Dogmatic Theology

A systematic exposition of the core doctrinal teachings of the Orthodox Church, rooted in Scripture, the Ecumenical Councils, and the patristic consensus. This section covers the Creed, the theology of images, deification, hamartiology, Mariology, and the Holy Mysteries (Sacraments).

Tradition: Pan-Orthodox

Overview

Dogmatic theology in the Orthodox tradition is not speculative philosophy but the articulation of the Church’s living experience of God. It is grounded in Holy Scripture as interpreted by the Holy Fathers, defined by the Seven Ecumenical Councils, and preserved in the liturgical and ascetical life of the Church. The Russian Orthodox theological tradition, drawing especially on the work of theologians such as Metropolitan Macarius (Bulgakov), Protopresbyter Michael Pomazansky, and Vladimir Lossky, has made significant contributions to the systematic presentation of these doctrines.

Contents

Core Doctrines

  1. The Niceno-Constantinopolitan Creed — Article-by-article exposition of the Symbol of Faith (381)
  2. Icons and Iconoclasm — Theology of the holy images, the Seventh Ecumenical Council, and the Triumph of Orthodoxy
  3. Theosis (Deification) — The doctrine of divinization as the goal of human life
  4. Ancestral Sin vs. Original Sin — Orthodox hamartiology and its distinction from Western formulations
  5. The Theotokos — Marian theology in the Orthodox Church

The Holy Mysteries (Sacraments)

  1. Overview of the Mysteries — Introduction to Orthodox sacramental theology
  2. Baptism and Chrismation — Initiation into the Body of Christ
  3. The Holy Eucharist — The Mystery of the Body and Blood of Christ
  4. Confession (Repentance) — The Mystery of Repentance
  5. Marriage — The Mystery of Crowning
  6. Holy Orders — The threefold ordained ministry
  7. Holy Unction — The Mystery of Anointing of the Sick

Key Sources

  • Pomazansky, Michael. Orthodox Dogmatic Theology. Platina: St. Herman of Alaska Brotherhood, 1994.
  • Lossky, Vladimir. The Mystical Theology of the Eastern Church. Cambridge: James Clarke, 1957.
  • Schmemann, Alexander. For the Life of the World. Crestwood: SVS Press, 1973.
  • Meyendorff, John. Byzantine Theology: Historical Trends and Doctrinal Themes. New York: Fordham University Press, 1974.
  • Ware, Kallistos. The Orthodox Church. London: Penguin, 1993.
  • The canons and definitions of the Seven Ecumenical Councils.

See Also