What on Earth is “orthodoxy?”
Eastern Orthodox Christianity is the unbroken lineage of the apostolic Church, established by Christ.
Orthodoxy In a Nutshell
Eastern Orthodox Christianity is one of the major branches of Christianity. It is characterized by its continuity with the apostolic tradition, rich liturgical worship, and adherence to ancient practices. While the Orthodox Church doesn’t have a “systematic theology,” per se, it does have some key doctrinal beliefs and traditions that undergird its theology. To fully understand the beliefs of the Orthodox Church requires learning its language and traditions and participating in worship.
Doctrinal Beliefs:
Holy Trinity: Like other Christian denominations, Eastern Orthodoxy affirms the doctrine of the Holy Trinity — the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit.
Incarnation: Jesus Christ is the incarnate Son of God who became fully human, born of a Virgin, for the salvation of humankind and renewal of creation.
Authority and Tradition:
Sacred Tradition: Eastern Orthodoxy places a strong emphasis on the authority of sacred tradition, which includes not only written scriptures but also liturgical practices, teachings of the Church Fathers, and decisions of ecumenical councils.
Authority - The Holy Spirit is the arbiter of the Church, whom we believe guides the church as a whole.
Ecumenical Councils: The Ecumenical Council is considered the highest ecclesiastical authority of the Church. There have been seven councils (4th-8th AD) that established the doctrine of Jesus Christ and the Holy Trinity.
Ecclesiastical Structure:
Catholicity: The Orthodox Church is not rooted in any particular culture or ethnic group. It adapts, without losing its identity, to meet the needs of each culture and people. It is open and available to all.
Autocephalous Churches: The Eastern Orthodox Church is organized into autocephalous (independent and self-governing) churches, each headed by a patriarch or archbishop. These churches are effectively divided amongst historical ethnic backgrounds but are united in a common faith and communion.
Worship and Liturgy:
Iconography: The use of icons (religious images) in worship is significant, and they are venerated as a means of instruction and prayer.
Liturgy: Liturgical worship is central to the life of the church. There are established daily services, and our daily lives are meant to be the lived within this life of the church. Liturgy itself is the receiving of gifts from God, transforming those gifts, and offering them back to God. Those gifts, in turn, are transformed again by God and offered back to the people. It is through this constant motion that we encounter God.
Spirituality and Mysticism:
Mystical Theology: Eastern Orthodoxy places a strong emphasis on mystical theology which is the experience of God through prayer, fasting, and the sacraments.
Mysteries: Eastern Orthodoxy does not have a set number of sacraments or mysteries. Instead, we live in the realization that all of life is sacramental; however, there are those mysteries of the church that are set apart as special, including baptism, chrismation, the Eucharist, confession, holy unction (anointing of the sick), marriage, and ordination.
The Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed
Our creed was formulated at the First and Second Ecumenical Councils held at Nicea in 325 A.D. and Constantinople in 381 A.D. respectively. Our creed is the foundation of how we understand our faith in Christ, drawn from the revelation of how God has made Himself known to us.
I believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible;
And in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all ages;
Light of Light, true God of true God, begotten, not created, of one essence with the Father, through Whom all things were made;
Who for us and for our salvation came down from the heavens and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man;
Crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, He suffered and was buried;
Rising on the third day according to the Scriptures;
And ascending into the heavens, He is seated at the right hand of the Father;
And coming again in glory to judge the living and the dead, His Kingdom shall have no end;
And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of life, Who proceeds from the Father, Who together with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified, Who spoke through the prophets;
In one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church;
I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins;
I expect the resurrection of the dead;
And the life of the age to come.
Amen.
“The Church is a hospital, and not a courtroom, for souls. She does not condemn on behalf of sins, but grants remission of sins.”
— Saint John Chrysostom
the sacraments
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The Holy Eucharist, which is known as the Divine Liturgy, is the central and most important worship experience of the Orthodox Church. Often referred to as the "Sacrament of Sacraments", it is the Church's celebration of the Death and Resurrection of Christ offered every Sunday and Holy day. All the other Sacraments of the Church lead toward and flow from the Eucharist, which is at the center of the life of the Church. The previous pamphlet in this series was devoted to the meaning and celebration of the Eucharist in the Orthodox Church.
