orthodoxy

Explorations of Orthodox theology, tradition, and doctrinal distinctives.

The 9 Choirs of Heavenly Creatures Members Public

According to the ancient apostolic Churches, i.e., Oriental Orthodox (OO), Eastern Orthodox (EO), Assyrian Church of the East (ACOE), and the Catholic Church, there are nine choirs or categories of spirit creatures God has made. They are: Seraphim, Cherubim, Thrones, Dominions, Powers (Virtues), Authorities, Principalities, Archangels, and Angels. In

Sam Shamoun
Sam Shamoun
angelsgodisaiah

Filioque, Petrine & Roman Primacy Members Public

The following excerpt is taken from Francis Dvornik, Byzantine missions among the Slavs. SS. Constantine-Cyril and Methodius (F. Dvornik, Byzantine missions among the Slavs - 6), pp. 189-192. The citations deal with the letter of Pope St. Stephen (Latin – Stephanus V, died September 14, 891) where he mentions that the

Sam Shamoun
Sam Shamoun
holy-spirithistorytheology

AMPHILIOCHIUS’ HOMILY ON JOHN 14:28 Members Public

The following is taken from C. Moss, S. Amphilochius of Iconium on John 14, 28, in Le Muséon 43 (1930), pp. 317-364, 330-343 (textus): p. 344-358 (translatio). All emphasis will be mine. ܐܡܦܠܝܟܘܣ ܐܦܝܣܩܘܦܐ ܕܐܝܩܢܘܢ: ܒܐܓܪܬ ܕܥܠ ܗܝܡܢܘܬ  Homily of S. Amphilochius, bishop of Iconium, concerning that which is said

Sam Shamoun
Sam Shamoun
trinityjesus-christgospel

Hail the One Filled with Grace! Members Public

Luke records the words the angel Gabriel uttered to the holy Mother of Christ as he came to announce the glorious and blessed Incarnation of our Lord: “And he came to her and said, ‘Hail (Chaire), full of grace (kecharitomene), the Lord is with you!’” Luke 1:28 The word

Sam Shamoun
Sam Shamoun
maryangelsjesus-christ

Irenaeus on Polycarp’s Letter to the Philippians Members Public

Here’s what St. Irenaeus wrote in respect to the letter that St. Polycarp had written to the Church at Philippi: 4. But Polycarp also was not only instructed by apostles, and conversed with many who had seen Christ, but was also, by apostles in Asia, appointed bishop of the

Sam Shamoun
Sam Shamoun
church-historyphilippianschristianity

Protestant Historian, Early Church & Baruch Members Public

The following excerpt is taken from Philip Schaff: ANF06. Fathers of the Third Century: Gregory Thaumaturgus, Dionysius the Great, Julius Africanus, Anatolius, and Minor Writers, Methodius, Arnobius. It is taken from Methodius’ Banquet of the Ten Virgins; or Concerning Chastity. The noted Protestant historian Schaff acknowledged that the 2nd-3rd century

Sam Shamoun
Sam Shamoun
church-historyapocryphacanon

Tertullian & Apostolic Succession Members Public

I quote from Tertullian’s The Prescription Against Heretics, where he appealed to the Bishops taught and appointed by the holy Apostles to expose the heresies being spread by false teachers and so-called Christians. All emphasis will be mine. Chapter 31. Truth First, Falsehood Afterwards, as Its Perversion. Christ’s

Sam Shamoun
Sam Shamoun
church-historycatholicismorthodoxy

Hilary, Cyril & the Filioque Members Public

I cite a few references from two renowned early Church fathers on the issue of the eternal procession of the Holy Spirit. All emphasis will be mine. Hilary of Poitiers 29. Concerning the Holy Spirit I ought not to be silent, and yet I have no need to speak; still,

Sam Shamoun
Sam Shamoun
trinityholy-spiritchurch-history
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