Page 310 - Orthodoxy Zizioulas

O r t h o d o x y
people are increasingly seeking genuine community. The
Church can reflect the very existence of God only if it is truly
a communion in all aspects of its life. The future of the Church,
its unity, and its relevance largely depend on this.
Another characteristic of Orthodox thought is its eschato-
logical perspective on history. One could say that the West
offers a historical conditioning of eschatology, while in the
East there is an eschatological conditioning of history. Hu-
manity has been led to believe that it can build a “kingdom of
God on earth,” yet such expectations are giving way to disil-
lusionment and nihilism. In this context, Orthodoxy may of-
fer a “new realism” regarding history—one that takes seri-
ously humanity’s subjection to evil. Its deep attachment to the
Resurrection and the Eucharist may prove significant for the
future.
An important element in the Orthodox tradition is its cos-
mic vision of human destiny. Salvation is not understood as
concerning the isolated individual, but as the redemption of
the cosmos. Humanity, as a “microcosm,” has a destiny in-
separably connected with creation. Such a vision is particu-
larly significant in an era marked by ecological crisis, as it
challenges the domination and exploitation of nature and of-
fers a different understanding of humanity’s place within cre-
ation.
Orthodoxy may also be called to contribute to the affirma-
tion of cultural identity. Modern humanity increasingly seeks
identity within cultural frameworks. Historically, Orthodoxy
has shaped diverse peoples into cohesive cultural units and
continues to function as a safeguard of identity, even where its
role is officially limited. The system of autocephaly reflects
both opportunity and risk—strengthening cultural ties while
carrying the danger of division.
310