RUSSIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH
Brief History:
The Russian Orthodox Church was originally one of the Eastern Orthodox Churches, one of the major independent branches of the Eastern Europe, Asia, and Egyptian Orthodox churches. There are 19 independent churches in the Federation of Eastern Churches. These churches are united by common beliefs and traditions. They number about 100 million persons.
Beliefs: They believe they continue the tradition of the early church founded by the apostles, also basing their beliefs on the decisions of the seven early ecumenical councils (the last of which was held in 787 AD). They accept as binding, however, only the Nicene - Constantinopolitan Creed, adopted at the Council of 381. The Greek and Russian Orthodox Churches have commemorated the seven ecumenical councils since 842 AD. They do not recognize the pope's claim of papal infallibility nor his freedom from error in matters concerning faith and morals.
Organization: The federation of churches are formed into independent groups that self-governing in their internal affairs. They conduct their own worship in their own languages and follow their own customs and traditions. The patriarchate at Constantinople has the first rank of honor, but it does not rule over or control them. Their local parish priests may marry, but their bishops (men in the ‘episcopacy’ chosen by the monks) must remain celibate.
History: Christendom became divided among three ruling divisions called patriarchates which centered around Rome, Alexandria and Antioch. In 330, Constantine moved the capital of the empire from Rome to Constantinople (Istanbul) and this city won rank as patriarchate in 451 AD. Jerusalem was also given the same rank at the same time. Alexandria broke away from the imperial church and it still exists as a separatist Coptic Church, as did others (Syrian, Nestorian and Armenian). The greatest rivalry for supremacy existed between Rome and Constantinople and the final schism occurred in 1054 AD. Cultural, political and doctrinal differences led to official division and mutual excommunication in the year 1054. The Eastern Church spread through Greece, Egypt, Asia Minor, Arabic and Slavic countries.
The Crusades and invasions by the Turks weakened Constantinople and the Byzantine Empire. The fourth crusade of 1204 AD resulted in the conquest of Constantinople and the city finally fell to the Turks in 1253 AD.
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The Russian gained leadership of the Byzantine church and became the state religion before the rise of Communist power and the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917. Government money helped support about 45,000 Russian Orthodox churches, 60,000 clergy and 1,000 monasteries and convents. Communists branded religion as the “opiate of the people” and they destroyed many churches and converted them into museums, etc. By 1941 there were only about 4,000 Orthodox churches left and fewer than 9,000 clergy. When the open opposition stopped, the number of churches increased again and by 1960 there were probably more than 20,000 active Russian Orthodox churches and some 30,000 clergy. Constantine built Constantinople in 330 AD, and its bishop became the chief rival of the Bishop of Rome in the 5th century. The Ecumenical Councils were called by the emperors who assigned the times and places and who also paid the expenses of travel, etc., out of public treasuries. They were political as well as religious assemblies.
The Czars of Russia and other emperors attended personally or more usually sent representatives with official authority in their behalf. Some of them had not even been baptized. The people had no voice.
NOTE: The information above was derived from histories and encyclopedias. Also see the Russian Orthodox Church in its Cultural Settings, by Randal C. Bailey, PhD, Southern Christian University, 1993, available from Star Bible. Also confer The Orthodox Church by Timothy Ware, published by Pelican.
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Orthodox Tradition
Word of God
• ORGANIZATION. The church is under an hierarchy of Patriarchs, Bishops, and priests. Patriarchs are the chief ruling officials in the various countries, with the Patriarchate of Russian being located in Moscow. This episcopal structure of national autonomous “sees”… was later in Georgia and in the Ukraine Autonomous churches are headed by a bishop, but depend on the Patriarchate for appointment of primates (head bishops)
• The organization of Christ’s church in the first century was very simple an unstructured, with no officers except in the local congregations: elders (also known as bishops, overseers, presbyters, shepherds) and deacons (1 Tim 3; Titus 1; Acts 20:28; Phil 1:1). There was no Patriarch and to refer to any man as “Father” as a religious title was forbidden by the Lord (Matt 23:9). All Christians made up a “royal priesthood” and there was no distinct clergy or priestly group (2 Peter 3:9).
