Church of the East

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Church of the East refers to a Christian church that traces its origins to the early Christian communities established in the Middle East, Persia, and Asia. It is also known by several other names, including the Nestorian Church, due to its association with Nestorius, a patriarch of Constantinople whose teachings were a significant part of the church's early doctrinal formation. The Church of the East played a crucial role in the spread of Christianity into Asia, reaching areas such as India, Central Asia, China, and Mongolia.

History

The origins of the Church of the East can be traced back to the apostolic age, with the church itself claiming descent from the missions of Thomas the Apostle, Thaddeus of Edessa, and Mari, who are believed to have evangelized the East. The church's distinct identity began to form in the 5th century, following the Council of Ephesus in 431, which condemned the teachings of Nestorius. The Church of the East, however, did not accept the council's decisions, leading to its separation from the Roman Empire's state church.

Throughout the Middle Ages, the Church of the East expanded significantly, establishing communities and dioceses from the Mediterranean to China. Its missionaries were instrumental in translating the Christian scriptures and liturgical texts into various languages, including Syriac, Sogdian, Uighur, and Chinese.

Doctrine and Liturgy

The Church of the East is known for its Christology, which emphasizes the distinction between the divine and human natures of Jesus Christ. This theological stance is often misunderstood as Nestorianism, a heresy in other Christian traditions, which posits a radical separation between the two natures. However, the Church of the East itself rejects this characterization, maintaining that its teachings are in line with the apostolic faith.

The liturgical language of the church is Classical Syriac, a dialect of Aramaic. Its liturgy, known as the Holy Qurbana, is one of the oldest in Christianity, with roots in the early Christian worship practices of the East.

Modern Times

Today, the Church of the East is divided into several branches, including the Assyrian Church of the East, the Ancient Church of the East, and the Chaldean Catholic Church, which is in full communion with the Roman Catholic Church. These churches continue to serve the spiritual needs of their communities, preserving their rich heritage of liturgy, theology, and culture.

Despite facing significant challenges, including persecution, emigration, and assimilation, the Church of the East remains an important part of the global Christian community, with a history that spans over two millennia.

See Also

• Christianity in the Middle East
• Nestorianism
• Syriac Christianity
• Eastern Christianity