Orthodox Church 1204 Sack of Constantinople by Crusaders
1333 Gregory Palamas defends Orthodox spirituality
1453 Turks overrun Constantinople
1768 Arrival of the first Greeks in US.
1794 Rusian Missionaries arrive at Kodiak Island Alaska
1832 Greece recognized a Free Country Treaty of Constantinople
1864 1st Greek Orthodox church established in New Orleans
1921 Greek Orthodox archdiocese established in US.
1993 Construction begins on Cathedral in Greenville.
Constantine's Great Accomplishments Establishment of An Imperial church Edict of Milan (313) Constantine and Licinius Toleration of Faith Establishment of Constantinople as 2nd capital Inauguration of city - 330 No pagan rites - Center of Orthodoxy Calling the 1st Ecumenical Council of the Church Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Significance of Ecumenical Councils Defend and clarify the beliefs of Church: Purpose was to aid in our spiritual healing and to protect from heresy. AďŹƒrm the Basic Faith of Christianity To restore proper relationship between man and God, broken by sin, God sends His Son who redeems man from sin and death for the purpose of deification - theosis. Each Council protected the doctrine of Incarnation - Christ as fully God and fully Human. Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Nicene Creed Outcome of the first two Ecumenical Councils
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Church of 7 Councils
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Church of the Seven Councils
1st Ecumenical Council Nicea - 325
Arius condemned - the Son of God not true God but a created being. Christ is one in essence with the Father. Canons - Established the Four Patriarchates.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Church of the Seven Councils
2nd Ecumenical Council
Constantinople - 381 Doctrine of the trinity affirmed - Holy Spirit proceeds from Father. Athanasius & Cappadocians - Gregory Nazianzus, Basil the Great, Gregory of Nyssa supported the Orthodox Doctrine. 3rd Canon - Constantinople 2nd in honor after “Old Rome”
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Church of the Seven 3rd Ecumenical Council Ephesus - 431 Nestorius - divided Jesus Christ’s Manhood and Divinity so much that 2 persons resulted (Antiochian School) “Christotokos” Church of Mary in Ephesus
Cyril of Alexandria emphasized unity of Christ. “Theotokos” God and man in one person (hypostasis) Mary confirmed as The Mother of God - Theotokos
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Church of the Seven Councils
4th Ecumenical Council
Calcedon - 451 Tome of Leo the Great - Two natures (phuseis), in one hypostasis (Person) aďŹƒrming the divine and Human nature of Christ. Leo I, was Bishop of Confirmed Constantinople 2nd in honor. St. Rome from the years 440 to 461 A.D. Pentarchy of Patriarchates - division of Christianity into spheres of jurisdiction. All bishops equal Bishop of Rome - primacy of honor, not supremacy in external power and jurisdiction Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Church of the Seven Councils 5th Ecumenical Council Constantinople - 553 ReaďŹƒrmation of Chalcedon
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Church of the Seven Councils 6th Ecumenical Council Constantinople - 680-1 Condemned Monotheleticism - Christ, having two natures, but being one person has only one will, the divine. Since Christ has two natures He has two wills. This, so that full humanity and full divinity is not impaired. Why would this be important?
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Church of the Seven Councils Iconoclastic Controversy Iconoclasts (icon-breakers) sought destruction of icons as latent idolatry - strong in Asia Minor. Iconodules (icon-servers) saw icons dogmatic as well as liturgical issues. Began by Emperor Leo III - 780
7th Ecumenical Council - Nicea 787, taught honor and reverence for icons.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Church of Seven Councils Councils keep Christians on track Not defining God but clarifying who God was not. Constantly defending the incarnate God as both human and divine. As we will see this is important for the salvific nature of Christ.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Great Schism A Time Line of Church History Luther’s 95 Theses. Reformation begins 1517
CRUSADES 1291 1095
GREAT
LIBERATION ONE HOLY CATHOLIC AND APOSTOLIC CHURCH SCHISM 69 150 Bishop Justin Martyr Ignatius describes liturgy consecrated in Antioch
