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WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
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Lebanon
Index
The Greek Orthodox adhere to the Orthodox Eastern Church, which
is actually a group of autocephalous churches using the Byzantine
rite. Historically, these churches grew out of the four Eastern
Patriarchates (Jerusalem, Antioch, Alexandria, and Constantinople)
which, from the fifth century diverged from the Western
Patriarchate of Rome over the nature of Christ. The final split
took place after the fall of Constantinople in 1096. From that
time, with the exception of a brief period of reunion in the
fifteenth century, the Eastern Church has continued to reject the
claim of the Roman patriarchate to universal supremacy, and has
also rejected the concept of papal infallibility . Doctrinally, the
main point at issue between the Eastern and Western Churches is
that of the procession of the Holy Spirit. There are also
divergences in ritual and discipline.
Originally a peasant community, the Greek Orthodox include many
free- holders, and the community is less dominated by large
landowners than other Christian denominations. In present-day
Lebanon, the Greek Orthodox have become increasingly urbanized, and
form a major part of the commercial and professional class of
Beirut and other cities. Many are also found in the southeast and
north, near Tripoli. They are both highly educated and well versed
in finance. The sect has become known for its pan-Arab orientation,
possibly because it exists in various parts of the Arab world. The
church has often served as a bridge between Lebanese Christians and
the Arab countries. Members of the sect constitute 5 percent of the
population.
Data as of December 1987
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