Number DOI: http://doi.org/10.33209/2519-4348-2707-9627-2022-10-116

VB. – № 10, 2022. – P. 113-126

Summary

Ecclesiology is the study of the church. The word Ecclesiology comes from two Greek words meaning “assembly” and “word” – combining to mean “the study of the church.” The church is the assembly of believers who belong to God. Ecclesiology is crucial to understand God’s purpose for believers in the world today. This paper’s purpose is to show the divergences and the convergences of two models of Communion Ecclesiology belonging to Yves (Marie-Joseph) Congar and John Zizioulas. Even though these two authors belong to different denominations, viz. Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy, they still bear a remarkable resemblance as both embrace the Communion ecclesiology model and highlight the importance of the Eucharist. Furthermore, they distinguish between history and mystery, with its eschatological perspective, and try to shed some light on the significance of Pneumatology in relation to Christology. The adaptation of this model also allows for the possibility of a great ecumenical extension, which could prove crucial as it could possibly cure the schism between the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches. Both Zizioulas and Congar approach theological discussion historically, as they focus on the significant biblical and patristic figures who formulated the Christian doctrine of the first millennia, in order to bridge the gap between the two Churches and to return to a form of Christian doctrine that is as pure as in the first centuries after Christ. In this way, both authors reach towards an exposition of the Christian doctrine that aligns with both sides and respects Jesus’s prayer of unity that they may all be one (ἵνα πάντες ἓν ὦσιν). Generaly, Ecclesiology helps us to understand the role of the church and our role in the church. It teaches us about the ordinances of the church, how church leadership is to be chosen and structured, and what the church is to be doing in regards to believers (worship and discipleship) and unbelievers (ministry and evangelism). A Biblical understanding of Ecclesiology would go a long way to correct many of the common problems in churches today. Above all, we must understand that the church is the Body of Christ and that each of us has a specific function and role within that body.

Key words: Zizioulas, ecclesiology, Congar, triadology, Christology.

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