Orthodox Christianity in Sociopolitical Landscapes

Dear Colleagues,

In the contemporary socio-political arena, Orthodox Christianity essentially proposes the traditional teaching of faith of the Eastern Church formulated by the Church Fathers and Writers throughout the first seven Christian centuries in response to the challenges of today's world. In light of this general observation, we seek a finer definition of the sociological and political landscapes in which Eastern Christianity as a religious phenomenon unfolds. In order to achieve this, it is important to understand how, for example, teaching about the Church in the Eastern experience is approached by Western Christian thought, which places greater emphasis on concepts and functioning structures whose long practice governs almost every detail of relations between the Church and society. This sits in contrast to the Orthodox way of thinking, where the Church is perceived more from the perspective of virtues, where humility and obedience to authority are priorities, because Church elders are considered exponents of divine providence and, as such, the supreme expression of the will of the divine work.

Consequently, it is important that this volume, entitled “Orthodox Christianity in Sociopolitical Landscapes”, is able to constitute an expression of those events or ideas that have and continue to contribute decisively to the formation of the Eastern Orthodox Christian space.

Research areas may include, but are not limited to, the following topics:

-How is the Orthodox Church seen in general?

In Western Europe an Orthodox Christian is often perceived as traditionalist or "conservative", and as being particularly attached to ritual and symbols. For many Westerners, Orthodoxy is less known and is often considered "mysterious", and is seen as an "old", unchanged form of Christianity; in Central and Eastern Europe, Orthodox Christianity is seen as part of national identity and is associated with tradition, family, and celebrations.

-What characterizes an Orthodox Christian in terms of worship and ritual?

Orthodoxy emphasizes the experience of God and, therefore, liturgical life is well developed. An Orthodox Christian is nourished by a rich and long liturgy, by strict fasting, and bodily gestures (such as bowing or prostrations), as well as by icons and candles.

-Continuity with early Christianity

Orthodoxy presents itself as the preserver of the faith of the early Church and is considered less “adapted” to modernity. Sometimes it is respected for its authenticity and sometimes it is criticized for its lack of reform. Holy tradition is as important as Holy Scripture, and the Sacraments and community are central to the life of the Orthodox Church.

-How is a practicing Orthodox Christian socially perceived in contemporary Europe?

They can be seen as a moral conservative (focusing on family as a value) whose views may contradict dominant liberal values. But is his minority voice coherent?

-Real image vs. public image

It is evident that many Europeans do not clearly distinguish between confessions, that Orthodoxy is often reduced to cultural stereotypes, and that practicing Orthodox Christians are less common than those who see themselves as “culturally Orthodox”.

It is in this context that this Special Issue aims to create an evocative picture of Orthodox Christianity across a range of sociopolitical landscapes, as well as a general presentation of how it is explored in the main fields of theological study—historical, biblical, dogmatic, and systematic or multidisciplinary, as well as an avant la lettre establishment of the working spaces or themes addressed—by framing the proposed topics in the political and social spaces (so diverse throughout history) in which Christ was and is preached through the teaching of the Orthodox Christian faith.

We kindly ask that, prior to submitting a manuscript, interested authors initially submit a proposed title and an abstract of 200-300 words summarizing their intended contribution. Please send this to the Guest Editor, Prof. Dr. Gelu Călina (calinagelu@gmail.com), and CC the Assistant Editor, Margaret Liu (margaret.liu@mdpi.com). Abstracts will be reviewed by the Guest Editor for the purposes of ensuring the appropriatness within the scope of the Special Issue. Full manuscripts will undergo double-blind peer review.

A tentative timeline:

Deadline for abstract submission: 30 April 2026

Deadline for full manuscript submission: 30 September 2026

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Gelu Călina
Guest Editor

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