Assyrian Church of the East

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The Assyrian Church of the East is an Eastern Christian church that follows the Oriental Orthodox tradition. It is one of the oldest Christian communities in the world, tracing its origins to the missionary work of Saint Thomas the Apostle in the 1st century AD. The church is headquartered in Erbil, Iraq, and is led by the Catholicos-Patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East.

History

The Assyrian Church of the East has its roots in the ancient Church of the East, which was established in Mesopotamia during the early Christian period. The church played a significant role in the spread of Christianity throughout the Middle East, Central Asia, and as far as China.

During the early centuries, the church was known for its theological schools, such as the School of Nisibis and the School of Edessa, which were centers of learning and theological debate. The church's theology is characterized by its adherence to Miaphysitism, a Christological position that emphasizes the unity of Christ's divine and human natures.

Theology

The Assyrian Church of the East follows the Miaphysite doctrine, which asserts that in the person of Jesus Christ, the divine and human natures are united in one nature. This theological stance distinguishes it from the Chalcedonian churches, which hold to the doctrine of Dyophysitism.

The church's liturgy is conducted in the Syriac language, a dialect of Aramaic, which was the language spoken by Jesus Christ and his apostles. The primary liturgical text used is the Holy Qurbana, which is the Eucharistic service of the church.

Structure and Organization

The Assyrian Church of the East is governed by an Episcopal polity, with the Catholicos-Patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East serving as the highest-ranking bishop. The church is divided into several dioceses, each overseen by a bishop. The clergy includes priests, deacons, and subdeacons.

Modern Era

In the modern era, the Assyrian Church of the East has faced numerous challenges, including persecution and displacement due to political instability in the Middle East. Despite these challenges, the church has maintained its presence and continues to serve its faithful around the world, including significant diaspora communities in North America, Europe, and Australia.

Related Pages

• Eastern Christianity
• Oriental Orthodoxy
• Miaphysitism
• Catholicos-Patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East
• Church of the East
• School of Nisibis
• School of Edessa
• Holy Qurbana

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