Missionary Ministry of the Laity

Abstract

The article provides theological grounding for the role of the laity in the mission of the Orthodox Church. The main forms and principles of the laymen participation in missionary ministry are also analysed. The article identifies problems of their preparation for the mission and its different levels such as personal testimony, ministry of revived missionary parishes, missionary activity of Orthodox communities and brotherhoods, spiritual movements, missionary societies and other organizations. Principles of the present-day Orthodox mission, its basic challenges and forms are also examined in the article.

Keywords

• church
• orthodox mission
• laity
• community
• brotherhood
• missionary
• society
• церковь
• православная миссия
• миряне
• община
• братство
• миссионерское общество