home Signs and superstitions The third period of church history character and features. History of the Christian Church

The third period of church history character and features. History of the Christian Church

This textbook, History of the Christian Church, is based on the famous textbook by Archpriest Peter Smirnov, History of the Christian Church, 1903. Our textbook was written in 1989, for students of the “Russian Church Gymnasium at the Church of All Saints in the Russian Land Who Shined Away” in Burlingame, California.
The book can also be used by adults. For them it will be a summary of the History of the Christian Church. At the end of the book there is a bibliography section, as well as addresses from where these books can be ordered.

The program on the Law of God in Burlingame is the same as at the Russian Church Gymnasium of St. Cyril and Methodius at the Sorrow Cathedral in San Francisco and at the parish St. Intercession School" at the Church of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Palo Alto. All three schools are in the San Francisco area. The program, with minor changes, is basically the same as it was in Russian schools before 1917, and abroad it has still been preserved:

Class School Age Anthem. Grade 8 1 ave.* 2 In all 3 grades: 9 2 ave.* 3 Prayers, Twelfth Feasts and 10 3 ave.* 4 Commandments of the Law of God 11 1 5 Old Testament 12 2 6 New Testament 13 3 7 Divine services 14 4 8 History of the Christian Church 15 5 9 History of the Russian Church 16 6 10 Catechism 17 7 11 Apologetics 18 8 12 Moral teaching (* ex. - Preparatory classes) Thus, the History of the Christian Church is taught in the 4th grade of the gymnasium; after the Old Testament, the New Testament and the Divine Service.

This program was compiled for Russian schools in Orthodox Russia, where the whole country prayed, went to church and fasted. True, recently, before 1917, there were retreats, but still, basically, it was an Orthodox country. Life in such a country created Russian people with Christian qualities of character, with an Orthodox worldview and Orthodox in spirit. The Law of God that the children learned in school was only a theory of what the children already knew from their personal experience and from their lives.
Now everything is completely different. Russians abroad live in countries that are not Orthodox and in some cases not even Christian, and in which the Orthodox are in the minority. Life itself requires addition to this program. Therefore, in all classes, in parallel with the program, conversations are also held on the following topics: (1) The Church Year, (2) Lives of the Saints and (3) Modern Life.
Conversations on the theme “Church Year” cover the most important holidays and fasts throughout the year. The way of life of Orthodox Christians and the church year in which they all participate require explaining to children what is happening in the church and why.
Conversations on the topic “Lives of Saints” cover the lives and exploits of the most famous saints. Every student should know the life of his saint.
Conversations on the topic “Modern Life” talk about the everyday phenomena of life that our Orthodox children encounter and how they should relate to them.

In compiling this textbook, the following textbooks were used: (1) History of the Christian Church in the publication of the “Russian Church Gymnasium at the Sorrowful Cathedral in San Francisco” (1956), (2) History of the Church, Manual for the Parish School, Montreal (1968 g.) and (3) Archpriest Peter Smirnov History of the Christian Orthodox Church (1903). The first two textbooks are based on the textbook of Archpriest Peter Smirnov. In our textbook, in the title of each chapter, the number of the corresponding chapter from Smirnov’s book is given in copies.

Nativity

INTRODUCTION

Christianity has had a beneficial effect on the entire world. The pagan world - dominated by power, wealth, pride, cruelty, and moral depravity - gradually degenerated under the influence of Christianity. The main values were kindness, love, mercy, modesty, forgiveness, purity of morals. Christianity influenced a person’s entire life, all areas of his complex life and washed everything and everyone. Christian rules and norms for life have become the basis of the laws of all civilized countries. Christianity became the cradle of a new purified culture; a culture built on Christian values and principles (in the USSR they said “universal”).

The history of the Christian Church is not only the history of the Church, but it is also the history of the most important thing in every person and people; this is the story of the spiritual and moral development of humanity. This whole subject and this topic is hushed up by so-called “impartial” historians. Current history textbooks are based on political events and economic development. It is impossible to obtain a complete picture of historical events if we do not know and understand the history of the Church. The Church is a school of spiritual and moral education and it is precisely because of this that it has enormous spiritual, moral, educational and cultural significance.

Knowing and understanding the History of the Christian Church is especially important now, when on the one hand there is a campaign against Christian principles in life, and on the other hand there is a spiritual revival and a craving for the spiritual, for morality and a craving for the Lord God.

The history of the Christian Church begins from the day of the Descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles, that is, from the Day of the Holy Trinity. On the fortieth day after the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Ascension took place. Jesus Christ ascended to heaven in front of his disciples. Ten days, or fifty days after the Resurrection, the Holy Spirit, in the form of tongues of fire over each apostle, descended on them. The apostles, ordinary fishermen, were filled with the Holy Spirit, became brave, smart and began to speak in languages they did not know before. From that moment on, they went to preach, first to Jews, and then to other nations. Their letters (messages) breathe so much wisdom that they have become part of the Holy Scriptures (Bible). All this is described there, in the New Testament, in the book of Acts of the Apostles.

Then history describes the terrible persecution of Christians that lasted three centuries, the final victory of Christianity and its spread throughout the world, deviations from the Christian faith (heresies), schisms, Ecumenical Councils, the emergence of new Churches, and Western Christianity (the Roman Church and Protestants). The subject ends with an overview of Christian denominations in our time.

Our textbook contains the following sections:

The following are available as attachments:

By studying the History of the Christian Church, we begin to understand that the Orthodox Church is not one of many Christian churches. The Orthodox Church is that Church which was founded by the apostles of Jesus Christ almost 2000 years ago and which is spoken of in the New Testament, in which there is apostolic succession, which possesses the truth, which possesses the fullness of Christian teaching and which is the only and true Church of Christ.
Other churches either lost contact with the historical Church, or never had one, and at their own discretion changed and distorted many of its teachings beyond recognition. If one could imagine the Orthodox faith as a Christmas tree, where everything on it is beautiful, deep, abundant and purposeful and has some deep spiritual and moral meaning and significance, then many other Christian faiths can be presented as more and more simple and empty Christmas tree and in some cases even just one bare artificial trunk.

We must thank the Lord God for giving us such grace as to be members of the true Church of Christ. In no case do we have the right to be proud, since pride is a sin. In addition, pride always contributes to the development in a person of many other sins and vices. Knowledge of the Russian language makes available to us a huge treasure of spiritual books that are not available in Western languages. Therefore, our belonging to the Orthodox faith and knowledge of the Russian language imposes a special responsibility on us; know its teachings, live by these teachings and make special efforts to pass them on to your family, loved ones, friends and everyone else.

THE BEGINNING OF THE CHURCH

1.1 The descent of the Holy Spirit on the apostles(1)
(Acts 2:1-4)

Even before the beginning of the suffering on the cross, our Lord Jesus Christ told His disciples that the Holy Spirit would be sent to them. Just before his ascension into heaven, He commanded the apostles to remain in Jerusalem and await the descent of the Holy Spirit. According to the commandment of the Lord, the apostles were in Jerusalem, unanimously and in prayer. Among the twelve apostles, in place of Judas, Matthias, one of the 70 (seventy) disciples, was chosen by lot.

The Holy Spirit descended on the apostles on the tenth day after the Ascension of the Lord. It was one of the great Jewish holidays - the Feast of Pentecost - and at the same time a Sunday. From early morning the apostles gathered together and prayed. The Most Holy Mother of God was also here.

At the ninth hour (according to the Jewish account in the third hour) a noise was heard from the sky - as if from a strong wind - and filled the entire house where the apostles were. Following the noise, tongues of fire appeared and stopped, one on each of them. This was a sign of the coming of the Holy Spirit. Filled with the Holy Spirit, the apostles changed and became, as it were, different people. Some new light shone in their souls. They remembered and understood everything that the Lord taught more clearly and deeply than they had understood before. From simple fishermen and tax collectors, they became the most enlightened people in the world and began to speak different languages that they had never learned before. Along with this spiritual enlightenment, they felt cheerfulness and courage to preach the faith and became ready to lay down their lives for it.

The Holy Spirit, according to the promise of the Lord Savior, is in the Church through the holy sacraments and in other ways incomprehensible to us. He creates spiritual life in us and is therefore called life-giving.

The holiday of the Holy Trinity (Descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles or Pentecost) is celebrated for three days, starting from Sunday on the fiftieth day after the Resurrection of Christ.

Questions.(1) What did Jesus Christ say to the apostles even before the suffering on the cross began? (2) What did Jesus Christ command the apostles before ascending to heaven? (3) After the Lord’s ascension into heaven, where were the apostles and why and what did they do? (4) Who were among the apostles? (5) What happened on the tenth day after the Ascension of the Lord? (6) What appeared above each person present? (7) At what time did this happen? (8) What happened to the apostles? (9) What does it mean to speak different languages?

1.2 Preaching of the apostles in Jerusalem(2a)
(Acts 2:5-39)

After the descent of the Holy Spirit on the apostles, they began to preach. At this time, on the occasion of the holiday, many Jews and pagans who accepted the Jewish faith (proselytes) gathered in Jerusalem from different countries. Walking along the streets of the holy city, many of them heard the noise that was before the descent of the Holy Spirit and gathered near the house where the apostles were. They saw how simple Galileans left their houses and began to preach the high teaching to everyone in the language of their country. Everyone was amazed at the great miracle of God. Among the many people who heard the preaching of the apostles, there were those who laughed at them, saying that the apostles got drunk on sweet wine. Regarding this slander, the Apostle Peter preached a sermon, which made a great impression on the listeners. He reminded them of the prophecy of Joel (2:28) that in the days of the Messiah God would send the gifts of the Holy Spirit to the believers in abundance. The Messiah is the Lord Jesus Christ. After this, he began to talk about the Lord Jesus Christ. “You took Him and killed Him, but God raised Him up, to which we are all witnesses. He received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and poured out on us what you now see and hear.” Many of those who heard this sermon accepted the words of the apostle and about three thousand people were baptized that day.

Questions.(1) Who was in Jerusalem at the time of the descent of the Holy Spirit on the apostles and why? (2) What did the apostles begin to do after the Holy Spirit descended on them? (3) What did the listeners do? (4) Who gave the first sermon and what did he talk about? (5) What did those listening to the sermon do?

1.3 Life of the first Christians (3)
(Acts 4:32-37; 5:12-16)

The first Christians gathered every day in the temple and listened to the sermon of the apostles. On Sundays, they gathered in their homes to celebrate the Divine Eucharist (liturgy) and receive the Holy Sacraments. They all lived like one big happy family, loved each other with all their hearts and helped each other in everything. Many sold their estates and gave the money received to the apostles to distribute to the needy.

The apostles performed many wondrous miracles and even the shadow of the Apostle Peter healed the sick. Because of this, people carried the sick out into the street so that the shadow of the passing Apostle Peter would fall on them and heal them. All these sick and demoniacs were healed by the Lord God through the holy apostles. The abundance of miracles delighted Christians and further strengthened their faith. They tried in their family and social relationships to fulfill the teachings of Jesus Christ, if possible, in all its breadth. Thus, the first Christians left a wonderful example of true Christian life for all times. The high virtues of the first Christians aroused great respect from the people, and the number of believers grew every day.

Questions.(1) How often did the early Christians meet and why? (2) How did the first Christians live? (3) What did Christians do with their property? (4) Could the apostles perform miracles? (5) How were the lives of the early Christians different? (6) How did the people treat the first Christians?

1.4 Election of Deacons (4)
(Acts 6:1-7)

Among the first Christians were Jews from Palestine and Jews from other countries (Hellenists). Hellenistic Jews complained that their widows received fewer benefits than the widows of Palestinian Jews. Because of this, the apostles invited the believers to choose seven pious men to be in charge of distributing offerings to those in need. Seven men were chosen and the apostles prayerfully laid hands on them and thus transmitted the grace of the Holy Spirit.

The main responsibility of the deacons was to manage the distribution of benefits to the poor. In addition, they also helped the apostles in preaching and performing the sacraments.

Thus, the sacred degree of deacons (deacon means minister) appeared and apostolic succession was established in the priesthood. Apostolic succession means that Jesus Christ chose the apostles to preach and serve in the Church. These apostles ordained deacons and other ministers of the Church, and those new ministers, and so on to this day. Thus, in the Orthodox Church the grace of the Holy Spirit is found on every clergyman. Apostolic succession was preserved only among Orthodox Christians and the Roman Catholic Church. Protestant churches do not have it. From the point of view of the Orthodox Church, churches that do not have apostolic succession are not churches, but only Christian societies.

Words
Pious - One who reveres God and lives by God's Law.
Grace - Help sent from above to fulfill the Will of God.

Questions.(1) What was the reason for choosing deacons? (2) What were the qualities of deacons? (3) How did the holy degree of deacons come into being? (4) What were the duties of deacons? (5) What is apostolic succession? (6) Has the apostolic succession continued to this day? (7) From the point of view of the Orthodox Church, what are churches that do not have apostolic succession?

1.5 Persecution from the Sanhedrin(5a)
(Acts 4:1-22; 5:17-22)

As soon as the Church began to spread, it had enemies in the form of Jews who did not believe in Jesus Christ. The Jewish leaders were hostile to the Lord. They saw the success of the Christian faith and therefore began to take measures against its spread.

One day, after preaching on the occasion of a healing, the Jewish leaders took the apostles Peter and John from the temple and wanted to kill them. This was stopped by the respected teacher of the law Gamaliel. Therefore, the leaders did not kill the apostles, but only beat them and forbade them to preach about Jesus Christ. The apostles endured this suffering and continued their preaching.

Questions.(1) Who were the first Christians? (2) Who were the first enemies of Christians? (3) Who and whom did they want to kill? (4) How did this murder attempt end?

1.6 Holy First Martyr Stephen(5 B)
(Acts 6:8-7:60)

The first deacon, Saint Stephen, was distinguished by the special gifts of the Holy Spirit and performed many miracles. Once he preached in one of the Jerusalem synagogues. Some Jews argued with him, but could not prove anything, since the power of the Holy Spirit acted through the words of Saint Stephen. Then they falsely accused Saint Stephen of allegedly cursing Moses and even God Himself. Then they found false witnesses and summoned him to trial.

At the trial, everyone paid attention to the face of Saint Stephen; it shone like the face of an Angel. In his speech, Saint Stephen said that he revered the righteous from the Old Testament and, through the words of the prophets themselves, proved that the Old Testament must give way to the more perfect New Testament. At the end of his speech, he said that just as the prophets were killed before, now they killed Jesus Christ, about whom the prophets predicted.

This made the court members terribly angry. In these difficult moments, the Lord strengthened Saint Stephen with a joyful vision. He exclaimed that he saw the sky opening and that he saw Jesus Christ standing on the right side of the Lord God. This outraged the Jews even more and they grabbed and took Saint Stephen out of the city and there they threw stones at him. Saint Stephen prayed for his tormentors and died with these words: “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Just before his death, he loudly shouted: “Lord, do not judge them for this sin,” and after that he died.

Saint Stephen is called the holy protomartyr because he was the first of many Christian martyrs to give his life for the faith. The murder of Saint Stephen and many other Christians did not weaken the spread of the Christian faith. Just the opposite, the persecution of Christians helped the spread of the Christian faith.

The memory of the holy first martyr and archdeacon Stephen is celebrated on the day of his repose on December 27/January 9 and on the day of the transfer of his relics on August 2/15.

Questions.(1) Who was Saint Stephen? (2) What did Saint Stephen do and where? (3) What did the Jews accuse Saint Stephen of? (4) Where was Saint Stephen taken? (5) What did Saint Stephen say at the trial? (6) What did they do with Saint Stephen after the trial? (7) What did Saint Stephen do when he was killed? (8) What does first martyr mean? What words does this word consist of? (9) Who are martyrs? (10) What impact did the martyrs have on the spread of Christianity? History of the Christian Church

THE APOSTLES AND THEIR WORKS

2.1 Baptism of the Samaritans(6a)
(Acts 8:4-8)

Jews who did not accept Christianity wanted to stop the spread of the Church and therefore began persecuting Christians. But it turned out opposite to their expectations. Due to persecution, Christians began to move to other places and spread their faith there.

