Summary:
THESIS SUMMARY
The research that I have conducted on "Functional Renaissance and Christian Brotherhoods in the 19th and 20th Centuries" explores the action and work performed by the Christian Associations from their foundation up to the 1960s, as well as the way in which they have contributed to the Church's functional regeneration.
The project is compiled by an Introduction and four Chapters, followed by the Appendix, the Conclusions, and the Conclusions' Update. The Introduction attempts to present the historical context within which the Associations were founded and operated, the status of the Church and its relations with the newly established Greek state, along with the actions of the Regency for the submission of the Church to the State. The Associations and their founders, as well as the persons that led to their establishment are presented.
The first Chapter describes the historical background of the Associations' founding, their work, and the printed matter they have issued over time in order to disseminate their ideas. It is a presentation of the relationships and conflicts that were generated during their course of action. We then investigated the moral degradation of the Greek society, which, combined with the bad situation of the Church, encouraged the action of the Associations and the wish to correct everything that was wrong. We have recorded the role of the State and the relations that the State has established with the Church, through its intention to abuse and subordinate the Church to the power of the State, and use it as appropriate. Furthermore, we have investigated the way in which the Hierarchy converged and the difficulties that the State administration has invoked from time to time, about the function and work performance of the Church. We recorded the reports filed over time by the Associations towards the Holy Synod of the Church of Greece, with regard to issues that called for their action. The issue of bishop election along with the qualifications governing their election were also addressed in the research, since, they have dominated the article writing of the Associations over the Sinonic election of bishops. The role and action of bishops within the orderly function of the Church body was considered very important, since they supported the process and criteria of their choice, to prevent the election of unworthy individuals to this crucial position.
In Chapter Two, we addressed the demand for functional regeneration, which was projected by the Associations in their magazines, through the worship of Church. They presented the Church Mysteries and explained the process of proper conduct and theological interpretation. They recorded the Baptism that introduces the devout to the body of Christ, the Anointing that introduces the Divine grace to the baptized Christian, the mystery of Priesthood and marriage that is chosen by the Christians, the Mystery of the Extreme Unction and of memorials that promotes the Divine grace acting on each one of them and affecting the participants. They then focused on the mystery of the Holy Communion and presented the prerequisites for participation to it, thus fasting, Confession to competent and worthy spiritual fathers, and constant prayer.
The question of frequency participation to the mystery has been a major concern for their article writing as they have put forth an intense effort to persuade Christians about the necessity and benefits of frequent communion, as opposed to the established views of participation to the mystery four times a year. We then presented the worship misconceptions and the correcting methods, as these were recorded by the Associations Press, as well as the necessity of regular and proper churchgoing for the devouts, criticizing all incongruous events that οoccurred during that time. Finally, we referred to Church music, which is an important factor for worship practice.
In Chapter Three, we investigated issues regarding Pastoral worship. The main concern of the Associations was the development and restoration of optimal preaching in Church worship. We have elaborated the necessity and benefits for the Christians, and we proposed the establishment of Priesthood Schools that could brilliantly perform the task of educating and selecting the best heralds to propagate the literacy all over the country. The propagation of the Holy Bible was also coherent, along with the issue of translating it in plain language and rendering it more comprehensible for the Christians. The need for founding the Greek Hierographic Society was also addressed; this could undertake the project, pursuant to the standards of the Western Hierographic Societies that acted unconditionally in Greece and often led to the conversion of people. At the same time, the necessity of interpreting the Church Service was supported, so that the participants could comprehend the proceedings, and demonstrate active and effective participation. The Associations did not propose the alteration of Church language, and notably of Church service, nor the alteration of hymns, although they insisted on the substantial participation of Christians, even in psalms.
The need to activate the people in Church was also highlighted, as it has operated in the years of Church foundation and beyond, especially into Church Mission, a project that the Brotherhood of Life has eagerly developed over the years. At the same time, the foundation and activity of Sunday schools were also presented, along with the laudable work that Brotherhood of Life produced at this end. Finally, the necessity for the Sunday holiday was recorded, so that Christians can participate in Church service life.
In Chapter Four, we presented the suggestions made by the Societies over time for the regeneration of the Church; they highlighted the parishes as a key cell for ecclesiastical recovery, in connection with measures presented for achieving this. Christians hold an important role there. They have to take action by setting off their forces within the Church, and to fulfill their calling as members of the Church of Christ.
In the Appendix, we have recorded the issues relating to anti-heretical struggle and action of Associations against any conversion propaganda, especially against Freemasonry and its underground effect, as well as the question of calendar change in Church, and the side-effects this has generated.
We then summed up the research by recording the Conclusions that emerged about the action and work of Associations, with respect to the functional regeneration of the Church they were meaning to accomplish. Finally, we attempted to update the conclusions in this day and age, in order to lead modern Church towards a functional renewal that is necessitated by modern conditions.