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The Sacrament of Baptism incorporates us into the Church, the Body of Christ, and is our introduction to the life of the Holy Trinity. Water is a natural symbol of cleansing and newness of life. Through the three-fold immersion in the waters of Baptism in the Name of the Holy Trinity, one dies to the old ways of sin and is born to a new life in Christ. Baptism is one's public identification with Christ’s Death and victorious Resurrection. Following the custom of the early Church, Orthodoxy encourages the baptism of infants. The Church believes that the Sacrament is bearing witness to the action of God who chooses a child to be an important member of His people. From the day of their baptism, children are expected to mature in the life of the Spirit, through their family and the Church. The Baptism of adults is practiced when there was no previous baptism in the name of the Holy Trinity.
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The Sacrament of Chrismation (Confirmation) immediately follows baptism and is never delayed until a later age. As the ministry of Christ was enlivened by the Spirit, and the preaching of the Apostles strengthened by the Spirit, so is the life of each Orthodox Christian sanctified by the Holy Spirit. Chrismation, which is often referred to as one's personal Pentecost, is the Sacrament which imparts the Spirit in a special way.In the Sacrament of Chrismation, the priest anoints the various parts of the body of the newly-baptized with Holy Oil saying: "The seal of the gifts of the Holy Spirit." The Holy Oil, which is blessed by the bishop, is a sign of consecration and strength. The Sacrament emphasizes the truths that not only is each person a valuable member of the Church, but also each one is blessed by the Spirit with certain gifts and talents. The anointing also reminds us that our bodies are valuable and are involved in the process of salvation.
The Sacraments of initiation always are concluded with the distribution of Holy Communion to the newly-baptized. Ideally, this takes place within the celebration of the Divine Liturgy. This practice reveals that Orthodoxy views children from their infancy as important members of the Church. There is never time when the young are not part of God's people.
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God is active in our lives. It is He who joins a man and a woman in a relationship of mutual love. The Sacrament of Marriage bears witness to His action. Through this Sacrament, a man and a woman are publicly joined as husband and wife. They enter into a new relationship with each other, God, and the Church. Since Marriage is not viewed as a legal contract, there are no vows in the Sacrament. According to Orthodox teachings, Marriage is not simply a social institution, it is an eternal vocation of the kingdom. A husband and a wife are called by the holy Spirit not only to live together but also to share their Christian life together so that each, with the aid of the other, may grow closer to God and become the persons they are meant to be. In the Orthodox Marriage Service, after the couple have been betrothed and exchanged rings, they are crowned with "crowns of glory and honor" signifying the establishment of a new family under God. Near the conclusion of the Service, the husband and wife drink from a common cup which is reminiscent of the wedding of Cana and which symbolized the sharing of the burdens and joys of their new life together.
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The Holy Spirit preserved the continuity of the Church through the Sacrament of Holy Orders. Through ordination, men who have been chosen from within the Church are set apart by the Church for special service to the Church. Each is called by God through His people to stand amid the community, as pastor and teacher, and as the representative of the parish before the Altar. Each is also a living icon of Christ among His people. According to Orthodox teaching, the process of ordination begins with the local congregation; but the bishop alone, who acts in the name of the universal Church, can complete the action. He does so with the invocation of the Holy Spirit and the imposition of his hands on the person being ordained.Following the custom of the Apostolic Church, there are three major orders each of which requires a special ordination. These are Bishop, who is viewed as a successor of the Apostles, Priest and Deacon, who act in the name of the Bishop. Each order is distinguished by its pastoral responsibilities. Only a Bishop may ordain. Often, other titles and offices are associated with the three orders. The Orthodox Church permits men to marry before they are ordained. Since the sixth century, Bishops have been chosen from the celibate clergy.
