Introduction to Orthodoxy- Understanding the Ancient Christian Faith
The Orthodox Church shares a common origin with Christianity as a whole. After the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, His apostles spread the Gospel throughout the Roman Empire and beyond. Over the centuries, Christian communities developed in major cities such as Jerusalem, Antioch, Alexandria, Constantinople, and Rome. These centers, known as patriarchates, formed the backbone of the early Church. The Orthodox tradition considers itself the continuation of the “one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church” established by Christ. Unlike the Roman Catholic Church, which developed under the centralized authority of the Pope, introduction to Orthodoxy functions through a communion of self-governing (autocephalous) churches, such as the Greek Orthodox, Russian Orthodox, and Serbian Orthodox Churches. Theology and Beliefs At the heart of Orthodox theology is the belief in the Holy Trinity —Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—as one God in three persons. Orthodoxy emphasizes ...