Orthodox Christian Church Research Articles

RETRACTED: Kokkinopoulou et al. Associations Between Christian Orthodox Church Fasting and Adherence to the World Cancer Research Fund's Cancer Prevention Recommendations. Nutrients 2022, 14, 1383.

The Nutrients Editorial Office retracts the article "Associations between Christian Orthodox Church Fasting and Adherence to the World Cancer Research Fund's Cancer Prevention Recommendations" [...].

Editorial: Orthodox Christian Churches and War Politics in Ethiopia and Ukraine: Historical, Ecclesial and Theological Reflections

Editorial: Orthodox Christian Churches and War Politics in Ethiopia and Ukraine: Historical, Ecclesial and Theological Reflections

The Influence of the Ontology of Orthodox Christian Art on Music and Icon Painting

The social institution of the Orthodox Christian Church penetrates into all the aspects of artistry (icon painting, church singing, church rituals), supporting individual thinking. However, it is only in the present day than the integrity of this thinking is becoming comprehensible. The methods of iconography, musicology, and singing paleography, the meticulous reading of the theological utterances of St. John of Damascus and the other Church Fathers, analysis of the historiography of the works of such authors as Father Pavel Florensky, Yuri Lotman, Alexei Lidov, Sergei Averintsev, and Nikolai Mikhaltsov allow us to understand the deep ontology of Orthodox Christian art. The author of the article presumes that the concept of St. John of Damascus, expressed in the concept of perichorisis, reflecting the idea of the “mutual exchange of energies,” should be interpreted not only christologically, but as being the most important ontological basis of the entire legacy that accompanies church service. It is perichorisis that provides the synergy of the artistic means: the color scheme of images and the color model of the chant text for the icon, as well as the melodic formulas of the chant merge in unity. As a result of this, a unique set of regulator-techniques of the expressivity of ecclesiastic art is formed, which also exerts an impact on modern art. The article provides examples of such influence in the work of Georgy Sviridov.

Consumption of Ultra-Processed Food and Drink Products in a Greek Christian Orthodox Church Fasting Population

Consumption of Ultra-Processed Food and Drink Products in a Greek Christian Orthodox Church Fasting Population

Association between Dietary Patterns and Metabolic Syndrome Risk Factors: A Cross-Sectional Study of Christian Orthodox Church Fasters and Non-Fasters in Greece.

It is well known that the Mediterranean diet contributes to healthy living, prevention of non-communicable diseases, and longevity. A cross-sectional study was conducted with participants from Greece who follow the Mediterranean diet and were further divided into two categories: (i) Christian Orthodox Church (COC) religious fasters and (ii) non-fasters. Four-hundred individuals underwent anthropometric measurements, whereas information regarding dietary intake was collected via three 24 h diet recalls and a monthly food frequency questionnaire. Principal component analysis was performed to derive dietary patterns, whereas associations between dietary patterns and metabolic syndrome (MetS) risk factors were investigated with the general linear model. Non-fasters (n = 200) were found to consume significantly more beef, chicken, turkey, sausage, broth, fried potatoes, ketchup, and mustard, while consuming less seafood, snails, soya, tarama salads, fresh fruits, margarine, olives, and decaf coffee. Two distinct dietary patterns were identified in fasters: (i) the "Mixed Diet" and (ii) the "Plant-based/Fasting Diet" pattern. Moreover, three patterns were identified in non-fasters, and were identified as follows: (i) the "Western Diet", (ii) the "Mixed Diet", and (iii) the "Mediterranean-like Diet" pattern. No significant association was observed between dietary patterns and the prevalence of MetS in our population. Further epidemiological studies should evaluate the links between dietary patterns and MetS prevalence within the adult Greek population.

Does Religious Fasting Have a Protective Role against Metabolic Syndrome in Individuals Aged >50 Years?

