Eastern Orthodox

The Eastern Orthodox Church, also known as the Orthodox Church, is one of the oldest religious institutions in the world, tracing its roots back to Jesus Christ and the Apostles. It is the second-largest Christian church, with approximately 220 million adherents, primarily in Eastern Europe and the Middle East. The church is often referred to as Orthodox Christianity or Eastern Orthodoxy.

Beliefs and Practices

The Eastern Orthodox Church is known for its rich theological and liturgical traditions. Central to its doctrine is the belief in the Holy Trinity, which includes God the Father, God the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The church emphasizes the importance of the Eucharist, which it views as a sacramental participation in the body and blood of Christ.

Orthodox theology is based on Holy Tradition, which includes the Bible, the writings of the Church Fathers, and the decisions of the Ecumenical Councils. The church teaches that its practices and teachings are the same as those of the original Christian Church.

Liturgy

The worship service in the Eastern Orthodox Church is called the Divine Liturgy, which has remained relatively unchanged since its development in the first few centuries after Christ. The liturgy is known for its beauty and solemnity, featuring iconography, incense, and a capella chanting.

Governance

The Eastern Orthodox Church operates as a communion of autocephalous (self-governing) churches, each led by a bishop (often bearing the title of Patriarch or Metropolitan). The Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople is considered the "first among equals" within the Orthodox hierarchy, but he does not have the same authority over other churches as the Pope does in the Roman Catholic Church.

Major Autocephalous Churches

Some of the major autocephalous churches within Eastern Orthodoxy include:

• Russian Orthodox Church
• Greek Orthodox Church
• Serbian Orthodox Church
• Romanian Orthodox Church
• Bulgarian Orthodox Church

Cultural Impact

The Eastern Orthodox Church has had a profound influence on the cultures of Eastern Europe and the Middle East, particularly in the areas of art, music, and architecture. Orthodox Christianity has also played a significant role in shaping the historical and political landscapes of these regions.

Challenges and Contemporary Issues

Today, the Eastern Orthodox Church faces various challenges such as secularization, religious persecution in some regions, and internal disputes over jurisdiction and doctrine. Additionally, the church is involved in ecumenical dialogues with other Christian denominations to work towards Christian unity.

See Also

• History of the Eastern Orthodox Church
• Orthodox Christian theology
• List of Orthodox Churches