Charism and Liturgy: Elements of the Orthodox Theological Education

Abstract

Theological education in the Orthodox world has some specific characteristics framed within a particular liturgical rhythm, emphasising the mystagogical rather than the pedagogies. It is counterintuitive and looks to the Patristic Tradition as a revealed theological landmark. The educational vision of the formation of theologians in the Church is to prepare them to share in the mystery of the Kingdom of God in the present, but with the living experience of the Fathers of the past as a model or ethos of spiritual living. We are witnessing an educational failure to the extent that theological teaching does not target the substance of theology. Often the work of grace is abandoned leading to the emergence of a new species of teacher and thinker, professional priests and missionaries, very well equipped with the tools of preaching and witness, but without the life of the Spirit, which must be transmitted through these tools.