60-second overview
A family of ancient churches that receives the first three ecumenical councils and includes the Coptic, Armenian, Syriac, Ethiopian, Eritrean, and Malankara Orthodox traditions.
History and identity
These churches separated from the imperial Chalcedonian churches after the Council of Chalcedon in 451. They identify their Christology as Miaphysite: the incarnate Word is fully divine and fully human in one united nature, without confusion. They reject both Nestorian division and Eutychian absorption of Christ’s humanity.
What the group says about itself
What this group teaches and practices
Ancient liturgies and episcopal succession. Receives Nicaea, Constantinople, and Ephesus, but not Chalcedon as an ecumenical council. Distinct national churches remain in communion with one another. Modern dialogues have found substantial shared Christological faith despite terminology.
Core teachings and practices
- Ancient liturgies and episcopal succession.
- Receives Nicaea, Constantinople, and Ephesus, but not Chalcedon as an ecumenical council.
- Distinct national churches remain in communion with one another.
- Modern dialogues have found substantial shared Christological faith despite terminology.
Variation across churches
Moderate variation within the groupWhat it shares with the Reformed Baptist Base Beliefs
This group is within historic Nicene Christianity, with broad agreement on the Triune God and Jesus Christ’s full deity and humanity. Other important differences may still remain.
Important differences from the Reformed Baptist Base Beliefs
The guide’s base beliefs share the Trinity, incarnation, atonement, and resurrection but differ on authority, sacraments, saints, icons, and ecclesiology. Do not dismiss these churches as non-Christian or call them “Monophysite” without correction.
How it relates to historic Nicene Christianity
Inside historic Nicene ChristianityThis group is within historic Nicene Christianity.
Boundary guideImportant distinctions
- Not the same communion as Eastern Orthodoxy.
- Miaphysite is not identical to Eutychian Monophysitism.
Related groups with separate profiles
Related groups
Sources
The group’s own sources come first, followed by outside context and the guide’s comparison.
- Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin — Overview of the Armenian Apostolic Holy ChurchVerifiedOfficial history
- Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States — The Coptic Orthodox FaithVerifiedOfficial doctrine
- World Council of Churches / official dialogue participants — Agreed Statements between Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox TheologiansVerifiedDialogue or reassessment
- Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States — Our FaithVerifiedOfficial doctrine
- Syriac Orthodox Patriarchate / official church material — The Holy Spirit and His GiftsVerifiedOfficial doctrine