On the Dogma of the Church: An Historical Overview of the Sources of Ecclesiology

by St. Hilarion Troitsky, Fr. Nathan Williams (Translator)

Upon this rock I shall build My church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. (Matt. 16:18). The question of the identity of the Church, its membership, hierarchy, and mysteries, is of paramount importance today and also the primary stumbling block within heterodoxy and the ecumenical movement. As such, it is essential that the diachronic, catholic, patristic consensus be presented. In On the Dogma of the An Historical Overview of the Sources of Ecclesiology , the Holy Hieromartyr Hilarion (Troitsky) explores patristic resources from the early centuries of Christianity, seminal works at the periphery of the consciousness of every Christian, and brings them to the forefront as living witnesses to the unbroken tradition of the Church. St. Hilarion's staggeringly extensive familiarity with sources both patristic and modern, coupled with his own lucid thinking and profoundly Orthodox outlook, superbly equip him for his extensive analysis of the subject. Eminently engaging and highly readable, this collection of essays takes the reader on a journey through an exploration of the dogma of the Church in the experience of her members, both prominent and plebeian. St. Hilarion presents the reader with historical affirmations of present-day church life and worship, touching on subjects ranging from hierarchical roles to biblical mistranslations. In the words of the foreword to the 2004 Russian edition, “[I]n his works Hieromartyr Hilarion expounds the catholic truth of the Church, and does so naturally and organically, for his whole life melded entirely with the life of the Church. This is why, when discussing things well-known and generally accepted, Father Hilarion was able to present them in his own way and in a new light.” This superb collection of essays is one that will edify the minds and enrich the ecclesiastical lives of new generations of Christians of all walks of life, while providing invaluable context for evaluating the authenticity and Orthodoxy of contemporary theories about the church.

624 pages, Paperback

Published September 18, 2022

Reviews

[Ethan DeCock · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a beautiful translation into English of a wonderful and authoritative text by Orthodox Saint Hilarion Troitsky. Must read for all who call themselves a Christian.

If you are looking for the Early Church, this is your text. St. Hilarion masterfully yet with an easy to follow writing style demonstrates in a Patristic fashion the Ecclesiology of the Early Church.

St. Hilarion demonstrates through the scriptures, the Apostolic Fathers and subsequent generations of Patristic Consensus and contemporary scholarship what the Church has from the beginning always believed and professed about Herself:

The Orthodox Church, The very Church found in the first, second, third centuries and up to this present day is the physical, mystical, organic, Theanthropic, body of Christ on the earth that’s sole purpose is for the salvation of mankind and Union with God through the Holy Mysteries.

‘On the Dogma of the Church’ will be a magisterial work on Orthodox Ecclesiology in due time.

This work is for all laity and clergy alike and will bring edification to all who read it. This is a must have book.

[Silouan · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Already the Old Testament prophecies and prefigurations present the truth of the unity of the Church. The ark of Noah prefigured the one Church. 1700 The house of Rahab in the Old Testament served as the sole refuge during the destruction of the inhabitants of Jericho (sec Josh. 2:18-19); but the house of Rahab prefigured the Church. 1701 The sacrament of the Passover required that the lamb slain as an image of Christ should be caten in one house.
There is no other home for believers than the one Church. The Church is the houschold of unanimity, and only those of one mind dwell in the house of God, in the Church of Christ. 702 The Church is a garden enclosed and a fountain scaled, the vineyard of the Lord of hosts. 1704 Likewise, in the Song of Songs the Holy Spirit signifies the one Church, saying on the Lord's behalf: "My dove, my undefiled is but one; she is the only one of her mother, she is the choice one of her that bare her" (Song of Sol. 6:8).
This sacrament of unity, this union of unbroken accord, is signified in the Gospel account of the coat of our Lord Jesus Christ, The coat was not divided and torn apart, but went entire to one to whom it fell by lot, and was possessed by him uninjured and undivided (sce In. 19:23-24). It had a unity that came down from above, that is, from heaven and the Father. "When at Solomon's death his kingdom and people were divided, Abijah the prophet, meeting Jeroboam the king in the field, divided his garment into twelve sections [1 Kgs. 11:30-36)].... But because Christ's people cannot be rent, His robe, woven and united throughout, is not divided by those who possess it; undivided, united, connected, it shows the coherent concord of our people who put on Christ. By the sacrament and sign of His garment, [the Lord] has declared the unity of the Church."
-St Cyprian of Carthage