‘But I call you friends’: Patristic insights for an orthodox missiology of friendship

Abstract

This paper explores the Orthodox understanding of friendship as a missiological model, drawing on Patristic heritage. Recently reintroduced by Roman Catholic and Protestant theologians in response to some dysfunctional models of Christian mission, friendship shows promising outcomes. This article aims to engage Orthodox missiology in this ongoing conversation. Although friendship in Patristic thought is wellknown, this paper contributes to missiology by integrating these insights into mission theology, presenting a fresh perspective on how ancient Christian views of friendship can shape contemporary missional practice. This paper begins by outlining the missiological problem and modern proposals to promote friendship as a solution. It then examines the philosophical context in which the Church Fathers wrote, presenting their views through the works of Clement of Alexandria, Gregory of Nazianzus, Basil of Caesarea, Gregory of Nyssa, John Chrysostom, and monastic tradition. Finally, the paper offers a synthesis of an Orthodox Patristic missional paradigm of friendship.