Learning about Orthodoxy

Editor’s note: The following post arises from small group reflections from The Rise of Global Christianity, 1910–2010, taught by Dr. Todd Johnson at Boston University in the Fall of 2010. Led by doctoral students, the small groups discussed lectures given by Christian scholars in various disciplines, including significant changes that have occurred in global Christianity over the past 100 years.

On Wednesday evening the 13th of October, Father Luke Veronis of Holy Cross Seminary enthusiastically recounted the history of Orthodoxy, particularly over the last century. He highlighted how immigration and Communism were the primary factors shaping the Orthodox community through the 20th-century, but also spoke of the renewal of Orthodox mission. He departed with an appeal for students to familiarize themselves with the rich Orthodox tradition.

In our small group questions immediately surfaced about the Orthodoxy: Why does the Orthodox Church contain so many icons? Who has the longest Christian history—the Orthodox Church or Roman Catholic Church? How did the Orthodox Church get its name (in so far, as we all consider our theology orthodox)? What does it mean to “not be in Eucharistic Communion”? The ensuing discussion proved valuable in two ways. First, the questions were answered, providing a deeper understanding of how Orthodoxy fits within Christian history. Second, the questions underscored Father Veronis’s parting words—many of us do live largely in ignorance of the very broad and deep stream of Orthodox Christianity. The only remaining question will be whether our recognition of that fact will prompt us to remedy the deficiency. That question, it seems, will be settled outside of class.

Daryl Ireland, discussion moderator