The Christian Orthodox Church

Basic Tenets of the Orthodox Church
-What We Believe-

Orthodox Christians believe that Christianity is a faith of revelation. That is, whatever we can say or know about God is possible only because God has taught us. He manifests Himself to the world so that we may come to know Him and thus have life. “And this is life eternal, that they might KNOW YOU, the only true God, and Jesus Christ Whom has been sent.” (John 17:13)

The Lord has revealed Himself as One God Who is at the same time three distinct divine Persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

God’s most perfect Self Revelation came to mankind through the Second Person of the Holy Trinity, the only begotten Son of the Father, Jesus Christ. We proclaim Christ to be the Savior of the world. He is both God and man, fully divine and fully human. In contrast to some liberal tendencies of modern theology, Orthodox Christians believe in the virgin birth of Christ, His actual death, burial, resurrection, and ascension. Through Christ we become children of God and thus citizens and heirs of a heavenly Kingdom. (John 1:12-13; Romans 8:17).

 Christ’s saving life is imparted to us through the liturgical, sacramental life of the Church, Christ’s Body. Orthodoxy recognizes seven major Sacraments: Baptism, Chrismation, Communion, Confession, Marriage, Ordination, and Anointing of the Sick (Unction). It must be stressed, however, that traditionally the entire life of the Church is considered “sacramental”.

Salvation in Christ is a gift that must be appropriated by each person individually through faith in Christ; through centering one’s life around the sacramental life of the Church; and through efforts at living a Christ-like existence. In general, salvation is viewed as a life-long process of becoming “holy as God is holy” (1 Peter 1:15-16), of becoming more and more God-like by His Grace. We cannot earn or merit salvation by our deeds. Yet we must strive always to “cooperate” with God’s Grace, to walk by His Spirit, and in this way “work out (our) own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12).

Prayer, both private and corporate, is central to the life of any Christian. Orthodoxy holds that without prayer there can be no Christian or spiritual life. “Prayer is the means by which all of the virtues and powers of God are obtained. Through prayer one unites one’s heart and mind to God and learns His Will” (V. Rev. Fr. Thomas Hopko). In fact we are called to make our entire life a prayer. Every thought, word and deed is to be referred to God, done with Him in mind. St. Paul says, “Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ concerning you” (1 Thess. 7:17-18).

The Bible is venerated as the written inspired Word of God. Most importantly it reveals spiritual truths concerning the nature of God, man and their relationship to one another. The Bible was written by the Church and for the Church. It can be fully and properly understood and interpreted only within the context of the Church’s life. Through His Word God speaks to His people. A prayerful and meditative reading or hearing of Scripture places Christians in contact with the Lord Himself.

Orthodox Christians often speak of Holy Tradition, defined as the Church’s memory of Her experiences with God throughout the centuries. Anything which presents a truthful witness to what God has revealed to us about Himself, man and life in general may be considered a part of Holy Tradition. The Bible is not separate from Tradition but is the Primary written expression of it. Other such expressions are: the Church’s liturgical services; the writings and teachings of the saints; and the decrees of numerous councils. Icons and Orthodoxy’s sacred art are also considered part of Holy Tradition.

As implied above, Orthodox Christians are traditionally “Churchly People“. That is they are “vividly conscious of belonging to a community,” (Bishop Kallistos Ware) and derive their strength from the life of that community, whose life is God.

The Church is defined in the Bible as “the Body of Christ” “the pillar and bulwark of Truth’’ (1 Corinthians 12); “the Bride of Christ” (Revelations 21); (1 Timothy 3:15); and “the fullness of Him that fills all in all” (Ephesians 1:22-23). These are powerful definitions serving to identify totally the Church’s life with that of Our Lord. In and through the Church God’s life is opened and we experience His love, forgiveness, peace and joy as fully as is possible for us. Following St. Paul and the witness of the Apostles, Orthodox Christians confess their belief in One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ. “There is one body and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all” (Ephesians 4: 4-6).

“That they may be one, even as we are one…” (John 17:11, 21, 22, 23). This perfect oneness for which Christ prayed must manifest itself visibly in a common vision of God, man and life among the disciples. For two thousand years Orthodox Christians worldwide have shared this vision, being united in a single faith, confessing God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

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ALL RIGHTS RESERVED (c)2009 by Most Rev. Ignatius D.Min.