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When one is ill and in pain, this can very often be a time of life when one feels alone and isolated. The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, or Holy Unction as it is also known, remind us that when we are in pain, either physical, emotional, or spiritual, Christ is present with us through the ministry of his Church. He is among us to offer strength to meet the challenges of life, and even the approach of death. As with Chrismation, oil is also used in this Sacrament as a sign of God's presence, strength, and forgiveness. After the reading of seven epistle lessons, seven gospel lessons and the offering of seven prayers, which are all devoted to healing, the priest anoints the body with the Holy Oil. Orthodoxy does not view this Sacrament as available only to those who are near death. It is offered to all who are sick in body, mind, or spirit. The Church celebrates the Sacrament for all its members during Holy week on Holy Wednesday.
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The Orthodox Church has never formally determined a particular number of Sacraments. In addition to the Eucharist she accepts the above six Mysteries as major Sacraments because they involve the entire community and most important are closely relation to the Eucharist. There are many other Blessings and Special Services which complete the major Sacraments, and which reflect the Church's presence throughout the lives of her people.
There are special experiences in our corporate life as Orthodox Christians when the perception of God's presence and actions is heightened and celebrated. We call these events of the Church Sacraments. Traditionally, the Sacraments have been known as Mysteries in the Orthodox Church. This description emphasizes that in these special events of the Church, God discloses Himself through the prayers and actions of His people.
Not only do the Sacraments disclose and reveal God to us, but also they serve to make us receptive to God. All the Sacraments affect our personal relationship to God and to one another. The Holy Spirit works through the Sacraments. He leads us to Christ who unites us with the Father. By participating in the Sacraments, we grow closer to God and to receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit. This process of deification, or theosis, as it is known by Orthodoxy, takes place not in isolation from others, but within the context of a believing community. Although the Sacraments are addressed to each of us by name, they are experiences which involve the entire Church.
The Sacraments of the Orthodox Church are composed of prayers, hymns, scripture lessons, gestures and processions. Many parts of the services date back to the time of the Apostles. The Orthodox Church has avoided reducing the Sacraments to a particular formula or action. Often, a whole series of sacred acts make up a Sacrament. Most of the Sacraments use a portion of the material of creation as an outward and visible sign of God's revelation. Water, oil, bread and wine are but a few of the many elements which the Orthodox Church employs in her Worship. The frequent use of the material of creation reminds us that matter is good and can become a medium of the Spirit. Most importantly, it affirms the central truth of the Orthodox Christian faith: that God became flesh in Jesus Christ and entered into the midst of creation thereby redirecting the cosmos toward its vocation to glorify its Creator.
FAQs
Can I visit your church if I am not orthodox?
The doors of our Parish are open to all visitors; no one is turned away. Most current parishioners have joined the Faith after having come from a non-Orthodox background. Our ushering team is always waiting to welcome newcomers, and we would love to have you visit.
Can I bring my children?
Children are not only allowed but welcome in the Orthodox Church, please feel free to bring them when you first visit. It is a part of our Faith that families worship together, and there is no nursery or separate children’s service.
what should I expect when i visit?
Orthodox worship encompasses our entire being and all five senses. As you enter the Church, you will see people lighting candles, kissing Icons, and making the sign of the cross. The clergy will use sensers with incense that will envelop you into the beauty of Orthodoxy. You are welcome to stand, sit, and participate as you feel comfortable.
What should I wear?
We welcome you to wear whatever you are most comfortable in when you visit, while still recognizing that the Church is a sacred place. You will notice most parishioners in dressy-casual attire: skirts, slacks, blazers, etc.
How long are your services?
Sunday morning Liturgy is approximately an hour and a half. Occasionally, a short memorial or other special service may be held at the conclusion of Liturgy. Other services, Akathists, Vespers, and Orthros, are all closer to one hour.
Can I receive communion?
The sacrament of Holy Communion is reserved for prepared Orthodox Christians. Visitors are welcome to come forward during Communion time to receive a blessing from Fr. Evan, and receive a piece of the blessed bread.
Still Reading and have more questions?
If you have made it this far, we invite you to join us as our guest. We are prepared to welcome you at any of our services.
Alternatively, if you are not yet ready (or are unable) to visit, or perhaps you just have more questions, you are welcome to reach out to us by clicking the link below and one of our staff or clergy will be able to connect with you.
We look forward to welcoming you into our community.