Skrutíniá uniatskych presbyterov z roku 1749

Author(s): Peter Zubko / Language(s): Slovak / Issue: 3/2015

In 1646 came the Orthodox believers to the Catholic Church in Uzhgorod. It was established the Uniate Church managed by Mukacheve bishops of the Byzantine rite, but de jure its residence was was located in the territory of the Roman Catholic Bishopric of Eger. Only in 1771 it was created the Mukacheve Greek Catholic bishopric. Between 1726 - 1816 there was wrought several documents in the office of the Latin bishop of Eger. Among them special places have a record test of the Byzantine-rite priests. Testing took place within the canonical visitation, when the Latin Bishop visited not only Roman Catholic priests, but also Greek Catholic presbyters and Protestant pastors. Scrutiny revealed the truth about the theological and ecclesiastical level and personal discipline. Presbyters were uneducated and did not know the theological doctrine of their religious beliefs were the simple folk level. This study shows the context of the document and its significance. Part of the study is a faithful transcription of the Latin document and its Slovak translation.

SLAVA LUB KRSNO IME U SERBÓW. O ŚWIĘCIE PATRONA RODZINY

Author(s): Nikola F. Pavković / Language(s): Polish / Issue: 1/2015

Since at least the Middle Ages, a custom called slava, alternatively called krsno ime, krsna slava, svetac, and služba svecu, etc. has been cultivated by Serbs. This custom is devoted to a patron saint of family. Like other family cults it is celebrated once a year, on the day which is devoted to the particular saint in the calendar. The custom of slava is passed patrilineally. In the slava ceremony bread (kolač) plays a key role along with cooked wheat (koljivo/žito), wine, a candle, olive oil, and incense. All ingredients are known from the Old Testament and were appropriated by the Orthodox Church liturgy and carried over to the slava ritual. A midday meal is the most important part of the slava ceremony. It starts with the ceremonial notching of a cross on bread, pouring wine on it, rotating it clockwise, kissing it, and finally breaking it. These activities are accompanied by religious formulas. Additionally, toasts (zdravice) in honour of the saint, household members, and guests constitute an important part of the feast. In Serbian and Yugoslavian scholarship there have been a few theories that aim at explaining the origins of slava. The custom has been influenced by the Serbian Orthodox Church that recommended and validated some structural elements of its practices. Along with the Kosovo myth, slava is one of the most important elements of which national Serbian identity is built on. It is also celebrated by Macedonians. In previous centuries it had been practiced by Catholics in parts of Bosnia, Dalmatia, Slavonia, and in the Dubrovnik region in Croatia.

Slovenci pravoslavne vere v Beogradu med drugo svetovno vojno. Poročilo o njihovi dejavnosti od 1. julija 1942 do 30. junija 1943

Author(s): Dušica Bojić / Language(s): Slovenian / Issue: 2/2009

Nasilna preselitev z enega ozemeljskega prostora na drugi predstavlja velik politični, nacionalni, verski in bivanjski problem, ki vpliva na nadaljnje življenje prebivalstva, ki se seli. Preselitev Slovencev na območje Srbije na začetku druge svetovne vojne so reševali kot del širšega begunskega problema. Begunsko vprašanje ima na Balkanu poseben položaj kot del preučevanja svetovnega zgodovinopisja. Izraz begunci (srb. izbeglice, ang. refugees, fran. Refugies) je novejši; pogosteje se je uporabljal konec 19. in v začetku 20. stoletja. Označuje posameznike in skupine ljudi, ki se ne odločajo sami zapustiti svojo domovino, temveč so najbolj pogosto v to primorani pod silo nasilja. [...]