Philip, one of the seven deacons, began preaching in Samaria. Hearing Philip's words and seeing his miracles, many of the Samaritans believed and were baptized. When Jerusalem learned about this, they sent the apostles Peter and John. They conveyed the gifts of the Holy Spirit to the newly baptized Samaritans through the laying on of hands (that is, they performed the sacrament over them, which is now performed through anointing with myrrh).

Questions.(1) Where is the baptism of the Samaritans described? (2) What did the Jews who did not accept Christianity do? (3) What did Christians do? (4) What happened to Christianity? (5) Who was Philip? (6) What did Philip do? (7) Why were the apostles Peter and John sent from Jerusalem?

2.2 Foundation of the Church in Antioch (8.1)
(Acts 11:19-26)

The apostles learned that Christians, former pagans, had appeared in Antioch (Syria). To organize the church, the apostles sent Barnabas there, and he invited Saul. Saul, together with Barnabas, worked for a whole year in Antioch and founded the great and glorious Antiochian Church in this city. Here the followers of the Lord Jesus Christ began to be called Christians for the first time.

Questions.(1) Where is the founding of the church at Antioch described? (2) Who were the Christians in Antioch before the adoption of Christianity? (3) Who did the apostles send to Antioch to organize the church? (4) By whom and who else was invited for this matter? (5) What church was organized here? (6) What is another name for this church? (7) Does this church still exist today? (8) Does this church exist in America? (9) Where is the nearest parish of this church? (10) Who are the parishioners of this church? (11) What language do they serve there?

2.3 Apostolic Council (10)
(Acts 15:1-29)

In Antioch, where the church was organized, there was disagreement among Christians. Christians who were former Jews began to teach Christians who were formerly pagans that they should observe the rite of Moses. To resolve this dispute, the Antiochian Christians turned to the apostles in Jerusalem. The apostles, according to the commandment of Jesus Christ (Matthew 18:17), gathered together and invited the elders of the Jerusalem church to this first Christian council. The apostles Peter, Paul, Barnabas and others spoke at the council. The last speaker was the holy Apostle James, whose words expressed the final decision of the council.

The Apostolic Council freed Christians from observing the ritual law of Moses and inspired them to fulfill the moral law. The essence of this law is expressed in the following words: “Do not do to others what you yourself do not want” (Acts 15:29). The decision of the council was recorded and sealed with these significant words: “It was pleasing to the Holy Spirit and to us” (Acts 15:28).

The Apostle James, bishop of the Church of Jerusalem, apparently belonged to the first place (presidency) at the council. Although he was not one of the 12, but one of the 70 apostles. Here we see the beginning of the third, highest sacred degree of bishop. The apostolic ministry continues in the church, especially through bishops. They have the right to ordain to sacred degrees, teach and judge in the church.

The Apostolic Council took place in 1951 and served as an example of how general church affairs should be resolved in the future. Following the example of this council, seven Ecumenical Councils were later convened.

Questions.(1) Where is the Apostolic Council described? (2) What happened in Antioch among the Christians? (3) Where did the Antioch Christians turn? (4) What did Jesus Christ command to do in such cases? (5) What did the apostles do? (6) What was the resolution of the council? (7) What significant words were sealed in the resolution of the council? (8) What do these words mean? (9) Who presided over the council? (10) The beginning of what sacred degree do we see here? (11) In what year did the Apostolic Council take place? (12) The Apostolic Council served as an example for which other councils?

2.4 Holy Apostle Paul (7,9,11-13)

At a time when the Christian faith was spreading among the Jews and Samaritans, the Lord called a great teacher, who was distinguished by great learning, to preach to the pagans. It was the holy Apostle Paul.

The Apostle Paul was first called Saul. His parents were Jews. They had Roman citizenship, which was very important at that time, since Roman citizens had all sorts of privileges. The Apostle Paul was born in the city of Tarsus, in Asia Minor. There he received his primary education, and received his final education in Jerusalem.

Saul was a pure and very gifted young man, but a Pharisee by birth. All the Pharisees hated Christians, so Saul hated them too. He believed that he was fulfilling the will of the Lord God when he persecuted Christians. Saul took part in the murder of the holy protomartyr Stephen. He approved of this act and guarded the clothes of the killers. After this, Saul did not stop persecuting Christians.

When Saul heard that there were Christians in Damascus, he went there to deliver them to Jerusalem. On the way, he was blinded by a strong light, from which he became blind. Saul also heard a voice: “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” “Who are you, Lord,” asked Saul. “I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you persecute.” Saul stood up and, since he could not see anything, his companions led him to Damascus. In Damascus, the Lord appeared in a dream to Ananias (one of the 70 disciples) and told him to find Paul and baptize him. Ananias found him and laid his hands on the Apostle Paul, after which he received his sight. After this, the Apostle Paul was baptized and began his sermon.

The Apostle Paul made three great preaching journeys through the pagan countries of Asia Minor and the Balkans, and also participated in the Apostolic Council. Before the journey, at the command of the Holy Spirit, the apostles ordained (consecrated) Saul as bishop (Acts 13). During his travels, the Apostle Paul took with him the Apostle Barnabas and Silas from the 70 to help him. The Apostle Paul had great success in preaching. He founded many church communities and ordained priests (presbyters). Then, he wrote messages to these communities. Fourteen of these messages became part of the Holy Scriptures, the New Testament. So, the holy Apostle Paul wrote the following letters:

During his three journeys, the Apostle Paul was subjected to severe persecution and trials (2 Corinthians 23ff.). Through the prayers of the Apostle Paul, the Lord worked great miracles, as well as on Paul himself, and preserved him.

The Apostle Paul suffered during the persecution of Emperor Nero. He, as a Roman citizen, was assigned the execution of nobles - beheading. It was June 29, 1967. He was executed along with the Apostle Peter, who was crucified, but upside down according to his will.

The memory of the Holy Apostle Paul is celebrated, together with the Apostle Peter, on the day of their repose: the Holy Supreme Apostles Peter and Paul, June 29/July 12.

Questions.(1) What was the other name of Saint Apostle Paul? (2) Among whom did the Apostle Paul preach? (3) What was Paul like as a young man? (4) Why did he persecute Christians? (5) Why did Paul go to Damascus? (6) What happened to Paul on the road to Damascus? (7) What did Paul do in Damascus? (8) How many preaching journeys did Paul make? (9) What did he do during his travels? (10) What did the Apostle Paul write? (11) How did the holy Apostle Paul die?

2.5 Holy Apostle Peter (14)

The Holy Apostle Peter preached in Palestine. He, like the Apostle Paul, also participated in the Apostolic Council. After the council, he preached in Syrian Antioch, in the cities of Asia Minor, in Alexandria and Rome. Most of all he preached to the Jews, and the Apostle Paul to the pagans.

In Egypt, he ordained his colleague Mark as bishop of the Alexandrian Church. According to the words of the Apostle Peter, the Evangelist Mark wrote a gospel, which in ancient times was also called the Gospel of Peter.

The Apostle Peter wrote two conciliar letters that became part of the Holy Scriptures, the New Testament. They're called:

These epistles are called conciliar epistles because they were not sent to individual churches or individuals, but were written for all Christians.

In these letters, the Apostle Peter teaches to endure temptations with courage, to lead a strict, holy and temperate life and to shun all false teachings.

The Apostle Peter was executed during the persecution of Christians by Emperor Nero, along with the Apostle Paul, on June 29, 67. Since he considered himself unworthy of the same death as Christ, he was crucified upside down of his own free will.

The memory of the Holy Apostle Peter is celebrated, together with the Apostle Paul, on the day of their repose: the Holy Supreme Apostles Peter and Paul, June 29/July 12.

Questions.(1) Where did the Apostle Peter preach? (2) What meeting did the apostle Peter attend? (3) Who and what was written according to the words of the Apostle Peter? (4) What did the apostle Peter write? (5) How did the Apostle Peter die?

2.6 Holy Apostle James the Righteous (15)

The Holy Apostle James was a relative of the Lord (either the son of Joseph from his first wife, or the son of Mary, sister of the Mother of God). He alone of all the apostles did not travel, but was the first Bishop of Jerusalem. As Bishop of Jerusalem, he presided over the Apostolic Council. This fact is important, since Catholics are trying to prove that the Apostle Peter was considered the first.

The Holy Apostle James wrote the first liturgy and one epistle. In this letter, he consoles Christians in suffering and teaches that it is impossible to be saved by faith alone without good works.

The Apostle James led a strict ascetic life, for which he was considered a righteous man. With his teaching and life, he converted many to Christianity. The Apostle James was killed by hostile Jewish leaders.

Questions.(1) Whose relative was the apostle James? (2) What did the apostle James do? (3) What fact from the life of the Apostle James refutes Catholic claims? (4) What did the Apostle James write? (5) What kind of life did Saint James lead? (6) How did Saint James die?

2.7 Holy Evangelists Matthew, Mark and Luke (17)

The New Testament scripture is divided into two parts; to “Four Gospels” or simply “Gospel” and “Apostle”.(See Table 2.7.1). The word “gospel” in Greek means good or good news, and the word “apostle” means “messenger.”

The first part of the Holy Scripture of the New Testament, “The Gospel,” consists of four books describing the life and teaching of the Lord Jesus Christ. All these books are also called gospels and were written by the holy apostles and evangelists Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. All four of these Gospels describe the same events; but each is a little different. This especially applies to the first three. The Fourth Gospel, in most cases, describes those events that are not in the first three.

Saint Matthew (of the 12 apostles) preached for a long time in Judea and wrote the first Gospel for them. Saint Mark (of the 70 apostles) was a colleague of the Apostle Peter and was ordained bishop of the Church of Alexandria by him. Saint Luke (of the 70 apostles) was a doctor and artist. According to legend, he painted icons of the Mother of God and the apostles Peter and Paul. All three suffered martyrdom while preaching the faith of Christ.

The second part of the Holy Scriptures of the New Testament, “The Apostle,” consists of 23 books describing the works of some of the apostles and their teaching.

The Holy Apostle Luke, in addition to the Gospel, also wrote “The Acts of the Holy Apostles” (the first book in “The Apostle”). Here the apostle described the descent of the Holy Spirit on the apostles, the spread of Christianity and the preaching of the apostles Peter and Paul. From “Acts” we also learn about the invocation of the Holy Spirit on those baptized, about the ordination of bishops, presbyters and deacons, about the prayer and fasting of the apostles on important occasions, about genuflections, etc.

The memory of the Holy Apostles and Evangelists Matthew, Mark and Luke is celebrated on November 16/29, April 25/May 8 and October 18/31.

Questions.(1) How is the New Testament Scripture divided? (2) What do these words mean? (3) What does the first part describe? (4) Who wrote the first part? (5) How did the writers of the first part die? (6) What does the second part describe? (7) Who wrote the second part? (8) What do we know about the holy Apostle and Evangelist Matthew? (9) What do we know about the holy Apostle and Evangelist Mark? (10) What do we know about the holy Apostle and Evangelist Luke?

2.8 Holy Apostle John the Theologian (16)

The Holy Apostle John the Theologian wrote the Gospel (fourth), three epistles and the Apocalypse (Revelation).

One day, to Saint John, bishops and priests showed three Gospels written by the holy apostles and evangelists Matthew, Mark and Luke. John confirmed them as the exact truth. Then they began to ask him to write down conversations of Jesus Christ that are not in these three Gospels. This is how the fourth Gospel was written. In his epistles, Saint John writes instructions about Christian love. The Apocalypse contains prophecies about the church and the world.

The Apostle John the Theologian, according to the will of the Lord Jesus Christ, took care of His Most Pure Mother. Saint John preached in Palestine, and after Her Dormition in the cities of Asia Minor, where there were pagans. All the other apostles had already ended their lives, but John continued to work for the benefit of the Church. He survived the persecution of the Church from Nero, the fall of Jerusalem and the second persecution from Domitian.

In the last years of his life, Saint John spoke only one instruction: “children, love one another.” When his disciples asked why he always repeats this, he said “this is the most necessary commandment; if you fulfill it, then you will fulfill the whole law of Christ.”

Saint John the Theologian, one of the 12 disciples, died a peaceful death at the one hundred and fifth (105) year of his life.

The memory of the holy Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian is celebrated on May 8/21, as well as on the day of his repose on September 26/October 9.

Questions.(1) What did the holy Apostle John the Theologian write? (2) Describe the works of St. John. (3) Who did St. John care about? (4) Where did St. John preach? (5) What advice did St. John give at the end of his life? (6) How old was Saint John when he died? (7) By what death did Saint John die?

2.9 Holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called (17.6)

The Holy Apostle Andrew is called the First-Called, because he was the first of the apostles who followed Jesus Christ. He was the brother of the Apostle Peter. Saint Andrew preached along the shores of the Black Sea and walked along the Dnieper River. On the Kyiv mountains, the holy apostle erected a cross and predicted the future enlightenment of Russia by the faith of Christ.

The Apostle Andrew suffered martyrdom in Asia Minor. He was crucified on a specially shaped cross, which is therefore called St. Andrew's.

The memory of the Holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called is celebrated on the day of his repose, November 30/December 13.

Questions.(1) Why is the holy Apostle Andrew called the First-Called? (2) Who was his brother? (3) Where did he preach? (4) What did he do on the Kyiv mountains? (5) What did he predict? (6) By what death did the Apostle Andrew die?

GOSPEL (4 books)
Matthew:	1st Gospel (from 12 apostles)
Mark:	2nd Gospel (from 70 ap.)
Luke:	3rd Gospel (from 70 ap.)
John:	4th Gospel

APOSTLE (23 books)
Luke:	Acts
Jacob:	Message (brother of the Lord)
Peter:	Epistles (2) (brother of St. Andrew)
John:	Messages (3)
Judas:	Message
Paul:	1. Romans
	2. Corinthians (2)
	3. Galatians
	4. Epistle to the Ephesians
	5. Philippians
	6. Colossians
	7. Epistle to Thessalonians (2)
	(or Thessalonians)
	8. Epistle to Timothy (2)
	9. Epistle to Titus
	10. Letter to Philemon
	11. Hebrews
John:	Revelation (Apocalypse)

PERSECUTION OF CHRISTIANS

3.1 Persecution by the Jews

As soon as the Church began to spread, it had enemies in the form of Jews who did not believe in Jesus Christ. The first Christians were Jews who followed Jesus Christ. The Jewish leaders were hostile to the Lord. At the very beginning, the Lord Jesus Christ was crucified. Then, when the preaching of the apostles began to spread, persecution of the apostles and other Christians began.

The Jews could not come to terms with the power of the Romans and therefore did not like the Romans. The Roman procurators treated the Jews very cruelly, oppressed them with taxes and insulted their religious feelings.

In the year 67, the Jewish uprising against the Romans began. They were able to liberate Jerusalem from the Romans, but only temporarily. Most of the Christians took advantage of the freedom to leave and went to the city of Pella. In 70, the Romans brought new troops, which very brutally crushed the rebels.

After 65 years, the Jews rebelled against the Romans again. This time Jerusalem was completely destroyed and it was ordered to walk through the streets with a plow as a sign that this was no longer a city, but a field. The Jews who survived fled to other countries. Later, on the ruins of Jerusalem, the small city of Elia Capitolina grew up.

The fall of the Jews and Jerusalem means that the great persecution of Christians by the Jews ceased.

