Translation of the article "The Orthodox Doctrine of Salvation and Its Implications for Christian Diakonia in the World" by Professor Archpriest Dumitru Staniloae

The article analyses the main ideas related to the understanding of salvation in the patristic tradition. The Western concepts of “reconciliation” and “redemption” are commented upon. In addition, explained are the interpretations of the Lord’s death (theocentric and anthropocentric) in some of the holy fathers. Despite the eschatological perspective of the world’s existence, the conclusion is drawn about the transforming nature of salvation, for the material world, as well as humanity itself, is called to transformation by the power of Christ’s risen body and the spiritual power of His love, which compels Christians to return the material world to its original purpose of mutual love. First publication of this article was in Romanian: Stăniloae D., Învăţătura ortodoxă despre mântuire şi concluziile ce rezultă din ea pentru slujirea creştină în lume // Ortodoxia, 24 (1972), pp. 195-212. The translation from English into Russian was made after the edition: Staniloae D. The Orthodox Doctrine of Salvation and Its Implications for Christian Diakonia in the World // Staniloae D. Theology and the Church. New York: St. Vladimir’s Seminary Press, 1980. Р. 181-212. The design of links is made according to this edition.