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{{Infobox religion
 
{{Infobox religion
 
| name = Apostolic Church of the East
 
| name = Apostolic Church of the East
| image = ACoE.png
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| image = [[File:ACoE.png|180px]]
 
| caption =
 
| caption =
 
| abbreviation =
 
| abbreviation =
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| leader_title = Patriarch of Hobrazia,<br>''primus inter pares''
 
| leader_title = Patriarch of Hobrazia,<br>''primus inter pares''
 
| leader_name =
 
| leader_name =
| leader_title1 =
+
| leader_title1 = Synod
| leader_name1 =
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| leader_name1 = Holy Synod
 
| leader_title2 =
 
| leader_title2 =
 
| leader_name2 =
 
| leader_name2 =
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| founded_place =
 
| founded_place =
 
| denominations = <nowiki></nowiki>
 
| denominations = <nowiki></nowiki>
 
*[[Apostolic Church of the Isles]]
 
*[[Hobrazian Orthodox Church]]
 
*[[Hobrazian Orthodox Church]]
*[[Badaran Apostolic Church]]
 
*[[Apostolic Department of Cildania]]
 
 
*[[Barmenian Apostolic Church]]
 
*[[Barmenian Apostolic Church]]
 
*[[Aldegarian Apostolic Church]]
 
*[[Aldegarian Apostolic Church]]
*[[Kanjoran Apostolic Church]]
 
 
*[[Coburan Apostolic Tewahedo Church]]
 
*[[Coburan Apostolic Tewahedo Church]]
 
| separated_from =
 
| separated_from =
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| website =
 
| website =
 
| footnotes =
 
| footnotes =
 
}}The '''Apostolic Church of the East''' is the name of the variety of [[Patriarchalism|Patriarchal]] [[Hosianism]] that rejects the [[Council of Auroria]]. The Church was founded in 3412, following the Synod of Aldegaria that reunited the [[Hobrazian Orthodox Church]] and the [[Patriarchal Church (Eastern Rite)]], which had become separated in the 9th-10th centuries. The Church is distinguished by its Unitarian theology, according to which the [[Eliyahu|Spirit of God]] is not a distinct person participating in the Godhead, but is the power of God and the means by which He becomes immanent in Creation (while God Himself is fully transcendental).
}}
 
 
 
The '''Apostolic Church of the East''' is the name of the variety of [[Patriarchalism|Patriarchal]] [[Hosianism]] that rejects the [[Council of Auroria]]. The Church was founded in 3412, following the Synod of Aldegaria that reunited the [[Hobrazian Orthodox Church]] and the [[Patriarchal Church (Eastern Rite)]], which had become separated in the 9th-10th centuries.
 
   
 
==History==
 
==History==
 
The origins of the Church lie in the [[Council of Auroria]] of 533 CE, which unified most of the local [[Hosian]] churches into a single international body, with an Arch-Patriarch ruling over the entire [[Holy Apostolic Hosian Church of Terra|Church]]. The [[Hobrazian Orthodox Church]], represented by Saint Evdemoz, rejected the creation of an Arch-Patriarchy and the Pneumatological (''re. the Spirit of God'') definition adopted at the council, thus causing the first major Hosian schism.
 
The origins of the Church lie in the [[Council of Auroria]] of 533 CE, which unified most of the local [[Hosian]] churches into a single international body, with an Arch-Patriarch ruling over the entire [[Holy Apostolic Hosian Church of Terra|Church]]. The [[Hobrazian Orthodox Church]], represented by Saint Evdemoz, rejected the creation of an Arch-Patriarchy and the Pneumatological (''re. the Spirit of God'') definition adopted at the council, thus causing the first major Hosian schism.
   
During subsequent centuries, Hobrazian missionaries brought their faith to various regions in [[Majatra]], leading to the creation of the [[Patriarchal Church (ER)]]. In time, following the [[Queranzariah]] invasions, the two churches lost contact. Although they maintained doctrinal unity, the Churches essentially became separate bodies.
+
During subsequent centuries, Hobrazian missionaries brought their faith to various regions in [[Majatra]], leading to the creation of the [[Patriarchal Church (ER)]]. In time, following the [[Ahmadism|Ahmadi]] [[Ahmadi Caliphate|invasions]], the two churches lost contact. Although they maintained doctrinal unity, the Churches essentially became separate bodies.
   
