Written by Fr. Matthew Poozhikunnel, a priest of the Malankara Orthodox Church.
The role of priesthood is a central part of the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church. However, the Church is divided due to Christological differences. This research intends to investigate the understanding of priesthood through the lens of St. Jacob of Serugh. He is a saint of the non-Chalcedonian churches, and has written extensively on the priesthood by exploring the character of Melchizedek. Moreover, this patristic author had a prominent role following the time after the Council of Chalcedon occurred. During his lifetime, the Church was divided over the Christological debate over the divinity and humanity of Christ. Over a period of several centuries, the opposing sides have not come to a consensus on an agreed Christological definition. The Church, being the body of Christ, should not be divided. The body of Christ must achieve unity in order to be whole again.
The methodology utilized in this research is a qualitative study that compared the patristic texts of different Church fathers. By studying the texts of the patristic writers an understanding can be achieved on how they viewed the priesthood.
Through the study of priesthood from the perspective of a non-Chalcedonian saint, it had shown that his understanding of the priesthood is in alignment with prominent saints that are shared with the Chalcedonian side. The path to unity is open if both sides are willing to reconcile their differences.
Written by Fr. Matthew Poozhikunnel, a priest of the Malankara Orthodox Church.
The role of priesthood is a central part of the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church. However, the Church is divided due to Christological differences. This research intends to investigate the understanding of priesthood through the lens of St. Jacob of Serugh. He is a saint of the non-Chalcedonian churches, and has written extensively on the priesthood by exploring the character of Melchizedek. Moreover, this patristic author had a prominent role following the time after the Council of Chalcedon occurred. During his lifetime, the Church was divided over the Christological debate over the divinity and humanity of Christ. Over a period of several centuries, the opposing sides have not come to a consensus on an agreed Christological definition. The Church, being the body of Christ, should not be divided. The body of Christ must achieve unity in order to be whole again.
The methodology utilized in this research is a qualitative study that compared the patristic texts of different Church fathers. By studying the texts of the patristic writers an understanding can be achieved on how they viewed the priesthood.
Through the study of priesthood from the perspective of a non-Chalcedonian saint, it had shown that his understanding of the priesthood is in alignment with prominent saints that are shared with the Chalcedonian side. The path to unity is open if both sides are willing to reconcile their differences.