• CELIBACY OF PRIESTS.
The priests may not marry unless they do so before they are ordained to the priesthood.
• Marriage is honorable among all and the forbidding of anyone to marry is called a “doctrine of demons” (I Tim 4:1-3; Hebrews 4:12)
• MONKS. Monks may not marry but to be given wholly to study and meditation.
• See above #2. Monks are unknown in the Holy Bible.
• PRIESTS. Priests who are not monks are not eligible for the episcopacy (pyramid form of church government)
• Any system of organization apart from and above the local congregations is unknown in the Bible. Scripture warns that we must not go beyond what is written (2 John 9-10) nor add to God’s word or way. God’s ways are not man’s ways, and for men to vote to adopts a system not found in the Bile is, to contradict His way (Is 55:8-9)
• COUNCILS. The Eastern Churches, including the Russian Orthodox Church, recognize the seven ecumenical councils held between 325 AD and 787 AD, because no further councils occurred at which bishops or Rome and Eastern patriarchs worked together.
• There were no councils of the early church, except one at Jerusalem in Acts 15 when the apostles made a pronouncement concerning certain questions that had arisen in the church in Antioch. The apostles were the specially chosen and inspired representatives of God who spoke His word. There is no authority for the presumption that they had successors, the basic error that led to councils between 50 AD when the inspired apostles convened in Jerusalem until 170 AD when disputes arose regarding Montanism and Easter. By this time, there were distinctions of rank in
96 | P a g e
Orthodox Tradition
Word of God
church polity ranging from the local priest and deacons to monks, presbyters and bishops. Later, Cardinals and Popes appeared in the western churches, and later the Patriarchs appeared in the eastern churches, evolving from bishops in the year 381 AD.
Anyone who goes beyond Scripture, such as making laws binding at councils of men, is accursed (Gal 1:8-9). The Scriptures alone constitute adequate guidance in all matters for the man of God, including such matters as church organization (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
• LITHURGY. The Greek Liturgy of St. Chrysostom is used throughout the Eastern Church; no liturgical service may be conducted without the presence of a duly appointed priest.
• “Liturgy” is not a Biblical word. It suggests a ritual or form of worship for the public assemblies, prescribed by the authority of the hierarchy. This is all a man-made system that is bound upon the churches, unauthorized by the Bible. Jesus spoke against long formal prayers that did not come from the heart, but were rather to be noticed and praised by men (John 4:23-24; Matthew 23).
• BAPTISM. Baptism may be either by pouring, sprinkling or immersing in water, depending upon the facilities available. Infants are always immersed.
• Baptism is a Greek word which means to immerse or submerge. It is referred to as a burial in Romans 6:3-4 and Colossians 2:12. There is only one baptism (Eph. 4:5) and it is immersion, going down under the water and then being raised from it (the meaning of the word demands this action). See Acts 8:26-40. We are buried and then raised like Jesus was buried in the tomb and then raised from it (Romans 6). It is a birth (coming out) of the water and spirit (John 3:3-5). Its purpose or design is to obtain the forgiveness of one’s own sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16)
• CANDIDATES FOR BAPTISM. Baptism is performed upon infants or adults in the
• No infants were baptized in the Bible record. They are not fit candidates
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Orthodox Tradition
Word of God
Eastern churches.
because faith and repentance must precede true baptism, and only thinking and reasoning responsible people are capable of such (Acts 2:38; Mark 16:16). Jesus called little children to him and blessed them and told adults they must become like them; he never mentioned baptism with reference to them.
• ORIGINAL SIN. Original sin is guilt inherited from Adam and is forgiven when a baby is baptized.
• Original sins is not in the Bible, thus baby baptism is not the Bible either. The false doctrine led to the false practice. No act can be transferred from one person to another, either of mind or body, nor can the guilt of one’s sin be passed so that another becomes guilty for it. See Ezekiel 18:20; 2 Sam 12:23; Matt 18:10; Psalms 127:3-5. Children are innocent until they are drawn away by their own lust (unlawful desire) and ultimately commit sin, transgress the law or will of God (James 1:13-15).