 
In 3409, Patriarch Zartosht III of the [[Aldegarian Patriarchal Church (ER)]] called for an Ecumenical Synod in the city of [[Aldegaria]] to reunite the two churches. The resulting [[Synod of Aldegaria]], functioning between March 23 3412 and July 7 3412, agreed to unite the two churches, creating the Apostolic Church of the East.
 
In 3409, Patriarch Zartosht III of the [[Aldegarian Patriarchal Church (ER)]] called for an Ecumenical Synod in the city of [[Aldegaria]] to reunite the two churches. The resulting [[Synod of Aldegaria]], functioning between March 23 3412 and July 7 3412, agreed to unite the two churches, creating the Apostolic Church of the East.
  +
  +
Throughout the centuries since the creation of the reunified Eastern Hosian Church it has experienced a number of schisms and theological controversies. The largest of these was the Barmenian Schism that created the [[Barmenian Church]], based on the different theological views of [[Kathuran people|Kathuran]] Hosianism. The schism eventually led to the convocation of the [[Ecumenical Synod of Qart Qildar]] of 3977-3981 that resulted in the official adoption of Kathuran theology and a number of ecclesiastical reforms. The reforms were further entrenched with the subsequent [[Synod of Kathura]] of 4232-4237, that recognized the Barmenian Apostolic Church's prominent position over all continental Majatra and also recognized the ordination of women.
   
 
==Beliefs==
 
==Beliefs==
  +
[[File:St origen.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Modern icon of Saint Origen, considered one of the founders of Eastern Hosian theology]]
 
===God===
 
===God===
The Apostolic Church of the East believes that there is only one God, with a single ''ousia'' (essence), ''prosopon'' (person), and ''hypostasis''. Eastern Hosians thus subscribe to Monarchianism, rejecting the Binitarianism of the Western Churches and the polytheism of the [[Terran Patriarchal Church]]. The Church does believe, however, that God can reveal Himself however He wishes, and can manifest Himself in different ways.
+
The Apostolic Church of the East believes that there is only one God, with a single ''ousia'' (essence), ''parsopa'' (person), and ''qnoma'' (hypostasis), fully incomprehensible and fully transcendental. Eastern Hosians thus subscribe to Unitarianism, rejecting the [[binitarianism]] of the Western Churches and the polytheism of the [[Terran Patriarchal Church]], as they do not believe that the Spirit of God is a distinct person belonging to the Godhead. Instead, the Apostolic Church of the East believes that the Spirit is God's creative energy (called "the Wisdom, the Mind, the Power, and the Light of God"), and the means by which He created the world and becomes immanent in creation.
   
 
===Eliyahu===
 
===Eliyahu===
Eastern Hosians believe that [[Eliyahu|Elijah of Yishelem]] is the Spirit of God, which they equate with the Light of God. The Church believes that the Spirit was uncreated, and is the means by which God interacts with creation. The Church does not believe that Elijah is a distinct person participating in the Godhead, instead drawing the distinction between the ''ousia'' (essence) and ''pneuma'' (spirit) of God. The former is invisible and cannot be experienced even in the next life, while the latter can be experienced even in this life. The Church believes that the ''pneuma'' of God became man, as Elijah of Yishelem, in order to purify mankind and unite it with God.
+
Eastern Hosians believe that [[Eliyahu|Elijah of Yishelem]] is the incarnation of the Spirit of God. Following the Synod of Qart Qildar, the Church adopted as official the position that the Spirit and Eliyahu are two distinct hypostases united in one person, subscribing to the theological formula introduced by [[St. Origen]] according to which the Incarnate Spirit has two qnome (hypostases or natures), which are unmingled but everlastingly united in one parsopa (person). The Church believes that the Spirit of God became man as Elijah of Yishelem in order to purify mankind and unite it with God in the same process of union of divine and human natures in all humans.
   