SLUJIREA PREOȚEASCĂ ÎN TRECUT ȘI ASTĂZI (I)

Author(s): Alin-Ionel Ibănescu / Language(s): Romanian / Issue: 10-12/2019

The priest, God’s holy man, is called upon to bless the word, opening a path to true faith and to never-ending happiness, and in order for them to teach the people how it may discover the secrets of spiritual life, they must, by their walk and their threading, act similarly to the Messiah, similar to His wonderful threading, on such troubled waters of this sea. By the power of Our Lord, Jesus Christ, they are the Church’s servant, they are the greatest dignitary on this Earth, with the greatest power, the power to teach, to guide and to bind and unbind people, and thus, to guide them on the path to salvation. The priest does not carry out their own doing, but the doing of Christ, with the power given by Christ. They do not preach on their own behalf, they do not serve their own purposes, nor do they comprehend man with their own thoughts, but all such is carried out in the name of the One who had chosen and sent him, the Lord Jesus.

SLUJIREA PREOȚEASCĂ ÎN TRECUT ȘI ASTĂZI (II)

Author(s): Alin-Ionel Ibănescu / Language(s): Romanian / Issue: 01-03/2020

The priest, God’s holy man, is called upon to bless the word, opening a path to true faith and to never-ending happiness, and in order for them to teach the people how it may discover the secrets of spiritual life, they must, by their walk and their threading, act similarly to the Messiah, similar to His wonderful threading, on such troubled waters of this sea. By the power of Our Lord, Jesus Christ, they are the Church’s servant, they are the greatest dignitary on this Earth, with the greatest power, the power to teach, to guide and to bind and unbind people, and thus, to guide them on the path to salvation. The priest does not carry out their own doing, but the doing of Christ, with the power given by Christ. They do not preach on their own behalf, they do not serve their own purposes, nor do they comprehend man with their own thoughts, but all such is carried out in the name of the One who had chosen and sent him, the Lord Jesus.

Smerenie şi martiriu în viaţa şi epistolele Sfântului Ignatie Teoforul

Author(s): Camelia-Mihaela Dascălu / Language(s): Romanian / Issue: 10/2019

The life and death of St. Ignatius represent the model of the life of our Lord Jesus Christ, who sacrificed for us on the cross. The saint was a direct follower (from the same historical period) of the apostles and he offers to the Christians an example of living and giving, of life and death, of true discipleship in Christ. What meanings has martyrdom in the life of St. Ignatius, his unswerving desire to resemble at all costs to Christ even through death, his attitude of humility in the face of death? Is it a consequence of the Christ model? An ecclesial meaning, because the Saint, being a bishop and therefore a shepherd of the flock of Christ, could only give an example? Is it a meaning of fulfilling the will of the Lord - an eschatological meaning? A meaning of finding a fast way to salvation? A meaning of eternal communion? This paper tries to answer to these questions.