The Christian Orthodox Church (COC) fasting is a periodic vegetarian-type diet lasting 180-200 days annually in which seafood and snails are allowed on all fasting days. Our aim was to investigate the effects of COC fasting on metabolic syndrome (MetS) in adults >50 years. One hundred seventy-six individuals participated in the study (mean age 59.7 ± 6.0 years). Eighty-nine had been following the COC fasting regime since their childhood and eighty-seven were non-fasters. Anthropometric measurements, blood samples, and nutrient intake data were collected at a scheduled appointment, during a non-fasting period. Fasters had significantly higher hip circumference (102 ± 8.5 vs. 98.8 ± 7.5 cm, p = 0.009), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (136 ± 73 vs. 115 ± 51 mg/dL, p = 0.033), and folic acid levels (6.0 ± 4.0 vs. 3.0 ± 1.2 ng/mL, p = 0.018), as well as lower systolic blood pressure (SBP) (131 ± 13 vs. 136 ± 14 mmHg, p = 0.045), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (80 ± 8 vs. 83 ± 7 mmHg, p = 0.007), glucose (87 ± 16 vs. 93 ± 25 mg/dL, p = 0.039), and triglycerides (143 ± 94 vs. 175 ± 84 mg/dL, p = 0.040). Fasters had significantly less intake of calories (1493.65 ± 363.74 vs. 1614.65 ± 426.28 kcal, p = 0.044) and fat (81.17 ± 25.47 vs. 90.74 ± 24.75 g, p = 0.012), whereas they also consumed significantly less vitamin A-retinol, vitamin B2, vitamin B12, vitamin E, folic acid, pantothenic acid, calcium, phosphorus, zinc, and significantly more vitamin C (p < 0.005 for all comparisons). BP was significantly higher in non-fasters (44.8 vs. 22.5%, p = 0.002), whereas MetS was more frequently present in non-fasters vs. fasters, with a marginal level of significance (35.6 vs. 22.5%, p = 0.055). COC fasting may affect beneficially MetS prevalence in individuals >50 years, although future research is needed before reaching definite conclusions.

The Interplay between Metabolic Syndrome and Religious Fasting in Postmenopausal Women.

Religious fasting that involves abstinence from specific food(s) is part of many religions worldwide and has been gaining attention by the research community during the last years. The study aimed to investigate whether the periodic Christian Orthodox fasting mitigates the changes in body composition, dietary intake, and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in postmenopausal women. One hundred and thirty-four postmenopausal women aged 57.3 ± 6.7 years participated in this study. The Christian Orthodox fasting was followed by 68 postmenopausal women since their childhood, whereas 66 postmenopausal women were non-fasters. Data collection involved anthropometric, biochemical, clinical, and dietary information. Postmenopausal women who fasted according to Christian Orthodox Church recommendations had significantly higher mean fat free mass (45 vs. 44 kg, p = 0.002), hip circumference (104 vs. 99 cm, p = 0.001), and diastolic blood pressure (79 vs. 82 mmHg, p = 0.024). No other differences were found with regards to anthropometric data. Fasters also consumed significantly less fat (78 vs. 91 g, p = 0.006), as well as saturated (19 vs. 23 g, p = 0.015), monounsaturated (41 vs. 47 g, p = 0.018), and polyunsaturated fat (8.5 vs. 10 g, p = 0.023), trans fatty acids (0.5 vs. 2.3 g, p = 0.035), and cholesterol (132 vs. 176 g, p = 0.011). In terms of MetS features, non-fasters had more frequently elevated fasting blood glucose (11.8 vs. 24.2%, p = 0.039) and elevated blood pressure (13.2 vs. 36.4%, p = 0.041) compared with fasters. MetS was more common in non-fasters versus fasters with a marginal level of significance (30.3 vs. 23.5%, p = 0.052). Postmenopausal women who follow the Christian Orthodox fasting regime had lower fat intake, and no other difference in nutrient intake, compared with non-fasters. The latter were more likely to have MetS and some of its components. Overall, periodic abstinence from meat, dairy products, and eggs might play a protective role in postmenopausal women with regard to MetS.