 
===Henosis and Theoria===
 
===Henosis and Theoria===
The main focus of the Apostolic Church of the East is ''henosis'', meaning the union of the individual with God, defined as the process of man becoming free of unholiness. Eastern Hosians believe that through prayer and asceticism one may take part in the nature of God, not directly, but through the mediation of the Spirit of God. The Church does not believe that this union cancels the individuality of the person or their human nature, but that the person remains fully human, and in full communion with the divine. The traditional metaphor used to explain this concept was that of metal placed in flames, which retains its nature, but partakes in the nature of fire. In the view of the Church, ''henosis'' is the same as salvation, which begins in this life and reaches fullness with resurrection.
+
The main focus of the Apostolic Church of the East is ''henosis'', meaning the union of the individual with God, defined as the process of man becoming free of unholiness and becoming joined with the Spirit of God in a new cration. Eastern Hosians believe that through prayer and asceticism one may take part in the nature of God, not directly, but through the mediation of the Spirit of God. The Church believes that there is a difference of degree rather than in kind between the henosis of human and divine in Eliyahu and the one that all holy men can experience, and as such it does not believe that this union cancels the individuality of the person or their human nature, but that the person remains fully human, and in full communion with the divine. In the view of the Church, ''henosis'' is the same as salvation, which begins in this life and reaches fullness with resurrection.
   
The ''ousia''-''pneuma'' distinction means that Eastern Hosians do not believe that God can be known in His Essence, but only in His Spirit. This process of knowing God is named ''theoria'', which is defined as the loving contemplation of God by man. This form of knowledge involves the whole person, not just the mind, as the Church rejects the rational understanding of God.
+
Eastern Hosians also do not believe that God Himself can be known and understood in His nature, but He can be known in His Spirit. This process of knowing God is named ''theoria'', which is defined as the loving contemplation of God by man. This form of knowledge involves the whole person, not just the mind, as the Church rejects the rational understanding of God.
   
 
===Afterlife===
 
===Afterlife===
  +
[[File:Coburan priests.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Apostolic Tewahedo priests in a procession in Cobura]]
The Church defines heaven as the unspeakable bliss caused by the full union with the Spirit of God. This condition is perceived as the burning fires of hell by those who are unreconciled with the Light of God; for them, the Spirit of God, i.e. Eliyahu, is perceived as suffering. However, the Church subscribes to Universalism, believing that God is loving and merciful and cannot allow limited sin cause unlimited suffering. In other words, man can repent even after death, so that by the time of the resurrection, there will be no more souls in hell. Even demons are believed to repent and become angels once again at the End of the World.
+
The Church defines heaven as the unspeakable bliss caused by the full union with the Spirit of God. This condition is perceived as the burning fires of hell by those who are unreconciled with the Light of God; for them, the Spirit of God is perceived as suffering. However, the Church subscribes to Universalism, believing that God is loving and merciful and cannot allow limited sin cause unlimited suffering. In other words, man can repent even after death, so that by the time of the resurrection, there will be no more souls in hell. Even demons are believed to repent and become angels once again at the End of the World.
   
 
===Hierophanies===
 
===Hierophanies===
Hierophanies are defined as acts by which God manifests Himself in the physical realm. The Incarnation of the ''Pneuma'' is seen as the greatest hierophany. Hierophanies are equivalent to the 7 sacrifices in the West, which are also accepted by the Apostolic Church of the East. However, they are not limited to a certain number, as many Church rituals are accepted as hierophanies (such as monastic tonsure, anointing a monarch, etc.)
+
Hierophanies are defined as acts by which God manifests Himself in the physical realm. The Incarnation of the Spirit is seen as the greatest hierophany. Hierophanies are equivalent to the 7 sacrifices in the West, which are also accepted by the Apostolic Church of the East. However, they are not limited to a certain number, as many Church rituals are accepted as hierophanies (such as monastic tonsure, anointing a monarch, etc.)
   
 
===Continuous Revelation===
 
===Continuous Revelation===
Although it rejects the [[Council of Auroria]], which defined the Hosian scriptural canon, the Apostolic Church of the East generally uses the same holy books as the other Hosian churches. The Church does, however, reject any attempt to limit the biblical canon, or establish any distinction between scripture and tradition. To do so, the Church believes, is to take the Scriptures out of context, and to deny the ability of God's Spirit to continue to inspire after the completion of the Holy Books. Instead, the Eastern Hosians believe that [[Eliyahu]] constantly works to illuminate the Fathers of the Church, just as He illuminated the biblical prophets, and that divine revelation is continuous. In addition to the Hosian Bible, some of the writings accepted as inspired by the Church are the ''Paterikon Badarion'' ("The Sayings of the Badaran Desert Fathers"), the church liturgies, and several other books. The Holy Synod of the Church can determine whether a book is inspired or not, just as it does with the canonization of saints.
+
Although it rejects the [[Council of Auroria]], which defined the Hosian scriptural canon, the Apostolic Church of the East generally uses the same holy books as the other Hosian churches. The Church does, however, reject any attempt to establish a distinction between scripture and tradition. To do so, the Church believes, is to take the Scriptures out of context, and to deny the ability of God's Spirit to continue to inspire after the completion of the Holy Books. Instead, the Eastern Hosians believe that the Spirit constantly works to illuminate the Fathers of the Church, just as He illuminated the biblical prophets, and that divine revelation is continuous. The Church did nonetheless establish a biblical canon at the Synod of Qart Qildar, incidentally identical to the one established at Auroria.
   
