Author Topic: Orthodox Russian Church (Read 666 times)

Incredulous · « **on:** July 14, 2013, 02:08:16 AM »

If anyone could give me a book reference on the history of the Russian Orthodox and what they are all about, I'd appreciate it.

I'd like to learn the truth about their doctrines and beliefs after their schism with the Catholic Church.

Thanks!

TKGS · « **Reply #1 on:** July 14, 2013, 05:50:04 AM »

The best books about Orthodoxy are books by Orthodox bishops. What one discovers is that Orthodoxy is not such a radical departure from the faith that some people claim, but that it is a departure from the faith in certain areas, especially in the doctrines of original sin, marriage, and (in spite of their great devotions to her) the Blessed Virgin.

I didn't mention the "Filioque" issue because, in spite of this being the most known controversy between Orthodox and Catholic, I still am unable to understand the problem. I've read explanations of what procession of the Holy Ghost by both Orthodox and Catholic theologians and I don't see a real difference and, frankly, don't understand how that one word caused such a ruckus in the 11th Century.

cathman7 · « **Reply #2 on:** July 14, 2013, 07:35:39 AM »

Read the works of Donald Attwater.

Sigismund · « **Reply #3 on:** July 14, 2013, 04:25:45 PM »

If you are interested in Orthodox in general as well as Russian Orthodoxy specifically, I would suggest books by Bishop Kallistos Ware and Fr. John Meyrendorf.

JohnGrey · « **Reply #4 on:** July 15, 2013, 11:44:38 AM »

Quote from: TKGS

I didn't mention the "Filioque" issue because, in spite of this being the most known controversy between Orthodox and Catholic, I still am unable to understand the problem. I've read explanations of what procession of the Holy Ghost by both Orthodox and Catholic theologians and I don't see a real difference and, frankly, don't understand how that one word caused such a ruckus in the 11th Century.

The two formulations of procession are irreconcilable. In the infallible Catholic formulation, the Holy Ghost proceeds from both Father and Son. In the heretical Orthodox formulation, the Holy Ghost proceeds from the Father alone. The infallible Magisterium of the Church, pointing to Sacred Scripture, has proclaimed the former alone is correct.

The issue is that, in denying dual procession, they deny the authority of Sacred Scripture that affirms, with regard to the procession of the Holy Ghost, that Father and Son are united as a single Principle.