 previous article in this issue |
|
Document Details : Title: The Orthodox Church and its Palestinian-Christian Identity Author(s): MARSH, Leonard Journal: Journal of Eastern Christian Studies Volume: 63 Issue: 1-2 Date: 2011 Pages: 255-276 DOI: 10.2143/JECS.63.1.2149622 Abstract : This article surveys the Orthodox Church in its historical and political setting in Jerusalem and Palestine, from the earliest times, through Ottoman rule, the British Mandate in Palestine, and under Jordanian and Israeli authorities. It examines Palestinian Orthodox Christians, particularly the revival of the Old/New question of ecclesial identity and ‘Arabisation’. Palestinian Christian Theology is explored as a new and contemporary expression of Eastern Christian thought. The present situation for the Orthodox Church is considered in several contexts, including the contraction of church communities; pastoral concerns; the challenge of Protestant, Latin, Greek Catholic and Anglican churches; Orthodoxy as a Holy Land Church, as well as the challenge of Islam within Palestinian Arab society. The future of the Orthodox Church of Jerusalem and the Holy Land is viewed as inseparable from the fate of other Christian traditions in Palestine/Israel and the wider Middle East. Issues including ecumenical dimensions and relationships with Islam are evaluated. The autocephalous nature of Orthodoxy is seen as a resource to enable it to engage with its dilemmas in the Holy Land, and as a global church. |