 
==Practices==
 
==Practices==
  +
The Church accepts the local practices of the autocephalous churches that make up the communion. The liturgies accepted as inspired are the Divine Liturgy of [[Saint Hilarios]] (Augustan Rite; OOC: Byzantine rite), the Divine Liturgy of [[Saint Evdemoz]] (Hobrazian Rite; OOC: Armenian Rite), the Divine Liturgy of [[Saint Sebastian]] (Cildanian Rite; OOC: West Syrian Rite), the Divine Liturgy of [[St. Aladdin|Saint Aladdin]] (Aldegarian Rite; OOC: East Syrian Rite), and the Divine Liturgy of [[St. Shenouda]] (Coburan Rite; OOC: Alexandrian Rite).
 
  +
[[File:Aldegarian Qurbana.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Celebration of Holy Qurbana (Mass) in Aldegar]]
  +
 
The Church accepts the local practices of the autocephalous churches that make up the communion. The liturgies accepted as inspired are the Divine Liturgy of [[Saint Evdemoz]] (Hobrazian Rite; OOC: Armenian Rite), the Divine Liturgy of [[Saint Sebastian]] (Kathuran Rite; OOC: West Syrian Rite), the Divine Liturgy of [[St. Aladdin|Saint Aladdin]] (Aldegarian Rite; OOC: East Syrian Rite), and the Divine Liturgy of [[St. Shenouda]] (Coburan Rite; OOC: Alexandrian Rite).
  +
  +
As the Apostolic Church of the East is comprised of a number of fully autocephalous (independent) Churches, each of them has the right to its own liturgy, theology, spirituality, discipline and hierarchy. Due to their long independent history, the five Churches have in time developed divergent practices and liturgical rites. The Church as a whole recognizes as official four main rites, i.e. the Kathuran, Hobrazian, Aldegarian, and Coburan. Moreover, three of the five Churches, namely the Church of the Isles, the Barmenian Church, and the Aldegarian Church use the [[Kathuran language]] in their liturgy, leading to their characterization as Kathuran Hosianism, considered the largest and most influential branch in the Eastern Church.
  +
  +
There are however some practices that are common to all Churches in the Eastern communion. As liturgically-oriented Churches, they are considered to fall within [[Patriarchalism|Patriarchal]] Hosianism, especially due to their hierarchical structure, ancient monastic tradition, high concern for mystery, emphasis on Apostolic succession, and strong belief in the central role of Church Tradition. As such they share numerous common elements with Aurorian Churches (the [[Aurorian Patriarchal Church]] and the [[Terran Patriarchal Church]]), which, in spite of their very different theological views, has sometimes led to attempts at communion or the conversion of individuals and even whole communities from one to the other. Moreover, all Eastern Churches allow for married clergy (except for monastics and bishops), similarly to some branches of the Aurorian Churches, and, following the Synod of Qart Qildar, the ordination of women as deacons was (re)introduced, on a limited basis.
   
 
==Organization==
 
==Organization==
The Apostolic Church of the East is organized into 7 autocephalous Churches, each led by a Patriarch: the [[Hobrazian Orthodox Church]], the [[Badaran Apostolic Church]], the [[Apostolic Department of Cildania]], the [[Barmenian Apostolic Church]], the [[Aldegarian Apostolic Church]], the [[Kanjoran Apostolic Church]], and the [[Coburan Apostolic Tewahedo Church]]. The Patriarch of Hobrazia holds the primacy of honour, followed by the Patriarchs of Al'Badara, Cildania, Barmenia, Aldegar, Kanjor, and Cobura, in this order. The Patriarch of Hobrazia is considered the first among equals, and no bishop rules over the whole church. The governance of the Church belongs to the Holy Synod, formed by all bishops of the Church, which can be convoked by any of the 7 Patriarchs. Each autocephalous Church is governed by a Synod, headed by the Patriarch of that Church.
+
The Apostolic Church of the East is organized into 5 autocephalous (independent) Churches, each led by a Patriarch. Following the Synod of Qart Qildar and the merger of the Cildanian and Badaran Churches, the Patriarch of [[Qart Qildar]] was granted the primacy of honour, followed by the Patriarchs of Hobrazia, Barmenia, Aldegar, and Cobura, in this order. The Patriarch of Cildania is considered the first among equals, and no bishop rules over the whole church. The governance of the Church belongs to an elected council of Patriarchs, led by a High Patriarch who serves for a five-year term. Each autocephalous Church is governed by a Synod, headed by the Patriarch of that Church.
   