• ICONS. An icon (an image or picture of a sacred Christian personage) is itself regarded as sacred in the tradition of the Eastern Orthodox Church. The word is from the Greek “eikon”, image. It is capable of rendering a special blessing to its owner or possessor.
• God is a spirit, hence He cannot be worshipped by or with men’s hand (John 4:23-24). He is not like stone, wood or metal graven images, “made by man’s design or skill” (Acts 17:29). An icon or image is idolatry and is forbidden by Jehovah in both the Old and the New Testaments. They have no special powers or miraculous benefits. A picture or likeness used in teaching is not an icon, in that it is not regarded as having special powers in and of itself.
• TRADITIONS OF THE CHURCH are the highest authority in the church, the voice and concensus of the hierarchy.
• Jesus taught strongly against the traditions of men that make void and cancel the word of God (Mark 7:1-9; Matthew 15:3, 6-9). We are warned not to add to or take away from nor to change God’s word (Deut. 4:2; Isaiah 8:20; Revelation 22:18-19; 2 John 9-10)
• HOLY EUCHARIST. The bread and fruit of
• The Lord’s Supper, communion, was a
98 | P a g e
Orthodox Tradition
Word of God
the vine are actually the body and blood of Jesus Christ. They are partaken of every time there is a divine liturgy conducted by a priest.
memorial feast upon the first day of the week the early disciples met together to break bread and drink the cup in memory of the body and blood of the Lord (1 Cor 11:23ff; Acts 20:7; Matthew 26:26-29).
The bread could not have been the literal body of Jesus because He was still in the body when He used the metaphor as He took the bread and said, “This is my body. This is my blood.” He also said he was a door, a shepherd of the sheep, the way, etc., all figures of speech to teach the people.
• HOLY ORDERS are one of the SEVEN SACRAMENTS. By these the bishops, priests and deacons are officially recognized and ordained. Their different attire distinguishes each other from the rest.
• Such a thing as “Seven Sacraments” are not mentioned in the Bible, but came out of the doctrines and councils of men centuries after Christ established His church and His way. His disciples are to be known by their fruits of good deeds, not by their peculiar dress (robes, beads, medals, etc.) See Matthew 7:20
• DOCTRINE OF MARY. She is the mother of God and was a perpetual virgin and worthy of special respect and veneration.
• Mary was honored in the Bible record as being specially chosen to give birth to Jesus when He became flesh, conceived by the Holy Spirit and not by the instrumentality of an earthly father. She was never called the “Mother of God”, nor did she remain a virgin after the birth of Jesus for Jesus had (half) brothers and sisters (Matthew 12:46-50). Mary did not know Joseph as a husband until after Jesus was born, clearly indicating that she did have sexual relations with him afterward (Matthew 1:25). Marriage is honorable among ALL, and it takes nothing away from her purity and honor to have had children by Joseph her husband after the virgin birth of Jesus Christ (Heb. 13:4).
• The PRIESTHOOD represents Christ on earth today, officially designated to
• All Christians are priests and all have equal access to God through the One and only
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Orthodox Tradition
Word of God
conduct His worship in the church. The priest is to be called “Father”
Mediator, Jesus Christ, the High Priest (1 Peter 2:5-9; Rev 1:5-6; 1 Tim 2:5; Hebrews 7:11-24). No man is to be called Father on earth, for only God is our spiritual Father (Matthew 23:9)
• Many other doctrines and practices of the Eastern Orthodox Church could be enumerated, but space will not allow a full discussion here.
• For a pattern of the divine body of Christ, His church, read the New Testament, making careful note of the doctrines of the apostles, the form of church government, the way of baptism, and salvation, the way of worship, etc. If a book is desired which outlines these passages and subjects, ask the publisher for INTRODUCING THE CHURCH OF CHRIST, or contact one of her ministers or members. Also the reader may confer the section at the conclusion of this book entitled “The New Testament Church.”