Nutrient Intake and Risk Factors for Metabolic Syndrome in Christian Orthodox Church Religious Fasters.

Studies regarding health effects of religious fasting have been increased during the last decade. Our aim was to investigate the impact of adherence to the periodic Christian Orthodox Church (COC) fasting on nutrient intake, body composition, and risk factors for metabolic syndrome (MetS). Four-hundred individuals aged 42.6 ± 17.0 years participated in this cross-sectional study. Two-hundred subjects followed the COC fasting since childhood or at least the last twelve consecutive years, and two-hundred subjects did not follow the COC fasting regimes or any other restrictive dietary pattern. Socioeconomic data, lifestyle habits, and physical activity data were collected. Nutritional assessment was performed via two 24 h recalls and a food frequency questionnaire. Anthropometric data and biochemical parameters were also measured. Fasters had a significantly lower daily intake of calories (1547 vs. 1662 kcals, p = 0.009), protein (52 vs. 59 g, p = 0.001), fat (82 vs. 89 g, p = 0.012), and cholesterol (147 vs. 178 g, p = 0.001) compared with non-fasters. Furthermore, fasters reported a healthier way of living, with lower rates of smoking and alcohol consumption (p < 0.001 and 0.002, respectively). Insulin and magnesium levels were significantly higher, whereas levels of urea, transaminases, glucose, and phosphorus were significantly lower, as was DBP in fasters versus non-fasters. Furthermore, MetS prevalence was non-significantly higher in non-faster compared with fasters. During a non-fasting period, individuals following the COC fasting recommendations reported lower intake of calories, protein, fat, and cholesterol compared with non-fasters. Fasters tended to have a healthier lifestyle pattern and a lower risk for MetS versus non-fasters. Some biochemical parameters also significantly differed between the two study groups. Further research is warranted to establish the long-term clinical impact of these findings.

Русские места памяти в современном Харбине: имперские смыслы и советские символы

Introduction. The study analyzes Russian places of memory in contemporary Harbin. Goals. The paper seeks to answer the question if a memorial consensus regarding the Russian heritage in China is possible, the term ‘memorial consensus’ as such denote a certain formal or informal agreement — between governments or within the community — whether to accept or reject certain symbols of the past, and how to interpret the historical events. That would guarantee conflict-free attitudes to places of memory and their due use for ritual purposes. Moreover, such an agreement regulates how certain memorials or memorable dates associated with a common history may be used in a way most acceptable to all the parties. And the present-day war on monuments around the world makes the study timely enough. In this regard, the Chinese experiences of forming a model for accepting a common past are of essential interest. Materials and methods. Methodologically, the work clusters with memory studies. The paper relies on the concepts ‘places of memory’ and ‘cultural memory’ to apply them to empirical materials of Heilongjiang and focus on toponyms, monuments, cemetery, museum exhibitions, architectural monuments, including Orthodox Christian churches. The discussion shall comprise not only monuments associated with White Russian émigrés but also later Soviet memorials. The paper investigates topographic data, visual materials, reference books dealing with historical and cultural landscapes, and historical works. Discussion. In terms of academic disciplines, the study involves historical, political science, sociological, and cultural approaches. This makes it possible to combine the analysis of the position of memorial objects with political changes in the region. Results. The work shows that a memorial consensus about the ‘Russian past’ has been formed in Harbin to meet tourist needs within the city’s image. This has been facilitated by the rapid development of domestic tourism in China. An important role in finding a memorial consensus was played by the constant dialogue between leaders of the two countries. The study identifies a total of three periods when relationships between national leaders had positive impacts on the policy towards the past. The first period is the time of the union between I. V. Stalin and Mao Zedong, the second period is the dialogue between B. N. Yeltsin and Jiang Zemin, and the third one is the tandem of V. V. Putin and Xi Jinping.