Questions.(1) Who were the first Christians? (2) How did Jews who did not follow Jesus Christ treat Christians? (3) Who lived and ruled Jerusalem? (4) What was the attitude of the Jews towards the Romans and why? (5) What happened from 67 to 70 in Jerusalem? (6) What happened after 65 years and why? (7) What does the fall of Jerusalem mean for the Church?

3.2 Persecution from the Gentiles (19)

When the persecution of the Church by the Jews ended, terrible persecution began from the pagans in the Roman Empire. These persecutions continued for two and a half centuries.

The main and more general reason for the persecution of Christians by pagans is the complete opposition of Christian teaching to the customs, morals and views of paganism. The pagans tolerated any faith, as long as it did not interfere with their lives as before. The Christian faith changed the entire way of life in everything:
1. Instead of selfishness, she preached love,
2. Put humility in place of pride;
3. Instead of luxury, which reached terrible proportions in the Roman Empire, she taught abstinence and fasting,
4. eradicated polygamy,
5. increased the importance of slaves,
6. called on the rich to show mercy and charity.

The history of persecution of Christians in the first three centuries can be divided into three periods:
1. The Roman government throughout the first century did not pay special attention to the spread of Christianity. If Christians are persecuted, it is because of personal motives on the part of the emperors, and not because of laws.
2. At the beginning of the second century, persecution of Christians began for government reasons. These persecutions have long been random in nature and depend on the arbitrariness of the rulers, on the views and character of the rulers.
3. From the middle of the third century, persecution took on a more intense and fierce character. Christianity is being persecuted as a sect hostile to the empire, with the goal of completely eradicating it.

1. The first period of persecution. The first period of persecution was under the emperor Nero and Domitian. Nero blamed Christians for burning Rome. The years 64 to 68 were terrible for Christians: they were crucified on crosses, given to be eaten by wild animals, sewn into bags, which were doused with resin and lit during public festivities.

2. Second period of persecution. In the second period, the most severe persecutions came from the emperors Trajan, Marcus Aurelius and Seprimius Severus.

Emperor Trajan (98-117) strictly prohibited the existence of secret societies, which had their own laws, in addition to the general state ones. In his time, Christians were not wanted, but if anyone was accused by the judiciary of being a Christian, he was executed.

Emperor Marcus Aurelius (161-180) hated Christians. Under him, they began to look for Christians; A system of torture and torture was introduced to force them to renounce their faith. Christians were expelled from their homes, scourged, stoned, rolled on the ground, thrown into prison, and deprived of burial. Never during previous persecutions were there so many martyrs as at this time. It happened that the bodies of tortured Christians lay in masses on the streets of the city.

3. Third period of persecution. In the third period of persecution, there was especially fierce persecution from the emperors Decius and Diocletian.

Emperor Decius (249-251) was rude and cruel and decided to destroy Christianity. Fortunately, this terrible persecution lasted only a short time. Emperor Diocletian (284-305) issued four edicts against Christians, each more severe than the other, with the goal of destroying Christianity.
1st edict:
o Liturgical gatherings of Christians are prohibited;
o Christian churches are being destroyed;
o Copies of the Holy Scriptures are taken away and burned;
o Christians are deprived of their property and civil rights;
O Christians, slaves forever lose the possibility of liberation;
o During the trial, Christians can be tortured and no complaints from them are accepted.
2nd edict:
o All clergy are imprisoned as political criminals.
3 edict:
o Demand that all Christians imprisoned make sacrifices to idols;
o Whoever brings it will be released from prison, and whoever refuses will be tortured with cruel torture.
Edict 4:
o All Christians, absolutely all, are condemned to torture and torment in order to force them to renounce Christianity.

All kinds of torture and executions were allowed in, and no cruelty was thought of. A deadline was set for the existence of Christianity (the pagan holiday of Terminalia on February 23, 303). At the very dawn of this day, a detachment of soldiers surrounded the Nicomedia temple: the doors of the temple were broken down, the sacred books were burned, the jewelry was looted, and the entire temple was destroyed to the ground. After this, horrors began that are impossible to depict. The ferocity of the torturers reached such an extent that the mutilated were treated only to be tortured again; Sometimes they tortured from ten to a hundred people a day, without distinction of gender and age.

Questions.(1) When did the persecution of Christians by pagans begin? (2) How long did this persecution last? (3) What was the main reason for the persecution of Christians by the pagans? (4) How long did this persecution last? (5) When and during which emperor did these persecutions begin? (6) When and during which emperor did these persecutions end? (7) What did Emperor Diocletian publish and why?

3.3 Holy Martyrs (20)

Righteous These are those holy people who led a righteous life pleasing to the Lord God, who were family people and who lived in the world.

Reverends these are those holy, righteous people who retired from worldly life in society and pleased the Lord God, remaining in virginity (not marrying), fasting and prayer, living in deserts and monasteries.

Saints These are those holy bishops and bishops who pleased the Lord God with their righteous Life.

Confessors These are those holy Christians who suffered torment during their lives, but died peacefully.

Martyrs These are those holy Christians who accepted cruel torment and even death for their faith. Holy martyrs are depicted on icons with a cross in their hands.

Hieromartyrs These are saints who suffered torment for Christ.

The persecution of the Church not only did not destroy it, but on the contrary helped its spread. This happened for several reasons:
1. Since the holy martyrs and martyrs endured suffering with great firmness. New confessors took the place of the victims.
2. Fleeing Christians brought their faith with them and planted it in their new place of residence.
3. Persecution kept believers guarding their faith and the Church. They were in strong faith, cheerfulness and mutual love. In this way, the Church was cleansed of people who were weak and unworthy to be its members.

Of the large number of Christian martyrs in the ancient church, the most remarkable are: Saint Ignatius the God-Bearer, Bishop of Antioch, Saint Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna and Saint Justin the Philosopher.

3.3.1 St. Ignatius the God-Bearer, Bishop of Antioch (20.1)

Saint Ignatius was a disciple of Saint John the Theologian. He was called a God-bearer because Jesus Christ Himself held him in His hands when He said the famous words: “If you do not turn and become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven.” (Matthew 18:3). In addition, Saint Ignatius was like a vessel who always bore the name of God within himself. Around the year 70, he was ordained bishop of the Antiochian Church, which he ruled for more than 30 years.

In the year 107, Christians and their bishop refused to take part in the revelry and drunkenness that was organized on the occasion of the arrival of Emperor Trajan. For this, the emperor sent the bishop to Rome for execution with the words “Ignatius should be chained to the soldiers and sent to Rome to be devoured by wild beasts for the amusement of the people.” Saint Ignatius was sent to Rome. Antiochian Christians accompanied their bishop to the place of torment. Along the way, many churches sent their representatives to greet and encourage him and show him their attention and respect in every possible way. Along the way, Saint Ignatius wrote seven epistles to local churches. In these messages, the bishop urged to preserve the right faith and obey the divinely established hierarchy.

Saint Ignatius joyfully went to the amphitheater, repeating the name of Christ all the time. With a prayer to the Lord, he entered the arena. Then they released wild animals and they furiously tore the saint to pieces, leaving only a few bones of him. The Antiochian Christians, who accompanied their bishop to the place of torment, collected these bones with reverence, wrapped them as precious treasure and took them to their city.

The memory of the holy hieromartyr Ignatius the God-Bearer is celebrated on the day of his repose, December 20/January 2.

3.3.2 St. Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna (20.2)

Saint Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna, together with Saint Ignatius the God-Bearer, was a disciple of the Apostle John the Theologian. The Apostle ordained him Bishop of Smyrna. He held this position for more than forty years and experienced many persecutions. He wrote many letters to Christians of neighboring Churches to strengthen them in the pure and right faith.

The holy martyr Polycarp lived to old age and was martyred during the persecution of the emperor Marcus Aurelius (second period of persecution, 161-187). He was burned at the stake on February 23, 167.

The memory of the holy hieromartyr Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna is celebrated on the day of his presentation, February 23/March 8.

3.3.3 Justin the Philosopher (20.3)

Saint Justin, a Greek by origin, became interested in philosophy in his youth, listened to all the then known philosophical schools and did not find satisfaction in any of them. Having become acquainted with Christian teaching, he became convinced of its divine origin.

Having become a Christian, he defended Christians from the accusations and attacks of pagans. There are two well-known apologies written in defense of Christians, and several works that prove the superiority of Christianity over Judaism and paganism.

One of his opponents, who could not overcome him in disputes, denounced him to the Roman government, and he fearlessly and joyfully met his martyrdom on June 1, 166.

The memory of the holy martyr Justin, the Philosopher is celebrated on the day of his presentation, June 1/14.

Questions.(1) Who are martyrs? (2) How are martyrs depicted on icons? (3) Who are confessors? (4) Who are the saints? (5) Who are the holy martyrs? (6) Who are the reverends? (7) Who are the righteous? (8) How do Orthodox Christians treat their saints? (9) What impact did the martyrs have on the Church? (10) Who was Saint Ignatius the God-Bearer? (11) Who was Saint Polycarp? (12) Who was Saint Justin the Philosopher?

3.4 Holy martyrs (21)

Along with the martyrs in the Church of Christ there are many women, holy martyrs who suffered for the faith of Christ. Of the large number of Christian martyrs in the ancient church, the most remarkable are: Saints Faith, Hope, Love and their mother Sophia, Great Martyr Catherine, Queen Augusta and Great Martyr Barbara.

3.4.1 St. Martyrs Faith, Hope, Love and their mother Sophia (21.1)

The holy martyrs Faith, Hope, Love and their mother Sophia lived in Rome in the 2nd century. Sophia was a Christian widow and raised her children in the spirit of the holy faith. Her three daughters were named after the three cardinal Christian virtues (1 Corinthians 13:13). The oldest was only 12 years old.

They were reported to Emperor Hadrian, who continued the persecution of Christians. They were called and beheaded in front of their mother. This was around 137. The mother was not executed and she was even able to bury her children. After three days, due to the shock she experienced, Saint Sophia died.

The memory of the holy martyrs Faith, Hope, Love and their mother Sophia is celebrated on September 17/30.

3.4.2 Great Martyr Catherine and Queen Augusta (21.4)

The Holy Great Martyr Catherine was born in Alexandria, came from a noble family and was distinguished by wisdom and beauty.

Saint Catherine wanted to marry only her equal. And then one old man told her about a young man who was better than her in everything. Having learned about Christ and Christian teaching, Saint Catherine accepted baptism.

At that time, Maximin, a representative of Emperor Diocletian (284-305), known for his cruel persecution of Christians, arrived in Alexandria. When Maximin called everyone to a pagan holiday, Saint Catherine fearlessly reproached him for worshiping pagan gods. Maximin imprisoned her for disrespect for the gods. After that, he gathered scientists to dissuade her. The scientists were unable to do this and admitted defeat.

Queen Augusta, the wife of Maximin, heard a lot about the beauty and wisdom of Catherine, wanted to see her, and after the meeting she herself also accepted Christianity. After this, she began to protect Saint Catherine. For everything, it was King Maximin who killed his wife Augusta.

Saint Catherine was first tortured with a wheel with sharp teeth, and then her head was cut off on November 24, 310.

The memory of the Holy Great Martyr Catherine is celebrated on the day of her repose, November 24/December 7.

3.4.3 St. Great Martyr Barbara (21.5)

The Holy Great Martyr Barbara was born in Iliopolis, Phoenician. She was distinguished by her extraordinary intelligence and beauty. At her father's request, she lived in a tower specially built for her, away from her family and friends, with one teacher and several slaves.

One day, looking at the beautiful view from the tower and after much thought, she came to the idea of a single Creator of the world. Later, when her father was away, she met Christians and converted to Christianity.

When her father found out about this, he gave her over to cruel torture. The torment had no effect on Varvara and she did not renounce her faith. Then the holy great martyr Barbara was sentenced to death and her head was cut off.

The memory of the Holy Great Martyr Barbara is celebrated on the day of her repose, December 4/December 17.

Questions.(1) Who were the saints Faith, Hope, Love and their mother Sophia? (2) Who were the saints Great Martyr Catherine and Queen Augusta? (3) Who was the holy great martyr Barbara?

3.5 Constantine the Great (22)

Emperor Constantine was the son of Constantius Chlorus, ruler of the western part of the Roman Empire, and Saint Helen Equal to the Apostles. In 306, Constantine was proclaimed emperor.

In 312, war broke out. Before one decisive battle, after noon, when the sun was already in the west, Constantine saw the sign of the cross in the sky with the words “By this, conquer.” At night, in a dream, the Lord appeared to him with the same sign and said that with this sign he would defeat the enemy. Constantine won and triumphantly entered Rome.

After this victory, Constantine, together with his son-in-law, issues the first manifesto in which everyone, without any exceptions, is allowed to accept Christianity. The second manifesto was published in 313. In it, all the places where they held their services, which had been taken away from them, were returned to Christians. Christians were also given back all their property that had been taken away during the persecution.

Emperor Constantine devoted his entire life to the good of the Church and did so much good to it that he earned the title of Equal-to-the-Apostles. Since his time, government institutions, laws and military service have conducted their affairs according to Christian teaching.

Here we can cite some measures that Emperor Constantine carried out in favor of Christians:
1. Stopped pagan games,
2. Freed the clergy from civil positions and church lands from general duties,
3. Abolished the death penalty by crucifixion,
4. He issued a strict law against the Jews who rebelled against the Church,
5. Allowed the freeing of slaves in churches,
6. Forbade private individuals to make sacrifices to idols and resort to divination at home, leaving this right only to societies,
7. He commanded that Sunday be celebrated throughout the empire,
8. Abolished the laws against celibacy that the Romans had (to protect Christian virgins and virgins),
9. Granted the Church the right to receive property under wills,
10. Allowed Christians to occupy the highest government positions,
11. He began to build Christian churches and forbade the introduction of imperial statues and images into them, according to the custom that existed in pagan temples.

The greatest resistance to Emperor Constantine was in Rome, where there was a strong pagan party. In the end, the emperor decided to leave Rome and move the capital to Constantinople. Constantinople became the Christian center and capital of the Roman Empire. From the time of Constantine, Jerusalem again began to be called by this name, instead of the name Aelia Capitolinus, given to it under Hadrian.

Constantine's mother, Saint Queen Helena, on his instructions, went to Palestine. Here she found the cross of the Lord and built temples on Golgotha, on the Mount of Olives and in Bethlehem.

During the time of Constantine, schism, disputes and unrest appeared in the Church. This was the wrong teaching (heresy) of Arius. To stop this turmoil, Emperor Constantine, following the example of the Apostolic Council, convened the first Ecumenical Council. This is one of his great merits.

Devoted with all his soul to the Church, Constantine died peacefully, amid prayer, on May 21, 337. History gave him the name of the Great; Constantine the Great. The Church, for his great merits, calls him Equal to the Apostles; Saint Equal-to-the-Apostles Constantine. Equal to the Apostles means that he is equal, in his merits, to the apostles.

The memory of the holy Equal-to-the-Apostles kings Constantine the Great and his mother Helen is celebrated on the day of the repose of Saint Constantine, May 21/June 3.

Questions.(1) Who were the parents of Emperor Constantine? (2) What happened to Constantine during one battle? (3) How did Emperor Constantine distinguish himself? (4) What difficulties did Emperor Constantine have in Rome? (5) Where and where did Emperor Constantine move the capital of the Roman Empire? (6) What did his mother, Queen Helena, do? (7) What difficulties were occurring in the Church at that time? (8) What did Emperor Constantine do to stop these difficulties? (9) What do historians call Constantine and the Church, and why?

3.6 Last persecution from the Gentiles (23)

The last struggle between paganism and Christianity was during the time of Emperor Julian. Emperor Julian was the nephew of Constantine the Great and was distinguished by his hatred of Christians.

