Date of Award
Fall 2006
Document Type
Dissertation - Restricted
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Theology
First Advisor
Fahey, Michael
Second Advisor
Golitzin, Alexander
Third Advisor
Del Colle, Ralph
Abstract
Orthodox theology must play a greater role in the ecumenical movement. The isolation of most Orthodox countries by Communist regimes or foreign occupations has ended, and Orthodox theologians are devoted more than ever to the cause of Christian unity. The greatest Romanian Orthodox theologian of all times, Dumitru Staniloae, did not live to see this new situation, but his theological legacy is only beginning to present its contribution to ecumenism. Ever since the beginnings of my theological journey, I have been interested in the dialogue between Orthodoxy and other Christian denominations, especially the Roman Catholic Church. Later on, I came to study at Western schools and quickly realized that we did not speak the same theological language, so, besides learning as much as possible about Protestant and Catholic authors, I have also noticed the need to present Orthodox theology in terms accessible to the West. Consequently, by writing this dissertation, I hope to promote Staniloae's works to a Western audience and to contribute to the ecumenical movement, especially towards the union of the Orthodox and Catholic churches, based on the knowledge that I have acquired in Orthodox, Protestant, and Catholic schools, as well as personal research.