Impact of Christian Orthodox Church Fasting on Metabolic Syndrome Components in Adults Aged 18-49 Years.

Studies regarding health effects of religious fasting have been increased during the last decade. Our aim was to investigate the effects of Christian Orthodox Church (COC) fasting on metabolic syndrome in young adults. Participants were 224 men and women, of whom 111 had been following the COC fasting regime and 113 were non-fasters, all aged 18 to 49 years (mean age 29.23 ± 8.78 years). Anthropometric measurements, including the Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis, were performed on individuals, and they also completed food intake questionnaires, and provided blood samples for biochemical analysis. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to criteria of the National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel III and all variables were checked. Fasters did not statistically differ in anthropometric measurements when comparing to non-fasters. Differences were found in terms of biochemical variables, and more specific in HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and total blood cholesterol, and in systemic and diastolic blood pressure, although non statistically significant. Statistically significant differences were only noticed in heart pulses and insulin levels, with fasters having lower heart pulses (69.44 ± 9.84 versus 72.63 ± 10.74) and greater mean values of insulin levels (4.16 ± 4.66 versus 3.12 ± 2.35). When analysis was carried to identify which variables were met for metabolic syndrome, it was found that fasters had statistically significant lower values of blood pressure when compared to non-fasters. In more details mean systolic blood pressure was 121.67 ± 12.21 versus 123.41 ± 11.73 for fasters and non-fasters respectively, and mean diastolic blood pressure was 75.77 ± 8.82 versus 78.27 ± 10.07 for fasters and non-fasters. Furthermore, the mean energy intake was higher in non-fasters (1698.25 ± 515.99 kcals) when compared to fasters (1590.24 ± 404.19 kcals) but not statistically significant different. Young adults aged 18 to 49 years who fast according to the COC fasting regimes do not have different metabolic syndrome prevalence when comparing to non-fasters, but there was a statistically significant difference in the prevalence of elevated blood pressure with fasters having lower values.

Between privilege and exclusion: Orthodox church singers coping with the Covid-19 lockdown.

The outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic restricted public worship in many religious communities. This article explores how the amateur singers in Eastern Orthodox Christian church choirs coped with the 2-month liturgical lockdown in Finland during the spring of 2020. During the lockdown, only a limited number of singers were allowed to perform in worship, which was live streamed on social media. Based on a mixed-methods online survey, the article focuses on the psychological impact of the lockdown on individual church singers; their views of the spiritual, physical, mental and communal dimensions of singing in worship; and the methods of coping that their responses reveal. The analysis uses the religious coping theory developed by Kenneth Pargament and his colleagues. The results highlight how the church singers sought to maintain control of their lives in times of great uncertainty by focusing on individual religious activities and participating in live streamed worship. A new kind of autonomy was generated by the accessibility of worship on mobile devices, not confined to time or place. The results also reveal the negative effects of the lockdown on the social dynamics of the choir, the sense of being excluded from the community, as well as the guilt for having the privilege to sing in worship.

Orthodox Churches during the Pandemic in Ukraine and Georgia: Narratives and New Practices

ABSTRACT While some religious institutions postponed their religious services during the pandemic, Orthodox Christian churches insisted on keeping their doors open. Why did churches challenge social distancing policies, and how did they succeed in defying state authority at any cost? We address this puzzle drawing on an analysis of official statements, media, in-depth interviews, and surveys in Georgia and Ukraine conducted in 2020 and 2021. Our data suggest that the churches’ historical role as the pillar of the nation provided the necessary motivation and leverage against the government; their success, however, varied with respect to the level of church fragmentation.

Značaj crkvenih škola za razvoj obrazovanja i pedagogije kod Srba

The main goal of this work is to show the way in which the Christian and Serbian Orthodox Church throughout history represented not only spiritual comfort and support to its spiritual children, but that from its very beginnings it was determined as an educational and pedagogical institution, and what we will through to try and present a historical-pedagogical analysis of several key historical periods in the history of the Serbian people.