Despite not all the measures taken by Emperor Constantine, paganism was still strong in the Roman Empire. Emperor Julian at first simply oppressed Christians and encouraged paganism. Then he gradually turned to open violence. Christians awaited with horror the return of the times of Nero, Decius and Diocletian. However, Julian was unable to restore paganism. He was killed in a battle with the Persians and after his death the persecution of Christians ceased.

Julian's successors continued to take care of the establishment of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire. New Christian churches were built, and pagan ones were destroyed. Idolatry became a criminal offense.

Questions.(1) Who was Emperor Julian and how was he different? (2) What happened during the time of Emperor Julian? (3) What happened after the death of Emperor Julian?

HERESIES, SCHIMS AND CATHEDRALS

4.1 Heresies and schisms (24)

Heresy This is a teaching that disagrees with the Orthodox faith. Heresy is also called false teaching; that is, false teaching or incorrect teaching.

At the very beginning of the Church, when Christian teaching was not yet established, there were disputes, false teachings (false teachings) and splits. Christian teachings were distorted by various other teachings. Some of the heresies were: Judaizers, Gnostics, Montanists, Anti-Trinitarians and Manichaeists.

1. Judaizers

under the influence of Judaism.

denied the deity of Jesus Christ,

2. Gnostics or pagans were under the influence of paganism. They recognized two world principles - God and matter, taught about the eternal struggle between them, about the lower deities dominating between heaven and the world - zones and about blind fate.

3. Montanists were infected pride. Montan applied to himself the prophecy of the Savior about the sending of the Comforter (John 15:26, 16:12-13) and declared that it was he who was sent by God to renew the Church. They appeared in the second century. Montanists differed great excitement of feelings and self-exaltation, the desire to allegedly restore the discipline and life of the first Christians in the Church and the mortification of the flesh. The Montanists considered only themselves to be spiritual Christians, and considered everyone else to be spiritual and carnal.

4. Antitrinitarians rejected the dogma of the Holy Trinity and they recognized only one God the Father. They appeared in the second century. According to their teaching, this God the Father in Christ became a man, was crucified, suffered and died.

5. Manichaeists wanted to replace Christianity and restore the ancient pagan Zoroaster's religion. They taught that two kingdoms exist independently: the kingdom of light and the kingdom of darkness, and that they are in constant struggle with each other.

Split

this is when a group separates from the Church but retains Orthodox teachings. Along with heresies, schisms appeared in the Church. Of the schisms in the ancient church, the Novocian and Donatist schisms are especially well known.

Questions.(1) What is heresy? (2) What happened at the beginning of the Church and why? (3) Who are the Judaizers? (4) Who are Gnostics? (5) Who are the Montanists? (6) Who are the Antitrinitarians? (7) Who are the Manichaeists? (8) What is schism?

4.2 Ecumenical Councils (25)

Over time, various questions began to arise regarding the organization of churches and faith; false teachings (heresies) appeared. It became necessary to gather and develop church rules, and it was also necessary to more accurately define Christian teaching. For this purpose, Ecumenical Councils began to be convened. All councils affirmed the wrongness of various heresies. All of them either decreased or increased the deity of the Lord Jesus Christ. There were seven cathedrals.

Ecumenical Councils were convened following the example of the Apostolic Council, which took place in Jerusalem in the year 51 (Acts 15:1-35). The apostles and other priests gathered when they had disagreements. Representatives of different churches were present at these councils. Many of them were known for their spirituality, holiness and learning. All churches were equal and after prayers and debates, various issues were resolved according to the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. This is clear from the resolution of the Apostolic Council, where it was said: “It was pleasing to us and to the Holy Spirit” (Acts 15:28).

There were seven Ecumenical Councils in total. Not all councils are recognized by the Church as legitimate Ecumenical Councils. For example, the Roman Church, after separating from other churches, began to convene its so-called Ecumenical Councils.

The memory of the first 6 Ecumenical Councils is celebrated on Sunday, October 16/29: or on the nearest Sunday: Memory of the Holy Fathers of the 6 Ecumenical Councils.

First Ecumenical Council. The First Ecumenical Council was convened by Saint Constantine Equal to the Apostles in the city of Nicaea in 325 to resolve the disagreements that arose regarding the heresy of Arius. Arius taught that the Lord Jesus Christ was not God. 318 bishops were present at the council. At it, the false teaching of Arius was rejected and 8 members of the Creed were developed. The Creed briefly states what Christians believe. At this council, the Orthodox Easter was also established; rules for determining the holiday of Easter. (On the first Sunday after the spring full moon and after the Jewish Passover).

The memory of the 1st Ecumenical Council is celebrated on the 7th Sunday after Easter: Holy Father of the 1st Ecumenical Council, as well as on May 29/June 11.

Second Ecumenical Council. The Second Ecumenical Council was convened by Emperor Theodosius the 1st and took place in Constantinople in the year 381. The council was assembled against the Macedonian Doukhobor. Macedonius was a bishop in Constantinople. He denied the divine nature of the Holy Spirit and called Him a creature or a force, but he recognized this force as equally subordinate to both the Father and the Son. The Council rejected the false teaching of Macedonius and completed the creed, which was called the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed. This creed is a guide for the Church for all times. The unchanged symbol of faith remained only among Orthodox Christians. (The Roman Church and all Protestants after it changed the 8th term).

Third Ecumenical Council. The Third Ecumenical Council took place in Ephesus in the year 431 and was assembled against Nestorius the man-worshipper. Nestorius argued that Jesus Christ was a man in whom God dwelt, as in a temple. Therefore, he called Jesus Christ the God-bearer and not the God-man, and the Most Holy Virgin Mary the Christ-bearer, and not the Mother of God. This council rejected the teachings of Nestorius.

The memory of the 3rd Ecumenical Council is celebrated on September 9/22.

Fourth Ecumenical Council. The Fourth Ecumenical Council took place in Chalcedon in the year 451 and was assembled against the Monophysites Eutyches and Dioscorus. Monophysites argued that in the Lord Jesus Christ there is only divine nature. The Council affirmed that the Lord Jesus Christ is true God and true man. In addition, the council drew up 30 church rules and developed the rights and indicated the districts of the five primate bishops (patriarchs).

The memory of the 4th Ecumenical Council is celebrated on July 16/29(see Bibliography section: Seven Ecumenical Councils).

Fifth Ecumenical Council. The Fifth Ecumenical Council took place in Constantinople in the year 553 and was assembled against three teachers of the Syrian Church. These three teachers wrote heretical works. The Council condemned one of them as a heretic, and the other two only their writings which were heretical.

The memory of the 5th Ecumenical Council is celebrated on June 25/July 8(see Bibliography section: Seven Ecumenical Councils).

Sixth Ecumenical Council. The Sixth Ecumenical Council took place in Constantinople in the year 680 and was assembled against the Monothelites. Monothelites argued that the Lord Jesus Christ has two natures, but one action and one will. At this council, the teaching of the Monothelites was condemned and it was determined to recognize in Jesus Christ two natures - Divine and human, and according to these two natures there are two wills.

Fifth-Sixth (Trula) Ecumenical Council. The Fifth-Sixth (Trula) Ecumenical Council took place eleven years later. The Council supplemented the Fifth and Sixth Ecumenical Councils and is therefore called the Fifth-Sixth. The Council adopted eighty-five apostolic canons, the canons of six Ecumenical and seven Local Councils, and some of the holy fathers as guidelines for the Church. Then to these rules the rules of the Seventh Ecumenical Council and two more local ones were added. These rules lie at the basis of church governance and are found in a book called “Kormchaya” in Russian, and “Nomocanon” in Greek.

As mentioned above, the Memory of the Holy 6 Ecumenical Councils is celebrated on Sunday, October 16/29: or the next Sunday.

Seventh Ecumenical Council. The Seventh Ecumenical Council took place in Nicaea in the year 787 and was assembled against the iconoclasts. This was the last Ecumenical Council. The iconoclastic heresy appeared 60 years before the council, under Emperor Leo the Isaurian. Since he wanted to attract the Mohammedans - who did not have icons - to Christianity, he gradually began to persecute icons and icon worshipers. At this council the iconoclastic heresy was rejected.

The memory of the Holy Fathers of the 7th Ecumenical Council is celebrated on Sunday October 11/24 or the next Sunday.

After the Seventh Ecumenical Council, iconoclasm arose again and continued to agitate the church for about 25 years. The veneration of icons was finally established and approved at the Local Council of Constantinople in 842. At this Council, in honor of this statement, the holiday of the Triumph of Orthodoxy was established.

The holiday of the Triumph of Orthodoxy is celebrated on the first Sunday of Great Lent.

Questions.(1) What is an Ecumenical Council? (2) Why were Ecumenical Councils convened? (3) By what example were the Ecumenical Councils convened? (4) How many Ecumenical Councils were there? (5) What was developed at the First and Second Ecumenical Councils? (6) What was decided on the Seventh? (7) What else was developed at all the Ecumenical Councils?

4.3 Separated Eastern Churches (25.1)

Some Eastern churches, due to various difficult circumstances, during the Ecumenical Councils, separated from the union with the Orthodox Church.

Armenian-Gregorian Church. In the half of the 5th century, the Armenians suffered disasters from the Persians, and the Catholicos (primary bishop) himself was martyred in captivity in 451. Because of this, they could not be at the 4th Ecumenical Council. (At this council, the heresy of the Monophysites was rejected, who argued that in Jesus Christ there is only divine nature).

In addition, false rumors began to reach the Armenians that the heretic Nestorius was acquitted at this council. (Nestorius argued that Jesus Christ was a man in whom God dwelt, as in a temple. This heresy was rejected by the 3rd Ecumenical Council).

Perplexities intensified over time and finally, at the end of the 5th century, at one Armenian council (491), only the definitions of the first three Ecumenical Councils were recognized as mandatory and were deliberately kept silent about the 4th. And in the 8th century (726), the Armenian bishops already directly rejected the 4th Ecumenical Council.

The Armenian-Gregorian Church is of one mind with the Orthodox Church in the main dogmas of faith, but has some differences, among which are the following:
1. To the trisagion song, which they refer only to Jesus Christ, are added the words “crucified for us,”
2. For the sacrament of Communion, unleavened bread is used instead of leavened bread, and wine not combined with water,
3. In Confirmation, so-called sesame oil is used and
4. The Feast of the Nativity of Christ is celebrated on January 6, on the same day as the Feast of the Epiphany.

Nestorian Society. Members of the Nestorian society are also called Chaldean Christians. They live in the Tigris and Euphrates valleys and partly in Syria. At first, when they fell away from the Church, they were distinguished by their learning, but then their enlightenment began to decline. They borrowed from the Jews: rituals of purification after touching the dead, celebrating Sunday just as Jews celebrate Saturday. The Nestorians do not have icons.

Jacobites. The Jacobites live in Syria, Mesopotamia and other countries of the East. They adhere to the Monophysite heresy. (Monophysites claim that in Jesus Christ there is only divine nature. This heresy was rejected by the 4th Ecumenical Council). The Jacobites got their name from Jacob Baradeus who lived in the 6th century. At the head of this society is the patriarch, who is also called Antioch. He always bears the name Ignatius, as the successor of Saint Ignatius the God-Bearer. In worship and in church rituals they are closer to Orthodoxy than the Nestorians.

Coptic church community. Copts are the indigenous people of Egypt. They adhere to the Monophysite heresy. In the 7th century, out of hatred for the Greek emperors who patronized Orthodoxy, the Copts changed. By this they contributed to the rapid conquest of Egypt by the Mohammedans.

Abyssinian church community. The Abyssinians, like the Copts, adhere to the Monophysite heresy and in customs have many similarities with them. But they, even more than the Copts, moved away from Orthodoxy. The Abyssinians adhere to Jewish food laws and celebrate Saturday as well as Sunday. During worship they perform sacred dances.

Maronites. The Maronites live on the slopes and valleys of the mountains of Lebanon and Anti-Lebanon. This is the only sect in the east that adheres to Monothelite errors. (Monofelts claim that Jesus Christ has two natures, but one action and one will. This heresy was rejected by the 6th Ecumenical Council). The Maronites retained worship in their own language, received communion under both forms, and had married priests.

Questions.(1) What is the Armenian Gregorian Church? (2) What is the Nestorian Society? (3) Who are the Jacobites? (4) What is the Coptic Church Community? (5) What is the Abyssinian Church Community? (6) Who are the Maronites?

HOLY FATHERS, APOLOGETIES, MONASKING AND CHURCH GOVERNANCE

5.1 Holy Fathers and teachers of the Church (26)

From apostolic times to the present time, there has been a continuous series of holy fathers and teachers of the Church. The Fathers of the Church are those church writers who became famous for the holiness of their lives. Church writers who are not recognized as saints are called teachers of the Church. All of them were distinguished by their learning, mental abilities and piety.

The fathers and teachers of the Church preserved the apostolic traditions in their writings and explained faith and piety. In difficult times, they defended Christianity from heretics and false teachers. They were role models in their lives. Our Christian faith is the Apostolic faith, as stated in the Creed, since it was received from the apostles themselves. But in addition, our faith is also Fatherly, since it is interpreted and explained by the Holy Fathers. They are also the legitimate, grace-filled successors of the Holy Apostles.

St. Athanasius the Great (297-373). He was the first and great fighter against Arianism, participated in the First Ecumenical Council and was Archbishop of Alexandria. During his almost half-century of ministry, St. Athanasius was expelled from Alexandria five times and spent about twenty years in exile and imprisonment. Until the last minute of his life he fought against heretics and worked for the establishment of peace and unanimity in the Church. Despite all his works and exploits, he wrote many works in which he defended and explained Christianity.

Memory of St. Athanasius the Great, Archbishop of Alexandria. celebrated on January 18/31.

St. Basil the Great (329-379). St. Basil the Great was the archbishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia. He wrote a lot on various subjects of faith and morality, wrote the rite of the apostolic liturgy, known under his name, and composed many prayers. He defended the Church from the Arians and established many shelters for the sick and poor. His work “Conversations for Six Days” is especially famous.

Memory of St. St. Basil the Great is celebrated on January 1/14, as well as together with other saints: the Council of Three Hierarchs: St. Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian and John Chrysostom, January 30/February 11.

St. Gregory the Theologian (326-389). He was a bishop, defended the Church from the Arians, participated in the Second Ecumenical Council, led a holy lifestyle and wrote many essays on Christianity. For his creations St. Gregory received the title of theologian and universal teacher.

Holy memory Gregory the Theologian, Archbishop of Constantinople is celebrated on January 25/February 7, and also, as mentioned above, together with other saints: The Council of Three Hierarchs: Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian and John Chrysostom, January 30/February 11.

St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, Archbishop of Myra-Lycia (+343). He took part in the First Ecumenical Council, fought against Arianism, was distinguished by meekness, humility and gentleness, and loved to give alms secretly. Relics of St. Nicholas were transferred to Italy, to the city of Bari, where they are now.

The memory of St. Nicholas, Archbishop of Myra of Lycia, wonderworker, is celebrated on December 6/19, as well as on the day of the transfer of his relics to Bari on May 9/22.

St. John Chrysostom (347-407). He was Archbishop of Constantinople. One of the most famous writers and preachers of the Christian faith. He wrote up to 800 interpretations and conversations. He wrote many interpretations on various books from the Holy Scriptures. Considered the best expounder of the Holy Scriptures. St. John wrote the order of the liturgy, which we still serve today. He died in exile and his last words were "Thank God for everything".

The memory of Saint John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople, is celebrated on the day of the transfer of his relics, January 27/February 9, and also, as mentioned above, together with other saints: Council of Three Hierarchs: Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian and John Chrysostom, January 30/11 February.

