THE CONCEPT OF PEACE AND UNITYFROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF ORTHODOX CHRISTIANITY

Abstract

The primary aim of this paper is to present and explain
the concept of peace and unity from the perspective of Orthodox
Christianity. Its core comprises the testimony of Christ’s love in this
world, as an utmost Christian ideal, based on Christ’s commandment
of love towards enemies and not repaying evil with evil but rather
with goodness and love, as the basic principles of the Christian
martyric ethos and pathos. This study is descriptive and describes
the concept of peace and unity as essential Orthodox postulates
in the context of the Orthodox theology according to the canon
law, liturgical life and most importantly—the ascetic-hesychastic
practice of the Holy Fathers of the Church and monasticism. The
following terms are used: metanoia, Christian identity, pastoral
approach (defined by the author), as well as the differences
between theocentric and anthropocentric life models with various
forms of social organization and identification. Thus, it offers a
different perspective and implementation via an applicable model
that springs from the liturgical life of the Church, which is to be
set as a social example. The Church’s principles of peace and unity
implemented in the everyday life of each person should contribute
to a higher level of awareness, responsibility and social welfare,
whereas each person should be an axis uniting people and should
take the role of a peacemaker.