Economia or “oikonomia” is a Greek term which means the “good handling and prudent management of a thing, matter, or situation at hand.” In the Eastern Orthodox Church, “ecclesiastical economia” basically conveys the same meaning, but can also denote a discretionary deviation from the letter of the law for pastoral reasons. Therefore, in certain circumstances various disciplinary questions, problems, and issues that arise are often addressed and handled by the clergy (bishops and priests) so as to adhere more to the spirit of the law rather than its strict adherence. Such a unique and charitable pastoral approach stands in stark contrast to the severe legalism (“akribia” in Greek) often found in the Western Church.
