“In the Church of Christ Truth is one, as indeed it should be. Historically it is one, common to all the Church’s faithful, and unchanging;”
Fr. Michael Pomazansky, Orthodox Dogmatic Theology
(Phil. 2:8)
Lesson 10: History of Doctrine
An introduction to the history of Orthodox Doctrine:
It is important to understand the important role of the Ecumenical Councils in the Church. The proclamation of the Ecumenical Councils are considered second in Authority to Scripture. Through them the truth taught by the Apostles on the true nature of Christ has been preserved. They protect the clear doctrine about the nature of Christ, His being both fully God and fully man. This is a great and important mystery for our salvation. The Councils did not create new doctrine, but defended the original teachings of the Apostles. In the dialogues that took place they expanded the understanding of this mystery. The Orthodox Church is known as the Church of the Seven Councils and follows them without change. This differentiates the Orthodox Church from others who split from the Church. This is why we shamelessly claim it to be the original and true Church of Christ.
Assignment:
Read the section on History in the manual: https://stgeorgegreenville.org/our-faith/catechism/church-history/
View the time line chart: https://www.stgeorgegreenville.org/assets/files/Classes/Catechism/TimeLine.pdf
View the Video below.
View these videos if you want:
Beginings of Church three part series on history of the Orthodox Church produced by the Archdiocese of North America
1. Beginings of Church https://youtu.be/RkJ0n_dkx-8
After you have viewed the video, answer briefly these questions: