Mother Church
Definition
The independent self-governance of a local Church, here the Russian Church’s election and installation of its own metropolitan without reference to Constantinople. The material insists autocephaly was not sought from ecclesiastical ambition or nationalism but was ‘forced by close historical circumstances’ so as to keep the apostolic faith pure.
Episodes
- 033 — History of the Christian Church — Topic 13
- 037 — History of the Russian Orthodox Church — General
- 038 — History of the Russian Orthodox Church — Topic 1
- 041 — History of the Russian Orthodox Church — Topic 4
- 042 — History of the Russian Orthodox Church — Topic 5
- 045 — History of the Russian Orthodox Church — Topic 8
- 052 — History of the Russian Orthodox Church — Topic 15
- 053 — History of the Russian Orthodox Church — Topic 16
Related Concepts
- Autocephaly
- Canonical Scrupulousness Legal Conscience Of The Ancient Canons
Biblical References
- Matthew 16:18 — *And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overpower it. *
- Matthew 28:20 — *teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” *
- Matthew 28:19 — *Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, *
- 1 Samuel 16 (implicit allusion, anointing of David) — The Lord said to Samuel, “How long do you intend to mourn for Saul? I have rejected him as king over Israel. Fill your horn with olive oil and go. I am sending you to Jesse in Bethlehem, for I have selected a king for my
- Matthew 16:18 (implicit ecclesiological foundation of the patriarchal office) — *And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overpower it. *
- Matthew 5:13 — *“You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its flavor, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled on by people! *