St. Augustine (+340 g). He was the Bishop of Ippon. I sinned in my youth, but then I corrected myself. The greatest preacher and church writer. He fought against heretics. His famous works “On the City of God” and “Confession”. In the first essay he proves the superiority of Christianity over paganism. The second book is his autobiography, in which he humbly and frankly writes about his sins, up to his conversion to Christianity.

Blessed Augustine is considered a Doctor of the Church, but not a saint. (The Roman Church considers him a saint).

St. John of Damascus (+ about 780). He was a minister for the Damascus caliph, and then retired to a monastery. He defended the Church from iconoclasts, was a church writer, and was known as a theologian and hymn writer. Compiled canons for Holy Easter, Christmas and other major holidays. Wrote the first systematic exposition of the Orthodox faith.

Questions(1) Who are the Holy Fathers? (2) Who are the teachers of the Church? (3) Who was St. Athanasius the Great and how did he distinguish himself? (4) Who was St. Basil the Great and how did he distinguish himself? (5) Who was St. Gregory the Theologian and how did he distinguish himself? (6) Who was St. Nicholas the Wonderworker and how did he distinguish himself? (7) Who was St. John Chrysostom and how did he distinguish himself? (8) Who was St. Augustine and how did he distinguish himself? (9) Who was John of Damascus and how did he distinguish himself?

5.2 Apologists(21a)

The persecution of Christians contributed to the emergence of apologists in the church, that is, defenders of the Christian faith. Apologists wrote works of apology in which they defended the faith from all attacks. The most famous of the apologists are the following:

Origen became especially famous for his extraordinary talents and colossal works. At the age of eighteen, he was already the head of the Alexandrian school and the leader of the struggle that this school waged with the learned representatives of paganism. Up to 6,000 works are attributed to him and he was given the name “adamant”, that is, diamond. His work in explaining the Holy Scriptures is especially respected. Origen's fame is somewhat obscured by the fact that he went to some extremes in his writings.

Questions.(1) Who are apologists? (2) Why did they appear? (3) Name a few apologists. (4) Who was the most famous apologist? (5) Has the Church accepted everything he wrote?

5.3 Monasticism (27)

The origin of monasticism. From the very beginning of the Christian Church, many believers have strived to achieve the highest spiritual and moral perfection. Some voluntarily renounced their property and distributed it to the poor, others, imitating the Ever-Virgin Mary, Saint John the Baptist, the Apostles Paul, John and James, took a vow of virginity and spent time in unceasing prayer, fasting and abstinence. Such ascetics were called ascetics.

Christian ascetics believed that it was easier for them to fulfill their vows away from the world. Therefore, they leave cities and villages and live in mountains and deserts. They were called anchorites (Greek for hermit), and heremites (Greek for hermit).

During the persecution of Christians, Christians had to flee and hide in every possible way. This of course contributed to monasticism. When the persecution ended, many pagans began to convert to Christianity, without much faith. The purity of Christian life began to weaken and this also contributed to monasticism, since in order to achieve the Christian life, believers began to go to monasteries.

St. Reverend Anthony the Great. Monasticism first appeared in the east, in Egypt. Anthony the Great is considered the father of monasticism. Anthony was born around 250 from noble and wealthy parents who raised him in piety,

Saint Anthony first secluded himself in the desert. After twenty years, he gradually began to have students. Calm, reserved, equally friendly to everyone, the elder soon became a mentor to many. St. Anthony died at a very old age (106 years old, in 356) and for his services received the title of the Great.

Hermits. The Monk Anthony founded hermit monasticism. Several hermits, under the guidance of one mentor (abbas - father, in Hebrew), lived separately from each other in huts and caves (monasteries). There they prayed, fasted and did some kind of work and helped the poor. Several monasteries, under the leadership of one abba, were called Lavra.

Community monasticism. Even during the life of Anthony the Great, another type of monasticism appeared: cenobitic monasticism. The founder of this family is considered to be the Monk Pachomius the Great. The monks gathered into one community, worked for the common benefit and obeyed the same rules. Such communities were called cenovia or monasteries. The abbas of these communities were called archimandrites.

The meaning of monasticism. Despite the fact that monks retired from the world to achieve moral and spiritual perfection, monasticism had a great beneficial effect on the entire society. Just one look at the life of the monks lets people know where their true fatherland is. The fame of the life and deeds of the holy ascetics attracted many people to them, who were looking for guidance and consolation. Visitors not only learned their piety themselves, but also told others about them and wrote down their deeds (life) and words. Collections of the deeds and sayings of holy ascetics became a textbook and moral guide for all Christians.

Monasteries helped the spiritual and moral good of their neighbors. They were the center and example of piety, spiritual enlightenment, education and were the center of pure and undamaged faith. But the main service of the monks for society is constant prayer for the Church, the fatherland, the living and the dead.

Monasteries also helped the physical well-being of their neighbors. The monks obtained their own food and shared it with the poor. At the monasteries there were hospices (hotels for wanderers), where the monks received and fed wanderers. Alms were sent from the monasteries to the poor and those imprisoned.

By helping the spiritual, moral and physical well-being of believers, monasticism helped spread the faith of Christ and the final fall of paganism. The high life of the monks surprised the pagans and for them was proof of the holiness of the Christian religion.

Seeing the high piety of the monks, the archpastors began to elevate them to the degree of priesthood. Later, the custom arose of conferring the highest degree of episcopacy only on monks.

Questions.(1) Why did believers begin to go to monasteries? (2) Who do monks imitate? (3) Who is considered the founder of monasticism? (4) What type of monasticism did he found? (5) What is laurel? (6) What other type of monasticism is there? (7) Who founded this family? (8) How did monasteries affect other believers?

5.4 Church administration (28)

The Christian Orthodox Church consists of a group of Orthodox churches independent from each other. All these churches have equal rights, but are not administratively connected with each other. There is no central government in the Orthodox Church, but all churches recognize each other and have a common teaching.

When it was necessary to have a decision from the entire Orthodox Church (that is, all Orthodox churches), then ecumenical councils were convened at which representatives of all Orthodox churches were present. This “conciliarity” is one of the most basic qualities of the Church. Conciliarity is also spoken of in the Creed: “I believe in one holy, catholic and apostolic Church.” (In English this is translated as “I believe in One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church”).

The church hierarchy (hierarchy) in the Church was established by Jesus Christ himself. He chose twelve apostles and gave them the authority to teach the people, perform the sacraments and govern the Church. For all this, He sent down the Holy Spirit on the apostles, Who gave them special gifts for their preaching and other works.

Over time, the apostles, according to the will of God and the needs of the Church, ordained first deacons, then presbyters, and finally bishops. The deacons distributed offerings and assisted the presbyters and bishops during the services. The elders taught and performed divine services. Bishops taught, officiated, and governed the Church.

Already in the apostolic age, the power of metropolitans or regional bishops, that is, the first of the bishops, began to rise. Bishops were subordinate to the metropolitans, and the metropolitans made all important decisions together with the other bishops. Local councils were convened for such meetings. Later, the leading bishops began to be called archbishops, and then patriarchs. The patriarchs stood at the head of the local Church.

From the very beginning, the external structure of the Church corresponded to the external structure of the state, and in this case the Roman Empire. Centers of church administration began to form in the main centers of the state. Then these centers began to be called patriarchates, since the patriarch was located in them; that is, the head of the local Church. In this way five ancient patriarchates or churches were formed:

The first church that was founded was the Jerusalem Church, and the last one was Constantinople. Antioch is now called Syria, and Constantinople is now Istanbul in Turkey.

The head of each church was a patriarch, and in the Roman Church the patriarch was called the pope. In ancient times, all bishops were called popes just like “papa” in Greek is father. All churches had equal rights. (The Roman Church believes that power over all churches belonged to the Pope).

Later, new patriarchates, that is, Orthodox churches, were formed:

Due to different and complex historical circumstances, there are now several independent Orthodox churches, but without a patriarch:

Over time, various local historical events occurred, according to which the areas of the patriarchs either decreased or increased. Great events were taking place in the world, such as the invasion of Europe by new peoples, the fall of the Western Roman Empire, the emergence and rapid spread of Mohammedanism. All this changed the situation of many countries and peoples and had a different impact on the structure of local churches.

The area of the popes extended from western Europe to Africa. The region of the Patriarchs of Constantinople was also large, but they were in every possible way constrained by the Emperors of Constantinople. The regions of the Jerusalem, Alexandria and Antioch Patriarchs were very small and were under the rule of hostile Mohammedans.

Questions.(1) Who is the head of the entire Orthodox Church? (2) How many ancient churches were there? (3) What persons make up the church hierarchy? (4) Who is the head of each Orthodox Church? (5) What do churches do when some important issue needs to be resolved? (6) What other Orthodox churches exist? (7) Do they all have patriarchs at their head? (8) Over time, what happened to the different churches?

WESTERN CHURCH

6.1 The popes' quest for primacy (29)

The desire of the Popes for primacy in the Church can be seen from the very beginning of Christianity. The reason for this was the glory of Rome and the Roman Empire, and with it the spread of the Roman Church.

When the capital of the Roman Empire was moved to Constantinople, this further exaggerated the importance of the pope. He became the first person in Rome. To strengthen the ecclesiastical significance of the Roman Church, the popes began to teach that the Lord Jesus Christ supposedly appointed the Apostle Peter to be the head of the apostles and the prince of the Church. This primacy, after the death of the Apostle Peter, passed to the pope.

Popes have always taken every opportunity to exalt their importance and show their power in the Church. Such cases presented themselves when difficulties arose in the Eastern churches and when they fraternally turned to the pope for advice and help.

On the other hand, the emperors of Constantinople tried in every possible way to elevate the importance of their closest patriarch. For example, they gave him the name “Ecumenical Patriarch”.

Over the centuries, with the constant desire of the popes to be the head of the Church, a number of errors arose in the Roman Church. For example:
1. Celibacy was introduced for the priesthood.
2. It was allowed to consume milk and eggs during fasting.
3. They established a fast on Saturday.
4. The 8th member of the Creed was changed.

The lust for power of the Roman popes and the deviations from Orthodoxy allowed in the Roman Church were the reasons for the separation of the Roman Church from the Orthodox Church.

Questions.(1) Who is the head of the entire Church? (2) How many ancient Christian churches were there? (3) Who led each church? (4) When did the popes' aspirations for primacy begin? (5) What was the reason for these aspirations? (6) What did the popes preach to justify their aspirations? (7) What opportunities did popes take advantage of to elevate themselves? (8) What errors appeared in the Roman Church?

6.2 Separation of the Western Church (30)

At the beginning of the 9th century, a gradual separation of the Western Church (Roman Church) from the Orthodox Church began. The final break occurred in 1054.

Three separate circumstances contributed to the separation of the Roman Church.

In the 9th century in Constantinople, Patriarch Ignatius was removed from the patriarchal throne. Great unrest and controversy began, and because of this, a local council was convened (861) at which Photius was approved. The Pope did not agree with this and thus placed his authority above the council's decision.
At the same time, disputes arose between the Roman and Constantinople Sees over the Bulgarian Church. Despite the fact that the Bulgarians were converted to the Christian faith by Greek preachers, the popes made demands on the Bulgarian Church to submit to their authority. A council was convened to discuss the matter (867), which rejected the papal demands and condemned the apostasy of the Roman Church.
The final separation of the Roman Church occurred at the beginning of the 11th century. There were disputes between Pope Leo 9th and Patriarch Michael Cerullarius of Constantinople about an innovation in the Roman Church, that is, the use of unleavened bread instead of leavened bread in proskomedia. Disputes began. The pope's envoys (legates), hoping for success in the disputes, wrote an act of excommunication against the patriarch and the entire Eastern Church and, during the service, placed him on the throne of the St. Sophia Church (1054). The Patriarch convened a council in Constantinople, at which the legates were excommunicated from the Church. Since then, all Eastern churches have stopped commemorating the pope during services.

The Roman Church presents all these events differently. Since she believes that the pope is the head of the entire Church, it turns out that the eastern churches separated from the western. It's written in their textbooks and taught in schools. Eastern churches are called “eastern schismatics” and very little is said about them. This opinion is found in almost all Catholic, Protestant and secular sources. Thus, a Western person, even having received a higher education, in most cases does not know the truth about the Orthodox Church.

Retreats of the Roman Church. The Roman Church has been outside the union with the Orthodox Church for almost 1000 years. During this time, she largely retreated from Orthodox teaching. All these deviations can be divided into several groups: deviations in the dogmas of faith, in rituals, in church administration and deviations in customs.

Deviations in the articles of faith:(1) The 8th article of the Creed was changed. (2) The doctrine of the primacy of the pope. (3) The doctrine of indulgences and supererogatory works. (4) The doctrine of purgatory. (5) The doctrine of the non-participation of the Mother of God in original sin. (6) The doctrine of papal infallibility in matters of faith.
Deviations in rituals:(1) Baptism by pouring instead of immersion. (2) Confirmation is performed only by bishops and on elders. (3) In communion at the proskomedia, unleavened bread is used instead of leavened bread. (4) Communion to the laity under one kind of bread. (5) Fasting on Saturday. (6) Allowance for milk and eggs on fasting days.
Derogations in church government:(1) Celibacy for the priesthood. (2) Establishment of the order of cardinals. (3) Prohibiting the laity from reading the Bible.
Deviations in customs:(1) Use of organs in worship. (2) Church seating. (3) Open altars. (4) Simultaneous celebration of masses (dinners) on different altars. (5) Worship in Latin only. (6) Calls during services. Some of these deviations at first glance seem insignificant, but behind them all sorts of complications are hidden. All of them, and many other deviations, led to the development of pride, lust for power, usurpation of power by popes, the Inquisition, Reformation and ultimately a retreat from the true Christian spirit, not only in the Church, but also in the whole society.
Questions(1) When did the separation of the Roman Church begin and when did it become final? (2) What three circumstances contributed to the final break between the Roman and Eastern churches? (3) How did the final separation occur? (4) How do they view this incident in the West and why? (5) How many years has the Roman Church been outside the union with the rest of the Orthodox Churches? (6) What happened in the Roman Church during this time? (7) What deviations have occurred in the tenets of faith? (8) What deviations occurred in the rituals? (9) What apostasies occurred in church government? (10) What deviations in customs occurred?
6.3 Origins of the Reformation (31)
From the middle of the 11th century, after the Roman Church separated from the Orthodox East, papal power became more and more elevated. At the end of the 11th century the Crusades began. They were undertaken with the aim of liberating holy places and Eastern Christians from Muslim rule. But the power-hungry popes also directed them to increase their power.

With the enlightenment in the West, the retreat of the popes and the Western Church from the Christian spirit became clearer. The popes began to resort to brutal measures to pacify their opponents (the Inquisition). But this irritated the dissatisfied even more. Finally, bold opponents of papal power began to appear.

In the half of the 15th century, a movement began in the West towards the study of the classical languages and literature of ancient peoples. At the same time, they were forbidden to read the Bible. This led to the fact that Western Christians were unable to distinguish the behavior of the popes from the eternal truths of the Christian faith that were preserved by the Church. As a result of this, their irritation and dissatisfaction with the popes was transferred to the entire Church. Disbelief began to spread in literature and society.

In the 16th century, several individuals, in different places, made attempts to reform the Western Church. These were Luther in Germany and Zwingli and Calvin in Switzerland (Martin Luther, Ulrich Zwingli, John Calvin). These were people with good intentions who wanted to save faith from spreading unbelief. But they took on an impossible task. Moreover, for all their theological scholarship, Western reformers knew very little about the Orthodox Church in the East. In this church they could see an example of the true apostolic Church. Because of this, attempts at reform suffered from contradictions and inconsistency. At first they were free-thinking, but in the end they themselves began to use cruel measures.

Ultimately, the reformers tore away a significant part of the Western Church (90 million) from the popes. These Christians not only did not return to Orthodoxy, but on the contrary, they moved even further away from it.