Beli rubac Presvete Bogorodice u oltarskim apsidama srpskih manastirskih hramova XIII–XIV stoleća: teološki i liturgiološki aspekti

taking into account that the Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary is the holiest and greatest saint in the Christian Church, mosaic and fresco painting and veneration of the Most Holy Theotokos in the altar’s apses of the Orthodox Christian Churches, should be recognized as the very important element of mystagogical and liturgical Tradition. Among the many representations of the Blessed Virgin Mary, there is one which stresses her role as a Holy Table, Bearer of the Bread from heaven and Mother of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Furthermore, two relevant details are helping to be understood such a sacred reality — the venerable Belt and white handkerchief of Holy Virgin. This paper analyzes fresco representing of the Mary’s white handkerchief in the altar’s apses of the Serbian Monasteries churches (Studenica, Gračanica, Dečani) according to the theological and liturgiological context. Also, the author is constructing the hypothesis that white handkerchief could be connected, from one side, with the oldest white silk cloth — eileton spread on the Holy Table during the Divine Eucharist and, from another side, with swaddling cloths of Incarnated Jesus and Christ’s burial linen cloths.

Nationalising Scorched Earth - Memory and Destruction of Monuments from Vukovar to Knin

Research has often focused on Croatian memorialisation processes in specific places like Bleiburg and Jasenovac, controversial places during and after World War II. This article employs another view and elaborates on the destruction and removal, as well as the recent restoration of monuments and reconstruction of sacred architecture. It examines current memory processes in places once in the Republic of Serbian Krajina (1991-1995), from Vukovar to Knin. It stresses the different roles between state-organised and private commemorations in these historically multi-ethnic and -religious areas. The paper addresses problems like the demolition of monuments not fitting into the state narrative and analyses various historical processes that instigated the (re-)use of revisionist and mostly politically tolerated symbols and inscriptions on monuments and sacred architecture. With attention to the latter, it specifically deals with the reconstruction of a Catholic and Christian-Orthodox church in the Lika region. The research connects historical and anthropological approaches and contributes to the interdisciplinary field of memory studies.

Religion, Nation, State, and Anti-Gender Politics in Georgia and Ukraine

ABSTRACT Under pressure from the European Union and civil society activists, countries in the European Neighborhood made some advancements concerning the human rights of LGBTI people. However, local resistance emerged as the EU advocated for LGBTI rights internationally. This article explores the role of the Christian Orthodox Church in such resistance in Georgia and Ukraine. It argues that as the LGBTI movement was gaining more visibility, the national Christian Orthodox churches turned into major actors opposing LGBTI rights and so-called “gender ideology” and, in both cases, have proven effective in preventing or slowing down the promotion of sexual and gender equalities.

RETRACTED: Associations between Christian Orthodox Church Fasting and Adherence to the World Cancer Research Fund's Cancer Prevention Recommendations.

Objective: Studies regarding the health effects of religious fasting have increased in the last decade. The aim of this research was to investigate the relationship between Christian Orthodox Church (COC) fasting recommendations and cancer risk, with a specific focus on fibre, fruit, vegetables, and red and processed meat consumption. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, participants included 361 individuals from Northern Greece. One hundred and seventy-six participants followed the COC fasting regime for more than 10 years, and 185 participants did not follow any restrictive dietary patterns. Diet was assessed using a 114-item food frequency questionnaire. Results: Fasters had a more favourable dietary intake compared to non-fasters, with fasters having a higher consumption of fruit and vegetables (p = 0.009) and a significantly lower consumption of total processed meat (p < 0.001) compared to non-fasters. No significant differences were observed in the consumption of fibre and red meat consumption between the two groups. Conclusions: Following the World Cancer Research Fund Cancer Recommendations, fasters are at a potentially lowering risk of developing colorectal cancer than non-fasters due to their more favourable dietary intake. Furthermore, higher consumption of fruit and vegetables with a lower consumption of total processed meat contributes to lower the risk of metabolic syndrome. Public health strategies based on following the structured COC fasting recommendations might hopefully contribute to the prevention of metabolic syndrome and colorectal cancer.

