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Encyclopedic Dictionary of the Christian East

Encyclopedia

Encyclopedic Dictionary of the Christian East

  • Edward G. Farrugia
  • Theological Publications in India
  • India
  • 2015 AD

The Encyclopedic Dictionary of the Christian East is an alphabetical reference work offering concise definitions, cross-references, biographies, historical sketches, and theological explanations concerning Eastern Christianity. It covers Eastern Catholic, Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, and Church of the East traditions, tracing Christian development across regions including Mesopotamia, Armenia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Syria, Georgia, the Balkans, Russia, and India. Entries describe churches, patriarchates, synods, monasteries, schools, journals, research centers, canonical structures, manuscripts, languages, architecture, and scholarly traditions. Major themes include ecumenical councils and Christological controversies; the Filioque, iconoclasm, unions with Rome, Latinization, ecclesial authority, canon law, and the relationship between local and universal Churches. The encyclopedia explains liturgical rites, books, feasts, prayers, vestments, Eucharistic practices, fasting, hymnography, initiation, and monastic observance. It also presents Eastern spirituality through hesychasm, apophatic theology, deification, divine energies, synergy, ascetic struggle, and prayer. Throughout, it emphasizes the diversity and historical complexity of Eastern Christian identities, the preservation of distinct liturgical and canonical inheritances, and ecumenical dialogue seeking reconciliation and communion through mutual respect.

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