The place of St Peter in the ecclesiastical hierarchy : a proposed ecclesiological perspective inspired by the Areopagite to provide a theoretical framework for the hierarchal structure of Orthodox churches

• Main Author: Ramsey, John
• Other Authors: Andreopoulos, Andreas ; Messer, Neil
• Published: University of Winchester 2015
• Subjects: 200
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.698198

This thesis is a critique of Eucharistic Ecclesiology as developed from Nicholas Afanasiev to John Zizioulas and a consideration of theoretical models of the Church. The thesis presents an ecclesiological model that approaches Eucharistic Ecclesiology from a different perspective and that provides a framework of hierarchal structure and relationships within the Orthodox Church. There is the introduction of the term theotic relationships to define the type of relationships evident within the Church hierarchy and an explanation of how theotic relationships form the basis of hierchal structure both in the public sphere, of bishops to priests and bishops to bishops and in the private such as in marriage and in monastic leadership. The place of Peter is shown to be important in how these relationships are to be understood and formed. The thesis draws on the Ecclesiatical Hierarchy of Dionysius the Areopagite to provide the patristic basis from which the theory behind theotic relationships is drawn. Theotic relationships are shown to focus on the bishop in public terms and to be established with the mysteries to lift the relationship beyond that of man to man tothat of man to God. Theotic relationships also assume of the place discipleship and obedience, which is particularly evident in the monastic relationship of abbot, or spiritual father, to monks and in the relationships of husband to wife; these relationships are asymmetrical yet respect equality. This asymmetry and equality is shown to be best manifest in synods reflecting a number of disciples around their master, that is the apostles about Christ; Christ is the head, without whom nothing can be done, yet the apostles rule with Christ as sharing an equality with him. The synods are manifested in jurisdictions at several levels so that relationships are personal and resepct the place of Christ being fully present at each level. Theotic relationships assume permanence of relations as man is called to share in God’s eternally though theosis, union with God.