Orthodox Christianity

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An Introduction to the Orthodox Christian Faith

It is estimated that there are between 250-300 million Orthodox Christians worldwide. The Orthodox Church is the oldest Christian church, founded by Our Lord Jesus Christ, and organized by His Holy Apostles. It is characterized by a rich liturgical tradition, handed down from the earliest centuries of Christianity.

The Church came into existence on Pentecost, the 50th day after the resurrection of Our Lord. On that day, the Holy Spirit descended upon the Holy Apostles and instructed them to go forward into the world and spread the teachings of the gospel. The word “Orthodox” is derived from Greek: “orthos” meaning “right” or “true” and “doxa” meaning “opinion” or “belief”.  

Today, the Orthodox Church is comprised of 20 autocephalous (having their own head) and autonomous (self governing) churches, of which the Serbian Orthodox Church is one. The Orthodox Church is not led by a single bishop as only Christ himself, as founder, is accepted as the true head of the Church. While followers may identify themselves as “Serbian Orthodox”, “Greek Orthodox” or “Russian Orthodox” -- as an example -- they are united in a common faith and communion through the sacraments. 

The Orthodox Church is a Trinitarian Church. We believe that God manifests his essence in three distinct persons: The Father, Son (Jesus Christ) and the Holy Spirit. During weekly Divine Liturgy, Orthodox Christians recite the original, unaltered Nicene Creed of 325 AD, a statement of their Christian faith. In the Creed, we proclaim:

  • Our belief in One God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth;

  • Our belief in the Son of God, of one essence with the Father;

  • Our belief in the Holy Spirit, the giver of life who, with the Father and Son, is worshipped and glorified.

Our beliefs give rise to our actions and they define us as human beings. As members of the Holy Orthodox Church, our religious teachings and services proclaim Christ as God and enable us to learn more about Him.

Through the seven Holy Mysteries, or sacraments, we experience Christ in diverse ways. We meet Him through the Holy Mysteries of Baptism, Chrismation, Confession, Holy Communion, Marriage, Ordination, and Holy Unction (anointing of the sick). By participating in the sacraments, we mark turning points in our life. They allow us to develop our relationship with Christ and draw us closer to Him in spirit and in deed.

[Excerpt prepared by Fr. D. Samac for Parish Messenger/Glasnik, issue #69, with credit to Fr. Rodney Torbic]