Orthodox Christianity is a faith that has deep historical roots and a rich tradition. Orthodox Christians believe in adhering to traditional Christian teachings and practices that have been passed down through the ages. Our faith emphasizes the importance of holy tradition, the sacraments, and the teachings of the church fathers.

The Orthodox Church is organized into various autocephalous (self-governing) bodies, each led by a bishop or patriarch. This includes notable branches like the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. Our religious services are known for their beauty and solemnity, often involving intricate chants and elaborate rituals.
We hold firm to the belief that our practices and teachings align closely with the original teachings of Jesus and his apostles. This connection to the past is a cornerstone of our faith, providing a sense of continuity and stability. To learn more about the detailed practices and beliefs that define our faith, you can visit this Orthodox Church history and beliefs page.
Historical Development of Orthodox Christianity
The historical development of Orthodox Christianity is deeply rooted in significant events and transformations. Key aspects include the foundation of the early church, the impact of the Great Schism, and the growth of autocephalous churches.
Early Church and Ecumenical Councils
Orthodox Christianity traces its origins to the early church established by the apostles. The teachings and traditions handed down by Jesus Christ and his disciples formed the core of the faith.
Significant early developments included the seven ecumenical councils held between 325 and 787 A.D. These councils addressed critical theological disputes and helped define Christian doctrine. The First Council of Nicaea in 325 established the Nicene Creed, a profession of faith still central to Orthodoxy. These councils fostered a unified church doctrine until the divisions that led to the Great Schism.
The Great Schism and Eastern Orthodoxy
The Great Schism of 1054 was a major turning point. The split between the Eastern (Byzantine) and Western (Roman) churches created the Eastern Orthodox Church and Roman Catholic Church. This division was primarily over issues such as papal authority and the Filioque clause, which involves the Holy Spirit’s procession.
During the Byzantine Empire, Eastern Orthodoxy flourished. The Eastern Orthodox Church maintained its distinct traditions and governance, separate from Roman influence. This schism defined the religious landscape of Europe and the Middle East, leading to the cultural and spiritual independence of Orthodox Christianity.
Expansion and Autocephalous Churches
As Orthodox Christianity spread, it established autocephalous (self-governing) churches. Significant expansions occurred in Russia, Greece, Serbia, Cyprus, and Ukraine. Each national church retained its cultural and liturgical practices while adhering to the core doctrines established by the ecumenical councils.
In modern times, the Orthodox Church in America has become an important part of Orthodoxy’s presence in the Western Hemisphere. The Russian Orthodox Church and Greek Orthodox Church are among the largest and most influential branches. Each autocephalous church contributes to the rich diversity and unity of the global Eastern Orthodox community.
Orthodox Theology and Beliefs

Orthodox Christianity holds firm beliefs about the nature of God, Jesus Christ, salvation, and the veneration of saints. These beliefs form the core of their religious practice and understanding.
Nature of God and the Holy Trinity
In Orthodoxy, we believe in one God who exists in three distinct persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This concept is known as the Holy Trinity. Each person of the Trinity is fully God, sharing the same essence but differing in their relations to each other. The Father is the source, the Son is begotten of the Father, and the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father.
The Holy Trinity is central to our faith and is reflected in our worship, prayers, and sacraments. This understanding distinguishes us from other Christian traditions, placing a strong emphasis on the unity and co-equality of the three persons. Our belief in the Trinity shapes our view of the Church, community, and the nature of divine love.
Jesus Christ and the Resurrection
We affirm that Jesus Christ is both fully God and fully human. He was born of the Virgin Mary, lived a sinless life, and willingly suffered and died for our salvation. The resurrection of Jesus is a cornerstone of our faith, symbolizing victory over sin and death.
The resurrection is celebrated every Sunday in our worship and especially during Easter. It assures us of our own future resurrection and eternal life with God. Jesus’ victory over death is seen as the foundation of our hope and the means by which we are reconciled with God.
Salvation and Theosis
In Orthodox belief, salvation is not just a legal acquittal of sin but involves the process of theosis, or becoming one with God. Theosis is the transformation of a person into the likeness of God, achieved through a life of prayer, asceticism, and participation in the sacraments.
We see salvation as a lifelong journey of growth in holiness and communion with God. It is both a divine gift and a human effort. The sacraments, especially the Eucharist, play a vital role in this process, providing us with the grace to become more like Christ.
Virgin Mary and the Saints
The Virgin Mary, known as Theotokos (God-bearer), holds a special place in our faith. We honor her as the mother of Jesus and as the highest of all saints. Her obedience and role in salvation history are greatly revered.
We also venerate saints, who are seen as examples of holiness and intercessors before God. Their lives inspire us to live faithfully, and their intercessions support us in our spiritual journey. Icons of Mary and the saints are prominent in our churches and homes, serving as reminders of their presence and help.
Sacramental Worship and Liturgical Practices

