The Orthodox Identity of the British Church and Anglicanism
This document explores the foundational argument that the British Church and Anglicanism are inherently Orthodox, rooted in apostolic continuity, doctrinal integrity, and liturgical validity. The British Church is not seeking recognition but reasserting its historical and theological identity as an Orthodox jurisdiction since the earliest centuries. Historical and theological evidence highlights that Anglicanism fulfills Orthodox criteria and surpasses many recent efforts to narrow the definition of Orthodoxy.
Historical and Apostolic Foundations
1. Apostolic Succession in Britain
The British Church traces its origins directly to apostolic times:
- St. Aristobulus: The first Bishop of Britain, consecrated by St. Andrew, brought Christianity to the Isles, as recognized by both Eastern and Western traditions. His commemoration (March 16) underscores the Orthodox recognition of Britain’s apostolic roots.
- St. Joseph of Arimathea: Consecrated by St. Philip in 60 AD, Joseph established the Church in Glastonbury, a site of pilgrimage and early Christian worship. Catholic sources, such as the Catholic Encyclopedia, affirm this.
- St. Simon Zelotes: Recorded as having preached and been martyred in Britain, further solidifying its connection to apostolic authority.
- St. Lazarus of Bethany: Linked to Britain through missionary endeavors, Lazarus’ connection to Gaul and Avalon reflects the widespread apostolic activity in the Celtic lands.
- St. James the Just: The first Bishop of Jerusalem, closely associated with the Celtic Church. Records suggest he visited Britain and established connections with its early Christian communities, including his presence at Avalon (Glastonbury) in 48 AD.
- St. David of Wales: Consecrated by the Archbishop of Jerusalem, further linking the Celtic Church to Eastern Orthodoxy. St. David’s communion with Jerusalem highlights the direct liturgical and spiritual ties to the early patriarchates.
2. Early Patriarchates and Apostolic Connections
- The foundational patriarchates of Jerusalem, Rome, and Antioch are directly connected to the early British Church through their first bishops:
- First and Second Bishops of Jerusalem: St. James the Just and St. Simon Zelotes established an enduring link to Britain.
- First and Second Bishops of Rome: St. Peter and St. Linus both had ties to Britain, with St. Linus being the grandson of King Bran the Blessed, a British royal.
- First Bishop of Britain: St. Aristobulus, consecrated by St. Andrew, underscores the Orthodox identity of Britain from its earliest days.
- First Bishop of Gaul: St. Lazarus of Bethany, who later returned to Gaul from Britain, illustrates the interconnectedness of the Celtic and apostolic missions.
3. Early Councils and British Orthodoxy
The British Church’s participation in early ecumenical councils, such as the Synod of Arles (314), demonstrates its integral role in the universal Church. Arles, considered an early patriarchal seat, hosted Christian leaders from across the Roman Empire, including Britain. Constantine the Great’s close ties to British royalty further affirm the legitimacy of Britain’s apostolic and Orthodox foundations.
Liturgical Validity
1. The Sarum Missal and the Book of Common Prayer
The Anglican liturgy, rooted in the Sarum Missal, preserves ancient Orthodox worship practices:
- Epiclesis: The invocation of the Holy Spirit in the Eucharist aligns with Eastern Orthodox liturgical standards.
- Prayer of Oblation: Emphasizes the sacrificial nature of the Eucharist, a hallmark of Orthodox theology.
- Mixed Chalice: Restores the Orthodox practice of mixing water and wine in the Eucharist.
- Prayers for the Dead: Reflects the Orthodox understanding of the communion of saints and in the efficacy of their prayers.
2. Recognition by Moscow and Constantinople
- Moscow Synod (1904-1907): Under Bishop Tikhon (later Patriarch of Moscow), the English liturgy was reviewed and recognized as canonically Orthodox, rooted in the Sarum Missal. The Synod’s decision affirmed the theological and liturgical integrity of the Anglican tradition.
- Constantinople (1882): The Patriarch and Synod conditionally approved the Western Liturgy and Offices, specifically for use in the British Isles, acknowledging its Orthodox essence.
- Scottish Episcopal Church (1868): Engaged in dialogue with Metropolitan Filaret of Moscow about reinstating the Western Rite, which resulted in the approval of a revised Western liturgy for Orthodox use.
Theological Alignment
1. Shared Doctrinal Foundations
Anglicanism aligns with Orthodox theology on key points:
- Trinitarian Doctrine: Upholds the Nicene Creed without the Filioque clause, consistent with Orthodox tradition.
- Christology: Affirms the Chalcedonian definition of Christ’s two natures, fully human and divine.
- Rejection of Papal Supremacy: Anglicanism rejects the claims of universal jurisdiction by the Bishop of Rome, aligning with the Orthodox understanding of conciliarity.
2. Recognition of Sacraments
- Roman Catholic Recognition: Canon 844.3 of the Code of Canon Law allows for the administration of sacraments to Anglicans, acknowledging the validity of Anglican orders and sacraments.
- Eastern Orthodox Practice: The Moscow Synod’s recognition of Anglican liturgies implicitly affirms the validity of its sacraments.
3. Historical Recognition of Independence
The independence of the British Church from Rome was established early and consistently respected by Orthodox Patriarchates:
- St. Peter’s Ministry in Britain: Recorded visits by St. Peter and the consecration of Linus as the first Bishop of Rome by British clergy underscore the deep connections between British and early Christian Orthodoxy.
- Constantine the Great: His ties to British royalty and the establishment of the Synod of Arles affirm Britain’s integral role in early ecumenical Christianity.
Broader Ecumenical Context
1. Orthodox Unity Before the Schism
The British Church’s deep connections to Eastern Orthodoxy before the Great Schism (1054) are well-documented:
- St. James the Just: His missionary work in Britain reflects the close ties between Jerusalem and the Celtic Church.
- St. Philip and St. Joseph of Arimathea: Their efforts established an enduring apostolic presence in Britain, which remained Orthodox in faith and practice.
2. Recent Challenges to Orthodoxy
Modern political movements, including the World Council of Churches, have attempted to narrow the definition of Orthodoxy for geopolitical reasons. These efforts do not diminish the historical reality that Anglicanism and the British Church have always met the criteria for Orthodoxy:
- Acceptance of Ecumenical Councils
- Apostolic Succession
- Liturgical Validity
- Communion with the Broader Church
Conclusion
The British Church and Anglicanism are inherently Orthodox, not by external recognition but by historical, theological, and liturgical reality. The shared apostolic foundations, liturgical practices, and doctrinal commitments affirm this Orthodoxy beyond doubt. Efforts to delegitimize Anglicanism are recent, politically motivated, and inconsistent with the broader Orthodox tradition.
The British Church stands as a testament to the enduring and universal nature of Orthodox Christianity, rooted in the apostolic mission and unbroken in its continuity with the faith of the early Church.