Eastern Orthodoxy

The Eastern Orthodox Church, a branch of Christianity also known as Eastern Orthodoxy, Orthodox Christianity, or the Orthodox Church, identifies its roots in the early Church, particularly as it developed within the Greek-speaking eastern branch of the Roman Empire. The Eastern Orthodox Church accepts the first seven Ecumenical Councils (which were held between the 327 and 787 C.E.), but regards itself as the True Church. The Eastern Orthodox Church is organized with an episcopal structure including the Four Patriarchs of Alexandria, Antioch, Constantinople, and Jerusalem (the Patriarch of Constantinople is the first of equals) and consecrated bishops (whose lineage is believed to be traced back to Jesus' apostles). Their worship is highly liturgical and extremely iconographic, both of which are central to the Church's life, history, and practice. Their icons, which include depictions of Jesus, the Virgin Mary, biblical scenes, or saints, are believed to create a sense of the presence of God. Eastern Orthodoxy is strongly doctrinal and places great authority in the Bible, the Creeds (Apostles' and Nicene), and the seven ecumenical councils. Like all other Christians, Orthodoxy is Trinitarian, believing that God exists in three persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Contributors : Beth Davies-Stofka, Jacob N. Kinnard, Kathleen A. Mulhern, Michael Hryniuk

Eastern Orthodox Christianity originated in the Greek-speaking churches of the Byzantine Empire.

Influences on Eastern Orthodoxy include the beliefs and practices of the first Christian churches, and the language and culture of ancient Greece.

Eastern Orthodoxy's foundations lie in the apostolic churches, the ecumenical councils, and the monasteries.

Eastern Orthodoxy teaches that the meaning of scriptures is revealed in the context of the church.

The estrangement between the churches of the East and the West is reflected in the scholarship on Christian history and belief.

The 3rd to 5th centuries in the Christian East were rich in theological and mystical thought, and witnessed the growth and spread of monasticism.

Two schisms had divided Christianity by the close of the 7th century. These, though predating the Great Schism between East and West, primarily impacted the eastern churches.

From the 12th to the early 20th centuries, the various geographical regions of Eastern Orthodoxy experienced war and conquest.

During the 8th to the 14th centuries, Orthodox missionaries evangelized the Slavs while mysticism grew in importance in Orthodox belief and practice.

Contemporary Eastern Orthodoxy is emerging from the effects of Communist rule and engaging with the modern world and fellow Christians.

The stories of the Bible and the stories of Christian martyrs and saints are sacred to Eastern Orthodox Christians.

Eastern Orthodox Christianity places special emphasis on the Trinity and on Mary, mother of Jesus.

In Eastern Orthodox belief, humans are made in the image and likeness of God. The goal of life is communion with God.

There is no single authoritative Christian teaching on the question of why God permits evil. Eastern Orthodoxy emphasizes God's power in the face of evil.

Eastern Orthodoxy emphasizes salvation as a deification, or transfiguration of the human through communion with God.

Eastern Orthodox Christians worship daily, weekly, and at special times throughout the year, using traditional liturgies.

Eastern Orthodox Christians worship in buildings filled with symbolic design and decoration.

Eastern Orthodox sacramental rituals are highly structured and symbolic, emphasizing tradition and unity.

Eastern Orthodox Christians pray at regular intervals throughout the day in the monasteries and cathedrals, and additional prayers are offered in the home

The central symbol is Eastern Orthodoxy is the icon, images that signify heaven on earth.

Clerical leadership in Eastern Orthodoxy is hierarchical, using the same system of deacons, priests, and bishops that developed in the early church. The most senior bishops are called patriarchs.

Eastern Orthodoxy is a communion of self-governing ethnic and national churches.

Eastern Orthodoxy teaches that the Christian life will ultimately lead to the deification of humans and all of creation.

Like many other traditions, Eastern Orthodoxy is hopeful for a future reconciliation of all Christians, and to that end, are active in interfaith discussions.

Eastern Orthodoxy is conservative in matters of gender and sexuality.