Brief History:
The Russian Orthodox Church was originally one of the Eastern Orthodox Churches, one of the major independent branches of the Eastern Europe, Asia, and Egyptian Orthodox churches. There are 19 independent churches in the Federation of Eastern Churches. These churches are united by common beliefs and traditions. They number about 100 million persons.
Beliefs: They believe they continue the tradition of the early church founded by the apostles, also basing their beliefs on the decisions of the seven early ecumenical councils (the last of which was held in 787 AD). They accept as binding, however, only the Nicene - Constantinopolitan Creed, adopted at the Council of 381. The Greek and Russian Orthodox Churches have commemorated the seven ecumenical councils since 842 AD. They do not recognize the pope's claim of papal infallibility nor his freedom from error in matters concerning faith and morals.
Organization: The federation of churches are formed into independent groups that self-governing in their internal affairs. They conduct their own worship in their own languages and follow their own customs and traditions. The patriarchate at Constantinople has the first rank of honor, but it does not rule over or control them. Their local parish priests may marry, but their bishops (men in the ‘episcopacy’ chosen by the monks) must remain celibate.
History: Christendom became divided among three ruling divisions called patriarchates which centered around Rome, Alexandria and Antioch. In 330, Constantine moved the capital of the empire from Rome to Constantinople (Istanbul) and this city won rank as patriarchate in 451 AD. Jerusalem was also given the same rank at the same time. Alexandria broke away from the imperial church and it still exists as a separatist Coptic Church, as did others (Syrian, Nestorian and Armenian). The greatest rivalry for supremacy existed between Rome and Constantinople and the final schism occurred in 1054 AD. Cultural, political and doctrinal differences led to official division and mutual excommunication in the year 1054. The Eastern Church spread through Greece, Egypt, Asia Minor, Arabic and Slavic countries.
The Crusades and invasions by the Turks weakened Constantinople and the Byzantine Empire. The fourth crusade of 1204 AD resulted in the conquest of Constantinople and the city finally fell to the Turks in 1253 AD.
94 | P a g e
The Russian gained leadership of the Byzantine church and became the state religion before the rise of Communist power and the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917. Government money helped support about 45,000 Russian Orthodox churches, 60,000 clergy and 1,000 monasteries and convents. Communists branded religion as the “opiate of the people” and they destroyed many churches and converted them into museums, etc. By 1941 there were only about 4,000 Orthodox churches left and fewer than 9,000 clergy. When the open opposition stopped, the number of churches increased again and by 1960 there were probably more than 20,000 active Russian Orthodox churches and some 30,000 clergy. Constantine built Constantinople in 330 AD, and its bishop became the chief rival of the Bishop of Rome in the 5th century. The Ecumenical Councils were called by the emperors who assigned the times and places and who also paid the expenses of travel, etc., out of public treasuries. They were political as well as religious assemblies.
The Czars of Russia and other emperors attended personally or more usually sent representatives with official authority in their behalf. Some of them had not even been baptized. The people had no voice.
NOTE: The information above was derived from histories and encyclopedias. Also see the Russian Orthodox Church in its Cultural Settings, by Randal C. Bailey, PhD, Southern Christian University, 1993, available from Star Bible. Also confer The Orthodox Church by Timothy Ware, published by Pelican.
95 | P a g e
Orthodox Tradition
Word of God
• ORGANIZATION. The church is under an hierarchy of Patriarchs, Bishops, and priests. Patriarchs are the chief ruling officials in the various countries, with the Patriarchate of Russian being located in Moscow. This episcopal structure of national autonomous “sees”… was later in Georgia and in the Ukraine Autonomous churches are headed by a bishop, but depend on the Patriarchate for appointment of primates (head bishops)
• The organization of Christ’s church in the first century was very simple an unstructured, with no officers except in the local congregations: elders (also known as bishops, overseers, presbyters, shepherds) and deacons (1 Tim 3; Titus 1; Acts 20:28; Phil 1:1). There was no Patriarch and to refer to any man as “Father” as a religious title was forbidden by the Lord (Matt 23:9). All Christians made up a “royal priesthood” and there was no distinct clergy or priestly group (2 Peter 3:9).