  +
* [[Apostolic Church of the Isles]], following the Kathuran Rite (OOC: West Syrian/Antiochene Rite) and headquartered in [[Qart Qildar]], with jurisdiction over [[Cildania]], [[Badara]], and [[Selucia]]; formed by the merger of the [[Apostolic Department of Cildania]] and the [[Badaran Apostolic Church]]; [[Kathuran language|Classical Kathuran]] is its liturgical language, but in practice the vernacular languages ([[Gziri]], [[Qildari language|Qildari]], [[Hebilean languages|Hebilean]], [[Majatran language|Majatran]], [[Selucian language|Selucian]]) are far more frequently used; unlike the Church in Barmenia the Church of the Isles also has many Selucian Rite (OOC: Latin Rite) elements (OOC: equivalent of [[Wikipedia:Maronite Church|Maronite Church]])
  +
* [[Hobrazian Orthodox Church]], following the Hobrazian Rite (OOC: Armenian Rite) and headquartered in [[Astoria City|Astoria]], with jurisdiction over [[Hobrazia]] and all [[Artania]]; [[Hobrazian language|Hobrazian]] is the liturgical language, but vernacular languages ([[Pntek]], [[Arev Mardik]]) are frequently used.
  +
* [[Barmenian Apostolic Church]], following the Kathuran Rite and headquartered in [[Kathuristan|Kathura]], with jurisdiction over all continental [[Majatra]] ; with the exception of Cathicosate of [[Pontesi]] (who are governed both by local leadership and a set of leadership currently in Hobrazia) all churches of the continent report directly to the Patriarch of Kathura; classical Kathuran is the liturgical language, while [[Brmek]], [[Majatran language|Majatran]], and [[Turjak people|Turjak]] are frequently used (OOC: equivalent of [[Wikipedia:Syriac Orthodox Church|Syriac Orthodox Church]])
  +
* [[Aldegarian Apostolic Church]], following the Aldegarian Rite (OOC: East Syrian Rite) and headquartered in [[Aldegaria]], with jurisdiction over [[Aldegar]] and all [[Seleya]]; formed of the merger of the Aldegarian Apostolic Church and [[Kanjoran Apostolic Church]]; Classical Kathuran as the liturgical language, and [[Aldegarian language|Aldegarian]] and [[Canrillaise language|Canrillaise]] are the main vernaculars (OOC: equivalent of the [[Wikipedia:Assyrian Church of the East|Assyrian Church of the East]])
  +
* [[Coburan Apostolic Tewahedo Church]], following the Coburan Rite (OOC: Alexandrian Rite) and headquartered in [[Sharba]], with jurisdiction over [[Cobura]] and [[Zardugal]]; [[Irkawan language|Irkawan]] and [[Mallan language|Mallan]] are the liturgical languages, with a wide use of [[Majatran language|Majatran]] and [[Augustan language|Augustan]] (OOC: equivalent of [[Wikipedia:Coptic Orthodox Church|Coptic Orthodox Church]] + [[Wikipedia:Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church|Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church]] + [[Wikipedia:Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Church|Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Church]])
 
[[Category:Religion]]
 
[[Category:Religion]]
 
[[Category:Hosianism]]
 
[[Category:Hosianism]]

Latest revision as of 23:28, 27 August 2020

Apostolic Church of the East
ACoE
Type Hosian
Theistic philosophy Monotheistic, Unitarian
Supreme divinity Elyon
Major Prophets Ariel, Elior, Eliyahu
Governance Episcopal, Conciliar
Synod Holy Synod
Region Hobrazia, Cildania, Al'Badara, Aldegar, Barmenia, Kanjor, Cobura, Zardugal, diaspora
Denominations

Merge of Hobrazian Orthodox Church and Patriarchal Church (Eastern Rite)

The Apostolic Church of the East is the name of the variety of Patriarchal Hosianism that rejects the Council of Auroria. The Church was founded in 3412, following the Synod of Aldegaria that reunited the Hobrazian Orthodox Church and the Patriarchal Church (Eastern Rite), which had become separated in the 9th-10th centuries. The Church is distinguished by its Unitarian theology, according to which the Spirit of God is not a distinct person participating in the Godhead, but is the power of God and the means by which He becomes immanent in Creation (while God Himself is fully transcendental).

