Word & Table The Eastern Churches
Jan 6, 2026
Fr. Stephen Gauthier, Canon Theologian and Director of Formation at St. Paul's House, dives into the rich tapestry of Eastern Churches. He clarifies why 'Eastern Churches' is more fitting than a singular term. Discussing Arianism and the Council of Nicaea, he details the evolution of Nicene Christianity. Fr. Stephen explores the Chalcedon dispute, miaphysitism, and the complexities of the Great Schism. He also reflects on Uniate churches in communion with Rome and highlights the Anglican Church's appreciation for Eastern liturgical traditions.
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Councils Defined Core Christian Faith
- The early ecumenical councils resolved major Christological heresies like Arianism by affirming Christ's true divinity and humanity.
- These councils shaped Nicene Christianity as the shared core of historic churches despite later splits.
Nestorian Christianity Went East
- Nestorianism emphasized distinguishing the eternal Son and the human Jesus and spread east of the Roman Empire along Persia, India, and the Silk Road.
- Fr. Stephen notes surviving communities like the Assyrian Church of the East and their historical decline under Islamic rule.
Chalcedon Sparked Oriental Orthodox Split
- The Chalcedonian controversy centered on how Christ's divinity and humanity coexist, provoking lasting divisions.
- Oriental Orthodox churches (Coptic, Armenian, Ethiopian, Syriac) rejected Chalcedon and form a distinct family accepting three ecumenical councils.