• CELIBACY OF PRIESTS.
The priests may not marry unless they do so before they are ordained to the priesthood.
• Marriage is honorable among all and the forbidding of anyone to marry is called a “doctrine of demons” (I Tim 4:1-3; Hebrews 4:12)
• MONKS. Monks may not marry but to be given wholly to study and meditation.
• See above #2. Monks are unknown in the Holy Bible.
• PRIESTS. Priests who are not monks are not eligible for the episcopacy (pyramid form of church government)
• Any system of organization apart from and above the local congregations is unknown in the Bible. Scripture warns that we must not go beyond what is written (2 John 9-10) nor add to God’s word or way. God’s ways are not man’s ways, and for men to vote to adopts a system not found in the Bile is, to contradict His way (Is 55:8-9)
• COUNCILS. The Eastern Churches, including the Russian Orthodox Church, recognize the seven ecumenical councils held between 325 AD and 787 AD, because no further councils occurred at which bishops or Rome and Eastern patriarchs worked together.
• There were no councils of the early church, except one at Jerusalem in Acts 15 when the apostles made a pronouncement concerning certain questions that had arisen in the church in Antioch. The apostles were the specially chosen and inspired representatives of God who spoke His word. There is no authority for the presumption that they had successors, the basic error that led to councils between 50 AD when the inspired apostles convened in Jerusalem until 170 AD when disputes arose regarding Montanism and Easter. By this time, there were distinctions of rank in
96 | P a g e
Orthodox Tradition
Word of God
church polity ranging from the local priest and deacons to monks, presbyters and bishops. Later, Cardinals and Popes appeared in the western churches, and later the Patriarchs appeared in the eastern churches, evolving from bishops in the year 381 AD.
Anyone who goes beyond Scripture, such as making laws binding at councils of men, is accursed (Gal 1:8-9). The Scriptures alone constitute adequate guidance in all matters for the man of God, including such matters as church organization (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
• LITHURGY. The Greek Liturgy of St. Chrysostom is used throughout the Eastern Church; no liturgical service may be conducted without the presence of a duly appointed priest.
• “Liturgy” is not a Biblical word. It suggests a ritual or form of worship for the public assemblies, prescribed by the authority of the hierarchy. This is all a man-made system that is bound upon the churches, unauthorized by the Bible. Jesus spoke against long formal prayers that did not come from the heart, but were rather to be noticed and praised by men (John 4:23-24; Matthew 23).
• BAPTISM. Baptism may be either by pouring, sprinkling or immersing in water, depending upon the facilities available. Infants are always immersed.
• Baptism is a Greek word which means to immerse or submerge. It is referred to as a burial in Romans 6:3-4 and Colossians 2:12. There is only one baptism (Eph. 4:5) and it is immersion, going down under the water and then being raised from it (the meaning of the word demands this action). See Acts 8:26-40. We are buried and then raised like Jesus was buried in the tomb and then raised from it (Romans 6). It is a birth (coming out) of the water and spirit (John 3:3-5). Its purpose or design is to obtain the forgiveness of one’s own sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16)
• CANDIDATES FOR BAPTISM. Baptism is performed upon infants or adults in the
• No infants were baptized in the Bible record. They are not fit candidates
97 | P a g e
Orthodox Tradition
Word of God
Eastern churches.
because faith and repentance must precede true baptism, and only thinking and reasoning responsible people are capable of such (Acts 2:38; Mark 16:16). Jesus called little children to him and blessed them and told adults they must become like them; he never mentioned baptism with reference to them.
• ORIGINAL SIN. Original sin is guilt inherited from Adam and is forgiven when a baby is baptized.
• Original sins is not in the Bible, thus baby baptism is not the Bible either. The false doctrine led to the false practice. No act can be transferred from one person to another, either of mind or body, nor can the guilt of one’s sin be passed so that another becomes guilty for it. See Ezekiel 18:20; 2 Sam 12:23; Matt 18:10; Psalms 127:3-5. Children are innocent until they are drawn away by their own lust (unlawful desire) and ultimately commit sin, transgress the law or will of God (James 1:13-15).
