Eastern Orthodoxy

Main thing

Eastern Orthodoxy is one of the main branches of Christianity, which began to form as a separate tradition from the 3rd to the 8th century AD. Today it is practiced by millions of people around the world, especially in countries such as Russia, Greece, Ukraine, Romania, and Serbia.

Eastern Orthodoxy differs from other Christian movements in its attitude to tradition and authority. Unlike Roman Catholicism, it does not recognize the authority of the Pope, treating all bishops as equals. This is a significant departure from both Catholicism, which places the Pope at the head of the Church, and Protestantism, which often rejects the concept of apostolic succession.

Compared to other religions, Eastern Orthodoxy is unique in its emphasis on tradition and liturgy. Its worship services are known for their beauty and solemnity, with a strong emphasis on symbolism and ritual. The Orthodox Church also places great importance on the teachings of the Church Fathers and the decisions of the Ecumenical Councils, viewing them as an essential part of its religious tradition.

Eastern Orthodoxy is also characterized by its view of the afterlife. Unlike many other Christian denominations, it does not believe in original sin, but in ancestral sin - the idea that human nature was damaged by Adam and Eve's disobedience, but not that their guilt is hereditary. This belief influences their understanding of salvation and the nature of God's grace.

In terms of practice, Eastern Orthodoxy is known for its use of icons, which are considered windows to the divine. Orthodox liturgy is also characterized by rich symbolism and the use of the ancient liturgical language of the respective country.

Terms

• Eastern Orthodoxy: This is a branch of Christianity that began to take shape as a distinct tradition from the 3rd to the 8th centuries AD. It's known for its rich traditions andliturgical practices. For example, the Orthodox Church in Greece is a major part of the country's cultural and religious life.

• Apostolic Succession: This is the belief that the authority and the mission given by JesusChrist to the Apostles have been passed down uninterrupted through the bishops of the Church. For instance, the current Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, Bartholomew I, is considered the 270th successor of the Apostle Andrew.

• Ecumenical Councils: These were meetings of bishops from across the Christian world, held to settle doctrinal disputes and define the faith. The first seven Ecumenical Councils, held between 325 and 787 AD, are particularly important in Eastern Orthodoxy. For example, the First Council of Nicea in 325 AD formulated the Nicene Creed, a statementof faith still used in Orthodox services today.

• Icons: In Eastern Orthodoxy, icons are not just religious art, but are considered windowsto the divine. They are venerated, but not worshipped, as that would be idolatry. The use of icons in worship was defended and confirmed by the Seventh Ecumenical Council in 787 AD, which rejected the heresy of iconoclasm, the belief that icons should be destroyed.

• The Holy Trinity: This is the fundamental truth of the Orthodox Church, the belief in one God in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This doctrine was affirmed by the early Ecumenical Councils, in response to various heresies that denied either the divinity of Christ or the Holy Spirit.

• The Filioque: This is a Latin term meaning "and the Son". It was added to the Nicene Creed in the Western Church, to express the belief that the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son. The Orthodox Church rejected this addition, leading to theologicaldisputes between the Eastern and Western Churches.

An analogy

Imagine Christianity as a large, ancient tree. The roots of this tree represent the teachings of Jesus Christ and the early apostles, forming the foundation of the Christian faith. The trunk of the tree symbolizes the unified Christian Church of the first centuries.

As time went on, the tree began to grow branches. One of these branches is Eastern Orthodoxy. Just like a branch on a tree, Eastern Orthodoxy is connected to the main trunk, sharing the same foundational beliefs in Jesus Christ and the Holy Trinity. But it also has its own distinct shape and direction, reflecting its unique history and traditions.

This branch has further sub-branches representing the various national Orthodox Churches, like the Russian Orthodox Church or the Greek Orthodox Church. Each of these sub-branches has its own unique characteristics, but they all remain connected to the main Orthodox branch, sharing the same faith and liturgical practices.

A main misconception

A common misconception about Eastern Orthodoxy is that it's just a variant of Roman Catholicism. While it's true that they share a common heritage, Eastern Orthodoxy and Roman Catholicism have significant differences in theology, liturgy, and church structure. For example, unlike in the Catholic Church, Orthodox priests can marry and the Orthodox Church does notrecognize the Pope's authority.

The history

Eastern Orthodoxy began to take shape as a distinct branch of Christianity from the 3rd to the 8th centuries AD. It originated in the eastern part of the Roman Empire, where the Apostles preached and the first Christian communities were formed. Over the centuries, it spread tovarious parts of the world, from Greece and Russia to the Middle East and North Africa. There were times of growth and times of persecution, but through it all, the Orthodox Church has maintained its traditions and beliefs. As the famous Orthodox theologian John of Damascus once said, "The whole earth is a living icon of the face of God."

Three cases how to use it right now

1. Personal Faith: If you're a believer, understanding Eastern Orthodoxy can deepen your faith and enrich your spiritual life. The liturgical practices, the emphasis on tradition, and the theological teachings can provide a framework for understanding your relationshipwith God. The main benefits of using this knowledge are a deeper connection with your faith and a greater understanding of your spiritual heritage.

2. Academic Study: If you're a student or a scholar, studying Eastern Orthodoxy can provide valuable insights into the history of Christianity and the development of religious thought. It can also shed light on the cultural and social history of the regionswhere Orthodoxy is prevalent. The main benefits of using this knowledge are a broader understanding of religious history and a deeper insight into the complexities of Christian theology.

3. Interfaith Dialogue: If you're involved in interfaith work, understanding Eastern Orthodoxy can help foster dialogue and mutual understanding between differentreligious traditions. It can help break down stereotypes and promote a spirit of respectand cooperation. The main benefits of using this knowledge are improved relationshipsbetween different faith communities and a greater appreciation for religious diversity.

Interesting facts

1. Eastern Orthodoxy is the second largest Christian tradition in the world, with an estimated 260 million adherents.

2. The Orthodox Church operates on the Julian calendar, which is why OrthodoxChristmas is celebrated on January 7th, 13 days after Western Christmas.

3. The highest position in the Orthodox Church is the Patriarch. The Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople is considered the "first among equals" in the Orthodox hierarchy.

4. The Orthodox Church does not believe in original sin in the same way that the Western Church does. Instead, they believe in ancestral sin, the idea that human nature was damaged by Adam and Eve's disobedience, but not that their guilt is passed down.

5. The Orthodox Church has a tradition of "holy fools," people who act eccentric or insane as a form of spiritual practice. They are revered for their humility and their ability to challenge societal norms.