Overview
A formal public debate was held at Our Lady of Wisdom Parish to address whether the Eastern Orthodox Church is the one holy Catholic and apostolic church. Apologists Ubie Petrus and Alex ("Voice of Reason") presented and challenged arguments, followed by extensive rebuttals, cross-examination, and audience Q&A on ecclesiology, unity, dogma, and church history.
Event Structure and Rules
- Debate topic: Is the Orthodox Church the one holy Catholic and apostolic church?
- Format: Opening statements, rebuttals, cross-examination, open debate, closing, and Q&A.
- Audience comprised Orthodox, Catholic, Protestant, and seekers.
- Hospitality, food, merchandise, and pilgrimage opportunities were provided.
Ubie Petrus (Orthodox Apologist): Major Points
- Argued church unity is based on apostolic succession and correct dogma, not strict administrative or doctrinal uniformity.
- Cited early church history (St. Cyprian, St. Meletius, Acacian schism) to show past internal schisms did not negate unity.
- Emphasized “one” and “Catholic” in the Creed mean shared faith and sacramental life, not constant agreement on all issues.
- Stated first millennium lacked universal canons or absolute uniformity on issues like reception of converts.
- Maintained that internal disputes or parallel hierarchies reflect first-millennium norms rather than a breakdown of unity.
Alex ("Voice of Reason") (Catholic Apologist): Major Points
- Claimed Orthodox Church lacks unity in doctrine, worship, and governance, citing disputes over canon, morality, sacraments, and governance.
- Asserted true church must possess all four marks—one, holy, Catholic, apostolic—and that Orthodoxy fails on oneness and Catholicity.
- Criticized Orthodox disunity over reception of converts, sacraments, calendar, and national/ethnic divisions.
- Highlighted persistent unresolved schisms (Greek/Russian churches), lack of universal church authority, and inability to convene ecumenical councils.
- Contrasted with Catholic Church’s global reach, doctrinal consistency, and defined magisterium.
Rebuttal and Cross-Examination Highlights
- Ubie refuted that practical variations or temporary schisms undermine “oneness,” using patristic and historical examples.
- Alex pressed for clarity on who determines Orthodoxy and insisted only the Catholic Church can identify its head and official doctrine.
- Debaters disagreed on the identification of canonical books, validity of non-Orthodox sacraments, and the practical meaning of Catholicity.
- Both questioned each other’s standards for defining and identifying the true church.
Open Debate and Audience Q&A
- Questions addressed the convening of ecumenical councils, reconciliation of divisions, importance of church headship, and interpretations of Catholicity.
- Ubie maintained the Orthodox model tracks first-millennium Christianity and consensus, not papal supremacy.
- Alex emphasized the need for objective standards and magisterial authority to preserve doctrine and unity.
- Both parties acknowledged the depth of theological, historical, and ecclesiological complexity.
Decisions
- No formal winner declared; the debate was open-ended and left to audience interpretation.
Action Items
- TBD – Both Apologists: Provide or clarify sources cited during debate for further audience review.
- TBD – Organizers: Reconcile event feedback and consider future follow-up debates or discussions.
Recommendations / Advice
- Seek objective standards for discerning church authority and unity.
- Study patristic sources with attention to original context and language.
- Engage in continued dialogue for greater Christian understanding and unity.