Modern Relevance & Perspectives

Coucil of Chalcedon 451 AD

Relevance Today

The Council of Chalcedon Happened Over 1500 Years Ago, Why Discuss It Now?

Although it may seem like long-forgotten history, this council’s decisions still heavily affect the Christian church today. Though its doctrines resulted in a schism, recently there have been efforts put forth at reconciliation between the Eastern and Oriental Orthodox Churches.

Differing Perspectives

Below are a few modern-day examples of some differing viewpoints on the council and the current state of the Orthodox churches. Despite some Christians feelings as if the council was a misunderstanding, some are set on the point that their side was correct.

Here we have an example of someone who is Eastern Orthodox, which means he is in agreement with the statements made and doctrine agreed upon during the council. Here he is refuting the Oriental Orthodox Church as a true church.

This is a more neutral stance, where the youtuber describes the differences between the modern-day Oriental and Eastern Orthodox churches with a fairly unbiased viewpoint.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, here is an Oriental Orthodox perspective where some false claims about what his church believes in are covered and refuted.

The Beginning of Unification

Efforts of Reconcilliation

Efforts to reconcile the Chalcedonian and non-Chalcedonian churches began in during the mid-20th century, with significant progress made between 1964 and 1971. The first meeting, which was held in Aarhus, Denmark, focused on shared beliefs rather than schisms, and focused the teachings of St. Cyril of Alexandria. In a follow-up meeting in Bristol, 1967, representatives from both sides acknowledged the common ground in their Christological understanding, both affirming the unity of Christ’s divine and human natures “without confusion, without change, without division, without separation.”

Modern-Day Efforts

More recently, since a meeting in 1989 after the two churches met yet again, they were able to end a 1500 year debate through their efforts. In 1990, an agreement was signed by representatives from the Eastern and Oriental churches that affirmed their beliefs as one in the same. In 2001, Pope Shenouda III of the Coptic Orthodox Church and Pope Petros VII of the Greek Orthodox Church even signed an official agreement allowing marriages between members of their respective churches. While not a declaration of full communion, this agreement marked a significant milestone in the unification process to come.

Conclusion

Within the near future, it is possible that the Orthodox Churches will be united, as the necessary steps are being taken to reconcile the 1500 year schism. This would be a monumental step in ecumenism, which is working toward a shared faith, reflecting the unity that Christians believe Christ desired for His Church (John 17:21).