The Communion of Saints: The Holistic Brilliance of Orthodox Spirituality

In Orthodox Christianity, the Communion of Saints is a fundamental belief reflecting the holistic and mystical nature of Orthodox thinking. 

This belief encompasses the unity of the Body of Christ, emphasizing the interconnectedness of believers both living and departed. It affirms that there is only one Church, undivided by those who have departed from this earthly life and those who remain behind. Whether we are present in this world or in the hands of God, the struggle of the Church is shared by all. The saints who have gone before us, mentioned as the "great cloud of witnesses" in the book of Hebrews, are actively involved in this ongoing battle.

Orthodox Christians acknowledge the transformative power of encountering the divine through material elements 

Orthodox embrace sacramental, mystical, communal, and liturgical aspects of their faith. Protestant often resit this thinking based on a legalistic and rational mindset. It is this holistic view or Orthodox thinking, embracing the fullness of reality and acknowledging th interconnectedness of all things, material or invisible, that gives it brilliance.

Orthodox thinking perceives the material world as a means of encountering the divine. 

Through sacraments like Baptism, Holy Communion, and Chrismation, Orthodox Christians experience transformative encounters with God. These sacraments, seen as vehicles of divine grace, allow for a holistic engagement of body, soul, and spirit, deepening the connection between the earthly and the heavenly.

Orthodox thinking emphasizes the belief in the Incarnation, highlighting the union of the divine and human in Christ. 

This incarnational understanding affirms the inherent goodness of the created world and recognizes the potential for divine encounters in all aspects of life. It invites believers to engage with the divine through the material realm, fostering a holistic approach that integrates the physical and spiritual dimensions.

Orthodox thinking places great importance on the communal aspect of faith, emphasizing the unity of the Church as the Body of Christ. 

Communal worship, particularly through the Divine Liturgy, offers a participatory experience that transcends time and space, bridging the earthly and heavenly realms. Symbolism and liturgical practices enhance the worship experience, inviting believers into a holistic engagement with the divine.

Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross, connected with His Resurrection and Ascension, shows us the “Way” for our salvation, our return to Paradise. 

This path is one we take in union with Christ and the church with the help of the Holy Spirit whom Christ sent for our help. This path leads us to perfection called Theosis. This is a transformative process of purification, becoming united with Christ, and sharing in His divine nature. This understanding underlines the holistic goal of Orthodox spirituality, as believers strive to align themselves with the divine through a journey of spiritual growth and communion with God. It recognizes the fullness of human potential, emphasizing the unity of body, soul, and spirit in the pursuit of divine likeness.

Protestant reservations regarding Orthodox thinking often stem from a legalistic and rational mindset.  

This view places a strong emphasis on faith alone and rejects sacramental encounters with God. Many see the effort undertaken by Orthodox Christians in their participation in sacraments or ascetic practices as earning salvation, rather than a path given to us by Christ’s example and taken in cooperation with the holy Spirit then we can become perfect in His likeness. Other concerns may also exist regarding the hierarchical nature of the Church, the veneration of Mary and saints, the formality of liturgical worship, and the significance of ascetic practices.

Conclusion:

The Communion of Saints exemplifies the holistic brilliance of Orthodox thinking.

It integrates sacramental encounters, mystical union with God, communal worship, and transformative spiritual growth. While Protestant reservations may stem from differing theological perspectives derived from a more rational and legalistic viewpoint, understanding the profound depth of Orthodox spirituality can foster greater appreciation for its holistic approach. By embracing the interconnectedness of the physical, spiritual, and eternal dimensions of existence, Orthodox Christians navigate the mysteries of faith, recognizing the unity and profound interconnectedness of all aspects of life. This is the Way taught by our Apostolic fathers and preserved in the Orthodox Church.