“In our time … there are discussions about the difference between the Orthodox Church and other expressions of Christianity, such as the Roman Catholics and Protestants. This book gives answers on these serious issues.” (Preface to the English Edition)
The author examines in theological and historical depth the relations between the Orthodox Church and the rest of the Christian world, focussing on the ‘Holy and Great Council’ held in Crete in June 2016. The book is a frank testimony by a bishop who took an active part in the Council, but also a thorough analysis of the background to the Council, the discussions that led up to it, and its implications for the future.
After setting out basic theological issues concerning the Church, Councils, and dialogues with other Christians in the first part of the book, the author proceeds in the second part to examine the specific subjects discussed at the Council of Crete. The third part centres on his own interventions at the Council, and the fourth is a commentary on the decisions of the Council. The Epilogue looks at the Church, the Body of Christ, as ‘Eternal Beauty’, with surprising insights from the Roman Catholic theologian who translated one of His Eminence’s books into Italian.
This book makes fascinating and challenging reading for all Christians concerned about what the Church is and who her members are. It is also a historical document that will prove essential for researchers in the future.