Eastern Orthodoxy

Eastern Orthodoxy, also called Eastern Orthodox Christianity or Byzantine Christianity, is one of the three main branches of Chalcedonian Christianity, along with Catholicism and Protestantism. It began in the eastern area of the Mediterranean Basin within Byzantine Greek culture. Followers of this faith share similar teachings, prayers, and church practices, feeling deeply connected as part of one big church family.

The Eastern Orthodox Church is organised into independent groups called autocephalous churches, with 17 main ones recognized by most others. Each of these churches chooses its own leader, called a primate. Some of these churches have authority over other smaller churches, which may have more freedom to make their own decisions.

These churches often cover the lands of modern countries. For example, the Patriarchate of Moscow is tied to Russia and some nearby post-Soviet states. Their areas can also include cities, smaller church areas, and communities living far from their main country, such as those under the care of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.

Eastern Orthodox Christians mark important dates using their church's liturgical calendar. They believe the Holy Spirit comes only from the Father, and they do not accept the idea that it also comes from the Son, which is a belief added by the Latin Church.

Theology

Main article: Eastern Orthodox theology

Eastern Orthodox Christians believe in the Trinity, which consists of three distinct divine persons—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three persons share one divine essence and are fully united in their work and purpose.

They also believe that Jesus Christ, the Son, was both fully God and fully human. His life, death on the cross, and resurrection are central to their faith. This event is seen as the key to forgiving sins and bringing hope to believers.

The Eastern Orthodox Christian life is about growing closer to God through prayer, worship, and following the teachings of Jesus. They believe that everyone is called to experience God's love and to become more like Christ in their daily lives. The church community plays an important role in supporting this journey.

The Virgin Mary, known as the Theotokos or Mother of God, is highly honored for her unique role in bearing Jesus. The church also respects other holy men and women throughout history, whose lives and teachings continue to inspire believers today.

Liturgy

Main articles: Byzantine Rite, Eastern Orthodox worship, and Western Rite Orthodoxy

Eastern Orthodox churches have special ways to remember important days and events. Each day of the week has its own focus. For example, Sunday is a special day to remember Jesus coming back to life. Other days remember angels, important holy people, or special moments in the church's history.

The most important service in these churches is called the Divine Liturgy. It usually happens on Sunday mornings and special holy days. There are also morning and evening prayers called Orthros and Vespers. During these services, people sing special prayers and songs called chants. These chants are not thought of as music but as sacred melodies that help people pray. Different churches have their own styles of chanting, and these have developed over many hundreds of years.

Traditions

Monasticism

Main articles: Eastern Orthodox monasticism and Degrees of Eastern Orthodox monasticism

The Eastern Orthodox Church values traditions of monastic life and simple living. These traditions began in the early days of Christianity in places near the Near East and in Byzantine Anatolia. Important centers for this way of life include Saint Catherine's Monastery in Egypt and Mount Athos in Northern Greece.

All bishops in this church are monks. If someone who is not a monk is chosen to be a bishop, he must become a monk first.

Icons and symbols

See also: Christian symbolism

Icons

Further information: Icon

Icons are special images that show holy people and events. They are found on the walls of many churches and in many homes. These images have been part of Orthodox Christianity since its beginning.

Iconostasis

Main article: Iconostasis

An iconostasis is a wall with icons and religious paintings that separates the main part of a church from the sacred area. It began as a simpler screen called a templon and grew into a more detailed wall over time.

Cross

Greek cross

Orthodox cross

The cross used by the Russian Orthodox Church has a small top bar that reminds us of a sign written above Christ. There are many different kinds of crosses used in Eastern Orthodoxy, each with its own meaning.

Art and architecture

Main article: Eastern Orthodox church architecture

The Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in New York City is the largest Eastern Orthodox church in the Western Hemisphere.

Holy mysteries (sacraments)

In Eastern Orthodoxy, special sacred actions are called "sacred mysteries." These are similar to what other Christian groups call sacraments. The Eastern Orthodox Church does not say there is a fixed number of these mysteries, but often talks about seven important ones. These include Holy Communion, baptism, Chrismation, confession, unction, matrimony, and ordination. The term can also cover other meaningful actions like becoming a monk, blessing holy water, or even simple acts like lighting candles or praying.

Baptism is a key mystery that welcomes people into the Eastern Orthodox Church. During this ceremony, the person being baptized is fully immersed in blessed water three times, representing a fresh start and joining the church community. Usually, priests or bishops perform baptisms, but in urgent situations, any Eastern Orthodox Christian can do it.

Chrismation, often done right after baptism, involves anointing the person with special oil, called Holy Chrism. This is seen as receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit. After this, people can receive Holy Communion, even as children, after preparing through fasting and prayer.

In the Eastern Orthodox Church, confession is important. Members are encouraged to talk about their mistakes at least once a year, especially before receiving Holy Communion. This helps them feel closer to the church again.

Marriage is also considered a holy mystery, uniting a man and a woman in love and support before God. The church teaches that marriage is lifelong and opposes civil same-sex marriage. While the church does not officially recognize divorce, it sometimes allows remarriage out of compassion.

Only men can become priests or deacons in the Eastern Orthodox Church. Widowed priests and deacons usually do not remarry and may join a monastery. In recent years, some leaders have started allowing women to serve as deacons again.

Distribution

Eastern Orthodoxy is the main religion in Russia, where most of the world's Eastern Orthodox Christians live. It is also the main religion in many other countries in Eastern Europe, such as Ukraine, Romania, Belarus, Greece, Serbia, Bulgaria, Moldova, Georgia, North Macedonia, Cyprus, and Montenegro.

There are also smaller groups of Eastern Orthodox Christians in places like Bosnia and Herzegovina, Latvia, Estonia, Albania, and several other European countries. In parts of Central Asia, such as Kazakhstan, Eastern Orthodoxy is also important.

Local customs

Different areas have their own special ways of doing things in Orthodox churches. Many churches have names that match the countries they are in, like the Albanian Orthodox, Bulgarian Orthodox, Georgian Orthodox, Greek Orthodox, Romanian Orthodox, Russian Orthodox, Serbian Orthodox, and Ukrainian Orthodox. These names help us know what language is used in the services, which bishops are in charge, and which special traditions are followed. In the Middle East, Orthodox Christians are often called Rum ("Roman") Orthodox because of their long history with the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire.