The Concept of "Economy" in the Orthodox Church
The Concept of "Economy."
Unlike secular law, or Mosaic law, the purpose of the Church's law is the
spiritual perfection of her members. Mere application of the letter of the law
is replaced by a sense for the spirit of the law, and adherence to its
principles. This purpose is the determining factor when authority is granted to
apply the law when circumstances warrant according to each individual case. The
spirit of love, understood as commitment to the spiritual perfection of the
individual, must always prevail in the application of the law. The abolition of
the letter of the law by the spirit of the law has led to the institution of
"economy," exercised in nonessential matters. Through
"economy," which is always an exception to the general rule, the
legal consequences following the violation of a law are lifted.
"Economy" is granted by the competent ecclesiastical authority
and has not so much the character of urgency as it does the character of
compassion for human frailty. The character of compassion is justified by the
Church's ardent desire to prevent any adverse effects from the strict
observance of the law in exceptional circumstances. The premise upon which an
exception is granted is the general welfare of all concerned. This premise
exists in all systems of law but it finds its fullest expression in the
Church's law. As the law of grace, it is characterized primarily by the
spiritual attributes of compassion, pastoral sensitivity, and forgiveness.
"Economy" is not something to be applied at random or
arbitrarily. It is governed by defined guidelines which must be strictly
adhered to by the competent ecclesiastical authority granting it. First and
foremost, exception from a law which has been endowed with universal
recognition and validity is not possible. It is only from a law that has not
been endowed with such authority that a person can be released, if this is
deemed spiritually beneficial.
The right to exercise "economy" is the sole prerogative of the
legislator (council or holy synod of bishops). This right can in turn be delegated
to individual bishops by the corporate authority of the synod. This delegation
must, however, be within the limits prescribed by the canons and according to
the express authorization of one's superior legislative authority. (See, for
example, canon 2 of Ancyra:
"It is likewise decreed
that deacons who have sacrificed [to pagan idols] and afterwards resumed the
conflict shall enjoy their other honors, but shall abstain from every sacred
ministry, neither bringing forth the bread and the cup, nor making
proclamations. Nevertheless, if any of the bishops shall observe in them
distress of mind and meek humiliation, it shall be lawful to the bishops to
grant more indulgence, or to take away [what has been granted]."
As evidenced by the phrase: "it shall be lawful to the bishops to
grant more indulgence, or to take away [what has been granted],"
"economy" may be both a more lenient or a more strict observance of
the rule. Consequently, "economy" is any deviation from the norm. The
exercise of "economy" ceases if its cause no longer exists or if the
basis for its application rested upon false or pretended grounds. Once
"economy" has been applied, the normative practice is restored as
before. Furthermore, temporary departure from the normative practice through
"economy" does not set precedent.
The institution of "economy" has been actively invoked throughout
the history of the Orthodox Church. This is perhaps due in part to liberal
trends of thought in the cultural milieu within which the Orthodox Church flourished.
Although authority in the exercise of "economy," especially in
matters of great importance, rests with the synod of bishops of each local
church, this authority, as indicated, can be delegated to individual bishops as
well. The Ecumenical Synod, as supreme administrative, legislative and judicial
body in the Church, administers ultimate authority in the exercise of
"economy." It alone can alter or overrule the decision of any
subordinate ecclesiastical authority. In the realm of conscience, however, it
is the spiritual father who has been entrusted with the authority to exercise
"economy" according to his good judgment. The determining factor in
its application, however, must always be the spiritual welfare of the penitent.
Excerpt from: https://www.goarch.org/-/the-canonical-tradition-of-the-orthodox-church
