Why does Orthodox Christianity claim to be the true
Christian Church?
The short answer is because Christianity did not develop in a vacuum, and a close examination of early Christian teachings and traditions, liturgical worship and sacramental life will reveal active and vibrant Church communities long before the completion of the New Testament! History speaks for itself, and while countless Church communities today have developed modern and, in some cases, wildly different traditions, Orthodox Christianity has preserved the Faith, “which was once for all delivered to the saints.” (Jude 1:3) Learn more
What are the fundamental beliefs of Orthodox Christianity?
In response to the need to clearly define Christian doctrine, the undivided Christian Church developed, in the 4th century, a Statement of Faith, known today as the Nicene Creed. Beginning with the words, “I believe in one God, the Father Almighty…” the Creed stated the consensus of Christian teachings and provided a defense against ever-present heretical or false teachings. Learn more
Have all Christian Churches changed over time?
For the first 1,000 years of Christian history, even with a host of societal, political and cultural developments, the Christian Church remained united. The first major division or schism occurred in the 11th century, dividing the church into the Orthodox East and the Roman Catholic West. Unfortunately since that time, further and further splits have occurred in the West, and continue to the present. The Orthodox Church, however, remains united and unbroken since the New Testament era. Learn more
Where does the term “Orthodox Christian” come from?
Our name, or rather, our names tell a great deal about us. Many names have been used throughout the centuries to describe our Church and its some 300 million adherents. “Greek”, “Eastern”, “Orthodox”, “One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic” are all appropriate designations of the Church. Learn more