Oriental Orthodox Churches

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Assouan cathedrale copte

Oriental Orthodoxy by country

Oriental Orthodox Churches are a group of Christian churches that recognize only the first three Ecumenical Councils—the First Council of Nicaea in 325, the First Council of Constantinople in 381, and the Council of Ephesus in 431. They are distinguished from the Eastern Orthodox Churches, which accept the first seven Ecumenical Councils, and from the Roman Catholic Church and Protestant denominations. The Oriental Orthodox Churches reject the Chalcedonian Definition of 451, which was adopted at the Council of Chalcedon. This disagreement over the nature of Christ led to the Chalcedonian Schism, resulting in the separation of the Oriental Orthodox Churches from the rest of Christendom.

Beliefs and Practices

The core belief that distinguishes the Oriental Orthodox Churches is their acceptance of Miaphysitism, a Christological doctrine. Miaphysitism holds that in the one person of Jesus Christ, divinity and humanity are united in one "nature" (mia physis) without separation, confusion, alteration, or division. This contrasts with the Dyophysitism of the Chalcedonian Churches, which profess that Christ exists in two natures, divine and human, perfectly united but not confused.

Oriental Orthodox Churches share many practices and liturgical traditions with other Christian denominations, but they also have unique rituals and liturgies. For example, the Divine Liturgy in these churches involves elaborate ceremonies, including the use of incense, chanting, and elaborate vestments. The Eucharist is a central element of worship, and great emphasis is placed on the liturgical calendar, with numerous feasts and fasting periods.

Member Churches

The Oriental Orthodox communion comprises six autocephalous (self-governing) churches:

• Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria
• Syriac Orthodox Church
• Armenian Apostolic Church
• Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church
• Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Church
• Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church

Each of these churches is independent in its administration but united in theology and liturgy with the other Oriental Orthodox Churches.

History

The history of the Oriental Orthodox Churches is deeply intertwined with the early history of Christianity. The theological foundations were laid in the early ecumenical councils, where debates over the nature of Christ led to significant theological divisions. The Council of Chalcedon in 451 marked a definitive split, with the Oriental Orthodox Churches forming a separate communion in opposition to the Chalcedonian Definition.

Despite facing significant challenges, including persecution and the spread of Islam in traditionally Christian territories, the Oriental Orthodox Churches have preserved their traditions and continued to play a vital role in the religious and cultural life of their communities.

Ecumenical Relations

In recent decades, there has been a growing movement towards reconciliation and dialogue between the Oriental Orthodox Churches and other Christian denominations. These efforts have led to better understanding and respect for the theological and liturgical traditions of each church. While full communion has not been restored, these dialogues have helped to heal centuries-old divisions and have opened the way for greater cooperation in matters of mutual concern.

Conclusion

The Oriental Orthodox Churches represent a vital and vibrant part of the global Christian community. With their rich theological, liturgical, and cultural traditions, they contribute to the diversity and depth of Christian faith and practice. Despite the historical divisions that have separated them from other Christian traditions, there is a growing recognition of the common faith and shared heritage that unites all followers of Christ.