An Orthodox Response to Bercot's "Myth of the Seven Ecumenical Councils"

The Eastern Orthodox Church recognizes seven ecumenical councils. The ecumenical councils formulated precise dogmatic definitions of the Christian Faith which are understood by the Orthodox Church to be inspired by God and infallible. They likewise formulated numerous canon laws which govern the life of the Orthodox Church. According to Mr. David Bercot, the assertions made by the Eastern Orthodox Church about the ecumenical councils are “glorified myths.”ⁱ Mr. Bercot is an author, church historian, and former Anglican priest. His special field of interest and study has been the early Church, particularly the Pre-Nicene Church. He has authored several books, notably A Dictionary of Early Christian Beliefs, and recorded nearly seventy lectures, including “The Myth of the Seven Ecumenical Councils” (Scroll Publishing, 2002). Since Bercot speaks frequently on the subject of early Christianity, his message about the ecumenical councils will raise concerns to Orthodox Christians, and also to any potential converts to Orthodox Christianity. In the words of Bercot, “We can definitely say that the Seven Ecumenical Councils are a myth.”ⁱⁱ What is an Eastern Orthodox response?

Holy Fathers of the first six Ecumenical Councils

How do we determine whether or not a general council of the Church is genuinely ecumenical? Within the Orthodox Church, the validity of the Seven Ecumenical Councils is not disputed. Mr. Bercot doesn't deny the historicity of the seven ecumenical councils, but he does claim that they “were not ecumenical”, and he challenges their ecumenicity in various ways.

Intercession of Saints and Angels

In his audio teaching called “What the Early Christians Believed About Images and Prayers to Saints”, David Bercot disputes the Orthodox doctrine of intercession and invocation of saints and angels. He states:

But what about in the second and third centuries? Well again I’m just gonna tell you flatly, there is no record anywhere in the ante-Nicene writings of any Christian praying to a saint or to an angel, that is in the writings before the time of Constantine. There is not even an instant of any Christian who was part of the Church, I mean other than a heretic maybe, asking a deceased Christian to pray for them. There is not even a record, any instance of that happening. In fact, their beliefs show why they wouldn't have even considered such a thing. (David Bercot, "What the Early Christians Believed About Images and Prayers to Saints" YouTube video uploaded by "Scroll Publishing," 54:49, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kh65VvPhJcY&t).

Mr. Bercot's claim is flatly incorrect; there are records in the ante-Nicene writings of Christians praying to saints and angels. In fact, several early Christians spoke of the intercession and invocation of the saints and angels, a doctrine also found in Old Testament Judaism. Although the doctrine is disputed by Protestants, there is ample Old Testament and early Christian evidence in favor of intercession of angels and departed saints for the living, as well as the intercession of the living for the dead. First, we will consider the biblical foundation for the doctrine. Secondly, we will consult the Holy Fathers on the subject.

Misuse of Canon 12 in Just War Debate

In the Followers of the Way (FOTW) presentation "'It's Just War' - Should Christians Fight? Debate," Mr. David Bercot cited Canon 12 of the Council of Nicaea, to support Christian non-resistance or pacifism. In his commentary on the canon, Bercot points out that the whole Church provides a uniform position against Christians use of the sword in the military. He says, "This is the whole Church speaking. I see a very uniform position. . . . Nicaea was the whole Church; it was an Ecumenical Council" (see 1:17:30).

It is interesting that Bercot appeals to a canon of an ecumenical council because the canons and councils, like the Scriptures and the Holy Fathers, are within the Tradition of the Orthodox Church.  Ecumenical Councils were synods of bishops which primarily decided upon dogmatic formulations, especially in the face of heresy. Secondarily, Ecumenical Councils issued canonical legislation which governs the administration of the Orthodox Church.