Eastern Church and Heretics

[Sean Kealey]

I was curious if there was ever an equivolent in the east to the western Inquisition? I know the western church in the past has been very cruel in its treatment of "heretics" and was curious about the Eastern Church's response to heresies she may have faced. In reading church history here in America, one generally loses track of the Eastern Church as soon as Rome falls. I have read Timothy Ware's book on the Orthodox church, but that I am sure is no where near exhaustive of the Eastern Church's history. Anyway, as I said, I have read aweful stories of how heretics were treated by the Roman Catholics and I was curious if there was ever such cruelty among the Eastern Church in her dealings with heresy in the past millenium. Also if one could refer me to a good Eastern Church history book, I would much appreciate it. Thanks.

Sean

[Herman Blaydoe]

During the times of the Emperors of Constantinople, there were probably limited instances of state-sponsored persecution, but in as much as the Christian Church was itself a subject of abject persecution under the Turkish yoke, it was in no position to persecute others.

Also, during the Iconoclast controversy, it was the iconoclasts who persecuted those who supported icons, but the iconodules eventually won out. I have not read that the iconodules returned the favor as far as persecution goes.

[Herman Blaydoe]

Here is a book that should be in everyone's Library

The Great Church in Captivity (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0521313104/104-5074205-0407900?v=glance&n=283155) by Sir Steven Runciman.

[Arsenios]

Herman writes:
> Here is a book that should be in everyone's Library
> "The Great Church in Captivity" by Sir Steven Runciman.

OK - I am now about 38 bucks poorer!
I can't wait to read it -
The intro on Amazon is wonderful!

It almost feels like I will be opening an old family diary...

Thank-you!

Rdr. Arsenios

[James Morton]

Poorer in money, but richer in spirit! Hopefully.