• ICONS. An icon (an image or picture of a sacred Christian personage) is itself regarded as sacred in the tradition of the Eastern Orthodox Church. The word is from the Greek “eikon”, image. It is capable of rendering a special blessing to its owner or possessor.
• God is a spirit, hence He cannot be worshipped by or with men’s hand (John 4:23-24). He is not like stone, wood or metal graven images, “made by man’s design or skill” (Acts 17:29). An icon or image is idolatry and is forbidden by Jehovah in both the Old and the New Testaments. They have no special powers or miraculous benefits. A picture or likeness used in teaching is not an icon, in that it is not regarded as having special powers in and of itself.
• TRADITIONS OF THE CHURCH are the highest authority in the church, the voice and concensus of the hierarchy.
• Jesus taught strongly against the traditions of men that make void and cancel the word of God (Mark 7:1-9; Matthew 15:3, 6-9). We are warned not to add to or take away from nor to change God’s word (Deut. 4:2; Isaiah 8:20; Revelation 22:18-19; 2 John 9-10)
• HOLY EUCHARIST. The bread and fruit of
• The Lord’s Supper, communion, was a
98 | P a g e
Orthodox Tradition
Word of God
the vine are actually the body and blood of Jesus Christ. They are partaken of every time there is a divine liturgy conducted by a priest.
memorial feast upon the first day of the week the early disciples met together to break bread and drink the cup in memory of the body and blood of the Lord (1 Cor 11:23ff; Acts 20:7; Matthew 26:26-29).
The bread could not have been the literal body of Jesus because He was still in the body when He used the metaphor as He took the bread and said, “This is my body. This is my blood.” He also said he was a door, a shepherd of the sheep, the way, etc., all figures of speech to teach the people.
• HOLY ORDERS are one of the SEVEN SACRAMENTS. By these the bishops, priests and deacons are officially recognized and ordained. Their different attire distinguishes each other from the rest.
• Such a thing as “Seven Sacraments” are not mentioned in the Bible, but came out of the doctrines and councils of men centuries after Christ established His church and His way. His disciples are to be known by their fruits of good deeds, not by their peculiar dress (robes, beads, medals, etc.) See Matthew 7:20
• DOCTRINE OF MARY. She is the mother of God and was a perpetual virgin and worthy of special respect and veneration.
• Mary was honored in the Bible record as being specially chosen to give birth to Jesus when He became flesh, conceived by the Holy Spirit and not by the instrumentality of an earthly father. She was never called the “Mother of God”, nor did she remain a virgin after the birth of Jesus for Jesus had (half) brothers and sisters (Matthew 12:46-50). Mary did not know Joseph as a husband until after Jesus was born, clearly indicating that she did have sexual relations with him afterward (Matthew 1:25). Marriage is honorable among ALL, and it takes nothing away from her purity and honor to have had children by Joseph her husband after the virgin birth of Jesus Christ (Heb. 13:4).
• The PRIESTHOOD represents Christ on earth today, officially designated to
• All Christians are priests and all have equal access to God through the One and only
99 | P a g e
Orthodox Tradition
Word of God
conduct His worship in the church. The priest is to be called “Father”
Mediator, Jesus Christ, the High Priest (1 Peter 2:5-9; Rev 1:5-6; 1 Tim 2:5; Hebrews 7:11-24). No man is to be called Father on earth, for only God is our spiritual Father (Matthew 23:9)
• Many other doctrines and practices of the Eastern Orthodox Church could be enumerated, but space will not allow a full discussion here.
• For a pattern of the divine body of Christ, His church, read the New Testament, making careful note of the doctrines of the apostles, the form of church government, the way of baptism, and salvation, the way of worship, etc. If a book is desired which outlines these passages and subjects, ask the publisher for INTRODUCING THE CHURCH OF CHRIST, or contact one of her ministers or members. Also the reader may confer the section at the conclusion of this book entitled “The New Testament Church.”