Orthodox Christians that have fallen away from the church are often misunderstood. The reason for this is a lack of understanding of how the spiritual system works, and this can be difficult to understand for both those who are still within the church and those who have moved outside of it. This article will look at the differences between Essence and Energy, as well as the doctrine of Hesychasts and Barlaams. It will also explore the Funeral service.
Hesychast doctrine
Hesychasm is a special form of mystical prayer that originated in the Eastern Orthodox Church. This form of mystical prayer focuses on the divine truth and is a step toward personal union with God. The purpose of hesychasm is to become detached from the material world and experience the Divine in a state of inner tranquility.
One of the most notable forms of hesychast practice is the Jesus prayer. During this meditative practice, a hesychast recites the Name of Christ without interruption.
The use of the Jesus prayer in hesychastic practice is attributed to Paul. He commanded his followers to pray without ceasing. It is a powerful tool in hesychastic practice.
The hesychast’s conception of divine light is defended in the writings of Palamas. He defines light as the “light of Godhead surrounding Christ during His Transfiguration on Mount Tabor.” A hesychast’s vision of light is indistinguishable from a vision of Uncreated Light.
Essence-Energies distinction
In the Orthodox Church, there is a real distinction between God’s essence and His energies. There are several reasons for this. Firstly, the difference is essential for a proper understanding of God and spiritual life.
Secondly, the true essence of God is not contained in the energies. This is because God is not a substance. Instead, He is a compound of qualities. A substance is something that is produced by an agent, not something that is inherently there.
Lastly, there are a number of other important factors that should be considered. For instance, God is in communion with holy angels. Also, human reason demonstrates kinship with God.
The Essence-Energy distinction is not necessarily easy to grasp. But, it is essential to a proper understanding of the Christ and of the nature of Christianity.
Hesychasts
Hesychasm is a spiritual practice that originated in the monastic orthodox tradition. It involves inward stillness and continuous prayer. The purpose of Hesychasm is to attain communion with God.
This practice is often associated with Catholicism, but there was a significant separation between the Eastern Orthodox and the Roman Catholic Church during the Middle Ages. These two religions share common origins. But they have a unique history.
As the Byzantine Empire declined in the fourteenth century, the Latins and the Eastern Orthodox had a theological dispute over the concept of Hesychasm. It shaped the course of the Byzantine Civil War.
One of the main focuses of the controversy was the teachings of Gregory Palamas. Some members of the Patriarchal School of the Church opposed the doctrine, and hesychasm was criticized as a form of mystical mysticism.
Barlaams
Barlaam was a Byzantine philosopher. He was known for his many treatises ridiculing the theological beliefs of the Hesychasts. The idea was that a Christian should meditate in the presence of God. In reality, this is theology of demons.
There are various esoteric facets to Orthodox faith. For example, there is the belief that God is in fact present in the Eucharist. There is also the aforementioned Baptism and Divine Liturgy. Also, theologically speaking, the Christian life is one of imitation, of imitation of Christ, as well as of the Holy Spirit.
In the early twentieth century, the question of the soul versus the body was a recurring topic in the literature. Some scholars wrote articles on the subject in apologetic fashion. Other articles addressed the workings of the soul within the naturalized body.
Funeral service
Orthodox Christians must die in faith. The Christian Church has a tradition of burying the dead. There are different practices throughout the years.
The Greek Orthodox Church believes that the soul and body are reunited after death. They also believe that life is everlasting.
The Orthodox Christian Funeral Service is a way for the church to pray for the departed. The service is usually held at the church. It consists of Scripture readings, psalms and hymns. This rite is followed by a homily by the priest. Often the body is placed in a casket.
Before the funeral, the church members may give the reposed person a farewell kiss. This is known as the Kiss of Peace and Anointing. A cross is placed over the grave. Guests are invited to share their condolences.
