THE ARMY OF THE LORD AS PART OF THE CHURCH AND THE CALL TO ITS REVITALIZATION - ECCLESIOLOGICAL ASPECTS
THE ARMY OF THE LORD AS PART OF THE CHURCH AND THE CALL TO ITS REVITALIZATION - ECCLESIOLOGICAL ASPECTS

Summary/Abstract: "The Orthodox understanding of the Church, as outlined by theologians such as the Holy Father Dumitru Staniloae and Ioannis Zizioulas, presents it as a living communion between humanity and the Holy Trinity - a divine-human communion. The ""living Church"" envisioned by the Army of God movement aspires to an authentic spiritual renewal, in which faith is actively lived out in daily life, not limited to rituals or formalism. This Church becomes a ""laboratory of resurrection"", resurrecting people from the death of sin to a new life in Christ. Clerics such as Father Iosif Trifa advocate for a Church rooted in the Cross, active in mission and animated by the Holy Spirit - a continuing Pentecost. The active role of the laity, Bible reading, repentance and spiritual discipline are essential in embodying a vibrant faith. The sacraments are not just rituals, but channels of transforming grace. A true member of the Church is one who internalizes and lives the sacrifice of Christ. Ultimately, the mission of the Church is threefold: to teach, to sanctify, and to lead with love and humility, continuing the work of Christ in the world.The spiritual nature of the Church through the Orthodox vision of Traian Dorz in accordance with that of the Holy Father Dumitru Stăniloae, who affirms the Church as the living Body of Christ. Each believer is a “living member” called to holiness and communion with Christ, the Head. The work of the Spirit unites and animates believers, whose gifts are meant to serve others within the ecclesial body. Dorz highlights the holiness and responsibility of Church leaders as the “eyes” of the Body, whose purity or impurity affects the entire community. Inspired by patristic theology, the text affirms that the Church, although composed of imperfect people, remains holy and the privileged space of the divine presence. Through poetic images and liturgical reflection, Dorz presents the Church as the “Bride of Christ”, a sacred space where humility, prayer and the action of the Spirit allow believers to experience a foretaste of the Kingdom."

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