History[]

The origins of the Church lie in the Council of Auroria of 533 CE, which unified most of the local Hosian churches into a single international body, with an Arch-Patriarch ruling over the entire Church. The Hobrazian Orthodox Church, represented by Saint Evdemoz, rejected the creation of an Arch-Patriarchy and the Pneumatological (re. the Spirit of God) definition adopted at the council, thus causing the first major Hosian schism.

During subsequent centuries, Hobrazian missionaries brought their faith to various regions in Majatra, leading to the creation of the Patriarchal Church (ER). In time, following the Ahmadi invasions, the two churches lost contact. Although they maintained doctrinal unity, the Churches essentially became separate bodies.

In 3409, Patriarch Zartosht III of the Aldegarian Patriarchal Church (ER) called for an Ecumenical Synod in the city of Aldegaria to reunite the two churches. The resulting Synod of Aldegaria, functioning between March 23 3412 and July 7 3412, agreed to unite the two churches, creating the Apostolic Church of the East.

Throughout the centuries since the creation of the reunified Eastern Hosian Church it has experienced a number of schisms and theological controversies. The largest of these was the Barmenian Schism that created the Barmenian Church, based on the different theological views of Kathuran Hosianism. The schism eventually led to the convocation of the Ecumenical Synod of Qart Qildar of 3977-3981 that resulted in the official adoption of Kathuran theology and a number of ecclesiastical reforms. The reforms were further entrenched with the subsequent Synod of Kathura of 4232-4237, that recognized the Barmenian Apostolic Church's prominent position over all continental Majatra and also recognized the ordination of women.

Beliefs[]

St origen

Modern icon of Saint Origen, considered one of the founders of Eastern Hosian theology

God[]

The Apostolic Church of the East believes that there is only one God, with a single ousia (essence), parsopa (person), and qnoma (hypostasis), fully incomprehensible and fully transcendental. Eastern Hosians thus subscribe to Unitarianism, rejecting the binitarianism of the Western Churches and the polytheism of the Terran Patriarchal Church, as they do not believe that the Spirit of God is a distinct person belonging to the Godhead. Instead, the Apostolic Church of the East believes that the Spirit is God's creative energy (called "the Wisdom, the Mind, the Power, and the Light of God"), and the means by which He created the world and becomes immanent in creation.

Eliyahu[]

Eastern Hosians believe that Elijah of Yishelem is the incarnation of the Spirit of God. Following the Synod of Qart Qildar, the Church adopted as official the position that the Spirit and Eliyahu are two distinct hypostases united in one person, subscribing to the theological formula introduced by St. Origen according to which the Incarnate Spirit has two qnome (hypostases or natures), which are unmingled but everlastingly united in one parsopa (person). The Church believes that the Spirit of God became man as Elijah of Yishelem in order to purify mankind and unite it with God in the same process of union of divine and human natures in all humans.

Henosis and Theoria[]

The main focus of the Apostolic Church of the East is henosis, meaning the union of the individual with God, defined as the process of man becoming free of unholiness and becoming joined with the Spirit of God in a new cration. Eastern Hosians believe that through prayer and asceticism one may take part in the nature of God, not directly, but through the mediation of the Spirit of God. The Church believes that there is a difference of degree rather than in kind between the henosis of human and divine in Eliyahu and the one that all holy men can experience, and as such it does not believe that this union cancels the individuality of the person or their human nature, but that the person remains fully human, and in full communion with the divine. In the view of the Church, henosis is the same as salvation, which begins in this life and reaches fullness with resurrection.

Eastern Hosians also do not believe that God Himself can be known and understood in His nature, but He can be known in His Spirit. This process of knowing God is named theoria, which is defined as the loving contemplation of God by man. This form of knowledge involves the whole person, not just the mind, as the Church rejects the rational understanding of God.

