The term spirituality is used very loosely in our culture. But Orthodox spirituality has a very specific meaning. It is most clearly stated by Fr. Dumitru Staniloae a renown Romanian Theologian (1903 – 1993). He describes it as a life long process. It is a road that leads one to “perfection in Christ.” Continue reading “What is Orthodox Spirituality?”
What are the Major Steps of the Spiritual Life?
Fr Staniloae gives us a clear view to answer this question He says there are two phases. The first is the practical phase and the second is the contemplative phase. Continue reading “What are the Major Steps of the Spiritual Life?”
The Fundamental Difference Between the “East” and “West” (Part V)
The Significance of the Filioque Question
Smaragdus records how the emissaries of Charlemagne complained that Pope Leo III was making an issue of only four syllables. Of course, four syllables are not many. Nevertheless, their implications are such that Latin or Frankish Christendom embarked on a history of theology and ecclesiastical practice which may have been quite different had the Franks paid attention to the “Greeks.” Continue reading “The Fundamental Difference Between the “East” and “West” (Part V)”
The Fundamental Difference Between the “East” and “West” (Part IV)
The Theological Background
At the foundation of the filioque controversy between Franks and Romans lie essential differences in theological method, theological subject matter, spirituality, and, therefore, also in the understanding of the very nature of doctrine and of the development of the language or of terms in which doctrine is expressed. Continue reading “The Fundamental Difference Between the “East” and “West” (Part IV)”
The Fundamental Difference Between the “East” and “West” (Part III)
THE FILIOQUE:
Historical Background
The Franks deliberately provoked doctrinal differences, between the East Romans, (the Orthodox) and the West Romans, (the Roman Catholics) in order to break the national and ecclesiastical unity of the original Roman nation. Because of this deliberate policy, the filioque question took on irreparable dimensions. However, the identity of the West Romans and of the East Romans as one indivisible nation, faithful to the Roman Christian faith promulgated at the Ecumenical Synods held in the Eastern part of the Empire, is completely lost to the historians of Germanic background, since the East Romans are consistently called “Greeks” and “Byzantines.” Continue reading “The Fundamental Difference Between the “East” and “West” (Part III)”
The Fundamental Difference Between the “East” and “West” (Part II)
Diagnosis and Therapy
Let us turn our attention to those aspects of differences between Roman and Frankish theologies which have had a strong impact on the development of differences in the doctrine of the Church. The basic differences may be listed under diagnosis of spiritual ills and their therapy. Continue reading “The Fundamental Difference Between the “East” and “West” (Part II)”
Novo Scriptorium 