Questions.(1) What happened to the power of the popes after the Western Church separated from the East? (2) What led to the discontent in the Roman Church? (3) What started to happen in the 16th century? (4) What were the names of the reformers and where did they appear? (5) What were the qualities of the reformers? (6) What did the reformers lack? (7) How many people left the Western Church to join the reformers?
6.4 Lutherans or Protestants (32)
During Pope Leo the 10th the sale of indulgences was announced. The German monk Martin Luther rebelled against this. He began to preach against such blasphemy and put forward 95 provisions against the abuses of the papacy (1520). Thanks to favorable conditions, the Lutheran faith began to spread quickly.

The Lutheran confession restrained some deviations from Orthodoxy that the Roman Church allowed. Such as:
1. Changing the 8th Article of the Creed.
2. Baptism by pouring instead of immersion.
3. During communion at the proskomedia, unleavened bread is used instead of leavened bread.
4. Use of organs during worship.
5. Seating areas in the church.
6. Open altars.
In addition to these deviations, the Lutheran confession also introduced many new deviations. The main tenets of Lutheranism are revered: 1. The doctrine of justification by faith alone, without good works. 2. The doctrine of the only source of faith - the Holy Scriptures, with the idea of explaining to each believer according to his own mind. In other words, Luther rejected Holy Tradition.
Luther rejected the following:
1. The need for those established by the Lord through grace: the Church, hierarchy, sacraments, as well as prayer to the saints, veneration of icons and relics.
2. Church customs that were established to train a person in virtue: fasting, monasticism, holidays other than the Lord's, traveling to holy places, etc.
By rejecting Holy Tradition, Lutheranism undermines the authority of Holy Scripture itself. According to Lutherans, everyone can not only interpret the sacred books, but can also reject those books in which he sees a contradiction to any of his preconceived opinions.
Having rejected the sacred hierarchy and the very sacrament of the Priesthood, the Lutherans broke ties with the Apostolic Church and became a society of the laity, and not the Church. A Lutheran pastor is simply a layman chosen by the community to preach.

In many places, Luther stopped his reform halfway. For example:
1. The sacrament of Baptism and Communion is maintained. But since the sacrament of the Priesthood is rejected, these sacraments also lose their power.
2. In the Sacrament of Communion, the transubstantiation of the Holy Gifts is rejected and it is taught that in bread, with bread and under bread, the believer receives the true body of Christ.
3. Prayers to saints are rejected, but churches are still dedicated to them.
4. The veneration of icons is prohibited, but Lutheran churches are decorated with sacred images.
Questions.(1) What did Luther rebel against? (2) Who was Luther and what did he do? (3) What did the Lutherans withhold from the Roman Church? (4) What are the main tenets of the Lutheran Confession? (5) What does the doctrine of justification by faith alone, without good works, mean? (6) What does the doctrine of the only source of faith - the Holy Scriptures mean? (7) What did Luther reject that was established by the Lord through grace? (8) What church practices did Luther reject? (9) What are the consequences of the decision to allow each layman to interpret the Holy Scriptures in his own way? (10) What are the consequences of rejecting the church hierarchy? (11) In what places was the reform stopped halfway? 6.5 Reformers or Calvinists (33)
Zwingliy. Almost at the same time as Luther (1519), and also regarding the sale of indulgences, a cathedral preacher in Switzerland, in the city of Zurich, named Ulrich Zwingli, acted as a reformer of the Church. In Switzerland, the reform process proceeded even faster than in Germany and immediately assumed greater proportions.

Zwinglius not only accepted everything that was rejected by Luther in the Catholic Church, but went further than that. He taught that the sacraments are only signs by which a person shows his faith to the Church. The Eucharist is only a symbolic remembrance of the suffering of Jesus Christ and a sign of the communion of believers.

The society of followers of Zwinglius separated from the Lutherans and united with the followers of Calvin.

Calvin. Calvin was born in France and there he first began his Reformed activity, then continued it in Switzerland, in Geneva.

In the doctrine of justification, Calvin went further than Luther. He taught that since a person is justified only by faith, and faith is a gift of God, then the believer is already God’s chosen one, predestined to the kingdom of heaven. God, foreseeing the fall of man, had already decided which of the people would be saved.

Reformed worship is the extreme opposite of the Catholic Church. Catholic churches are rich in rituals, while reformer churches are simply prayer halls without any images or decorations. An ordinary table is set up for communion.

Questions.(1) What did Zwinglius rebel against? (2) Who was Zwinglius and what did he do? (3) What did Zwingliy teach? (4) What happened to the followers of Zwinglius? (5) Who was Calvin and what did he do? (6) What did Calvin teach? (7) What is Reformed worship?
6.6 Anglicans or Episcopalians (34)
At the time when the Reformation began, Henry the 8th reigned in England (1509-1547). At first (1522) he opposed Luther as a defender of the faith.

Ten years later, Henry broke the alliance with the pope because he did not allow him to divorce his wife Catherine and marry the queen's maid of honor, Anne Boleyn. A year later, in 1533, by order of the king, the English parliament passed a law on the independence of England from the pope in church affairs. In 1534, Henry declared himself head of the English Church. The marriage with his wife was dissolved by parliament and the king marries Anna. He elevated the priest Thomas Cranmer, who advised him to do this, to the rank of Archbishop of Canterbury (the highest ecclesiastical post in England).

The Anglican religion is essentially Reformed. In some points it approaches Lutheran (in the doctrine of the Eucharist). It kept the episcopal system and some liturgical rites away from Catholicism. But Anglican bishops do not have grace, since they do not have apostolic succession. Besides, they are married.

Due to the uncertainty of the doctrine, divisions appeared in the Anlican Church. Over time, three parties emerged: the high church (closer to Catholicism), the low church (closer to Reformation) and the broad church, which aimed to reconcile the two parties named above.

Puritans or Presbyterians. The Puritans (purus - pure) separated from the Anglicans, who wanted to be pure reformers without the admixture of Catholicism. Since they rebelled against the episcopal system and gave the government of their society to the elders, they are also called Presbyterians.

Questions.(1) How did the Anglican faith begin? (2) Who is the head of the Church of England? (3) What is the highest ecclesiastical office in the Church of England? (4) What is the essence of the Anglican faith? (5) How do Anglican bishops differ from Orthodox ones? (6) How is the Church of England divided? (7) Who were the Puritans or Presbyterians?
6.7 Christian societies and sects (34.1)
Having rejected Western Christians from the Roman Church, the Reformation did not satisfy their religious needs. Therefore, immediately after the beginning of Protestantism, many sects appeared from its midst. They all express dissatisfaction with the reform and try to correct it. Far from the Orthodox Church and not knowing it, they fall into more and more contradictions and are divided into more and more new groups. One part of these sects tries to satisfy the demands of reason, and the other the demands of religious feeling.

Anabaptists (also Mennonites) or rebaptists. Anabaptists (also Mennonites) or re-baptists deny the baptism of children and believe that it is necessary to be baptized in adulthood. They consider themselves to be the only church of chosen holy men. They are prohibited from entering military or civil service and taking an oath.

Quakers. During the struggle between Catholics and Reformed people, the founder of the Quaker sect, George Fox, decided that there is no truth in any faith and that a person must draw the truth in his heart, by the direct revelation of the Holy Spirit. William Penn organized and distributed it. The state of Pennsylvania got its name from him, since Penn's followers, due to religious persecution, left England for the USA.

Therefore, Quakers have no churches, but simple halls and no pastors. At a prayer meeting, they sit in the pews and read the Bible and wait for inspiration to strike someone. If someone finds inspiration, he begins to either pray or preach, and if not, then after a certain time they disperse.

Questions.(1) Who are the Anabaptists? (2) What is another name for Anabaptists? (3) Who are Quakers? (4) Who founded the Quaker sect and who spread it? (5) How are Quaker prayer meetings held and where?
6.8 Old Catholics (35)
At the Vatican Council, convened by Pope Pius IX in Rome in 1870, the dogma of papal infallibility in matters of faith was proclaimed. This new dogma left many Catholics confused. In 1871, a congress of those dissatisfied with this dogma took place in Munich. The formation of independent communities began on the principles of the ancient Catholic Church, as it was before its separation from the Orthodox Church.

There have been attempts to unite the Old Catholic community with the Orthodox Church, but their teaching has not yet been sufficiently clarified.

Question. Who are the Old Catholics?

Notes
1. In the Catholic Church, Divine services take place in a Latin language that is incomprehensible to believers. Therefore, the sermon about Christian love, modesty and philanthropy does not reach believers. All this contributes to pride and many other vices that come from it.

2. Protestants do not have confession, saints, communion, holy fathers, icons, beauty, joy in church.

3. Protestants consider themselves saints and saved, so pride is almost a normal phenomenon.

4. Father Archpriest Peter Smirnov wrote this book more than 100 years ago. Since that time, deviations of the Western Church from Orthodox teaching have gradually undermined not only the Church itself, but also the entire Western society and led them into a moral, cultural and economic impasse.

THE BENEFICIAL INFLUENCE OF CHRISTIANITY

Christianity has had a beneficial effect on the whole world. The pagan world - dominated by power, wealth, pride, cruelty, and moral depravity - gradually degenerated under the influence of Christianity. The main values were kindness, love, mercy, modesty, forgiveness, purity of morals. Christianity influenced a person’s entire life, all areas of his complex life and washed everything and everyone. Christian rules and norms for life have become the basis of the laws of all civilized countries. Christian teaching became the cradle of a new purified Christian culture. Recently, in many countries there has been a gradual move away from Christian principles and values in life.
Content: Preface; (1) Paganism; (2) Christianity;

Introduction.

One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Orthodox Church (hereinafter referred to as the Orthodox Church) is the original and genuine New Testament Church, which was founded by Jesus Christ himself and His apostles.

This is described in the “Acts of the Holy Apostles” (in the Holy Scriptures - the Bible). The Orthodox Church consists of national Local Churches (currently about 12) which are headed by local patriarchs. All of them are administratively independent from each other and equal to each other. The head of the Orthodox Church is Jesus Christ Himself, and in the Orthodox Church itself there is no board or any general administrative body. The Ecumenical Orthodox Church has existed without interruption, from its beginning until now. In 1054, the Roman Church separated from the Orthodox Church. Since 1517 (the beginning of the Reformation), many Protestant Churches have been founded. After 1054, the Roman Church introduced many changes in the teaching of the Church, and the Protestant Churches made even more. Over the course of many centuries, heterodox (Christian but not Orthodox) churches changed the original teachings of the Church. The history of the Church was also forgotten or deliberately changed. All this time, the teaching of the Orthodox Church has not changed and has been preserved in its original form until the present time. Someone who recently converted to Orthodoxy (converts) very aptly said that the existence of the Orthodox Church is one of the biggest secrets of our time - this is, of course, in the West. The teaching of the Orthodox Church can be characterized by completeness, since it contains everything that is necessary for the life and salvation of a person. It is holistically consistent with nature and with all sciences: psychology, physiology, medicine, etc. In many cases it turned out to be ahead of all sciences.

1. The beginning of the Church. The history of the Christian Church begins with the descent of the Holy Spirit on the apostles (Acts 2:1-4) (this day is considered a major holiday in the Orthodox Church). The Holy Spirit descended on the apostles and they became braver, bolder, more courageous and began to speak in different languages that they had not spoken before to preach the Gospel. The apostles, mostly fishermen, without any education, began to correctly preach the teachings of Jesus Christ in different places and cities.

2. Five ancient churches. The consequence of the apostolic preaching was the emergence of Christian societies in different cities. Later these societies became Churches. In this way five ancient churches were founded: (1) Jerusalem, (2) Antioch, (3) Alexandria, (4) Rome and (5) Constantinople. The first ancient Church was the Church of Jerusalem, and the last was the Church of Constantinople. [The Church of Antioch is now also called the Syrian Church. And the city of Constantinople, (now Istanbul) is located in Turkey].

At the head of the Orthodox Church is Jesus Christ Himself. Each ancient Orthodox Church was led by its own patriarch (the patriarch of the Roman Church was called the pope). Individual Churches are also called patriarchates. All churches were equal. (The Roman Church believes that it was the governing church and the Pope was the head of all five churches). But the first of the ancient Churches that was founded was Jerusalem, and the last was Constantinople.

3. Persecution of Christians. The first Christians were ancient Jews and experienced great persecution from Jewish leaders who did not follow Jesus Christ and did not recognize His teachings. The first Christian martyr, the holy apostle and first martyr Stephen, was stoned to death by the Jews for preaching Christianity.

After the fall of Jerusalem, many times more terrible persecution of Christians began from the pagan Romans. The Romans were against Christians, since Christian teaching was the complete opposite of the customs, morals and views of the pagans. Christian teaching preached love instead of selfishness, put humility in place of pride, instead of luxury, taught abstinence and fasting, eradicated polygamy, promoted the emancipation of slaves, and instead of cruelty called for mercy and charity. Christianity morally elevates and purifies a person and directs all his activities towards good. Christianity was prohibited, severely punished, Christians were tortured and then killed. This was the case until 313, when Emperor Constantine not only freed Christians, but also made Christianity the state religion, instead of paganism.

4. Saints in the Church. Saints are those God-loving people who distinguished themselves by piety and faith, were marked for this with various spiritual gifts from God, and believers deeply reverence them. Martyrs are saints who suffered a lot for their faith or were tortured to death. Holy martyrs are depicted on icons with a cross in their hands.

The names of the holy martyrs, as well as other saints, are recorded in Orthodox calendars for veneration. Orthodox Christians remember their saints, study their lives, take their names as an example for themselves and their children, celebrate their days of memory, are inspired by their examples and try in every possible way to imitate them, and also pray to them so that they pray to the Lord God for them. Orthodox Russian people celebrate "Angel's Day" or "name day", and this is the day of the saint whose name they bear. One’s birthday is not supposed to be celebrated or is celebrated modestly with one’s family.

5. Holy Fathers and Teachers of the Church. From apostolic times to the present time, there has been a continuous series of holy fathers and teachers of the Church. Church Fathers are church writers who became famous for their holiness of life. Church writers who are not saints are called teachers of the Church. All of them preserved the apostolic tradition in their works and explained faith and piety. In difficult times, they defended Christianity from heretics and false teachers. Here are some of the most famous names: St. Athanasius the Great (297-373), St. Basil the Great (329-379), St. Gregory the Theologian (326-389) and St. John Chrysostom (347-407).

6. Ecumenical Councils. When it was necessary to resolve some controversial issue or develop some general approach, councils were convened in the Church. The first church council was convened by the apostles in 51 and is called the Apostolic Council. Later, following the example of the Apostolic Council, Ecumenical Councils began to be convened. Many bishops and other representatives of all churches were present at these councils. At the councils, all churches were equal to each other, and after debates and prayers, various issues were resolved. The decisions of these councils were recorded in the Book of Rules (Canons) and became part of the teaching of the Church. In addition to the Ecumenical Councils, local councils were also held, the decisions of which were then approved by the Ecumenical Councils.

The 1st Ecumenical Council took place in 325 in the city of Nicaea. 318 bishops were present, among them St. Nicholas, Archbishop of Myra of Lycia. Besides them, there were many other participants in the cathedral - about 2000 people in total. The 2nd Ecumenical Council took place in 381 in Constantinople. 150 bishops attended. The Creed, the shortest definition of the Christian faith, was approved at the 1st and 2nd Ecumenical Councils. It consists of 12 members that precisely define the Christian faith and which could not be changed. Since that time, the Orthodox Church has used the unchanged Creed. The Western Church (Roman and Protestant societies) subsequently changed the 8th member of the original Creed. The 7th Ecumenical Council took place in 787, also in the city of Nicaea. 150 bishops attended. At this council the veneration of icons was approved. The 7th Ecumenical Council was the last at which all Churches were present to this day and was not convened again.

