Beyond the Seven Ecumenical Councils: Defining Orthodox Theology
In addition to the Seven Ecumenical Councils, several other councils and synods played a vital role in shaping Orthodox theology. Although not universally recognized as ecumenical, these gatherings solidified key doctrinal positions and addressed theological disputes that remain central to Orthodox Christian thought.
1. The Quinisext Council (692) – The Council of Trullo
Held in Constantinople, this council is considered an extension of the Fifth and Sixth Ecumenical Councils. It focused primarily on canonical and disciplinary matters, refining church regulations, liturgical practices, and clerical conduct.
Key Decisions:
- Affirmation of Orthodox iconography and rejection of certain heretical practices.
- Regulations regarding priestly celibacy and fasting periods.
- Recognition of Church Fathers as authoritative in theological disputes.
2. The Synods of Constantinople (1341, 1347, 1351) – The Hesychast Controversies
These synods were fundamental in defending the teachings of Gregory Palamas, who developed the doctrine of the distinction between God’s essence and energies.
Gregory Palamas defended the practice of hesychasm, a form of mystical prayer in which monks could experience the uncreated light of Mount Tabor the same light witnessed during Christ’s Transfiguration. This teaching was vehemently opposed by Barlaam of Calabria, who argued that God is completely unknowable.
Key Decisions:
- Affirmation of the essence-energies distinction in God.
- Rejection of Barlaam’s rationalist approach to theology.
- Recognition of hesychasm as a legitimate form of prayer.
Gregory Palamas wrote: "The divine energies are uncreated, and through them, God manifests Himself to humanity."
For more information on Palamas and hesychasm, see [here](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gregory_Palamas).
3. The Council of Jerusalem (1672) – Orthodox Response to Protestantism
Convened by Patriarch Dositheus of Jerusalem, this council was a response to Calvinist influences within the Orthodox Church.
Key Decisions:
- Affirmation of metousiosis in the Eucharist.
- Rejection of Calvinist predestination.
- Confirmation of the canonical books of Scripture accepted by the Orthodox Church.
Excerpt from the council’s decrees: "The Eucharist is truly the Body and Blood of Christ, and not merely a symbol."
For more details, see the [Council of Jerusalem](https://orthodoxwiki.org/Synod_of_Jerusalem).
4. The Synod of Constantinople (1872) – Condemnation of Phyletism
This council condemned phyletism, the belief that national identity should take precedence over ecclesiastical unity. It was a response to the creation of a Bulgarian schism, where nationalistic interests threatened church unity.
Key Decisions:
- Condemnation of nationalism in the Church.
- Affirmation of the universal nature of Orthodox Christianity.
- Preservation of the canonical order of patriarchates.
For more on phyletism, see (https://orthodoxwiki.org/Phyletism).
Conclusion
Beyond the Seven Ecumenical Councils, these later synods and councils shaped Orthodox doctrine, clarified theological disputes, and safeguarded the unity of the Church. They continue to influence Orthodox thought and practice, affirming the faith against challenges from within and beyond.
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