In Eastern Orthodoxy, economy is a bishop's discretionary power to dispense with church standards (or "canons", as they are called) that a parish priest would otherwise be required to follow. Often it amounts to recognition granted to sacraments performed in heterodox churches, or in Orthodox or jurisdictions with which the Bishop's jurisdiction is not in full communion.
Such dispensations are made with a view towards putting the spirit before the letter and helping the cause of the salvation of souls. Generally only bishops can decide to make such deviations. They are seen to be justifiable because the canons are not laws but rather suggestions and guidelines which might, at times, become an impediment.
However, the normal case should always be Akribia, or strict adherence to the standards.
Orthodoxy teaches that every bishop, "the living icon of Christ," and his flock constitute the Church in a certain place; or, as St. Ignatius the God-bearer says, the Church of Christ is in the bishop, his priests and deacons, with the people, surrounding the Eucharist in the true faith.
Orthodoxy teaches the same, but the idea of an "original sin" or "inherited guilt" (from Adam) has no part in her thinking.
In Orthodoxy, Holy Matrimony is not a contract; it is the mysterious or mystical union of a man and woman - in imitation of Christ and the Church - in the presence of "the whole People of God" through her bishop or his presbyter.
Feeds |
Contact