7. Holy Scripture (Bible). The sacred books that make up the Holy Scriptures have been used by Christians from the very beginning of the Church. They were finally approved by the Church in the 51st year (85th canon of the Apostolic Council), in the 360th year (60th canon of the local Laodicean Council), in the 419th year (33rd canon of the local Carthage Council), and also in the year 680 (2nd rule of the 6th Ecumenical Council in Constantinople).

8. Apostolic succession. Apostolic succession is a very important sign of the True Church. This means that Jesus Christ chose and blessed His apostles to continue His preaching, and the apostles blessed their disciples, who blessed the bishops and who blessed the priests, and so on to this day. Thus, the initial blessing of Jesus Christ, and therefore the Holy Spirit and confirmation, is on every priest in the Church.

Apostolic succession exists in the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Orthodox Church (which includes a number of Local Orthodox Churches, including the Russian - the largest) and in the Roman Church. The Protestant Churches have lost it. This is one of the many reasons why, in the eyes of the Orthodox Church, Protestant Churches are not Churches, but Christian societies.

9. The Roman Church separates, 1054. From the very beginning of Christianity, in the Roman Church there was a desire for primacy in the Church. The reason for this was the glory of Rome and the Roman Empire, and with it the spread of the Roman Church. In 1054, the Roman Church separated from other churches and became known as the Roman Catholic Church. (The Roman Church believes that the Orthodox Churches separated from it and calls this incident the Eastern Schism). Although the name "Orthodox Church" had been used before, the remaining churches, in order to emphasize their insistence on the original teaching, began to call themselves Orthodox Churches. Other abbreviated names are also used: Orthodox Christian, Eastern Orthodox, Eastern Orthodox Catholic, etc. Usually the word “Catholic” is omitted; this means “Ecumenical”. The correct full name is: One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Orthodox Church.

10. The Orthodox Church after 1054. After 1054, the Orthodox Church did not introduce any new teachings or changes. New national Orthodox Churches were created by mother churches. The mother church founded a new daughter church. Then, first she prepared local priests, then bishops, and after that she gradually gave more and more independence, until complete independence and equality were given. An example of this is the creation of the Russian Church, the Church of Constantinople. In the Orthodox Churches the local language is always used.

11. The Roman Church after 1054. After 1054, the Roman Church introduced many new teachings and changes, distorting the decisions of the first Ecumenical Councils. Some of them are given below:

14 so-called “Ecumenical Councils” were held. Other churches did not participate in them and therefore they do not recognize these councils. Each council introduced some new teachings. The last council was the 21st and it is known as Vatican II.
The doctrine of celibacy for the clergy.
Payment for sins, past and future.
The Julian (old) calendar was replaced by the Gregorian (new) calendar. Because of this, changes occurred in calculating the date of Easter, which is at odds with the resolution of the 1st Ecumenical Council.
The 8th article of the Creed has been changed.
Posts have been changed, shortened or eliminated.
The doctrine of the infallibility of the Roman popes.
The doctrine of the non-involvement of the Mother of God in the original sin of Adam.

Not a single Church dared to do this, preserving the unity and purity of the faith. In the Orthodox Church, where the Holy Spirit is, all Local Churches are equal - this was taught by our Lord Jesus Christ, and the Roman Local Church, not having achieved primacy over others, withdrew from the Universal Church. Hence the distortions came without the Spirit of God...

12. Protestant Churches. Due to the many and obvious deviations of the Roman Church from Christian teaching, and also because the monk Martin Luther did not know about the existence of the Orthodox Church, he demanded changes in 1517. This fact marked the beginning of the Reformation, when many people began to leave the Roman Church for the new, so-called Protestant Churches. It was a movement to improve the Church, but the result was even worse.

Since the Protestants were dissatisfied with the leadership of the Roman Church, they almost erased 1500 years of Christian experience of the Church and left only the Holy Scriptures (the Bible). Protestants do not recognize confession, icons, saints, fasting - everything that is necessary for life, correction and salvation of a person. It turned out that they withheld the Holy Scripture, and did not recognize the Orthodox Church, which developed and approved the Holy Scripture. Due to the fact that they did not recognize the Holy Fathers, who largely explained the Christian faith, but used only the Bible, they created uncertainty in their teaching and gradually many different sects (churches) arose. Now, in the whole world, there are about 25,000 different sects that call themselves Christian! As mentioned above, there is no apostolic succession in the Protestant Churches. This is one of the many reasons why the Orthodox Church does not recognize them as churches, but only as Christian societies.

The textbook “History of the Ancient Church”, prepared by scientific staff of the Orthodox St. Tikhon’s University for the Humanities, is a new milestone in the teaching of church history in educational institutions of the Russian Orthodox Church.

The team of authors under the leadership of K.A. Maksimovic did a great job. A modern textbook should include all the achievements of the relevant scientific discipline. It is safe to say that this criterion is satisfied by the book that the reader holds in his hands.

The first volume of the textbook contains factual material starting from the moment of the incarnation of God the Word. Even Eusebius of Caesarea, compiling the first “Church History,” wrote: “Whoever intends to write the history of the Church must begin from the hour when Christ—from Him we were honored to receive our name—laid the foundation of His Economy” (Book 1.8). This is what modern authors do, which testifies to the strong and unified basis of the Christian historiographical tradition.

The manual provides an opportunity for both a quick study of the material and in-depth study. The questions placed at the end of the paragraphs will allow students to focus on the most important events of the period of church history under consideration, reflect on them, having mastered systematic, comparative and other methods of handling historical data.

History of the Ancient Church: Part I. 33-843.

Textbook / Under the general editorship of K. A. Maksimovich

M.: PSTGU Publishing House, 2012. - p. 592: ill.

ISBN 978-5-7429-0756-5

History of the Ancient Church: Part I. 33 - 843. - Content

FOREWORD by Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk

INTRODUCTION

Notes on the methodology and principles of presenting material

Periodization of the history of the Ancient Church

SECTION I. History of the early Church. Church in the Pagan Empire (33-313)

1.1. General information. The emergence and early years of Church history

1.2. The Church and the Roman Pagan State

1.2.a. Perception of Christianity in Roman society

1.2.b. State policy towards Christians. History of persecution

1.2.v. The attitude of Christians to the pagan state

1.2.g. Spread of Christianity in the Roman Empire

1.3. History of institutions and worship

1.3.a. Church institutions in the 1st - 3rd centuries

1.3.b. Catechism (catechesis)

1.3.c. Liturgical life of the early Church. Sacraments

1.3.g. Church calendar. Fasts and holidays

1.3.d. Church discipline, ecclesiastical court and the beginning of canon law

1.3.e. Christian art and architecture of the first centuries

1.4. History of dogmas. Apologetics. Fight against heresies

1.4.a. The origin and main trends in the development of early Christian theology. Apologists

1.4.b. Theological schools in the early Church

1.4.v. The first church schisms and heresies

1.4.g. Gnosticism

Conclusion to section 1

SECTION II. Church in the Christian Empire (313-843)

II.1. Characteristics of the period

II.2. Church and Christian State

II.2.a. Church and state during the reign of Constantine I the Great (306-337)

II.2.b. Church and state in the 4th - mid-6th centuries. Formation of the Christian Empire

II.2.c. Church and state after Justinian (second half of the 6th century - 725)

II.2.g. Church and state during the period of controversy over icons (725-843)

Conclusion

II.3. History of institutions and worship

II.3.a. Evolution of church institutions in the IV-IX centuries

II.3.b. The origin and development of monasticism

II.3.c. Liturgical life. Sacraments

N.3.g. Worship Circles. Easter and holidays

II.3.d. Formation of the Canon of Holy Scripture

II.3.e. Church discipline, court and law

II.3.g. Christian art of the 4th - mid-9th centuries

II.4. History of dogmas. Fight against heresies

II. 4.a. Christian triadology between 318 and 325 The emergence of Arianism

II.4.b. The fight against Arianism after the First Ecumenical Council. Athanasius of Alexandria and Basil the Great

II.4.c. Christian triadology and Christology from 360 to 381

II.4.g. Christology after 381

II. 4.d. Theological polemics of the era of iconoclasm

II.5. Eastern Church Mission

Conclusion to Section II

SUBJECT INDEX

INDEX OF PROPER NAMES AND TITLES

APPLICATION. Chronological tables

Roman and Byzantine emperors (I-IX centuries)

Patriarchs of Constantinople (315-847)

Roman popes (before 844)

BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. Reference publications

2. Research

3. Abbreviations

4. Internet resources on Church history

History of the Ancient Church - Periodization of the history of the Ancient Church

The periodization of Church history presents a number of specific difficulties. The fact is that dividing history into periods requires certain criteria. The history of states is usually divided into periods according to forms of government. For example, for Rome this is the period of kings, the period of the republic, the period of the empire; for the policies of Ancient Greece - the archaic period (formation of the polis structure), the period of the classical polis, the Hellenistic period (crisis of the polis organization and the formation of Hellenistic monarchies). How to construct a periodization of the Church, which is neither a state nor a state institution, but, on the contrary, includes a whole series of institutions, different in nature and origin? Thus, if we understand the Church as a liturgical assembly, then its history should be divided into periods according to the evolution of liturgical forms (rites) of worship.

If we imagine the Church as a hierarchy of priesthood and laity, then periodization will depend on the stages of formation of the hierarchy. If we put theological issues and the fight against heresies at the center of periodization, then the periods will be completely different than in the previous two cases.

These methodological problems have not yet found solutions in traditional monographs and manuals on the history of the Church. Therefore, there is no single periodization of the history of the Church. Each author solved this problem arbitrarily, depending on personal approaches and preferences. As a rule, in the history of the Ancient Church, the pre-Nicene and post-Nicene periods were distinguished. The latter, in turn, was divided into the period of the Ecumenical Councils (325-787) and the period after the Ecumenical Councils. Almost all periodizations highlight the unity of the Church as a separate criterion - therefore, the key points are considered to be the schism between East and West in 1054 and the beginning of the Reformation in the West (1517).

The disadvantages of this classification are obvious: firstly, it is unclear on what basis the “ante-Nicene” period is distinguished (for the history of the Church the year 313 is much more important than the year 325), secondly, it is unclear why a separate period of the Ecumenical Councils should be distinguished - after all, with its end, the formation of church worship was not completed, and dogma was formulated only in its main and basic features (and at the end of the period, dogmatic differences were already noted between East and West in connection with the Filioque formula). In the field of church-state relations, the actual overcoming of the conflict between the Church and the state regarding the veneration of icons occurred only in 843, and this event was not related to the Ecumenical Councils.

Due to the insufficient scientific validity of traditional periodizations of church history, for this manual it was decided to take a complex periodization criterion that takes into account both the external and internal history of the Church.

The external history of the Church involves illuminating its relationships with external, non-church institutions - primarily with the state.

The history of the Church in the Roman Empire, and especially in Byzantium, should certainly be considered in close connection with the history of the state. Despite the fact that secular power had limited influence on church affairs, already starting from the 4th century. Without secular (imperial) power it was impossible to resolve a single issue of principle for the Church. Not only Ecumenical Councils, but even some Local Councils were convened on the initiative of the emperors. The emperors confirmed the metropolitans and patriarchs elected by the Church, fought against heretics, and provided the Church with enormous material and diplomatic support.

It can be said without exaggeration that the church-state ideology of Byzantium saw in the earthly emperor the head of the Church, just as its heavenly head is the Lord Jesus Christ. The blessing of the Church in the person of the Patriarch of Constantinople was a necessary condition for the legitimate occupation of the throne by the next emperor. The Byzantines well understood the inextricable connection between the Church and the empire - that is why the “Ecclesiastical History” of Socrates Scholasticus is divided into books according to the reign of the emperors: book. I - reign of Constantine the Great (306-337), book. II - reign of Constantius 7/(337-361), etc.

For its part, the Church borrowed a lot from the state - especially in the field of jurisprudence and church legislation. Many church institutions received their first legal sanction not in the cathedral canons, but in the laws of the Byzantine emperors. Collections of church law (nomocanons) included not only canons, but also state laws. Already in the 5th century. the state and the Church form a single legal system in which one institution helps and supports the other.

Internal history presupposes a comprehensive account of the development of dogma, worship and major church divisions (occurring either on dogmatic grounds or for reasons of a disciplinary and liturgical nature).

An insoluble methodological problem is that it is impossible to create a single periodization for the history of the Eastern and Western Churches. During the first ten centuries of Christian history, the East (Constantinople, Alexandria, Antioch, Jerusalem and a number of smaller church centers) and the West (Rome, and until the 5th century, Carthage) represented a single Church, but even then their fates were so different that that it is impossible to fit them into a single periodization. For this reason and in accordance with tradition, the main emphasis in both periodization and presentation of the material is on the history of the Eastern Church.

The periodization based on complex criteria adopted in this manual is as follows:

I period: approx. 33-313 History of the Christian Church in a pagan state - the Roman Empire. The period of the illegal existence of the Church in the state and sporadic persecution of Christians. This is also the period of formation of the main church institutions, hierarchy, worship, the period of the first dogmatic disputes, the emergence of local heresies and schisms.

II period: 313-1453 History of the Church in the Christian Empire - Byzantium.

This period is divided into a number of sub-periods:

a) 313-565 The period of theological development and acceptance of basic church dogmas, overcoming the most dangerous heresies (Arianism, Nestorianism, Monophysitism). Beginning of the Ecumenical Councils. Formation of a new patriarchate of the Universal Church with its center in Constantinople. Formation of the “pentarchy” system of the five Orthodox patriarchates. The final formation of the Christian empire with the legal formalization of church law as an integral part of the imperial law of Byzantium (“Code” and ecclesiastical novels of Justinian).

Ideological justification for the harmonious cooperation (“symphony”) of the empire with the Church, the final formation of the ideology of the Orthodox monarchy (according to H.-G. Beck, “political orthodoxy”). The first conflicts between Constantinople and the Roman Church on issues of dogma and church governance.

b) 565-725 gt. The period of formalization of basic dogmas and church institutions. The spread and overcoming of Christological heresies of the Monophysite type - monoenergism and monothelitism. Loss of Byzantine control over the eastern provinces of the empire. Adoption of the body of canons of the Ecumenical Church at the Sixth (Trullo) Ecumenical Council (Constantinople, 691-692). Continuation of the linguistic, cultural and spiritual separation of the Latin West and the Greek East.

c) 725-843 The period of theological disputes about icons and persecution unleashed by the Byzantine state against icon venerators (the persecution did not affect the Western Church, which was located outside the Empire). 843 is the most important moment of restoration and renewal of the Eastern Church after the iconoclastic persecutions, which is directly stated in the Prologue to the Synod of Orthodoxy: “We celebrate the day of renewal.”

d) 843-1054 A period of growing contradictions between the Christian West and East. Theological disputes about unleavened bread (Eucharist on unleavened bread) and Filioque. The split between Rome and Constantinople under Patr. set. Photias. The fall of the Western Church from universal Orthodoxy in 1054 is the most important event that influenced the entire subsequent history of Christianity.

e) 1054-1204 The period of church and political conflicts between Byzantium and the West. The beginning of the Crusades and the clash of Byzantine interests with the interests of the rising Western states - primarily Venice and Genoa, and then the Holy Roman Empire. Western influence on the imperial court and the Church of Constantinople. The fight against new heresies. The capture of Constantinople by the knights of the IV Crusade in 1204, the change of residence of the Ecumenical Patriarch.

f) 1204-1453 The gradual decline of Byzantine influence in the Mediterranean against the backdrop of regular and each time failed attempts at union with the Roman Church. Formation of new autocephalous Churches in the Balkans. The period ends with the liquidation of Orthodox Byzantine statehood in 1453 and the transition of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople to the full control of Muslims of other faiths. After this, the center of universal Orthodoxy moves to Moscow - the third Rome.

