THE CURRENT DYNAMICS OF THE CHURCH'S MISSION IN THE ORTHODOX TRADITION: LITURGICAL AND SOCIAL INTERSECTIONS
THE CURRENT DYNAMICS OF THE CHURCH'S MISSION IN THE ORTHODOX TRADITION: LITURGICAL AND SOCIAL INTERSECTIONS

Summary/Abstract: The Orthodox Church, as an institution with a double functionality – religious and social – is founded on the Christian doctrine instituted by Jesus Christ and perpetuated by a rigorous hierarchical structure. This dual structure is vital for the perpetuation and functionality of the Church, facilitating the salvation of souls through participation in the Sacred Mysteries, in a community setting. This paper analyzes the dynamics of the parish, considered the basic structural unit and at the same time the most exposed to vulnerabilities within the Orthodox Church, in the context of the year dedicated to parish and monastic mission. Contemporary challenges and strategies for revitalizing parish community life are investigated, with a particular emphasis on preserving the doctrinal heritage and adapting to the current needs of parishioners. Scriptural references illustrate the model of early Christian communities, emphasizing the importance of unity and communion, reflections of divine unity, in the parish liturgical structure, focused on the celebration of the Eucharist. The study also addresses the deterioration of the connection between parishioners and the parish structure in the contemporary landscape, a consequence of the influences of atheistic regimes and the process of secularization. A redefinition of the life of the parish community is proposed, through the active and non-discriminatory integration of all demographic segments of the parish, in order to counteract the tendencies of anonymity and social disintegration, essential for revitalizing the authenticity of the Orthodox Christian confession in modern society.

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