What is Orthodoxy?

The Orthodox Church is the original Christian Church founded by our Lord Jesus Christ and continued by his Apostles. It is the same Church described in the Bible as the Body of Christ and the Bride of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27; Ephesians 5:23–25). Throughout its 2000-year history Orthodox Christianity has remained faithful to the teachings and practices passed on from the Apostles and early Church Fathers (2 Thessalonians 2:15).

 

The Orthodox Church is the living manifestation of Christ’s presence in the history of mankind. The most notable characteristics of Orthodoxy are its rich liturgical life and its faithfulness to the apostolic tradition. Orthodox Christians believe that their Church has preserved the tradition and continuity of the ancient Church in its fullness compared to other Christian denominations that have departed from the common tradition of the Church of the first ten centuries. Today the Orthodox Church numbers approximately 220 million Christians who follow the faith and practices that were defined by the first seven ecumenical councils.