Orthodox Christianity is one of the oldest and most common branches of Christianity, dating back to the first century. The core beliefs of Orthodox Christianity involve the divine and human, nature of Jesus Christ, the importance of the Eastern Orthodox Church, and maintaining the ancient faith and practices of the Church. It also places emphasis on the teachings of the New Testament and Church Fathers.
The central tenet of Orthodox Christianity is that Jesus Christ was both fully divine and fully human. Orthodox Christians believe that Jesus is God incarnate and was born of the Virgin Mary. Orthodox Christians view Jesus’ life and teachings as an example of how Christians should live their lives. They also believe that Jesus’ death and resurrection provided hope of eternal life and salvation.
The Eastern Orthodox Church is the largest and oldest branch of Orthodox Christianity. The Church is centered on the traditional beliefs and practices of the early Church Fathers. It is made up of 15 independent churches, each with its own distinct sacramental and liturgical practices, rituals and theology. The Eastern Orthodox Church views itself as the guardian of the original Christian faith of the Apostles and Fathers, and strives to maintain the continuity of their tradition.
Orthodox believers consider the teachings of the Church Fathers and New Testament as the foundation for their faith. This includes the Nicene Creed, which expresses the Church’s belief in one God, in one Lord Jesus Christ, in one holy ghost, in one holy and apostolic Church, and in one baptism. The Church upholds the teaching of the seven sacraments, the practice of asceticism and fasting, and the veneration of saints. The veneration of icons is also an important part of Orthodox worship, as many believe the images help them remember and connect with the spiritual world.
Orthodox Christians believe in the Triune God, meaning the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are of one essence, but distinct in their persons. They also believe in divine grace, which they equate with God’s presence and love, and in the salvific power of Jesus’ life and teachings. Orthodox Christians emphasize the importance of fellowship with other believers, and often participate in “koinonia” (communion services) together. Furthermore, the Orthodox Church believes in the resurrection of the dead and in life after death.
Orthodox Christianity is a faith tradition that has a rich history, culture and theological thought. It emphasizes the uniqueness of Jesus’ earthly life and teachings, the importance of the Eastern Orthodox Church, and the traditional practices of the Church Fathers and New Testament.
Eschatology
Eschatology is a core belief in Orthodox Christianity. According to Orthodox teachings, the end of the world and the Second Coming of Christ will usher in a new age where believers will join the angels and saints in heaven. Orthodox eschatology holds that the faithful will rise from the dead for the Last Judgment and will receive the rewards of their sacrifices in this life. Orthodox Christianity teaches that final judgment will be based on how a person has followed God’s commands throughout their lifetime.
The Orthodox view of eschatology also includes a belief in the Fall of Creation, in which believers can expect pain, suffering and death in this world. In addition, they expect a renewal of all things at the hands of God, a restoration of the world to its original beauty, and the ultimate redemption of all creation.
The Orthodox believe in the resurrection of the dead and life after death, both of which are described in the New Testament. They believe in the consummation of the world and the perfect union of God and His people, as well as the finality of the Last Judgment.
Infallibility of Scripture and Tradition
Orthodox Christians believe in the infallibility of Scripture and Tradition. According to Orthodox belief, the Bible is the sole source of divine revelation and is viewed as the inspired, infallible, inerrant and authoritative Word of God. They also believe that Tradition, which includes teachings of the Apostles and Fathers of the Church, should be regarded as an extension of Scripture. The Scripture and Tradition are viewed as two sources of divine wisdom, with the former as the more authoritative source.
The Orthodox also believe in the complementarity of revelation, tradition and human experience. This means that all three sources are seen to teach and confirm the same truth through the Church. They believe that truth will always be revealed through Scripture, Tradition, and personal experience, but the interpretation of these sources is open to debate.
The Orthodox view Scripture and Tradition as intertwined, with the Scriptures providing the basis of infallible revelation and Tradition providing the context for a deeper understanding of the Scriptures. Because of this, Orthodox belief has traditionally taught that Scripture should be interpreted within the context of Tradition.
Saints
Saints are highly revered in Orthodox Christianity and are viewed as powerful spiritual intercessors who can intercede on behalf of individuals and the Church as a whole. Saints are seen as extraordinary human beings who embody the teachings of Jesus Christ and are able to bring His love and mercy to the world. Furthermore, they are viewed as living icons of the divine presence on earth.
The Orthodox venerate the major feasts of the Church, the fathers and mothers of the faith, and the martyrs, saints and missionaries of the past. They believe that saints have the power to intercede for individuals and the Church, and that their prayers can bring about miracles and healing. Saints are viewed as shining examples of Christian virtue and holiness, and their lives are seen as a model for others to emulate.
In Orthodox belief, prayer to the saints plays a key role in the spiritual life of the Church. It is believed that the saints, who are close to God, can intercede more effectively on behalf of those who ask their help. In addition, many Orthodox hold to the belief that the saints can serve as mentors and teachers, who provide wise counsel and advice to fellow believers.
Holy Spirit
The Orthodox believe that the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity, along with the Father and the Son. They believe that the Holy Spirit is the source of true spiritual life and of knowledge of God. Orthodox Christians believe that the Holy Spirit is both God’s gift and source of power, and that He is active in the world, guiding and directing believers through His grace.
According to Orthodox theology, the Holy Spirit is the source of the unity of the Church and its mission. They believe that it is He who brings the Church together, providing the spiritual nourishment and growth needed to fulfill the mission of the Church. They also believe that the power of the Spirit is revealed in the Church’s sacramental life and in the lives of believers.
Orthodox Christian view the Holy Spirit as the source of all healing, renewal, and spiritual growth. They believe that it is only in the power of the Holy Spirit that the Church can perform divine miracles and cultivate holiness and faith. They believe that it is the Holy Spirit that empowers and sanctifies the Christian life, and He will work through the Church to bring the gospel to all creation.
Sacraments
Sacraments are an essential part of the Orthodox faith. These are seen as a means of communication and connection between the believer and God, through which the believer receives grace from God. The seven sacraments that are observed in Orthodox Christianity are Baptism, Chrismation, Eucharist, Marriage, Holy Unction, Confession and Ordination.
The Sacrament of Baptism is seen as a spiritual rebirth through which a person turns away from their old life and towards a new life in Christ. Chrismation is seen as a confirmation of Baptism, in which believers receive the “seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit”. The Sacrament of Eucharist, or Communion, is seen as a ritual meal through which members of the Church receive the body and blood of Christ.
In addition, the Orthodox celebrate the sacraments of Marriage and Holy Unction. Marriage is seen as a spiritual union between a man and a woman, and a symbol of the union between Christ and His Church. The Sacrament of Holy Unction is seen as a healing ritual for the physical and spiritual body, as well as for the soul.
Finally, the Orthodox Church also practices the sacraments of Confession and Ordination. Confession is a ritual in which Christians confess their sins and receive absolution from a priest. Ordination is the ritual through which the Church appoints people for specific ministries, including the priesthood and the diaconate.
