This clear and accessible introduction describes the life of the OrthodoxChurches of the Christian East from the accession of the Emperor Constantine in312 up t... » 

This clear and accessible introduction describes the life of the OrthodoxChurches of the Christian East from the accession of the Emperor Constantine in312 up to the year 2000. The distinctive Orthodox approaches to the themes ofliturgy theology monastic life and spirituality iconography popularreligion mission politics and the schism between East and West are discussedin turn. A final chapter examines the response of the Churches to the newfreedom following the collapse of communism and the prospects for the future.This clear and accessible introduction describes the life of the Orthodox Churches of the Chistian East from the accession of the Emperor Constantine in 312 up to the year 2000. It explores the nature of the various Churches of the Christian East Chalcedonian and nonChalcedonian Orthodox the church of the East and Greek Catholic Churches. It explains both the common traditions and also the different and sometimes divisive local characteristics. This clear and accessible introduction describes the life of the Orthodox Churches of the Chistian East from the accession of the Emperor Constantine in 312 up to the year 2000. It explores the nature of the various Churches of the Christian East Chalcedonian and nonChalcedonian Orthodox the church of the East and Greek Catholic Churches. It explains both the common traditions and also the different and sometimes divisive local characteristics. «