Is Orthodoxy A Religion Of Peace ?

1. The Feast of the Transfiguration of Christ falls on the same day as the dropping of the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima, on August 6, 1945.

2. The Feast of the Assumption of Mary falls on the same day as the capitulation of Japan nine days later, on August 15, 1945.

3. The Ecclesiastical New Year begins on the same day as the Second World War, on September 1, 1939, marking Hitler's invasion of Poland.

Apart from these uncanny World War II coincidences, our faith perceives the entirety of human life on earth as one long and never-ending spiritual struggle and Unseen Warfare (a famous Orthodox classic on asceticism and spirituality), and its view of salvation can be summed up by the phrase Christus Victor.

Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.