The Church of Antioch: trends of ideological search

Abstract

The article studies the problem of self identification of a religious minority and its integration in the society, on the example of the Orthodox community in Syria and Lebanon which constitutes the flock of The Greek Orthodox Church of Antioch. Because of the system of relations between the state and religious communities which had * historically emerged in the region, the spiritual leaders of Orthodox community in Syria an Lebanon play a wide range of different roles - not only as pastors, but as ideologists of the community. They take a significant part in shaping community's strategy of integration in the society, yet on condition of preserving its own specifics. Proceeding from the above, the article deals with the main statements of the position of the Greek Orthodox Church of Antioch concerning the Orthodox community's place in the contemporary Syria and Lebanon: in politics, economy, culture and education. The position of the Church is analyzed in the light of concept of Arabism and Arabic nationalism which was adopted by the Church in the end of XIX century. Another theme of the article is clerics' views on the Islam, Muslim-Christian Dialog and relations with the Muslim majority.