Our Orthodox Christian faith is deeply rooted in sacramental worship and liturgical practices. These rituals shape our spiritual journey and offer us a way to connect with the divine through the church’s traditions.
The Divine Liturgy and Eucharist
The Divine Liturgy is central to our worship. It is here that we gather as a community to celebrate the Holy Eucharist, which is the “sacrament of sacraments.” The Eucharist, also known as Communion, is believed to be the true body and blood of Christ.
During the liturgy, we participate in hymns, prayers, and readings from the Bible. This sacred meal strengthens our faith and unity, reminding us of Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection.
Baptism and Chrismation
Baptism marks our entry into the Orthodox faith. It involves immersion in water, symbolizing the cleansing of sins and the start of a new life in Christ. This sacrament is often performed on infants, but adults can also be baptized.
Following baptism, we receive Chrismation, where the priest anoints us with chrism (holy oil) to bestow the Holy Spirit. This sacrament confirms our faith and fully integrates us into the Church.
Fasting and Lent
Fasting is a vital practice in our tradition, helping us develop self-control and spiritual discipline. We observe several fasting periods throughout the year, with Great Lent being the most significant.
During Lent, we fast from certain foods and engage in increased prayer and charity. This period of intense spiritual reflection and repentance prepares us for the celebration of Pascha (Easter), the resurrection of Christ.
Prayer and Icons
Prayer is the cornerstone of our daily spiritual practice. We use various forms of prayer, including personal prayers, communal worship, and the Jesus Prayer. Icons, or holy images, play a crucial role in our prayer life.
Icons are seen as windows to heaven, helping us focus our prayers and remember the lives of saints and the events of Christ’s life. These sacred images are venerated, not worshipped, as they direct our minds and hearts to the divine.
Our liturgical practices and sacraments are integral to maintaining our faith and unity within the Orthodox Church.
Clergy and Church Hierarchy

In the Orthodox Christian Church, the clergy and church hierarchy play a vital role in maintaining spiritual leadership and organizational structure. This includes positions such as patriarchs, bishops, priests, deacons, monks, and nuns.
Patriarchs and Bishops
The top of the Orthodox hierarchy is composed of patriarchs and bishops. Patriarchs lead ancient or ethnic churches and are highly respected figures. Each patriarch governs an autocephalous (self-governing) church. Key patriarchates include Constantinople, Alexandria, Antioch, and Jerusalem. Bishops oversee specific geographical areas called dioceses. They ensure that the doctrines and practices of the faith are upheld. Some bishops, known as metropolitans, have authority over multiple dioceses. Their responsibilities include ordaining clergy, conducting liturgies, and guiding the faithful.
Priests and Deacons
Priests serve at the parish level, directly interacting with the community. They perform sacraments, lead worship services, and provide pastoral care. Priests are often the main point of contact for most church members. They play a crucial role in teaching and maintaining the spiritual wellbeing of their congregation. Deacons assist priests with liturgical duties and administrative tasks. They can also perform some sacraments, like baptisms and marriages, but their main role is to support the priest and community. Both priests and deacons are essential for the smooth functioning of parishes.
Monasticism: Monks and Nuns
Monasticism is a significant aspect of Orthodox Christianity. Monks and nuns dedicate their lives to prayer, asceticism, and communal living. Monasteries are often centers of spiritual growth and learning. Monks and nuns take vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. They engage in various activities, including manuscript preservation, teaching, and charitable work. Monastic communities are led by abbots or abbesses who provide guidance and oversee daily operations. Their commitment to spirituality and community service greatly influences the broader church and society.
Learn more about the hierarchy of the Eastern Orthodox Church, church structure, and the role of clergy in Orthodox Christianity.
Church and Society
Orthodox Christianity has a powerful influence on its followers and has adapted to the modern world while preserving its traditions.
Orthodox Church in the Modern World
Orthodox churches today remain central to the lives of many believers. In Russia, for example, the church holds significant sway in social and political realms. Much of Eastern Christianity also maintains strong ties with the church, adhering closely to ancient practices.
In America and Western Europe, the Orthodox Church has grown, drawing people seeking a traditional form of worship. Mission work remains active, spreading the faith and supporting communities in need. The church continuously addresses contemporary issues while staying true to its doctrines established in early ecumenical councils.
Culture and Traditions
Culture and tradition are the bedrock of Orthodox Christianity. Rituals such as the Divine Liturgy are central, embodying beliefs through prayers, hymns, and sacraments. Orthodox churches are adorned with icons, each telling stories of saints and biblical events, encompassing faith in visual art.
Festivals like Pascha (Easter) are celebrated with great devotion. Unique customs, food, and community gatherings mark these occasions, reflecting local Middle Eastern, Russian, and Asian influences. We see a diverse yet unified cultural expression that binds the faithful together, fostering a deep sense of belonging and continuity.
Frequently Asked Questions

Orthodox Christianity has distinct practices and beliefs compared to other branches of Christianity. Our exploration covers key differences, unique rules, and traditions.
How do the practices of Orthodox Christianity differ from those of Catholicism?
Orthodox Christians emphasize the use of icons in worship, while Catholics focus more on statues and imagery. We have Divine Liturgy instead of the Catholic Mass. Our clergy can marry, while Catholic priests take a vow of celibacy. The Orthodox Church also follows the Julian calendar for some holidays, differing from the Gregorian calendar used by Catholics.
What distinguishes Orthodox Christianity from Protestant faiths?
Orthodox Christianity maintains a continuous tradition from the early church, emphasizing the importance of Holy Tradition. In contrast, Protestantism often focuses on scripture alone (sola scriptura). Our services are more liturgical and sacramental, while Protestant services are often simpler and sermon-focused.
Does the Orthodox Christian Church have a unique set of rules or traditions?
Yes, the Orthodox Church follows distinct customs, such as fasting during specific periods like Lent and Advent. We also have the practice of veneration of icons and extensive use of incense during services. The Orthodox faith stresses the importance of sacraments like baptism and Holy Communion.
How does the concept of the Trinity in Orthodox Christianity compare to other Christian denominations?
The concept of the Trinity in Orthodoxy is similar to other Christian denominations but emphasizes the mystery and unity of the three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We refrain from attempting to fully explain the mystery of the Trinity and focus on experiencing the divine through worship and sacraments.
What are the defining characteristics of Greek Orthodox tradition?
Greek Orthodox tradition is known for its rich liturgical heritage, including the use of Byzantine chant and elaborate festal celebrations. Icons play a crucial role in worship. Greek Orthodoxy also emphasizes the historical continuity of the church, tracing its roots to the apostles and early church fathers.