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How do Orthodox Bishops and theologians view the Church Fathers' definition of the word "catholic?"

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While perusing the Orthodox Church in America (OCA) website I came across this question . I fully understand what the word *catholic* by itself means. Orthodox Christians (like many liturgical Protestant denominations) recite the Creed with the understanding that the phrase "one, holy, *catholic*, and apostolic Church" emphasizes the word *catholic* with a general meaning, whereas the Catholic Church obviously implies that the word *Catholic* is more specific. From the website: > Orthodox Christians understand the word “catholic” word to mean > “whole, complete, lacking in nothing.” Hence, when we say “one, holy, > catholic, and apostolic Church,” we mean that the one, holy, and > apostolic Church is “whole, complete, and lacking in nothing.” The > word “catholic” with a small “c” has nothing whatsoever to do with > Roman “Catholic” with a capital “C”. This explanation makes sense to me in all aspects except one - the writings of the early Church Fathers. See CATHOLIC There are many early writings, both East and West, that are very clear and direct about the Catholic Church being named the Catholic Church with a capital "C." For example: > "See that ye all follow the bishop, even as Christ Jesus does the > Father, and the presbytery as ye would the apostles. Do ye also > reverence the deacons, as those that carry out[through their office] > the appointment of God. Let no man do anything connected with the > Church without the bishop. Let that be deemed a proper Eucharist, > which is[administered] either by the bishop, or by one to whom he has > entrusted it. Wherever the bishop shall appear, there let the > multitude[of the people] also be; by the bishop, or by one to whom he > has entrusted it. Wherever the bishop shall appear, there let the > multitude[of the people] also be; even as, wherever Jesus Christ is, > there is the Catholic Church." *Ignatius of Antioch,Epistle to the > Smyrneans, 8:2(A.D. 110),in ANF,I:89* How do Orthodox Bishops and theologians view these specific and direct Patristic quotes in light of the Orthodox definition of the word "catholic?"
Asked by user5286
Aug 30, 2013, 01:56 AM
Last activity: Dec 22, 2013, 03:44 AM