Salvation in the Heterodox Christian Churches

The term “heterodox” simply means “other than Orthodox,” and is used to describe the Roman Catholic Church and her Protestant denominations.

An Ecumenical Council has not “officially” declared that these Churches are “anathema” and that salvation is thus not possible within them, and there is no consensus among Orthodox hierarchs (bishops) on this matter.

Some very conservative Orthodox hierarchs and theologians do not recognize the ecclesial and salvific character of Western Christian churches.

Some more liberal clergy accept that the Holy Spirit acts to a certain degree within these churches although they do not possess the fullness of grace and spiritual gifts as does the Orthodox Church.

Many serious Orthodox theologians are of the opinion that between the Orthodox Church and the heterodox confessions there exists an ontological difference – especially in the spheres of spiritual experience, understanding of God, and salvation.

Moreover they note that these differences are the direct consequence of a gradual abandonment of sacred tradition by heterodox Christians, and cannot be simply ascribed to the cultural and intellectual estrangement of the East and West.

The bestselling book, Orthodoxy & Heterodoxy by Father Andrew Stephen Damick, from Ancient Faith Ministries is an invaluable reference for those interested in understanding this matter. It is specifically adressed to both both Orthodox and non-Orthodox readers, and describes the Orthodox Church with respect toward other religious faiths.

The author, the Very Reverend Archpriest Andrew Stephen Damick, is Chief Content Officer of Ancient Faith Ministries, former pastor (2009–2020) of Saint Paul Antiochian Orthodox Church of Emmaus, Pennsylvania, author of several books from Ancient Faith Publishing, and host or co-host of multiple Ancient Faith Radio podcasts.