Sola scriptura a prawosławne pojmowanie Pisma Świętego i Tradycji Świętej

Author(s): Wsiewołod Konach / Language(s): Polish / Issue: 4/2017

The article entitled “Sola scriptura and Orthodox Understanding of Holy Scripture and Holy Tradition”, presents the understanding of Holy Scripture and Holy Tradition in the Orthodox Church. Contact between Protestants and the Orthodox, established in the second half of the 16th century, fostered theological dialogue which is still conducted within the scope of the Joint Orthodox-Lutheran Commission. Th is Commission has assembled at joint meetings every two years since 1981. One of the controversial issues the commission faces is the understanding of Holy Tradition, as the Lutheran principle of sola scriptura rejects it and gives Holy Scripture indisputable authority. In Orthodox theology, the question of authority does not play a great role and is above all not conceived in a legal sense. Th e Church is a Human-Divine reality, a “new creation”, and a refl ection of the unity of the Holy Trinity. As such, the truth is found there, but it is not contained in any particular carrier of “authority”, but rather appears in various forms of the life of the Church. In the Orthodox understanding, God reveals Himself in Holy Scripture and Holy Tradition. Th ese realities do not exclude each other, are not contradictory, and neither do they diff er in importance. Th e Church has the truth handed down through the Apostles, and it can be preached while not being limited to that which is written in the Holy Scriptures. Scripture is only a part of the life of the Church, one of the manifestations of the Holy Spirit. Scripture is given particular honour; however, it does not possess absolute authority. Holy Scripture is not above the Church, because it lives and is understood within the Church. Th e Church fi nds itself in a mutual relation with Holy Tradition, which Vladimir Lossky describes as the life of the Holy Spirit in the Church, life that communicates to every member of the Body of Christ the possibility of hearing, accepting and knowing the Truth in its authentic light, and not in the natural light of human reason. Holy Tradition is expressed in such forms as Holy Scripture, the teachings of the Holy Fathers, the decisions of the ecumenical and local councils, the Divine Liturgy, iconography and architecture. Truth is expressed in the Church in various forms: written, oral, illustrative and symbolic, however, Tradition connects within itself all of these forms in a unique manner and enables man to accept the truth. It does not impose on the human conscience any formal guarantees of the correctness of faith, but rather provides the opportunity to see the hidden witness of authentic faith. Orthodox theology perceives the life and experience of the Church, in other words Tradition as its theological source. Holy Scripture is the main form of expression of Tradition, which in turn performs the function of the hermeneutical principle in the contemporary interpretation of Scripture. Th eology does not confi ne itself to Scripture, the writings of the Holy Fathers and other sources, but draws its knowledge from the hidden life of the Church in the Holy Spirit, the life directed towards fulfi lment in the Kingdom of God (cf. Eph. 3:17-19). The Orthodox understanding of Holy Scripture and Holy Tradition radically diff ers from the Lutheran principle of sola scriptura.

Some Anti-Heretic Fragments in the 14th Century Bulgarian Canon Law Miscellanies

Author(s): Mariyana Tsibranska-Kostova / Language(s): English / Issue: 4/2014

It is well known that the major anti-heretic written source from the Second Bulgarian Empire is the Tsar Boril’s Synodicon, proved to have been compiled to serve the Synod against the Bogomils, convened in Tărnovo in 1211. However, the subsequent century is also marked by the anti- heretic line in various types of manuscripts which shape the image of the so called Second Golden Age of the Bulgarian literature and culture. The reign of John Alexander (1331–1371) is reputed to be the richest period of compiling miscellanies – encyclopedic, ascetic, and monastic, or for individual reading of the royal family and court. An important account of them is the manuscripts of legal content which vary from functional guides with Canon Law rules to complex compilations of material from diverse sources. They deserve to be investigated not only as a part of the cultural system but also as principal evidences how the mechanism of regulation in the tripartite relationship Law- Society-Culture has functioned. The latest discoveries and the up to day of the catalogued database of Slavonic manuscripts in the Bulgarian repositories and the Russian libraries proved the undisputable role of the Middle Bulgarian written tradition as transmitter of the official attitude against every deviation from the Orthodoxy in three main areas: 1. the traditional so called Christological heresies; 2. the heterodox dualist doctrines of Manicheans, Massalians and Paulicians, including Bogomils; 3. the Latins.

Some Aspects of Hesychasm and Society

Author(s): Emanuel George Oprea / Language(s): English / Issue: 1/2016

The Hesychasm has a unique doctrine which combines many Eastern concepts and connects to a world of the West and the East. This belief practiced a kind of prayer, which is repeated “Lord, have mercy” and it repeats so often that even resembles rather a kind of mantra which appeals to the inner world that unites the human spirit with reality for a conscious perception of their actions with full awareness and sobriety to evaluate absolutely everything. This practice of awareness is practiced in many faiths of the East. One of the closest to realization is the Buddhism. Some researchers even consider Sufism.