Afterlife[]

Coburan priests

Apostolic Tewahedo priests in a procession in Cobura

The Church defines heaven as the unspeakable bliss caused by the full union with the Spirit of God. This condition is perceived as the burning fires of hell by those who are unreconciled with the Light of God; for them, the Spirit of God is perceived as suffering. However, the Church subscribes to Universalism, believing that God is loving and merciful and cannot allow limited sin cause unlimited suffering. In other words, man can repent even after death, so that by the time of the resurrection, there will be no more souls in hell. Even demons are believed to repent and become angels once again at the End of the World.

Hierophanies[]

Hierophanies are defined as acts by which God manifests Himself in the physical realm. The Incarnation of the Spirit is seen as the greatest hierophany. Hierophanies are equivalent to the 7 sacrifices in the West, which are also accepted by the Apostolic Church of the East. However, they are not limited to a certain number, as many Church rituals are accepted as hierophanies (such as monastic tonsure, anointing a monarch, etc.)

Continuous Revelation[]

Although it rejects the Council of Auroria, which defined the Hosian scriptural canon, the Apostolic Church of the East generally uses the same holy books as the other Hosian churches. The Church does, however, reject any attempt to establish a distinction between scripture and tradition. To do so, the Church believes, is to take the Scriptures out of context, and to deny the ability of God's Spirit to continue to inspire after the completion of the Holy Books. Instead, the Eastern Hosians believe that the Spirit constantly works to illuminate the Fathers of the Church, just as He illuminated the biblical prophets, and that divine revelation is continuous. The Church did nonetheless establish a biblical canon at the Synod of Qart Qildar, incidentally identical to the one established at Auroria.

Practices[]

Aldegarian Qurbana

Celebration of Holy Qurbana (Mass) in Aldegar

The Church accepts the local practices of the autocephalous churches that make up the communion. The liturgies accepted as inspired are the Divine Liturgy of Saint Evdemoz (Hobrazian Rite; OOC: Armenian Rite), the Divine Liturgy of Saint Sebastian (Kathuran Rite; OOC: West Syrian Rite), the Divine Liturgy of Saint Aladdin (Aldegarian Rite; OOC: East Syrian Rite), and the Divine Liturgy of St. Shenouda (Coburan Rite; OOC: Alexandrian Rite).

As the Apostolic Church of the East is comprised of a number of fully autocephalous (independent) Churches, each of them has the right to its own liturgy, theology, spirituality, discipline and hierarchy. Due to their long independent history, the five Churches have in time developed divergent practices and liturgical rites. The Church as a whole recognizes as official four main rites, i.e. the Kathuran, Hobrazian, Aldegarian, and Coburan. Moreover, three of the five Churches, namely the Church of the Isles, the Barmenian Church, and the Aldegarian Church use the Kathuran language in their liturgy, leading to their characterization as Kathuran Hosianism, considered the largest and most influential branch in the Eastern Church.

There are however some practices that are common to all Churches in the Eastern communion. As liturgically-oriented Churches, they are considered to fall within Patriarchal Hosianism, especially due to their hierarchical structure, ancient monastic tradition, high concern for mystery, emphasis on Apostolic succession, and strong belief in the central role of Church Tradition. As such they share numerous common elements with Aurorian Churches (the Aurorian Patriarchal Church and the Terran Patriarchal Church), which, in spite of their very different theological views, has sometimes led to attempts at communion or the conversion of individuals and even whole communities from one to the other. Moreover, all Eastern Churches allow for married clergy (except for monastics and bishops), similarly to some branches of the Aurorian Churches, and, following the Synod of Qart Qildar, the ordination of women as deacons was (re)introduced, on a limited basis.

Organization[]

The Apostolic Church of the East is organized into 5 autocephalous (independent) Churches, each led by a Patriarch. Following the Synod of Qart Qildar and the merger of the Cildanian and Badaran Churches, the Patriarch of Qart Qildar was granted the primacy of honour, followed by the Patriarchs of Hobrazia, Barmenia, Aldegar, and Cobura, in this order. The Patriarch of Cildania is considered the first among equals, and no bishop rules over the whole church. The governance of the Church belongs to an elected council of Patriarchs, led by a High Patriarch who serves for a five-year term. Each autocephalous Church is governed by a Synod, headed by the Patriarch of that Church.