Salvation in the Orthodox Church
We believe, naturally, that our Church is the true Church. I think the Catholics have the same belief, and for that matter so do the Baptists, Presbyterians….I’m sure everyone believes that their church is the right one. Our claim to that title, however, is supported by history and not sentiment. And so the only logical question would be: is there salvation outside of the Orthodox Church?
It’s a question I’ve been asked in the past. The rule that I have always followed is that while salvation comes through the Church it is, in the end, Christ who saves us. Indeed, He is salvation as the Righteous Simeon says in St. Luke’s gospel as he held the Christ Child in is arms, “…my eyes have seen Your salvation which You have prepared before the face of all peoples…” (Luke 2:30,31). In other words, it’s not something for us to speculate but left solely to Christ to judge. For as Christ is the one who judges us He is also the one, out of His love for mankind, who is not leading us to destruction but salvation.
Metropolitan Philaret gives a good answer to this question in a quote I found on Orrologion’s blog (here):
“It is self evident, however, that sincere Christians who are Roman Catholics, or Lutherans, or members, of other non-Orthodox confessions, cannot be termed renegades or heretics-i.e. those who knowingly pervert the truth… They have been born and raised and are living according to the creed which they have inherited, just as do the majority of you who are Orthodox; in their lives there has not been a moment of personal and conscious renunciation of Orthodoxy. The Lord, “Who will have all men to be saved” (I Tim. 2:4) and “Who enlightens every man born into the world” (Jn. 1.43), undoubtedly is leading them also towards salvation In His own way.”
You can also read more from the interview here.
Dear Archer – As one who left the Anglican Church for Orthodoxy 31 years ago, I can only say – come and see. The Theology is pure and correct, according to the earliest Church and the Seven Ecumenical Councils. We don’t change dogma with changes in public mores, we don’t even change our practices, our household traditions, our parish traditions. They remain the same. Come home to Orthodoxy.
Father – In light of the metropolitan’s words I pray that God lead you to the Church and salvation. Judging by the fact you ended up here I can see you’re on the right track
I served at a Serbian Orthodox mission parish in Atlanta where we held our Sunday services in a small Anglican hall in beautiful midtown Atlanta. This was thanks to a wonderful priest named Rev. Warren Tanghe, also a great admirer and friend of the Orthodox.
Thanks for visiting and your comment.
As an Anglican Priest who might one day have to leave the Episcopal Church for a truer form of Catholicity, I appreciate your sentiments here. Any advice for those searching for the Church?
Thanks for finding the full Q&A, I hadn’t seen that. I’ve added it to my original post, which I have also linked to in my sidebar for Lutherans as an answer regarding the Orthodox view of the non-Orthodox. Thanks!