The Wiley Blackwell Companion to Conciliarity in Modern Orthodox Christianity

Offers a groundbreaking analysis of the transformation of conciliarity in modern Orthodox Christianity
Conciliarity has long been a defining feature of Orthodox Christian identity, shaping governance, theology, and communal life. The Wiley-Blackwell Companion to Conciliarity in Modern Orthodox Christianity offers a comprehensive examination of how this foundational principle has evolved from the nineteenth century onward. Bridging theological inquiry with historical and sociopolitical analysis, this volume brings together leading scholars to explore the paradigm shift in Orthodox ecclesiology, moving from a hierarchical model centered on the bishop to a more dynamic, participatory understanding of conciliarity as embracing both leadership and laity.
Filling a critical gap in English-language scholarship on modern Orthodox ecclesiology and conciliar thought, the Companion provides crucial insights into key historical moments, including the 1917-18 Moscow Council and the 2016 Council of Crete, while also addressing ongoing challenges such as inter-Orthodox conflicts, the role of the laity, and ecumenical relations. The contributing authors use historical analysis and contemporary case studies to highlight diverse expressions of conciliar and synodal practice across global Orthodox communities, from traditional heartlands in the Middle East, Russia, Greece and Romania to diaspora and missionary contexts in Africa, the Americas and Western Europe.
An essential reference for understanding the past, present, and future of conciliarity in the Orthodox Church, The Wiley-Blackwell Companion to Conciliarity in Modern Orthodox Christianity:
- Explores previously under-researched aspects of Orthodox ecclesiology, connecting historical, theological, and sociopolitical perspectives
- Covers a broad geographical range, including Eastern and Oriental Orthodox traditions across the Middle East, Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas
- Addresses key contemporary issues such as inter-Orthodox relations, lay participation, and the role of women in the Church
- Includes interdisciplinary approaches, incorporating elements of political theology, church governance, and environmental and ecumenical studies
The Wiley-Blackwell Companion to Conciliarity in Modern Orthodox Christianity is an essential resource for graduate students and scholars in theology, ecclesiology, church history, and ecumenism. It is also a valuable reference for clergy, church leaders, and members of ecumenical organizations such as the World Council of Churches seeking insights into the evolving role of conciliarity in modern Orthodox Christianity

IRINA PAERT is an Associate Professor in the School of Theology and Religious Studies, University of Tartu. She specializes in Orthodox Church history and theology, with a focus on conciliarity, gender, and spirituality in Russia and the Baltic region.
ANDREY SHISHKOV specializes in contemporary theology, ecclesiology, and political theology. He has held academic positions at the Saints Cyril and Methodius Institute for Post-Graduate Studies and the University of Tartu. He served as Secretary of the Synodal Biblical and Theological Commission of the Russian Orthodox Church.
ALISON R. KOLOSOVA is a Research Fellow in Church History at the University of Tartu. She has studied at Durham University and the St. Sergius Orthodox Theological Institute in Paris. Her research focuses on Christian mission, intercultural theology, and Orthodox history in Russia's Volga-Kama region.