Codrul Cosminului (Dec 2009)
Législation canonique, œcuménique, du V-e siècle
Abstract
The Fifth Century has been affected by internal and external struggles. The great Roman Empire began to fall apart. Since the Fourth Century, the center of gravity was moving from Rome to Constantinople. The Church was never safe from turmoil. The doctrinal errors or heresies required the meeting of two Ecumenical Councils, which made teaching to be in line with the text of Holy Scripture and with the teaching of Christ the Savior. Thus, the Councils of Ephesus and Chalcedon were able to raise matters of dogma and doctrine. At the same time, they were concerned about canonical rules, which regulated the discipline and order of the Church. The Third and the Fourth Ecumenical Councils decisions contributed to the good of the Church, to bring peace and understanding in the life of Christians and within nations. In addition to the Ecumenical Councils, the local council of Carthage and the writings of Theophilus of Alexandria and St. Cyril of Alexandria, showed the homogeneity of the Fifth Century patristic thought, stemming from work and the care of the Holy Spirit invoked at the beginning of each Synod. Forming a closer analysis of the material presented, the Church has managed to settle doctrinal and organizational life on a normal path and to evolve through its believers. However, it was not protected from internal turmoil, completed in 1054 with the schism between West and East and from the fights, and heresies. Also, the Arab Muslims attack shook it from exterior. Nevertheless, it emerged stronger, and this was not because of its authority, which had a human origin, but because of the High Priest Christ and the Holy Spirit’s blessing.
