What is “Heresy” and why do
Orthodox Christians care so
much about avoiding it?
The concept of heresy is largely misunderstood. It is mostly viewed by Christians and non-Christians alike as a fanatical viewpoint of Orthodoxy that aims only to support rigid dogma, and does not allow for any viewpoint other than their own.
There is a reason, however- and a very good reason- that Orthodox Christians reject something that is deemed “heretical”, or in other words, an idea or practice that has not been confirmed by an eccumenical council, or by the words of Christ, the Apostles, or one of the many, many saints through two millenia of Christianity.
Traditional Christianity
vs
Heresy
“I tell you and I witness before you, that to tear asunder the Church means nothing less than to fall into heresy. The Church is the house of the heavenly Father, one Body and one Spirit.”
- John Chrysostom, homily on the Epistle to the Ephesians concerning a possible schism in Antioch
Clearly, St. John Chrysostom was telling us that if you split the Church into pieces (branches), it does not work.The One True Church, and those faithful who honor it and its practices, will not be affected by such a reckless split, however all Grace will be lost for those who leave the The One True Church (bishops, priests, laypeople, parish churches, and monasteries included)