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
urch h C c i thol a C n a
1854 Dogma of Immaculate conception
1870 Dogma of Papal Infalibility
Byzantine Empire
Apostalic Age
33 Pentecost
om The R
Church of England 1529
325 1st Ecumenical Council and the Nicene Creed
397 451 Synod of Council of Carthage Chalcedon ratifies Biblical Canon
589 Filioque added to Nicene creed by Synod in Spain and later adopted by Roman Church
787 Icons approved at seventh Ecumenical council
880 The Photian Schism
988 Conversion of Russia begins
1054 Great Schism
The Eastern Orthodox Church 1204 Sack of Constantinople by Crusaders
1333 Gregory Palamas defends Orthodox spirituality
1453 Turks overrun Constantinople
1768 Arrival of the first Greeks in US.
1794 Rusian Missionaries arrive at Kodiak Island Alaska
1832 Greece recognized a Free Country Treaty of Constantinople
1864 1st Greek Orthodox church established in New Orleans
1921 Greek Orthodox archdiocese established in US.
1993 Construction begins on Cathedral in Greenville.
Schism of 1054 What caused the split of the Church between east and West? Many causes but doctrinal was primary A long period of estrangement preceded
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Schism of 1054
Christianity first spread in the Roman Empire of East and West Many groups but one Empire Broad Greco-Roman civilization Greek and Latin common languages to all.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Schism of 1054 Cultural unity was slowly lost. Political unity first lost - Old versus New Rome Barbarian invasions beginning in 5th century Rise of Islam - Mediterranean was largely under their control. Greek was forgotten in West, Latin forgotten in the East. Scholars used dierent sources. Holy Roman Empire established in the West 800AD under Charlemagne. Western Roman Empire anti-Greek - led to development of separate Christian culture, with little in common. Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Schism of 1054 Direct Theological Conflict - Filioque Filioque (“and the Son”) added to the creed regarding the procession of the Holy Spirit began in Spain officially at Council of Toledo 589. 808 Leo III had Creed without Filioque inscribed at Saint Peter’s Cathedral. Support for use grew in West. Orthodox Objections: Innovative arbitrary change breaking Church unity no one party has right to change Creed. Filioque is technically unsound - heretical Destroys correct understanding of the Trinity Leads to false understanding of Spirit and Church. Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Schism of 1054 Other issues of conflict Celibacy of clergy in west - married Priests in East Dierent rules and understanding of Fasting Unleavened bread in communion in West; leavened bread in East.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Schism of 1054 1054 Pope Leo IX sent delegation to Constantinople to work out dierences. Negotiations break down Delegation places bull of excommunication on altar at Saint Sofia based on omission of filioque . However friendly relations remained. Average Christian was not aware of the separation.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Estrangement to Schism Crusades - “Frank Invasions� First Crusade bloody success militarily. Antioch 1098: Jerusalem 1099 Latin Patriarchs set up. This left two Patriarchs in Jerusalem and Antioch. Fourth Crusade 1204. Crusaders originally bound for Egypt turned aside, sacked Constantinople; Systematic acts of sacrilege.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Reformation A Time Line of Church History Luther’s 95 Theses. Reformation begins 1517
CRUSADES 1291 1095
GREAT LIBERATION ONE HOLY CATHOLIC AND APOSTOLIC CHURCH SCHISM 69 150 Bishop Justin Martyr Ignatius describes liturgy consecrated in Antioch
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
u REFORMATION lic Ch
tho a C n a
rch
1854 Dogma of Immaculate conception
1870 Dogma of Papal Infalibility
Byzantine Empire
Apostalic Age
33 Pentecost
om The R
Church of England 1529
325 1st Ecumenical Council and the Nicene Creed
397 451 Synod of Council of Carthage Chalcedon ratifies Biblical Canon
589 Filioque added to Nicene creed by Synod in Spain and later adopted by Roman Church
787 Icons approved at seventh Ecumenical council
880 The Photian Schism
988 Conversion of Russia begins
1054 Great Schism
The Eastern Orthodox Church 1204 Sack of Constantinople by Crusaders
1333 Gregory Palamas defends Orthodox spirituality
1453 Turks overrun Constantinople
1768 Arrival of the first Greeks in US.
1794 Rusian Missionaries arrive at Kodiak Island Alaska
1832 Greece recognized a Free Country Treaty of Constantinople
1864 1st Greek Orthodox church established in New Orleans
1921 Greek Orthodox archdiocese established in US.
1993 Construction begins on Cathedral in Greenville.
Reformation - 16th Century Orthodox Church not involved in the issues surrounding the Reformation. Initiated due to indulgences as penance & and appointment of individuals to positions in Church based on financial contributions. Led to rejection of Tradition and reliance only on Scripture “Sola Scriptura”. Innovative doctrines introduced such as salvation by “faith only.” Led to thousands of branches due to different interpretations of Scripture. Wednesday, January 28, 2009
A Time Line of Church History Luther’s 95 Theses. Reformation begins 1517
CRUSADES 1291 1095
GREAT LIBERATION ONE HOLY CATHOLIC AND APOSTOLIC CHURCH SCHISM 69 150 Bishop Justin Martyr Ignatius describes liturgy consecrated in Antioch
u REFORMATION ic Ch
thol a C n a
rch
1870 Dogma of Papal Infalibility
325 1st Ecumenical Council and the Nicene Creed
397 451 Synod of Council of Carthage Chalcedon ratifies Biblical Canon
589 Filioque added to Nicene creed by Synod in Spain and later adopted by Roman Church
787 Icons approved at seventh Ecumenical council
880 The Photian Schism
988 Conversion of Russia begins
1054 Great Schism
The Eastern Orthodox Church 1204 Sack of Constantinople by Crusaders
1333 Gregory Palamas defends Orthodox spirituality
1453 Turks overrun Constantinople
1768 Arrival of the first Greeks in US.
Find this chart in your class materials
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
1854 Dogma of Immaculate conception
Byzantine Empire
Apostalic Age
33 Pentecost
om The R
Church of England 1529
1794 Rusian Missionaries arrive at Kodiak Island Alaska
1832 Greece recognized a Free Country Treaty of Constantinople
1864 1st Greek Orthodox church established in New Orleans
1921 Greek Orthodox archdiocese established in US.
1993 Construction begins on Cathedral in Greenville.
The Original Christian Community Primarily Greek Speaking Orthodox
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Greek World Prepared The Way For The Spread of Christianity
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Fullness of Apostolic Faith 2. Church faithfully maintained the Apostolic Faith Apostolic succession - Saint Andrew Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew - 270th Church of the Seven Councils Roman Church introduced numerous innovations Protestant churches regularly change teachings Now over 38,000 Christian denominations
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Fullness of Apostolic Faith 3. Faithfully maintains the Tradition with worship directed toward Trinitarian God Early Church adopted Jewish Liturgical Day with set times of prayer and a yearly calendar of fasts and feasts. Worship is a sacrifice directed towards God. Not congregation centered where clergy minister to the people rather to God. Liturgical form can be traced back to 2nd century.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Fullness of Apostolic Faith Christ historical figure fulfilling OT prophecies Orthodox Church has historical Apostolic continuity Sound unchanging doctrine - Church of 7 Councils Withstood Islamic occupation and Communist oppression - Cannot be suppressed Church is Body of Christ & as members we become part of Him Church and its sacraments are for our healing Church honored and trusted as a most precious gift. Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009