What is the Eastern Orthodox Church?

Historical Background

The Eastern Orthodox Church traces its roots to the earliest days of Christianity, looking to the Apostolic Age as formative for its structure and doctrines. Historically, it regards itself as the continuation of the churches established by the apostles in regions around the eastern Mediterranean. A significant milestone arose in AD 1054, often referred to as the Great Schism, when lasting tensions in theology, authority, and culture resulted in a division between the Western (Roman Catholic) Church and the Eastern Church.

From a historical viewpoint, the Eastern Church flourished particularly in regions such as Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul), Antioch, Jerusalem, and Alexandria. Over the centuries, other national expressions of the Eastern Orthodox faith emerged, including the Russian, Serbian, Greek, Romanian, and Bulgarian Orthodox Churches, among others. Each of these local churches is self-governed yet united in belief and practice.

Foundational Theology

Eastern Orthodoxy shares with other Christian traditions a core belief in the Triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19). It confesses that Jesus Christ is both fully God and fully man, upholding the early councils—such as the Council of Nicaea (AD 325) and the Council of Chalcedon (AD 451)—which addressed questions regarding Christ’s deity and humanity.

Within Orthodox theology, an emphasis is placed on the concept of theosis, or “deification,” which teaches that believers, by grace, participate in the divine life of Christ. As 2 Peter 1:4 states: “Through these He has given us His precious and magnificent promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature.” Orthodox teaching interprets this verse to underscore the believer’s deep transformation in Christ, pursued through a life of prayer and worship.

Worship and Liturgy

The Eastern Orthodox Church highly values liturgical worship, which is generally lengthy and filled with chant, incense, and ritual. The Divine Liturgy, most often attributed to St. John Chrysostom (4th century), remains central. In structure, this liturgy focuses on the Eucharist, also called the Divine Mysteries. Regular participation in this sacrament is viewed as a vital means by which believers receive spiritual nourishment and unity with Christ (cf. John 6:53–54).

Icons play a notable role in Orthodox worship; they serve as visual representations meant to draw believers into reverence for Christ, the saints, and significant events in salvation history. While sometimes misunderstood outside of Orthodoxy, these images are not worshipped; instead, they function as a window toward the greater spiritual reality they depict.

Church Structure and Leadership

Each national or regional Orthodox Church is self-governed under a Patriarch, Metropolitan, or Archbishop. Yet all are understood to belong to a single communion, accepting the doctrines established in the first seven ecumenical councils. A primary figure among equals is the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople. Although this office is granted a place of honor, it does not hold unilateral authority akin to a central figure like the Pope in Roman Catholicism.

Bishops are crucial in preserving doctrine. Deacons and priests also participate in leading, preaching, and administering the sacraments. Throughout the centuries, Orthodoxy has upheld the belief that this hierarchy stems from an unbroken line of apostolic succession originating in the first century (cf. Titus 1:5).

Scripture and Tradition

The Eastern Orthodox Church recognizes the Bible as inspired by God (2 Timothy 3:16). Alongside Scripture, it ascribes an authoritative role to Tradition, which it sees as the lived experience of the Holy Spirit’s guidance in the Church. This perspective on Tradition includes the teachings of Church Fathers, the rulings of the ecumenical councils, and centuries of liturgical practice.

From a conservative view, it is critical to examine Scriptural consistency: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). Eastern Orthodoxy maintains that Scripture was formulated within the Church, preserved through various manuscript lines, and properly interpreted when viewed through the lens of the ancient ecumenical councils. Although approaches to interpretation can differ, Orthodoxy affirms the divine authority of the Scriptures.

Sacraments (Holy Mysteries)

Eastern Orthodoxy traditionally recognizes seven sacraments, sometimes called Holy Mysteries:

1. Baptism

2. Chrismation (Confirmation)

3. Eucharist

4. Confession (Repentance)

5. Marriage

6. Holy Orders

7. Unction (Anointing of the Sick)

Baptism is administered by immersion, symbolizing the believer’s union with Christ’s death and resurrection (Romans 6:3–5). Chrismation, generally performed immediately following Baptism, involves anointing with holy oil and is seen as the impartation of the Holy Spirit. The Eucharist (Holy Communion) is the peak of worship, understood as a direct participation in Christ’s body and blood. Confession allows for repentance before God, with a priest as witness and guide. Marriage reflects Christ’s union with the Church, Holy Orders maintain apostolic continuity, and Holy Unction provides spiritual and physical healing as the Lord wills (James 5:14–15).

Monasticism and Spirituality

Monasticism holds a significant place in Eastern Orthodoxy. Historically, from St. Anthony of Egypt (3rd–4th century) onward, monastics have taught and demonstrated a life of prayer, fasting, and obedience. Monasteries often become centers of theological study, iconography, and missionary outreach.

A central element of Eastern Orthodox spirituality is the Jesus Prayer, often repeated in contemplative practice: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” This prayer speaks to a tradition of unceasing prayer, rooted in Scriptural calls to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

Relationship with Other Christian Traditions

Due to historical and theological differences, the Eastern Orthodox Church is not in full communion with Roman Catholicism or most Protestant bodies. Primary points of division include:

- The filioque clause (“and the Son”) as inserted into the Nicene Creed in the West.

- Varying approaches to papal authority.

- Specific views of the sacraments, particularly regarding how they are administered.

Despite these distinctions, there remains mutual respect. Many dialogues since the 20th century have aimed to foster unity and clarify doctrinal misunderstandings.

Points of Agreement and Difference

In broad strokes, Orthodoxy shares core Christian essentials: the Triune God, the full divinity and humanity of Christ, the authority of Scripture, and the call to holiness. However, its emphasis on the authority and continuity of Tradition, its hierarchical structure of patriarchates, and its distinctive liturgical practices set it apart from other branches of Christianity.

Moreover, the role of Mary (the Theotokos, or “God-bearer”) and the veneration given to saints are often viewed differently. Eastern Orthodoxy stresses that any honor paid to saints or to Mary ultimately points to God’s grace at work in them. Yet from the outside, these practices might resemble what other Christian traditions consider excessive.

Conclusion

The Eastern Orthodox Church sees itself as a direct continuation of the faith and teachings of the earliest apostles, culminating in structured forms of worship that have endured for centuries. With a deep emphasis on liturgy, sacramental life, and the preservation of ancient Christian Tradition, it combines theological reflection with a strong sense of mystery and reverence.

Historically, it has influenced world culture, art, and architecture through its use of icons, majestic church buildings, and classical hymnography. Its enduring practices have changed little over the centuries, reflecting a steadfast desire to remain faithful to the roots it believes were established by Christ and the apostles.

In sum, while there are both shared doctrines and distinctives between Eastern Orthodoxy and other Christian branches, it remains one of the major expressions of the Christian faith, highly valuing a rich tradition of worship, a deep sacramental understanding, and a consistent theological connection to the early centuries of the Church’s life.