The NonChalcedonian Orthodox Churches

1
The Non-Chalcedonian Orthodox Churches

• An Overview

2
The Oriental Churches

• Syrian
• Indian
• Coptic
• Ethiopian
• Armenian

3
Syrian Orthodox

• Maybe the oldest expression of Christianity
• Rejected Chalcedon
• Transmitted Greek thought to the Arabs
• Ancient liturgy (in Syriac close to Aramaic)
• Much persecuted (e.g. in Turkey)
• Patriarchs (usually called Ignatius) live in
  Damascus - since 1933 (they used to live in Deir
  Zafaran monastery in Turkey)

4
Indian Orthodox Church

• Claims foundation in 52AD (by the Apostle Thomas)
• Of Syrian origin
• Syriac language used in liturgy until 19th c.
• There are actually 5 orthodox churches of
  Syrian origin.
• One is in communion with Rome one is in
  communion with the Anglican Church (these
  therefore accept Chalcedon).

5
Coptic Church

• Largest Christian Church in Middle East
• About 10 of population of Egypt
• Claims foundation by the evangelist Mark
• Coptic majority rejected Chalcedon
• Monasticism is very important
• Suffers persecution
• Led by the Coptic Pope

6
Ethiopian Orthodox Church

• The Ethiopian in Ch 8 of Acts
• Church dates from 4th c.
• Close link with Copts bishops consecrated from
  Egypt until 1959
• Hereditary Priesthood

7
Armenian Orthodox Church

• Dates itself to 301AD
• First nation to accept Christianity
• Severely damaged by genocide in 20th c.
• Base is at Etchmiadzin in Armenia
• Armenian has its own alphabet

8
Assyrian Church

• Assyrian East Syrian
• No use of icons
• Not recognized as orthodox by the other orthodox
  churches
• Based in Iraq but many abroad
• Much fragmented by disputes over the patriarchy