Eastern orthodox church

Eastern Orthodox Church is one of the three main Christian groups (the others being Roman Catholic and Protestant). Around 200 million people follow the Orthodox tradition. It is made up of numerous self-governing Churches which are either 'autocephalous' (meaning having their own head) or 'autonomous' (meaning self-governing).

History

The Eastern Orthodox Church is a Christian body whose adherents are largely based in the Middle East and Siberia, extending to a lesser extent into Eastern Europe and the rest of the world. The Orthodox Churches are united in faith and by a common approach to theology, tradition, and worship. They draw on elements of Greek, Middle-Eastern, Russian and Slav culture. Each Church has its own geographical (rather than a national) title that usually reflects the cultural traditions of its believers.

Beliefs

The Orthodox Church shares much with the other Christian Churches in the belief that God revealed himself in Jesus Christ, and a belief in the incarnation of Christ, his crucifixion and resurrection. The Orthodox Church differs substantially in the way of life and worship.

Worship

Worship is an important part of the life of an Orthodox Christian. Most Orthodox Christians attend services at least on Sundays and major feast days. The liturgy is central to Orthodox worship and has remained relatively unchanged since the 4th century.

Practices

Orthodox Christians practice what they believe is the original Christian faith passed down from the Apostles. Unlike the Roman Catholic Church, the Orthodox church has no single Supreme Pontiff, or Pope, who oversees the entire Church. Instead, the Orthodox church is a fellowship of "autocephalous" churches, with the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople being regarded as "first among equals".

See Also

• Christianity
• Roman Catholic Church
• Protestantism

References

Eastern orthodox church Resources
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