Some Remarks on the Views of the Orthodox Church in the United States on an Appropriate Model of Church–State Relations

Author(s): Rafal Marek / Language(s): English / Issue: 2/2010

Soprano Lucia Stãnescu, the First Romanian Canto professor in Italy, a Model of Professionalism and Spiritual Growth

Author(s): Ruxandra Mirea / Language(s): English / Issue: 1/2016

Lucia Stănescu shined on the stage of the Lyric theater for 32 years, both in the country and abroad. The lirico spinto soprano, revealing a strong artistic personality, became a model in what concerns the performance of the roles of Puccini, and not only. Her vivacious and flexible voice combined with her magnetic and convincing theatricality in every role she had performed. Lyrical artist Lucia Stănescu is a person of intellectual refinement, passionate about and devoted to music and its servants, mature or still students. She is, also, a model in what concerns the support of the free movement of values. Professor Lucia Stănescu’s laborious work has been accomplished through the art of molding voices shaped in the manner of a Romanian singing school, carrying the joy of living, of giving, of being.

South Slavonic Apocryphal Collections

Author(s): Anisava Miltenova / Language(s): English,Bulgarian,Old Slavonic,Old Bulgarian / Publication Year: 2018

This book represents a study of the textology, typology, sources and literary peculiarities of the so-called ’miscellanies of mixed content' in the South Slavonic tradition (from the end of 13th – the beginning of 18th c.) – less known or unknown in the Humanities. The problem is closely related to the apocryphal collections in the Balkan Cyrillic manuscripts, as the Apocrypha are a significant part of this type of manuscripts. The scope of the study is to popularize the series and texts that fill the gap in the translation and perception of the Slavonic Apocrypha. New information is presented over the sources of translations, as well as the compilation approach of Slavonic writers, which reproduces a new version of the texts. The copies of the Slavonic texts are published in the supplement. The typology of manuscripts is supported by plectograms produced in the Repertory of Old Bulgarian Literature and Letters (http://repertorium.obdurodon.org/).

Sowing the Seeds of Hate - The Antisemitism of the Orthodox Church in the Interwar Period

Author(s): Ionuț Florin Biliuță / Language(s): English / Issue: 1/2016

The present article is focused on the antisemitic mindset of several prominent Orthodox clergymen and theologians associated with the Romanian Iron Guard and the radicalization of Orthodox nationalism under the impact of fascism. During a wave of right-wing ideological radicalization, Orthodox clergymen and theologians shifted from understanding the Jew according to the patristic theology and canon law to a more confessional, exclusivist trend of theology. It also discusses the Romanian Orthodox Church’s position towards the development of an antisemitic theology and the implementation of this theology during the Holocaust by the Orthodox priests affiliated with the Romanian Orthodox Exarchate in Transnistria.

Spasava vera, koja kroz ljubav dela

Misionarstvo, tekovine i poruke Svetog Save

Author(s): Jovica Trkulja / Language(s): Serbian / Issue: 1-2/2014

Spațiul Românesc postcomunist: între secularizare și redescoperirea credinței

Author(s): Grațiela Teodora Vlad / Language(s): Romanian / Issue: 01+04/2017

Overtime, the Romanian Orthodox Church has suffered a series of significant and decisive transformations. Thus, taking in order to survive and be able to maintain its position in society, its leaders accepted to make sacrifices which implied being part of the political system. Hence, in order to prevent massive atheisation, a new political-social-spiritual interference occurs, that has both beneficial and harmful effects. This way, the Romanian Orthodox Church gets involved in several identity crises, but through the collective consciousness and historical sacrifices, it manages to regain its position in society.

Specificitatea spiritualității ortodoxe

Author(s): Traian-Alexandru Miu / Language(s): Romanian / Issue: 02/2015

The notion of spirituality Orthodoxy acquires the meaning of life lived in communion with the Holy Trinity, who was discovered by Jesus Christ according to the teachings contained in the Gospel. The Orthodox spirituality can have the valence of transparency of the Christ for man and transparency of the man for Christ, achieved through the work of the Holy Spirit in the Church.The final target of the entire Orthodox spirituality is the perfection of the believer in Christ, achievable only through personal participation in His divine-human life, cleansing our passions and acquiring virtues. The means by which we can come to Christ living in us are asceticism, which concerns our personal efforts to acquire divine grace and mystique,which involves receiving divine grace given to us to live and to know the spiritual state of the union with God.

