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Ecumenism

2007-01-02T23:29:36Z

Livendi32: /* External links */

'''Ecumenism''' is, principally, dialogue between Christian groups aimed at promoting the restoration of unity among all Christians through understanding, through mutual respect and toleration, and through practical cooperation in areas of common concern, such as care for the poor, sick, and needy.

Orthodox Christians take widely different attitudes toward ecumenism. A few embrace the Anglican "branch theory" which holds that the various divisions in Christianity all represent branches of the same Church just as the branches of a tree are all integrally part of the same living tree. Many Orthodox Christians object to this theory on the ground that it is inconsistent with properly Orthodox [[ecclesiology]]. It tends to minimize Orthodoxy and reduces its stature from exclusively the [[One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church|one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church]] to that of a relatively small segment of the Church: one denomination among many.

However, one may dispute the branch theory and still support ecumenical activity to a point. Some Orthodox Christians regard ecumenism as an opportunity to present Orthodoxy to the world as a unique witness to the ancient Christian faith and to the Church as the indivisible body of Christ. Others feel that ecumenism necessarily undermines this witness and feel that the Orthodox will be forced to alter traditional practices and even the very content of the ancient apostolic faith.

In the Twentieth Century particularly, some ecumenical activities have drawn sharp criticism from various voices within the Orthodox Church, particularly participation in the [[World Council of Churches]] and, in the United States, the [[National Council of Churches]]. Ecumenism is often opposed by ''[[Traditionalist]]s'', particularly those in [[Old Calendarist]] jurisdictions, who regard the [[New Calendar]] as a symptom of ecumenism.

One of the more controversial documents drawn up in recent years pertaining to ecumenism is the [[Balamand Statement]], an unofficial joint document of recommendation on [[Uniates|Uniatism]] signed by representatives of the [[Orthodox Church]] and the [[Roman Catholic Church]] in 1993.

Recently, many of the Orthodox Churches in the United States, including the [[Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America]], the [[Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America]], and the [[Orthodox Church in America]] have joined a new ecumenical organization called [[Christian Churches Together]]. Many church leaders hope that this new organization will be able to avoid some of the problems the Orthodox churches had with groups like the [[National Council of Churches]] while at the same time opening up positive opportunities for dialogue and cooperation.

==See also==
* [[North American Orthodox-Catholic Theological Consultation]]

==External links==
*[http://www.orthodoxinfo.com/ecumenism/ Orthodox Information Center: Ecumenism Awareness]
*[http://uncutmountain.com/index.php/uncut/pages/ecumenism_origins_expectations_disenchantment_table_of_contents/ Ecumenism: Origins - Expectations - Disenchantment], September 2004 Conference on Ecumenism, held at Aristotle University, Thessaloniki, Greece
**[http://uncutmountain.com/uncut/docs/Conclusions_of_the_Conference_on_Ecumenism.pdf Conclusions of the Conference on Ecumenism]
**[http://uncutmountain.com/uncut/docs/bpartemy_soc.pdf The Church of Serbia vis-à-vis Ecumenism], by Bishop Artemije of Raska and Prizren
**[http://uncutmountain.com/uncut/docs/fralexios_contours.pdf Contours of Conversion and the Ecumenical Movement], by Hieromonk Alexis (Trader) of Karakallou
**[http://www.orthodoxytoday.org/articles4/ReevesEcumenicism.shtml The Consequences of Orthodox Participation in the Ecumenical Movement on the Orthodox Witness to the Heterodox West], by Fr. John Reeves
**[http://uncutmountain.com/uncut/docs/heers_baptism.pdf The Mystery of Baptism and the Unity of the Church], by Fr. Peter A. Heers

*[http://www.incommunion.org/articles/essays/orthodoxy-ecumenism In Communion: Orthodoxy & Ecumenism]
*[http://incommunion.org/articles/ecumenical-movement/ In Communion: Ecumenical Movement], resources on the Orthodox Church and the Ecumenical Movement
*[http://www.orthodoxinfo.com/ecumenism/ Orthodox Information Center: Ecumenism Awareness]
*[http://www.oca.org/QA.asp?ID=188&SID=3 OCA Q&A: Ecumenism and Church Leaders]

Ecumenism

2007-01-02T23:25:32Z

Livendi32: /* Ecumenical Organizations */

'''Ecumenism''' is, principally, dialogue between Christian groups aimed at promoting the restoration of unity among all Christians through understanding, through mutual respect and toleration, and through practical cooperation in areas of common concern, such as care for the poor, sick, and needy.

