Oikonomia (The Greek word)

found: Work cat.: Richter, G. Oikonomia :der Gebrauch des Wortes Oikonomia im Neuen Testament, bei den Kirchenvätern und in der theologischen Literatur bis ins 20. Jahrhundert, 2005.

found: Sabu, J. The Theology of Oikonomia and Its Implications for Sacramental and Ecumenical Perspectives, viewed online 4-14-2005(Oikonomia ... literally means "husbandry," has three primary meanings: "stewardship" or wise and responsible management or administration of something. Oikonomia can also be treated as that element of doctrine concerning the divine plan of salvation or Incarnation history. The concept of the relationship between God who is righteous and sinful man which presupposes God's dispensation of Grace and mercy, is foundational to the theological notion of oikonomia. Oikonomia is also referred to as a moral concession in contrast to the rule of order. In Byzantine canonical literature oikonomia is explained as the canonical power of the church by which, under certain circumstances, the strict letter of ecclesiastical law was relaxed. The intention of this was to avoid the rigorousness of the law and to remove the hindrances to salvation caused by the rigid legalistic execution.

found: Grdzelidze, T. Using the principle of oikonomia in ecumenical discussions: reflections on "The Limits of the Church" by George FlorovskyEcumenical Review, viewed online, 4-14-2005(Although oikonomia has not become a technical term in canonical language, it has been used very widely as a descriptive word. Florovsky refers to oikonomia as opposed to acrivia/strictness; that is, it indicates an exemption from the strict rule... Thus Florovsky has in mind the pastoral aspect of aikonomia, i.e. exemption from the strict rule for the sake of pastoral considerations, when he applies it to the realm of ecclesiology.