QUESTION:
4/30/2010: I am just wondering about the churches that call themselves orthodox. While at this moment Non demoninational I agree with pretty much all the Eastern orthodox church teaches (can't join an orthodox church at this moment), but I understand there are other churches which use the name "Orthodox" Such as the Oriental orthodox and the Tewardo (Spelt wrong) orthodox church, are these churches the same church as the general eastern orthodox church which accepts the 7 councils? I am lead to believe that the Oriental church follows Nestorius in his teachings about the nature of Christ deity and humanity? Thank you. |
ANSWER:
It is important to understand that there are two great Orthodox families, the so-called Eastern (Patriarchates of Constantinople and Moscow for instance, as well as Greece, Serbia, etc) and the so-called Oriental which are non-Chalcedonian (Coptic, Ethiopian / Eritrean, Jacobite, Armenian). Finally, there is a few denominations what use the adjective "orthodox" such as the Orthodox Presbyterian. The Oriental Orthodox Churches only approve the first 3 councils. There is another ancient group called "Church of the East / Assyrian" which is "Nestorian" and rejects the 3rd Council (Ephesus). In general, the Oriental and Eastern Orthodox families are very close and the ecumenical agreements have clarified the theological controversies related to Christology. However, full communion has not yet been restored due to some practical issues (what to do with the anathemas, how to recognize certain aspects of the 7 Councils a posteriori, etc). |