Orthodox Christians take widely different attitudes toward ecumenism. A few embrace the Anglican "branch theory" which holds that the various divisions in Christianity all represent branches of the same Church just as the branches of a tree are all integrally part of the same living tree. Many Orthodox Christians object to this theory on the ground that it is inconsistent with properly Orthodox [[ecclesiology]]. It tends to minimize Orthodoxy and reduces its stature from exclusively the [[One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church|one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church]] to that of a relatively small segment of the Church: one denomination among many.

However, one may dispute the branch theory and still support ecumenical activity to a point. Some Orthodox Christians regard ecumenism as an opportunity to present Orthodoxy to the world as a unique witness to the ancient Christian faith and to the Church as the indivisible body of Christ. Others feel that ecumenism necessarily undermines this witness and feel that the Orthodox will be forced to alter traditional practices and even the very content of the ancient apostolic faith.

In the Twentieth Century particularly, some ecumenical activities have drawn sharp criticism from various voices within the Orthodox Church, particularly participation in the [[World Council of Churches]] and, in the United States, the [[National Council of Churches]]. Ecumenism is often opposed by ''[[Traditionalist]]s'', particularly those in [[Old Calendarist]] jurisdictions, who regard the [[New Calendar]] as a symptom of ecumenism.

One of the more controversial documents drawn up in recent years pertaining to ecumenism is the [[Balamand Statement]], an unofficial joint document of recommendation on [[Uniates|Uniatism]] signed by representatives of the [[Orthodox Church]] and the [[Roman Catholic Church]] in 1993.

Recently, many of the Orthodox Churches in the United States, including the [[Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America]], the [[Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America]], and the [[Orthodox Church in America]] have joined a new ecumenical organization called [[Christian Churches Together]]. Many church leaders hope that this new organization will be able to avoid some of the problems the Orthodox churches had with groups like the [[National Council of Churches]] while at the same time opening up positive opportunities for dialogue and cooperation.

==See also==
* [[North American Orthodox-Catholic Theological Consultation]]

==External links==
*[http://www.scoba.us/resources/documents/guide_for_orthodox.pdf Ecumenical Guidelines for SCOBA]
* [http://www.scoba.us/resources/sac-economy.asp Baptism and "sacramental economy": An agreed statement of the North American Orthodox-Catholic Theological Consultation] - Saint Vladimir's Orthodox Seminary, Crestwood, New York - June 3, 1999
*[http://uncutmountain.com/index.php/uncut/pages/ecumenism_origins_expectations_disenchantment_table_of_contents/ Ecumenism: Origins - Expectations - Disenchantment], September 2004 Conference on Ecumenism, held at Aristotle University, Thessaloniki, Greece
**[http://uncutmountain.com/uncut/docs/Conclusions_of_the_Conference_on_Ecumenism.pdf Conclusions of the Conference on Ecumenism]
**[http://uncutmountain.com/uncut/docs/bpartemy_soc.pdf The Church of Serbia vis-à-vis Ecumenism], by Bishop Artemije of Raska and Prizren
**[http://uncutmountain.com/uncut/docs/fralexios_contours.pdf Contours of Conversion and the Ecumenical Movement], by Hieromonk Alexis (Trader) of Karakallou
**[http://www.orthodoxytoday.org/articles4/ReevesEcumenicism.shtml The Consequences of Orthodox Participation in the Ecumenical Movement on the Orthodox Witness to the Heterodox West], by Fr. John Reeves
**[http://uncutmountain.com/uncut/docs/heers_baptism.pdf The Mystery of Baptism and the Unity of the Church], by Fr. Peter A. Heers

*[http://www.incommunion.org/articles/essays/orthodoxy-ecumenism In Communion: Orthodoxy & Ecumenism]
*[http://incommunion.org/articles/ecumenical-movement/ In Communion: Ecumenical Movement], resources on the Orthodox Church and the Ecumenical Movement
*[http://www.orthodoxinfo.com/ecumenism/ Orthodox Information Center: Ecumenism Awareness]
*[http://www.oca.org/QA.asp?ID=188&SID=3 OCA Q&A: Ecumenism and Church Leaders]

Esphigmenou Monastery (Athos)

