An Introduction to the Orthodox Church
Discovering the Orthodox Church: A Journey into Ancient Christianity
An increasing number of people from diverse backgrounds are discovering the Orthodox Church. What draws them in? Many are captivated by the Church's ancient faith, rich traditions, and mystical vision of God and His Kingdom. They are attracted to the beauty of her worship, the purity of her Christian teachings, and her continuity with the early Church—a continuity that stretches all the way back to the Apostles. These are just a few of the treasures of the Orthodox Church, which has been diligently preserving the Christian faith for over 2,000 years.
Eastern Christianity: The Heart of Orthodoxy
The Orthodox Church is a living embodiment of Eastern Christianity. The first Christian communities were formed in the lands surrounding the Mediterranean. These eastern regions of the Roman Empire were the birthplace of the Christian faith, where it grew and matured through struggles against paganism and heresy. It was here that the great Church Fathers lived and taught, and here the core doctrines of the Christian faith were declared in the Seven Ecumenical Councils.
Eastern Christianity developed with a distinct character, shaped by the cultures of the Semitic and Hellenistic worlds. The West was influenced by Roman legal thought and focused on sin and the Passion of Christ. However in the East, the emphasis was on the Resurrection of Christ and the deification of humanity—the process by which human beings are transformed into the image and likeness of God. This focus on mystical theology set the East apart from the more legalistic approach in the West. These two great traditions coexisted for over a thousand years until the Great Schism in 1054, which separated the Eastern Orthodox Church from the Western Roman Catholic Church. Today, Orthodox Christians are heirs to this ancient Eastern tradition.
What Does It Mean to Be "Orthodox"?
The term Orthodox has two important meanings. First, it refers to “true teaching.” The Orthodox Church believes it has preserved the Christian faith, handed down without error, from the Apostles to the present day. Second, the term means “true praise”—the primary purpose of the Church is to worship and glorify God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. All of the Church's teachings, practices, and liturgies are directed toward this central goal of glorifying God.
You may have also heard the Orthodox Church referred to as Catholic. This word, dating back to the second century and found in the Nicene Creed, signifies that the Church is universal—it is for all people, of all cultures, races, and backgrounds. It also affirms that the Church preserves the fullness of the Christian faith. Although there are different national traditions within Orthodoxy (Greek, Russian, Antiochian, etc.), these simply reflect the cultural heritage of specific communities, rather than doctrinal differences.
Orthodoxy in the West: A Growing Presence
The Orthodox Church has had a presence in the Western Hemisphere for over 200 years. The first Greek Orthodox Christians arrived in the New World in 1768, settling near present-day St. Augustine, Florida. One of the original buildings where these immigrants gathered for worship is now the St. Photius Shrine, serving as a national religious landmark. Later, Russian Orthodox missionaries also brought the faith to the Aleutian Islands.
The Orthodox Church in America owes its roots to immigrants from places like Greece, Russia, the Middle East, and the Balkans. These faithful Christians brought the ancient Orthodox faith with them as they sought freedom and opportunity in the New World. Today, Orthodoxy in America has grown to include over 1 million members, with most now born in the United States. While the Church continues to embrace the cultural diversity of its people, it is no longer simply an “immigrant Church” but a thriving part of the American religious landscape.
Orthodoxy has also been officially recognized as one of the Four Major Faiths in the United States. While there are many ethnic and cultural backgrounds represented, the Orthodox Church is united in its ancient teachings, welcoming all who seek the fullness of the Christian faith.
Unity in Diversity: The Structure of the Orthodox Church
The Orthodox Church is a federation of independent, self-governing (autocephalous) and autonomous churches. Each church is independent in its internal organization and practices, but all are united by the same faith and doctrine. Unity in Orthodoxy does not mean uniformity. Some churches are ancient, like the Church of Constantinople, while others are relatively newer, like the Church of Finland. Some are large, like the Russian Orthodox Church, and others are small, like the Church of Sinai.
Each Orthodox Church is led by a synod of bishops, with the senior bishop holding the title of Patriarch, Archbishop, or Metropolitan. In the Orthodox world, the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople holds a position of honor as “first among equals.” This title reflects his role as a spiritual leader, but each Orthodox Church is independent and self-governing.
In countries like the United States, where Orthodoxy is still developing, parishes and dioceses are often aligned with one of the autocephalous churches. For example, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America is under the care of the Patriarchate of Constantinople. While it enjoys a significant degree of autonomy, it maintains spiritual allegiance to Constantinople.
Conclusion: A Welcoming Faith for All
The Orthodox Church is a vibrant, living expression of Christianity that has preserved the faith from the days of the Apostles. Rooted in the mystical traditions of the East, the Church offers a rich spiritual life and a deep connection to the early Christian Church. Whether you are drawn to the Church’s ancient faith, its profound theology, or its transformative vision of salvation, Orthodoxy invites all to experience the fullness of the Christian life.
The Orthodox Church is not bound by culture, language, or geography—it is a universal Church, welcoming all people, from every walk of life. If you are seeking to explore the treasures of the Orthodox faith, we invite you to come and experience the life-giving worship and teachings of the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.