Specificity of designing a House of God in the light of the Orthodox theology

Author(s): Adam Musiuk / Language(s): English / Issue: 18/2016

A house of God is a particular house. According to the Orthodox liturgics the whole world participates in a service – the priest, the faithful gathered, but equally the temple build of a material. It forces the designer to familiarize himself thoroughly with the technical requirements concerning the temple and observe them absolutely, so that the designed home could become the house of God.

Spiritualitatea Sfântului Siluan Athonitul

Author(s): Dan Vîrban / Language(s): Romanian / Issue: 1/2019

Taking a look at the Orthodox spirituality of the twentieth century, we can easily notice one of the greatest spiritual pillars that have lived in Holy Mount Athos, Saint Silouan Athonite. In 1896 he became a monk on Mount Athos from where he also left this life in 1938. At first glance, his life seems a trivial one, no different from that of an almost illiterate Russian peasant. Reading these things, we wonder what was so remarkable in this man's life. I believe that the greatest events and accomplishments take place in the heart of man, and that is why Saint Silouan can be called one of the most representative icons of Orthodox spirituality, because since the beginning of his monastic life, he was worthy of God's sight. In a moment of deep despair, the Savior appeared to the young man, giving him the following guidance: “Keep your mind in hell and despair not.” The present study analyses therefore the mainaspects of Saint Silouan Athonite spirituality and influence on which this had on the thought of his disciple Father Sofronie Sakharov. Practically the whole experience of Saint Silouan will be characterized by this dictum divine. The fulfillment of this divine commandment brings the human being into a kenotic state in which by grace, overcomes even the most subtle attacks of pride. Keeping the mind in hell prepares man for the sight of God, which is equivalent to the birth of man as hypostasis or to theacquisition of resemblance. In the state of hypostatic living in the human being as a person, prayer is made for all Adam and for all creation. This prayer is similar to that raised by the Savior in the Garden of Gethsemane. The spirituality of the peasant Semion Ivanovich Antonov will be known to the whole world through his disciple, Archimandrite Sophrony Sakharov. In fact, the entire theology of Father Sofronie will have its starting point in the person of Saint Silouan Athonite.

Społeczne wymiary ekumenizmu w kontekście kryzysu ekologicznego

Author(s): Franciszek Kampka / Language(s): English,Polish / Issue: 19/2019

Kryzys ekologiczny jest przedmiotem troski wszystkich Kościołów chrześcijańskich. Autor omawia wspólne wątki dotyczące klimatu, jakie obecne są w wypowiedziach przywódców religijnych: odpowiedzialność człowieka za degradację środowiska, wezwanie do przeciwstawienia się kulturze chciwości, budowanie sprawiedliwości ekologicznej. Autor przedstawia społeczne skutki kryzysu klimatycznego – nierówności społeczne i ubóstwo oraz omawia nowe formy ekumenizmu praktykowane w społeczeństwie ryzyka. Nowy ekumenizm to nie ruch intelektualny czy dyskusje teologiczne, ale przede wszystkim wspólna praca Kościołów na rzecz ubogich.

Spory o patriarchat symbolem zakończenia epoki synodalnej w dziejach Rosyjskiej Cerkwi Prawosławnej początków XX wieku

Author(s): Kamila Pawełczyk-Dura / Language(s): Polish / Issue: 19/2017

The abandonment of traditions of patriarchy took place in Russia on beginnings of the 17th century. Decision of the tsar Peter I to appoint the collegial The Most Holy Governing Synod headed by Ober-Procurator became an object of disputes between supporters and opponents of the patriarchy. Discussions on the role and the place of the patriarch in the structure of the Russian Church were conducted during session of a Preconciliar Commission (1906-107) and The All Russian Sobor (1917-1918), restoring the dignity of the first bishop and ending polemics taken in this subject. This paper is an attempt to approximate opposing positions. Through analysis of speeches of active participants of these assemblies was shown the diversity of evoked arguments of historical and canonical and contemporary needs of community.