Orthodoxy and peace

This article by Elisabeth Behr-Sigel examines the relationship of Orthodoxy to peace, bringing together theological reflection, ecclesiastical history, and geopolitical current affairs. The approach is both meditative and analytical: the author begins with the Orthodox Eucharistic liturgy, in which the imploring of peace occupies a central place, and from there develops a study of the tensions between the evangelical ideal and historical realities. The main idea is that Orthodoxy carries a profound vision of peace — rooted in hesychast mysticism and liturgical prayer — but that its national Churches have often instrumentalized this tradition in the service of nationalist logic. The article makes a twofold contribution: it offers a critical rereading of the history of the Orthodox Churches in the face of war, and it signals the emergence of theological and spiritual currents working to break open the national orthodoxies in favor of an ecumenical commitment to peace.