2007-01-02T23:22:13Z

Livendi32: /* History */

{{Athonitemonastery|
name=Holy Monastery of Esphigmenou|
rank=Eighteenth|
type=Cenobitic Monastery|
founded=Late 10th Century|
superior=Methodius|
size=about 100 monks|
location=Northeastern|
language=Greek|
music=[[Byzantine chant]]|
feasts=[[Ascension of Our Lord]]|
}}
The '''Esphigmenou Monastery''' is located on the northeastern coast of the Athos Peninsula in northern Greece close to the Monastery of [[Chilandari Monastery (Athos)|Chilandari]]. It is ranked eighteenth in the hierarchical order of the twenty monasteries located on the peninsula. As is case of the other institutions on [[Mount Athos]], life at Esphigmenou is coenobitic.

==History==
Esphigmenou [[monastery]] has existed since the tenth century, although Athonite tradition attributes its founding to Empress Pulcheria, the sister of Emperor Theodosius II, in the fifth century. The origin of the name for the monastery is uncertain. The name of the monastery came from a founding monk who wore a tight belt or from the name of the site upon which the monastery was built. The monastery is built near the sea as at the time it was built the sea was safe from foreign attackers. Manuscripts, however, record serious raids in 1047 and 1534. The 1534 raid was the most severe and was preceded by a fire in 1491.

In between the raids and fire Esphigmenou was favored by the emperors in Constantinople as imperial chrysobulls record the acquisition of property for Esphigmenou in Prolakas, Sloutarass, Krosouvo, Vrasta, Thessaloniki, and Constantinople. Also, Esphigmenou is noted as being the home, in 1310, of St. Athanasius who was Patriarch of Constantinople and of Gregory Palamas, in 1335, who was Archbishop of Thessalonki.

In the seventeenth century, Esphigmenou entered into a period of decline due to serious financial difficulties. The monastery began a recovery during the following century. This recovery was aided by Grigorios, Metropolitan of Meleniko who made payment of the monastery's debts his main project.

In early part of the nineteenth century, Theodoritos of the Lavra, as the [[abbot]] of Esphigmenou, reorganized the monastery as a coenobium and began the construction of a new [[katholikon]] in 1806 on the site of an earlier [[church]] built in 1010. He built other new buildings such as a new [[refectory]] as well. Between 1821 and 1832 Esphigmenou ceased to exist as a monastery as the Ottoman Turkish army commandeered and used the monastery buildings as barracks during the Greek war for independence. With the departure of the Turkish forces, the monastery was restored by Agathangelos Ayiannanitis. The rebuilding effort continued until 1870 and resulted in the construction of the monastery's modern buildings. These included the addition of a exo[[narthex]] on the katholikon, construction of the [[bell tower]] and a number of [[chapel]]s and the southern gateway.

The katholikon is dedicated to the Ascension of Our Lord. There are eight chapels in the katholikon and seven outside of it.

While Esphigmenou is ranked eighteenth among the twenty monasteries on Mount Athos, it withdrew its representative from the Holy Community in 1974 and does not take part in the assemblies of the Community. The withdrawal by the monks was precipitated by a break with the Ecumenical Patriarch for violations of the doctrines of the Church in regards Patriarchate relations with non-Orthodox, particularly the [[Roman Catholic Church]]. The abbot, Methodius, stated that the monks of Esphigmenou Monastery do not want some fifteen million euros that was offered by the European Union to the monastery, noting that offers of such large amounts of money surely are made in the expectation of receiving something in exchange.

==Treasury==
The monastery library contains 372 manuscripts and over 8,000 printed books. Among the treasures held by the monastery, Esphigmenou's most treasured possession is the [[icon]] of Our Lady Eleousa. In addition to relics of [[saints]], the monastery possesses the so-called cross of Pulcheria and a large part of the tent used by Napoleon. The tent remnant is used as the curtain for the [[sanctuary]] door in the katholikon on the feast day of the Holy Ascension.

==External links==
*[http://esphigmenou.com/ Esphigmenou Site]
*[[Wikipedia: Esphigmenou Monastery]]
*[http://www.chalkidiki.com/athos/esphigmenou.html Esphigmenou Monastery]
*[http://www.mountathos.gr/active~mode~en{6eb30a94-eba5-4e16-82bc-392b95132895}View.html Esphigmenou]

[[Category:Monasteries]]
[[Category:Athonite Monasteries]]
[[Category:Greek Monasteries]]