Lords Temporal and Lords Spiritual

The Eastern Orthodox Churches stand out within Christianity due to their resilience in the face of persecution and conflict. Their survival is attributed to a centralized governance structure, a strong sense of identity, and the intertwining of religious and national interests. Central to each church's leadership is a figure such as a pope, patriarch, or metropolitan, who wields significant authority in guiding the church's direction. This dynamic positions them as the last stronghold of absolute monarchy in the modern era.