What is the Oriental Orthodox Church?

Origins and Historical Background

The Oriental Orthodox Church traces its roots to the earliest centuries of Christian history. Often referred to as the “Non-Chalcedonian” or “Miaphysite” churches, these communities parted ways with other Christian groups after the Council of Chalcedon in AD 451. Their disagreement rested on how to articulate the nature of Christ—holding that Christ’s divinity and humanity are united in a single “one incarnate nature,” in contrast to the Chalcedonian definition of two natures in one person.

These churches include, most notably, the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria, the Armenian Apostolic Church, the Syriac Orthodox Church, the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church (in India), the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, and the Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Church. Each has a unique cultural expression, but all affirm the core truths of historic Christianity, proclaiming the Trinity, the lordship of Jesus Christ, and the apostolic faith passed down from the earliest disciples.

Key Theological Distinctives

The term “Miaphysite” defines the primary theological hallmark of the Oriental Orthodox Church. This does not mean they deny that Jesus is both fully God and fully man; rather, they emphasize that after the Incarnation, the two natures were united into one. They believe this teaching stays faithful to the writings of the early Church fathers, such as St. Cyril of Alexandria, who described Christ as “one incarnate nature of the Word of God.”

Although they do not recognize the Council of Chalcedon (451), the Oriental Orthodox Churches accept the first three Ecumenical Councils: Nicaea (325), Constantinople (381), and Ephesus (431). They appeal to these councils to affirm belief in the Trinity, the deity of Christ, and the condemnation of heretical views like Arianism and Nestorianism.

Structure and Ecclesiastical Governance

Each branch of the Oriental Orthodox Church is self-governing under its own Patriarch or Catholicos. For instance, the Coptic Orthodox Pope in Alexandria oversees the Coptic Church, while the Catholicos of All Armenians presides in the city of Etchmiadzin for the Armenian Church. Despite their independent hierarchical structures, these churches maintain communion with each other and share similar liturgical practices.

Their worship services often feature ancient liturgies in languages like Coptic, Syriac, Ge’ez, and Armenian. Cultural differences exist among them, yet unity is found in their devotion to Christ and firm adherence to Scripture. “There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called—one Lord, one faith, one baptism” (Ephesians 4:4–5).

Worship and Liturgical Life

The Oriental Orthodox Churches preserve rich and ancient liturgical traditions, including elaborate chants, incense, iconography, and vestments. Many emphasize monastic life, holding firmly to Scripture’s call to “be diligent to present yourself approved by God” (2 Timothy 2:15). Monasteries in regions like Egypt and Ethiopia have existed for centuries, serving as centers of prayer, learning, and charitable service.

Their services often last several hours with a distinct structure that includes readings from Scripture (Old Testament, Psalms, Epistles, and Gospels), processionals, the celebration of the Eucharist, and congregational responses. Laypeople actively participate through chants and prayers, creating a vibrant communal expression of worship.

Scriptural Foundations

Though they are sometimes seen as a separate stream, the Oriental Orthodox Churches declare Scripture as their highest authority in matters of doctrine. They share the same canon of Scripture recognized by the broader Christian tradition, with minor variations in older local canons in places like Ethiopia. Their reverence for the Bible aligns with the statement that the church is “the pillar and foundation of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15), upholding both Old and New Testaments as the revealed word of God.

Historically, Oriental Orthodox communities have used ancient translations of the Bible, such as the Coptic and Syriac versions, providing a rich manuscript tradition that testifies to the early and widespread distribution of the Scriptures. Many of these manuscripts corroborate the same biblical texts preserved in Greek and Latin, reinforcing confidence in the continuity and reliability of the biblical message.

Archaeological and Historical Witness

Several archaeological discoveries confirm the antiquity of Oriental Orthodox communities. The remains of ancient churches, monasteries, and manuscripts in Egypt, Syria, Armenia, and Ethiopia show an unbroken presence of Christian congregations dating back to the early centuries. For example, in Upper Egypt, monastic settlements associated with St. Antony (third–fourth century AD) and St. Pachomius stand as living relics of the early Christian ascetic tradition. In Armenia, excavations of ancient worship sites and inscriptions affirm the claim that the Armenian Church was one of the first to adopt Christianity as a state religion (AD 301).

These findings align with biblical history and the record of Christianity’s swift spread, as seen in the Book of Acts. In Acts 11:26, believers were “first called Christians at Antioch,” and from these hubs (Antioch, Alexandria, and beyond), the gospel spread far and wide. Early Christian architecture and inscription evidence underscore the stability and resilience of churches in regions that now form the core of the Oriental Orthodox world.

Relationship with Other Christian Traditions

Centuries of separate development have resulted in distinct theological and liturgical expressions. Yet in modern times, there has been a growing dialogue between the Oriental Orthodox churches and the rest of Christendom—especially in joint ecumenical efforts with Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Protestant communities. Many of these dialogues have concluded that differences may be less about the substance of Christological doctrine and more about the interpretation of historical language used to describe Christ’s nature.

Despite the separate administrative structures, believers from various traditions can find common ground in united worship and mission. John 17:21 records the Lord’s prayer for unity among all who believe in Him, and many see ecumenical efforts as a response to this scriptural call for unity in the body of Christ.

Modern Day Presence and Practices

Today, the Oriental Orthodox Churches maintain a global presence, with diaspora communities in Europe, the Americas, and beyond. They faithfully practice observances like fasting, feasts, and holy days—often following ancient calendars that differ slightly from Western Christian traditions. Their liturgical calendar includes celebrations that remember the life, death, and resurrection of Christ, consistent with the gospel foundation that “Christ has indeed been raised from the dead” (1 Corinthians 15:20).

Oriental Orthodox congregations place strong emphasis on communal prayer, the study of Scripture, and works of charity. Many support hospitals, schools, and relief efforts. Maintaining centuries-old traditions, they also adopt new methods to reach younger generations through education and community programs, striving to anchor all initiatives in biblical teachings.

Common Misconceptions

One misconception is that the Oriental Orthodox deny Christ’s humanity or divinity. This is not accurate. Their official stance affirms that Jesus is fully God and fully man, but they articulate it with the language of “one nature” (miaphysis) rather than “two natures.” They hold that this view retains the integrity and mystery of the Incarnation, as written by early theologians.

Another misconception is that they broke off intentionally to teach a new doctrine. It is more historically precise to say the division arose around how best to preserve apostolic teaching. The Oriental Orthodox maintain continuity with the Church’s ancient beliefs and practices, stating that their tradition is the faith “once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 1:3).

Conclusion

The Oriental Orthodox Church represents a family of ancient Christian communities with a shared heritage of doctrinal conviction, liturgical richness, and unwavering commitment to Christ. Their history underscores the foundational message that believers worldwide—though separated by language, culture, and tradition—can unite under the authority of Scripture and the lordship of Jesus. Through centuries of persecution, theological dispute, and cultural change, these churches have kept the faith rooted in the truth of the gospel, demonstrating the enduring nature of Christ’s promise to build His Church (Matthew 16:18).