I love Frederica: good writer, good thinker, quite knowledgeable on Orthodox subjects. But I've gotta ask: how does this "We never change" perspective fit in with Orthodox approval for divorce/remarriage and contraceptive sex? That seems to be an innovation (not something we can derive from the Nicene Fathers.)
Actually, the attitude toward divorce and remarriage is quite old, dating back at least to the novellas of Justinian (which interestingly no one, not even the Pope of Rome, which was inside the Empire at the time, objected to): he gave a number of grounds for divorce beyond adultery, including abandonment, participation of a spouse in a plot to kill the Emperor, and forced prostitution (an interesting take on the dominical exexption for 'pornea').
I think you also misstate the Orthodox position on both issues by characterizing it as 'approval'. Both are a matter of economia, and are tolerated--properly only with the blessing of a spiritual father on a case-by-case basis--rather that offered 'approval'.
Because that's only an innovation when viewed through a Latin lens. The simple fact is that there is no meaningful difference between a Roman Catholic annulment (which would permit a second marriage) and the Orthodox Christian granting of a second marriage.
On the question of contraception, the Orthodox reject any abortiofacient contraception, they just don't dance on the head of pin to pretend there's a theological difference between certain "artifical" contraception condemned by the Romans and the "natural" variety approved by the Romans.
By the way, did you know that an Orthodox couple can be refused Communion for using contraception?