Abstract
Starting from 1990-s, the relationships between Russian and Indian Orthodox Christian churches, having had their development in 60-70-s, were renewed in XXI century on a new basis of global reality. The document of the Synodal theological Commission of Russian Orthodox Church in 1994 indicates the significant strides in solving Christological problems between Indian and Russian churches, and at the same time it is not considered as a final document, enough for reestablishment of undamaged communication between Orthodox Church and Oriental (non-Chalcedonian) churches. Today Russian Orthodox scholars state that, as Soviet-Indian contacts had a different ground, now the dialogue is postponed. From the other side, in India Orthodoxy experiences all the problems of religious minority, the hardest of which is persecution. The dialogue between Russian and Indian churches could help to solve this problem, because dogmatic differences has never been a major hindrance for Indian Malankara church. Malankara Orthodox Church is unique historical case of having adopted and getting adjusted to such opposite systems as Nestorianism, Portugal Catholicism and Syrian Monophysitism influences. The special phenomenon of Malankara church is hardly known among Russian clergy. Meanwhile, it could be a ready bridgehead for Russian Church to support Orthodoxy in Asia. The research is showing sharp problems of ecumenical process in the global world.
Highlights
The history of Malankara church is itself the evidence of constant attempt to find a brotherhood in other strong Orthodox churches that could offer a protection, which is conditioned by a political agenda
On the need of avoiding Portugal pressure Malankara church appealed to Syrian Orthodox Church in 1665 about patronage
The research is based on the qualitative methodology which includes the following components: review of specialized books, studies, articles, reports and electronic resources in different languages, media resources, in-depth interviews conducted with the representatives of Malankara and Russian Orthodox churches, focus groups, observations at the worships
Summary
The history of Malankara church is itself the evidence of constant attempt to find a brotherhood in other strong Orthodox churches that could offer a protection, which is conditioned by a political agenda. On the need of avoiding Portugal pressure Malankara church appealed to Syrian Orthodox Church in 1665 about patronage. In India Orthodoxy experiences all the problems of religious minority, the hardest of which is persecution. Today the actuality of persecution, in connection with the rising activity of Hindu extremist organizations, such as The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), The Vishva Hindu Parishad, and RSS, which create ani-conversion legislation, ect., has only increased. Five Indian states: Himachal Pradesh, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Chhattisgarh, – have anti-conversion laws, which are directed against “forcible conversion”. What is “forcible conversion” and how it can be revealed in real life of religious minorities?
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call