The Beautiful Paradox
Is Salvation a Communal or Personal Journey? --editor In the heart of Eastern Orthodox Christianity lies a profound understanding of salvation—one that is both deeply communal and intensely personal. Far from being an individualistic pursuit or a purely collective experience, salvation in Orthodoxy weaves together the threads of community and individuality into a single, harmonious tapestry. The Personal Path to Salvation Salvation is deeply personal. Each believer must freely respond to God’s invitation to life and transformation. While the Church provides the context, the individual must take the steps: repentance, faith, and a commitment to growth in virtue. Orthodox Church describes salvation as Theosis , or deification—the process by which we become perfected sharing more and more in the nature of God. This journey is unique for every person. It involves the daily work of prayer, self-examination, and striving to align our will with God’s w...