Dietary Patterns in Adults Following the Christian Orthodox Fasting Regime in Greece.

ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to identify and describe the dietary patterns seen in a carefully selected sample that follows the Christian Orthodox Church (COC) fasting regime in Greece.MethodsA number of 361 individuals from Northern Greece participated in this cross-sectional study. A number of 176 subjects have been fasting according to the COC recommendations since childhood and 185 non-fasters acted as the control group. Dietary data from a validated food frequency questionnaire were used to derive dietary patterns by principal component analysis (PCA).ResultsThree distinct dietary patterns were identified in the fasting population, the “COC Fasting,” the “Western,” and the “Traditional” dietary pattern, whereas in the non-fasting population, two dietary patterns were found the “Western” and the “Traditional.” The dietary patterns in the fasting population were associated with healthier lifestyle choices, such as abstaining from alcohol and smoke and reduced red and processed meats consumption.ConclusionFindings from the study revealed that people who adhere to the COC fasting recommendations since childhood tend to follow this dietary pattern throughout the year. By gaining insights into the energy and nutrient intake of this unique dietary pattern, public health stakeholders could promote healthier eating behaviors to prevent non-communicable chronic diseases, such as obesity and metabolic syndrome.

Developing a Metadata Standard for Orthodox Christian Canon Law Description: OrthoCCL Metadata Standard Version 1.0

Canon Law, in the Orthodox Christian Church, is the body of Canons that regulates the lives of its members and has a two-fold meaning, legal and theological. Although for the Orthodox Christian Community these canonical texts play an important role in the life of its members, there is stagnation concerning, inter alia, their documentation, that is, the recording information required for their retrieval, organization, storage, use, and transmittal. Within this context, this article presents the first edition of a proposed Orthodox Christian Canon Law Metadata Standard, henceforth OrthoCCL Metadata Standard. This standard is based on Dublin Core, and more specifically it reuses its elements and at the same time expands them to cover the current needs of this work. The first version of the standard includes 23 elements and 61 element refinements that comprise the metadata terms of the template. A part of the terms was formed and organized based on a semiotic methodology. We expect this documentation standard to form the basis for any future work related to the annotation and exchange of Canon Law data on the Orthodox Christian Religion.

К онтологии православного искусства

The art of the Orthodox Christian Church conveys the special thinking intrinsic to believers, which does not fit into standard ideas. This type of thinking is characterized by a deep penetration into all aspects of artistry: icon painting, church singing and church action. Researchers have been paying attention to this for a long time. At the same time, only in the present day with the careful study of the works of St. John of Damascus and the Church Fathers, the veil of secrecy has been lifted. The integrality of this thinking becomes clear, and it is achieved solely in the synthesis of the constituent parts of the rite and its artistic means. The ontology of Orthodox Christian art is revealed in the article by means of approaches to the analysis of the works of St. John of Damascus and examples of the implementation of the synthesis of arts in icon painting and church chants which are close to the content of the icon. The works of Father Pavel Florensky, Yuri Lotman, Alexei Lidov, Sergei Averintsev and Nikolai Mikhaltsov have become the impetus for careful reading of St. John of Damascus’ guidelines on such a concept as perichorisis, which, as it becomes clear, is important for the interpretation not only in the Christological key, but also as the most important ontological basis of the entire artistic heritage that accompanies worship in church. The synthesis of the color scheme of the icon image, the color model of the text of the accompanying chant, the construction of melodic formulas in accordance with the metatext points of the chant – altogether this creates a unique complex of artistic means of Orthodox Christian art.