If you want to learn about the different churches in the world, there are a few different types of churches that you can look into. These include Eastern Catholic Churches and Georgian Orthodox Churches, for example.
Georgian Orthodox Church
Georgia is a country with a rich religious history. Christianity was first introduced to Georgia in the 1st century and is now the nation’s primary religion. The majority of the population self-identify as Georgian Orthodox Christians. In addition, Judaism and Islam are also practiced.
After the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, Georgia gained independence. This allowed the Church of Georgia to continue growing. But the government’s pro-Western foreign policy has raised questions of values and the rights of the nation’s ethnic and religious minorities.
A group of clergymen from ancient monastic communities wrote a widely-distributed “Open Letter” to the Catholicos Patriarch of Georgia urging him to withdraw from ecumenical organizations. However, his response was not as generous.
He imposed a number of conditions on European leaders before they would grant the Georgian Orthodox Church a seat on the Council of European Churches. While he did not explicitly apologize for his ecumenical views, he did not show any regret for his participation in the ecumenical movement.
Nonetheless, the Holy Synod of the Georgian Orthodox Church ultimately succumbed to the pressure of the clergyman and refused to join the ecumenical movement. Eight priests were suspended from Holy Communion and Priestly functions.
A large new cathedral dedicated to the Holy Trinity was built with the assistance of the Georgian government. Its architecture and religious power reflected the church’s power and prestige.
Church of the Holy Wisdom
The Church of the Holy Wisdom of the World (WHOW) is not just one of those fancy buildings. It is a museum, an embassy, and an important cultural landmark. The site is a treasure trove of relics, ancient and contemporary. The museum has over a hundred buildings, most of which are unopened and are well guarded. The museum is a hive of knowledge and activity and is a destination for many. Unlike its neighbors in the Istanbul ring, the Museum is free to the public. A visit to the museum will be an experience of a lifetime and an opportunity to explore the storied buildings, libraries, museums, and gardens in a leisurely and enjoyable way. As a former military garrison, the Museum is an important site for military personnel, their families, and civilians visiting Istanbul. Some of the best preserved ancient buildings in the world are located on the property. For more information on the Museum and how to make your next trip to Istanbul a worthwhile one, please call the museum’s dedicated information line at (242) 543-8556.
Eastern Catholic Churches
The Eastern Catholic Churches are a segment of the Orthodox Christian world. Their history has been a complex and difficult one. They are often looked upon with suspicion by their Orthodox cousins. However, these churches can coexist with the Latin Church and even function as a bridge between the East and the West.
In addition to their relationship with the Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Catholics also maintain their own traditions. They may have different theology than the Latin Church. But their theology is just as valid.
They are governed by the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches, which was promulgated by Pope John Paul II in 1990. This code complements the 1983 Code of Canons of the Latin Church.
Many Eastern Catholics have a great deal of respect for the Latin rite. Some laud the beauty of Gregorian chants. While their liturgical traditions may be less formal than those of the Orthodox, they are nevertheless legitimate efforts to offer sacrifices to the Lord.
One of the reasons for the growth of the Eastern Catholics was a lack of unity among local Orthodox communities. After the fall of Constantinople in 1453, tensions between the East and the Roman Catholic Church became particularly severe. By the end of the 15th century, many of the Patriarchates in the East had rejected union with Rome.
