Oriental Orthodox Churches

Oriental Orthodox Churches
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Name	Oriental Orthodox Churches
Type	Eastern Christian
Polity	Episcopal
Leader	Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria, Catholicos of the East
Region	Middle East, Africa, India, Europe, North America

Oriental Orthodox Churches are a group of Eastern Christian denominations that rejected the Council of Chalcedon in 451 AD, which was convened by Byzantine Emperor Marcian and Pope Leo I. The Oriental Orthodox Churches are in full communion with each other and recognize the Pope of Alexandria as their spiritual leader, along with the Catholicos of the East and the Patriarch of Antioch. They have a significant presence in countries such as Egypt, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Syria, Lebanon, India, and Armenia, with notable figures like Saint Mark the Evangelist, Saint Thomas the Apostle, and Gregory the Illuminator contributing to their rich history. The Oriental Orthodox Churches have also been influenced by the works of Cyril of Alexandria and Dioscorus of Alexandria.

Introduction

The Oriental Orthodox Churches have a distinct identity shaped by their Alexandrian School of Theology and Syriac Christianity, with a strong emphasis on the Christology of Cyril of Alexandria and the Miaphysitism of Severus of Antioch. They have a significant following in the Middle East and Africa, with major centers in Alexandria, Addis Ababa, Asmara, Damascus, and Kerala. The Oriental Orthodox Churches have also been influenced by the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria, the Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch, and the Armenian Apostolic Church, with notable figures like Abba Seraphim, Mar Ignatius Zakka I Iwas, and Karekin II playing important roles. The churches have also been shaped by the Council of Nicaea and the Council of Constantinople, as well as the works of Origen of Alexandria and Eusebius of Caesarea.

History

The history of the Oriental Orthodox Churches dates back to the Apostolic Age, with the Apostle Saint Mark establishing the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria in 42 AD. The churches have a rich history, with significant events like the Council of Ephesus in 431 AD and the Council of Chalcedon in 451 AD shaping their development. The Oriental Orthodox Churches have also been influenced by the Byzantine Empire, the Arab conquest of Egypt, and the Crusades, with notable figures like Pope Cyril VI of Alexandria and Patriarch Ignatius IV of Antioch playing important roles. The churches have also been shaped by the works of John Chrysostom and Basil of Caesarea, as well as the Monophysite controversy and the Henotikon.

Doctrine and Practices

The Oriental Orthodox Churches have a distinct doctrine and practices, with a strong emphasis on the Trinity and the Incarnation of Jesus Christ. They recognize the Bible as the primary source of Christian theology, along with the Apostolic Tradition and the Ecumenical Councils. The Oriental Orthodox Churches have a rich liturgy and worship tradition, with significant practices like the Divine Liturgy and the Sacraments. They have also been influenced by the works of Gregory of Nazianzus and Athanasius of Alexandria, as well as the Desert Fathers and the Cappadocian Fathers. The churches have also been shaped by the Monasticism of Saint Anthony the Great and Saint Pachomius, with notable figures like Pope Shenouda III of Alexandria and Catholicos Aram I playing important roles.

Churches and Jurisdictions

The Oriental Orthodox Churches have several distinct churches and jurisdictions, including the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria, the Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch, the Armenian Apostolic Church, the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, and the Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Church. These churches have a significant presence in countries like Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, Armenia, India, and Eritrea, with notable figures like Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria and Catholicos Baselios Marthoma Paulose II playing important roles. The Oriental Orthodox Churches have also been influenced by the Greek Orthodox Church of Alexandria, the Russian Orthodox Church, and the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, with significant events like the Chalcedonian Schism and the Oriental Orthodox–Eastern Orthodox dialogue shaping their development.

Ecumenical Relations

The Oriental Orthodox Churches have been engaged in ecumenical dialogue with other Christian denominations, including the Eastern Orthodox Church, the Roman Catholic Church, and the Protestant churches. They have been involved in significant events like the Second Vatican Council and the Lambeth Conference, with notable figures like Pope Paul VI and Archbishop of Canterbury Michael Ramsey playing important roles. The Oriental Orthodox Churches have also been influenced by the works of Karl Barth and Dietrich Bonhoeffer, as well as the World Council of Churches and the Middle East Council of Churches. The churches have also been shaped by the Joint Declaration of Pope Paul VI and Patriarch Athenagoras I, with significant implications for their ecumenical relations.

Liturgy and Worship

The Oriental Orthodox Churches have a rich liturgy and worship tradition, with significant practices like the Divine Liturgy and the Sacraments. They have been influenced by the works of John Chrysostom and Basil of Caesarea, as well as the Liturgy of Saint James and the Liturgy of Saint Mark. The Oriental Orthodox Churches have also been shaped by the Hymnography of Saint Ephrem the Syrian and the Iconography of Andrei Rublev, with notable figures like Pope Shenouda III of Alexandria and Catholicos Aram I playing important roles. The churches have also been influenced by the Feast of the Nativity and the Feast of the Resurrection, with significant celebrations in countries like Egypt, Syria, and Armenia. Category:Christian denominations