Sobornost and eucharistic ecclesiology: Aleksei Khomiakov and his successors

• Published in: International journal for the study of the Christian church 2011-05, Vol.11 (2-3), p.216-235
• Main Author: Ware, Kallistos
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Baptism; Communion; Diaspora; eucharistic ecclesiology; intercommunion; Khomiakov, Aleksei; mutual love; Orthodox diaspora; reception of councils; Religious orthodoxy; sobornost; spiritual fathers and mothers; Theology
• ISSN: 1474-225X; 1747-0234
• DOI: 10.1080/1474225X.2011.603975

Ecclesiology is a relatively new branch of theological inquiry, and is still in process of formation. The first Orthodox thinker to reflect in an original and creative manner upon the nature of the Church was Aleksei Khomiakov. He based his ecclesiology on the notion of sobornost, signifying 'conciliarity' and unanimity in freedom. He insisted that the decisive factor in church life is not power of jurisdiction but mutual love. No council is to be considered ecumenical unless it is 'received' by the People of God as a whole. Although sharply critical of the West, both Roman Catholic and Reformed, Khomiakov showed sympathy for Anglicanism. His ideas have been developed and given greater precision by Nikolai Afanasiev and John Zizioulas, both of whom - influenced by Ignatius of Antioch - see the Church in eucharistic terms. Afanasiev used 'eucharistic ecclesiology' to justify intercommunion, but others have not followed him in this. The link between Church and Eucharist sheds light on the theology of councils and the problem of the Orthodox diaspora. Zizioulas has been criticised for neglecting Baptism and the role of the 'elder' or spiritual father. It seems probable that the eucharistic 'model' of the Church will continue to prevail in Orthodoxy in the future, and no viable alternative to it has as yet been proposed.