Symphonia (theology)

In today's world, Symphonia (theology) has become a topic of great relevance and interest to a wide spectrum of individuals. Whether due to its impact on society, its relevance in the academic field, its influence in the world of work or its importance in everyday life, Symphonia (theology) has positioned itself as a central topic in current conversations and debates. From its origins to its evolution over time, Symphonia (theology) has attracted the attention of experts and novices alike, generating growing interest in better understanding its implications and role in today's world. In this article, we will explore the different aspects of Symphonia (theology), its importance and its impact in different areas, with the aim of providing a comprehensive and enriching vision on this topic.

This article is about the political theory. For other uses, see Symphonia (disambiguation).

Symphonia (Greek: συμφωνία 'accord') is a normative theory or concept in Eastern Orthodox Christian theological and political thought, especially within the Eastern Roman and Russian Empires, which posits that church and state are to complement each other, exhibiting mutual respect with neither institution presuming to dominate the other.

The theory can be traced back to the policy of Roman Emperor Constantine I (r. 324–337). Emperor Justinian I (r. 527–565) expressed this position when he said: "A distinction is drawn between the imperial authority and the priesthood, the former being concerned with human affairs and the latter with things divine; the two are regarded as closely interdependent, but, at least in theory, neither is subordinated to the other." Such a position is scripturally based as evidenced in several Old Testament texts; the most notable references being that of Melchizedek the priest-king and the brotherly relationship between Aaron, the high priest, and Moses, the leader of Israel from Egypt.

The theory is believed to have been embodied in the Byzantine Empire from the time of Justinian's reign, when ecclesiastical and civil law were indivisible, that is, canon law came to be enforced by the emperor. It was reasserted in the Stoglav, a church code promulgated in the Tsardom of Russia in 1551. In Stanley Harakas' view, "there are almost no existing presuppositions for its implementation as a system of Church–state relations in our times", and "at most, it presents 'an impossible ideal' in the contemporary world, which may illumine some attitudes for Orthodox Christians regarding their views of the well-ordered state as well as the relationship of the Church toward the state."

Symphonia became the subject of political discussion in Russia when it was brought up and dwelt upon by Patriarch Kirill of Moscow in the presence of President Dmitry Medvedev the day following Kirill's accession to the Russian Orthodox patriarchal throne on February 1, 2009.

See also

References

  1. ^ Stanley S. Harakas. Living the Faith: The Praxis of Eastern Orthodox Ethics. Minneapolis: Light and Life Publishing Company, 1993, pp. 259–293.
  2. ^ The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church. Ed. F. L. Cross and E. A. Livingstone, 2nd Edition, revised. New York: Oxford University Press, 1985, p. 771.
  3. ^ Stanley S. Harakas. Living the Faith. p. 260.
  4. ^ СВЯЩЕННОСЛУЖИТЕЛИ О "СИМФОНИИ" ГОСУДАРСТВА И ЦЕРКВИ regions.ru February 4, 2009.
  5. ^ Архипастыри — участники Поместного Собора присутствовали на приеме в Георгиевском зале Большого кремлевского дворца patriarchi.ru February 2, 2009.
  6. ^ Приём от имени Президента России в честь архиереев – участников Поместного собора Русской православной церкви Archived February 5, 2009, at the Wayback Machine kremlin.ru February 2, 2009.

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