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

Our worship

Orthodox Christian worship is defined by a rich liturgical tradition that centers around the Divine Liturgy, a sacrament in which we directly participate in the Mystical Supper. The daily cycle of the church is rooted in several services, including vespers, compline, midnight office, the hours, and orthros. Iconography is integral to Orthodox worship in the church and at home. The veneration of saints, sacraments, and liturgical chants, often sung a cappella, contribute to the immersive and symbolic nature of Orthodox services.

Episcopal leadership, with bishops, priests, and deacons, is crucial in conducting worship, emphasizing the hierarchical structure of the Church. Ritual gestures, such as the sign of the cross, bowing, and prostrations, express reverence during Orthodox worship, which overall seeks to maintain a sense of continuity with early Christian traditions while facilitating a participatory experience for worshippers.

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.