Main stages of the history of the Christian Church

Several stages can be distinguished in the history of the Church:

1) 34–313 – from apostolic times to the recognition of the Christian faith under Emperor Constantine the Great. This is a period of rapid expansion of the Church through the labors of the apostles and their disciples. After the destruction of Jerusalem in the 70s, a small Christian community turns into the Universal Church, covering the Middle East, part of Europe, North Africa, India, and Ethiopia. During this period, the canon of the Holy Scriptures of the New Testament was formed, the hierarchical organization of the Church was formed, and the forms of liturgical life were determined. The history of persecution of the Church is connected with this same period - first by the Jews, then large-scale persecution by the pagan authorities and Roman emperors.

2) 313–1054– from the time of Constantine the Great until the division of the Church into Eastern and Western (Orthodox and Catholic). At this time, the Orthodox Byzantine Empire emerged. There is an active struggle against heresies and a creed is formulated (the era of the seven Ecumenical Councils, 325–787). However, during the same period, disagreements arose between the eastern and western parts of the Church, which subsequently led to their division.

3) 1054–1453– from the division of the Churches to the fall of the capital of the Byzantine Empire, Constantinople. In Byzantium, this period was characterized by a difficult political situation and spiritual crisis, which ultimately led to the fall of the Orthodox empire under the blows of the Muslim Turks. The center of Orthodoxy moved to another Christian state - Rus'. The Western Church, without losing political power, increasingly deviated from the apostolic tradition. In the 16th century, as a protest against the abuses of the Catholic hierarchy, Protestantism appeared in the West (the Reformation movement, with 1517); Its largest movements were Lutheranism, Calvinism and Anglicanism. But Protestantism did not bring healing to the Western Church. Subsequently, many different sects separated (and are still separated) from Protestantism. The Eastern Church has preserved and to this day preserves the purity of the Christian faith.

4) XVI–XXI centuries- this is a time of independent development of the Local Orthodox Churches (among which the largest is the Russian Orthodox Church).

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From the book Heavenly Books in the Apocalypse of John the Theologian author Androsova Veronika Alexandrovna

Main historical stages Traditional religious and historical sources divide the history of the “Jewish people” into several major stages. We will consider this story according to the accepted division, but we will understand it from our worldview

Brief overview of the History of the Christian Church. It gives an idea of the main moments in the history of Christianity. After reading this review you can understand the main events of Christianity. Why did the division of churches occur?

Introduction

Orthodox Church(Orthodox Ecclesia Greek, Orthodoxae Ecclesiae Latin) this is the original and authentic New Testament Church that was founded by Jesus Christ and His Apostles. This is described in the “Acts of the Holy Apostles” (in the Holy Scriptures - the Bible). The Orthodox Church consists of national Churches (currently about 12) which are headed by local patriarchs. All of them are administratively independent from each other and equal to each other. The head of the Orthodox Church is Jesus Christ Himself, and in the Orthodox Church itself there is no board or any general administrative body.

The Orthodox Church exists without interruption, from its beginning until now. Since 787, that is, after the 7th Ecumenical Council, there have been no changes in its teaching. In 1054, the Roman Church separated from the Orthodox Church. Since 1517 (the beginning of the Reformation), many Protestant Churches have been founded. After 1054, the Roman Church introduced many changes in the teaching of the Church, and the Protestant Churches made even more.

Over the course of many centuries, heterodox (Christian but not Orthodox) churches changed the original teachings of the Church. The history of the Church was also forgotten or deliberately changed. All this time, the teaching of the Orthodox Church has not changed and has been preserved in its original form to the present day. Someone who recently converted to Orthodoxy (converts) very aptly said that the existence of the Orthodox Church is one of the biggest secrets of our time - this is, of course, in the West. The teaching of the Orthodox Church can be characterized as complete, since it contains everything that is necessary for the life and salvation of a person. It is completely consistent with nature and with all sciences: psychology, physiology, medicine, etc. In many cases it was ahead of all sciences.

1. The beginning of the Church.

The history of the Christian Church begins with the descent of the Holy Spirit on the apostles (Acts 2:1-4) (this day is considered a major holiday in the Orthodox Church). The Holy Spirit descended on the apostles and they became braver, bolder, more courageous and began to speak in languages that they had not spoken before. The apostles, mostly fishermen, without any education, began to very successfully preach the teachings of Jesus Christ in different places and cities.

2. Five ancient churches.

The consequence of the apostolic preaching was the emergence of Christian societies in different cities. Later these societies became Churches. Thus it was founded five ancient churches:

(1) Jerusalem Church,

(2) Antioch Church,

(3) Alexandria Church,

(4) Roman Church,

(5) Church of Constantinople.

The first ancient Church was the Church of Jerusalem and the last was the Church of Constantinople. [The Church of Antioch is now also called the Syrian Church. The city of Constantinople, (now Stanbul) in Turkey].

At the head of the Orthodox Church is Jesus Christ himself. Each ancient Orthodox Church was led by its patriarch ( the patriarch of the Roman Church was called POPE). Individual Churches are also called patriarchates. All churches were equal. ( The Roman Church believes that the Roman Church was the governing church and the Pope was the head of all five churches). The first of the ancient Churches that was founded was Jerusalem, and the last was Constantinople.

3. Persecution of Christians.

The first Christians were ancient Jews and experienced great persecution from Jewish leaders who did not follow Jesus Christ and did not recognize His teachings. The first Christian martyr Holy First Martyr Stephen was stoned to death by the Jews for preaching Christianity.

After the fall of Jerusalem, persecution of Christians from the pagan Romans began, much more terrible. The Romans were against Christians, since Christian teaching was the complete opposite of the customs, morals and views of the pagans. Instead of selfishness, it preached love, put humility in place of pride, instead of luxury, taught abstinence and fasting, eradicated polygamy, promoted the emancipation of slaves, and instead of cruelty called for mercy and charity. Christianity morally elevates and purifies a person and directs all his activities towards good. Christianity was prohibited, severely punished, Christians were tortured and then killed. This was the case until 313 when Emperor Constantine not only freed Christians, but also made Christianity the state faith.

Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Emperor Constantine

4. Saints in the Church.

The Saints These are those God-loving people who have somehow distinguished themselves and Christians deeply revere them. Martyrs, these are saints who were tortured to death for their faith. Holy Martyrs depicted on icons with a cross in his hands.

The names of the holy martyrs, as well as other saints, are recorded in Orthodox calendars. Orthodox Christians remember their saints, study their lives, take their names for themselves and their children, celebrate days dedicated to them, are inspired by their examples and try in every possible way to imitate them, and also pray to them so that they pray to the Lord God for them. Orthodox Russian people celebrate "Angel's Day" or "name day", and this is the day of the saint whose name they bear. One’s birthday is not supposed to be celebrated or is celebrated modestly with one’s family.

5. Holy Fathers and Teachers of the Church.

From apostolic times to the present time, there has been a continuous series of holy fathers and teachers of the Church. Church Fathers are church writers who became famous for their holiness of life. Church writers who are not saints are called teachers of the Church. All of them preserved the apostolic tradition in their works and explained faith and piety. In difficult times, they defended Christianity from heretics and false teachers. Here are some of the most famous names: St. Athanasius the Great(297-373), St. Basil the Great(329-379), St. Gregory the Theologian(326-389) and St. John Chrysostom(347-407).

6. Ecumenical Councils.

When it was necessary to resolve some controversial issue or develop some kind of general approach, councils were convened in the Church. First Church Council was convened by the apostles in 51 and is called Apostolic Council. Later, following the example of the Apostolic Council, Ecumenical Councils began to be convened. Many bishops and other representatives of all churches were present at these councils. At the councils, all churches were equal to each other, and after debates and prayers, various issues were resolved. The decisions of these councils were recorded in the Book of Rules (Canons) and became part of the teaching of the Church. In addition to the Ecumenical Councils, local councils were also held, the decisions of which were then approved by the Ecumenical Councils.

The 1st Ecumenical Council took place in 325 in the city of Nicaea. 318 bishops were present, among them St. Nicholas, Archbishop of Myra of Lycia. Besides them, there were many other participants in the cathedral - about 2000 people in total. The 2nd Ecumenical Council took place in 381 in Constantinople. 150 bishops attended. The Creed, the shortest definition of the Christian faith, was approved at the 1st and 2nd Ecumenical Councils. It consists of 12 members that precisely define the Christian faith and which could not be changed. Since that time, the Orthodox Church has used the unchanged Creed. The Western Church (Roman and Protestant) still changed the 8th member of the original Creed.

The 7th Ecumenical Council took place in 787 year also in the city of Nicaea. 150 fathers attended. At this council the use of icons was approved. The 7th Ecumenical Council was the last which was attended by all the Churches.

7. Holy Scripture (Bible).

The sacred books that make up the Holy Scriptures have been used by Christians from the very beginning of the Church. They were finally approved by the Church in the 51st year (85th canon of the Apostolic Council), in the 360th year (60th canon of the local Laodicean Council), in the 419th year (33rd canon of the local Carthage Council), and also in the year 680 (2nd rule of the 6th Ecumenical Council in Constantinople).

8. Apostolic succession.

Apostolic succession is a very important sign of the True Church. This means that Jesus Christ chose and blessed His apostles to continue His preaching, and the apostles blessed their disciples, who blessed the bishops and who blessed the priests, and so on to this day. Thus, the initial blessing of Jesus Christ, and therefore the Holy Spirit and confirmation, on every priest in the Church.

Apostolic succession exists in the Orthodox Church and in the Roman Church. The Protestant Churches have lost it. This is one of the many reasons why, in the eyes of the Orthodox Church, Protestant Churches are not Churches, but Christian societies.

9. The Roman Church separates, 1054.

From the very beginning of Christianity, in the Roman Church there was a desire for primacy in the Church. The reason for this was the glory of Rome and the Roman Empire, and with it the spread of the Roman Church. In 1054, the Roman Church separated from other churches and became known as Roman Catholic Church . (The Roman Church believes that the Orthodox Churches separated from it and calls this incident the Eastern Schism). Although the name "Orthodox Church" had been used before, the remaining churches, in order to emphasize their insistence on the original teaching, began to call themselves Orthodox Churches. Other names are also used: Orthodox Christian, Eastern Orthodox, Eastern Orthodox Catholic, etc. Usually the word “Catholic” is skipped.

10. The Orthodox Church after 1054.

After 1054, the Orthodox Church did not introduce any new teachings or changes. New national Orthodox Churches were created by mother churches. The mother church founded a new daughter church. Then, first she prepared local priests, then bishops, and after that she gradually gave more and more independence, until complete independence and equality were given. An example of this creation of the Russian Church, the Church of Constantinople. In the Orthodox Churches the local language is always used.

11. The Roman Church after 1054.

After 1054, the Roman Church introduced many new teachings and changes. Some of them are given below:

1). 14 so-called “Ecumenical Councils” were held. Other churches did not participate in them and therefore they do not recognize these councils. Each council introduced some new teachings. The last council was the 21st and it is known as Vatican II.

2). The doctrine of celibacy for the clergy.

3). Payment for sins, past and future (indulgences).

4). The Julian (old) calendar was replaced by the Gregorian (new) calendar. Because of this, changes occurred in calculating the date of Easter, which is at odds with the resolution of the 1st Ecumenical Council.

5). The 8th article of the Creed has been changed. (Since the 11th century, the Roman Catholic Church has confessed that the Holy Spirit “proceeds from the Father and the Son”: in the Niceno-Constantinopolitan Creed, without even discussing the issue at the Ecumenical Council, unilaterally, the Roman bishop added the addition “and from the Son”, thus thereby calling Jesus Christ only God, denying human nature and the torment of Jesus Christ as a man).

6.) Posts have been changed, shortened or eliminated.

7). The doctrine of the infallibility of the Roman popes. (According to this dogma, when the pope defines a doctrine concerning faith or morals, he has infallibility (inerrancy) and is not capable of error, which means he speaks the truth).

8). The doctrine of the non-involvement of the Mother of God in the original sin of Adam.

12. Protestant Churches.

Due to the many and obvious deviations of the Roman Church from Christian teaching, and also because the monk Martin Lutherdid not know about the existence of the Orthodox Church, he demanded changes in 1517. This fact was the beginning Reformation, when many people began to leave the Roman Church for the new so-called Protestant Churches. It was a movement to improve the Church, but the result was even worse.

Since Protestants were dissatisfied with the leadership of the Roman Church, then they almost crossed out 1500 years of Christian experience of the Church and left only the Holy Scripture (Bible). Protestants do not recognize confession, icons, saints, fasting - everything that is necessary for life, correction and salvation of a person. It turned out that they withheld the Holy Scriptures, and the Orthodox Church, which developed and approved the Holy Scriptures were not recognized.

Due to the fact that they did not recognize the Holy Fathers, who explained the Christian faith in many ways, but use only the Bible, They created uncertainty in their doctrine and gradually many different sects (churches) arose. Now, in the whole world, about 25,000 different sects, who call themselves Christian! As mentioned above, in Protestant Churches there is no apostolic succession. This is one of the many reasons why The Orthodox Church does not recognize them as churches, but only by Christian societies.

___________________________________________________________________________

Modern Orthodox Churches:

1. Jerusalem Church,

2. Antiochian Church,

3. Alexandria Church,

4. Church of Constantinople,

5. Russian Church,

6. Serbian Church,

7. Romanian Church,

8. Bulgarian Church,

9. Albanian Church,

10.*Sinai Church,

11.*Greek Church,

12.*Church on the island of Cyprus *Without a patriarch since 2005

_____________________________________________________________________________

Ecumenical councils and other dates:

0 year - Christmas

51 - Apostolic Council

313 - End of persecution of Christians

325 - 1st Ecumenical Council of Nicaea (on the Creed and Easter)

381 - 2nd Ecumenical Council of Constantinople (on the Creed)

431 - 3rd Ecumenical Council of Ephesus

451 - 4th Ecumenical Council of Chalcedon

553 - 5th Ecumenical Council of Constantinople

680 - 6th Ecumenical Council of Constantinople

787 - 7th Ecumenical Council of Nicaea (about Icons)

988 - Baptism of Rus'

1054 - separation of the Roman Church

1517 - Reformation, Luther separated from the Roman Church.

Baptism of Rus' by Prince Vladimir in 988 in the city of Kyiv.

P.S. I hope this article helped to understand the main differences between the Orthodox Church of true Christianity and other churches.

The third period of church history character and features. History of the Christian Church

INTRODUCTION

THE BEGINNING OF THE CHURCH

THE APOSTLES AND THEIR WORKS

PERSECUTION OF CHRISTIANS

HERESIES, SCHIMS AND CATHEDRALS

HOLY FATHERS, APOLOGETIES, MONASKING AND CHURCH GOVERNANCE

WESTERN CHURCH

THE BENEFICIAL INFLUENCE OF CHRISTIANITY

History of the Ancient Church: Part I. 33-843.

History of the Ancient Church: Part I. 33 - 843. - Content

INTRODUCTION

SECTION I. History of the early Church. Church in the Pagan Empire (33-313)

SECTION II. Church in the Christian Empire (313-843)

History of the Ancient Church - Periodization of the history of the Ancient Church

Introduction

1. The beginning of the Church.

3. Persecution of Christians.

4. Saints in the Church.

5. Holy Fathers and Teachers of the Church.

6. Ecumenical Councils.

7. Holy Scripture (Bible).

8. Apostolic succession.

9. The Roman Church separates, 1054.

10. The Orthodox Church after 1054.

11. The Roman Church after 1054.

12. Protestant Churches.

Modern Orthodox Churches:

Ecumenical councils and other dates:

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