The Chalcedonian Orthodox Churches

1
The Chalcedonian Orthodox Churches

• An Overview

2
The Chalcedonian Definition

• Council of Chalcedon (451AD)
• Christ is 2 natures (divine and human) in one
  person.
• Accepted by some churches, not by others.
• The biggest Orthodox Churches (e.g. the Greek and
  Russian Orthodox Churches) accept Chalcedon.

3
Patriarchate of Constantinople

• Patriarch lives in Istanbul (Constantinople)
• He is Batholomew 1.
• He is the Ecumenical Patriarch he has primacy of
  honor until the Bishop of Rome (the Pope) rejoins
  the Orthodox community.
• Very few Orthodox live In Istanbul now

4
Patriarchate of Alexandria

• Not to be confused with the Coptic Church
• Very few members in Egypt today
• Has jurisdiction over all of Africa

5
Patriarchate of Antioch

• An Arab Patriarch since 1899
• This has led to relative success in Syria and
  Lebanon
• Recently received several Anglican clergy and
  their congregations after Anglicans ordained
  women
• Allowed them to have a more western liturgy

6
Patriarchate of Jerusalem

• Small numbers
• Patriarch is normally Greek other clergy are
  Arab
• Israel/Palestine problem has led to large-scale
  emigration

7
Other Chalcedonian Orthodox Churches

• These are often national churches (Some big, some
  small)
• Russia
• Romania
• Greece
• Serbia
• Bulgaria
• Georgia
• Cyprus
• Poland
• Albania
• Finland
• Japan

8
Each of these churches

• Has its own history, saints, etc.
• Worships in its own language
• Is in full doctrinal agreement with the others
  (in communion)
• Does not interfere in the internal affairs of the
  others

9
Problem of Jurisdiction

• National Church allegiance continues in emigrant
  communities
• But the orthodox community in any one place (e.g.
  Detroit) should have one bishop
• In effect there are often several bishops
  according to the number of national churches in a
  locality
• The Orthodox Church of America tried to solve
  this but has not been widely recognized