ABSTRACT
Nonetheless it is interesting also to compare Staats’ observation with the general statements about the source of authority, the role of bishops in the Orthodox Church (up to modern times) and the nature of episcopal authority within the church, which are to be found in the recent book by J.A. McGuckin, e Orthodox Church. An Introduction to its History, Doctrine, and Spiritual Culture (Malden, MA and Oxford, 2008) especially in the chapter ‘e Organization of the Orthodox Churches from Medieval to Modern Times’. ere (29) we read inter alia:
With this spectrum of meanings for authority in the Orthodox sphere in mind, this chapter examines a specic case in which the practicalities of inherent and acquired authority within the Church are apparent.
