the Chalcedonian crisis and its impact on the Orthodox Church, highlighting the intervention of politics and civil authority in matters of faith and the churches of the nation.

Historical Context

The speech points to the consideration of Constantinople as a new center parallel to Rome since the Council of 381 AD, and the resulting weakening of the status of the See of Alexandria and its role in ecumenical councils.

Theological Issue

The core setback was the entry of Christological issues — especially the question of the “two natures” and the expression of one nature — into a political struggle, with some accusing the Orthodox of being “those of the one nature” while the speaker explains the Church’s position that the two natures are united in a non-separable union.

Political and Authority Intervention

The talk showed how imperial and Constantinopolitan authority exploited the councils, and how emperors, the empress, and the army participated in appointing patriarchates and imposing religious choices that led to installing patriarchs loyal to civil power.

Persecution and Resistance

Waves of exile, torture, killing, seizure of churches and people’s belongings, and attacks on our patriarchal fathers were described, highlighting the heroism of the fathers and the people who rejected an imposed creed, and the persistence of faith despite suffering, displacement, and clandestine pastoral care.

Practical Outcomes and the Church’s Current Stance

Those events led to seizure of churches and holy possessions, yet time has changed that mentality and steps toward dialogue and agreement with Western churches on shared Christological concepts have begun, while stressing that history cannot be erased but can be acknowledged for its mistakes and built upon toward new understanding.

Spiritual Conclusion

The spiritual lesson is that the Church preserves its faith by standing firm in truth amid persecution and political interference, and that loving difference and rational dialogue can open ways to reconciliation without denying history or compromising Orthodox doctrine.

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