OUR FAITH
What is Orthodoxy?
Christians of the Eastern Churches call themselves Orthodox. This description comes to us from the 5th century and has two meanings which are closely related. The preferred definition is “true praise” — to bless, praise, and glorify God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as the fundamental purpose of the Church. All Her activities, even Her doctrinal formulations, are directed toward this goal.
Inside the Orthodox Church
When one enters the Orthodox church, it is like stepping into a whole new world of color and light. The art and design of the church not only create a distinctive atmosphere of worship, but also reflects and embodies many of the fundamental insights of Orthodoxy.
How We Worship
Worship is an experience which involves the entire church. When Orthodox Christians come together for worship, they do so as members of a church which transcends the boundaries of society, of time, and of space. Although Orthodox Christians gather at a particular moment and at a particular place, their actions reach beyond the parish into the Kingdom of God. They worship in the company of the living and the departed faithful.
About the Liturgy
In the Orthodox Church, the Eucharist is also known as the Divine Liturgy. The word liturgy means people's work. When an Orthodox attends the Divine Liturgy he or she does not come as an isolated person, rather he or she comes as a member of the Community of Faith who participates in the very purpose of the Church (the worship of the Holy Trinity).
About the Sacraments
There are special experiences in the life of Orthodox Christians when the perception of God's presence and actions is heightened and celebrated — these events are called sacraments. There are seven sacraments in the Orthodox church: The Eucharist, Baptism, Chrismation, Confession, Marriage, Ordination, and Holy Unction.
Additional Services and Blessings
Besides the Eucharist and other major sacraments, the Orthodox Church has a number of special services and blessings which are associated with the needs, events, and tasks of human life.
Teachings of the Orthodox Church
Throughout the ages the Orthodox Church has maintained a continuity of faith and love with the apostolic community: founded by Christ and sustained by the Holy Spirit. Orthodoxy believes that She has preserved and taught the historic Christian Faith, free from error and distortion, from the time of the Apostles. She also believes that there is nothing in the body of Her teachings which is contrary to truth or which inhibits real union with God.
Our Spirituality
Orthodoxy believes that the supreme treasure which God wishes to share with us is His own life. Our faith begins with the affirmation that God has acted in history to permit us to participate in His love and His goodness to be citizens of His Kingdom.
Our History
The Church has her origin with Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, not with a human teacher, or group, nor a code of conduct or religious philosophy. Orthodoxy believes that the Church has Her origin in the apostolic community called into being by Jesus Christ and enlivened by the Holy Spirit.
Becoming an Orthodox Christian
The Orthodox Church has a universal appeal and vocation. She does not restrict membership to people of any particular culture, race, class, or section of the world. Orthodoxy values the diversity of cultures, peoples, and languages which are part of Her life. She also affirms a unity of faith and love in Christ which transcends all artificial barriers. Membership in the Orthodox Church is open to all persons.