Affirms
John 1:1 affirms divine Word's eternal nature and full divinity
The Eastern Orthodox Church affirms John 1:1 as foundational statement of the Word's full divinity and eternal nature. The passage is central to patristic theology and is extensively expounded in the Fathers' writings. Logos theology of John 1 provided vocabulary for the ecumenical councils' defense of Nicene orthodoxy against Arianism.
In Orthodox liturgical tradition, John 1:1 is proclaimed regularly in the Divine Liturgy and is essential to Orthodox soteriology (deification/theosis). The Word's divinity is non-negotiable and confessed throughout patristic tradition and ecumenical councils.
Key Distinctions
- Logos divinity:
- of one substance with Father (Nicene affirmation)
- Incarnation:
- Creation role:
Scripture References
Sources
- St. Athanasius, Against the Arians
- St. John of Damascus
- Council of Nicaea (325)