The Pastoral Approach to Heresy and Schism

Heresy and schism constitute serious sins which are difficult to be cured. They are means through which the devil tries to prevent a person's salvation by cutting him off from the life-giving communion of the Church.

As reflected in the holy canons, the fathers do not view heresy with tolerance and relativism. They absolutely condemn it as something frightful and odious. This is the same view they hold of schism. Towards heretics, however, they express love, taking all possible measures and making ample use of economy for their repentance. Economy is used for heretics only insofar as they return to the Church, never so long as they remain in heresy. 

Despite the distinction between heresy and schism in the consciousness of the Church, both are considered equally destructive in causing a person's separation from the body of Christ. The cause of schism is pride and arrogance, leading one to separate from the Church and to offer the holy gifts "separately" on other erected altars "contrary to ecclesiastical faith and discipline," in the language of canon 10 of Carthage.

So long as the heretic is deprived of grace, it is not possible for him to retain the identity of a member of the Church. The anathema does not cut him off from the Church. It proclaims to the body that he has cut himself off by falling from the true faith. This it does in the hope of ultimately saving both the heretic and the other members of the body.

Likewise, the schismatic who separates himself from the Church and is deprived of divine grace, is deposed if a clergyman and excommunicated if a layperson. The ecclesiastical penances for the schismatic, as well, recognize the condition in which this person willingly because of his actions finds himself. As stated characteristically in canon 5 of Antioch: "(If) any presbyter or deacon, despising his own bishop, has separated himself from the Church,..."

This canon proposes the method for the return of schismatics. There precede a first and second invitation, then a personal admonishment of the bishop, following which the infliction of deposition is unavoidable.

Finally, the severe position which the canons take towards heretics is in the final analysis compassionate. In the first place, it is to protect the flock from the scourge of heresy; then, too, it is to convey a message to the consciences of the heretics in the hope that they will return to the fold from which they strayed.

Source: Spiritual Dimensions of the Holy Canons, by Professor Lewis J. Patsavos, Brookline: Holy Cross Orthodox Press, 2003, pp. 49-51.