Eastern Orthodox Church

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Eastern Orthodox Church The Eastern Orthodox Church , officially called the Orthodox Catholic Church and commonly referred to as the Orthodox Church , is the second largest Christian church in the world, with an estimated 300 million adherents , primarily in Eastern and Southeastern Europe. It is the religious denomination of the majority of the populations of Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia , Romania , Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Bulgaria, Greece, and Cyprus. It teaches that it is the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church established by Jesus Christ and his Apostles almost 2,000 years ago.

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Eastern Orthodox Church Founding: Until 1054 AD Eastern Orthodoxy and Roman Catholicism were branches of the same body—the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. Divisions between these two branches of Christendom had long existed and were constantly increasing. The widening schism was caused by a mix of cultural, political, and religious differences. In 1054 AD a formal split occurred when Pope Leo IX (head of the Roman branch) excommunicated the Patriarch of Constantinople, Michael Cerularius (leader of the Eastern branch), who in turn condemned the pope in mutual excommunication. The churches remain divided and separate to the present date.

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Important things to know about the Orthodox Orthodox believe in everything in the Nicene Creed: I believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth and of all things visible and invisible . And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all ages. Light of Light, true God of true God, begotten not created, of one essence with the Father through whom all things were made . For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became man. He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and he suffered and was buried . On the third day he rose according to the Scriptures . He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father . He will come again in glory to judge the living and dead. His kingdom will have no end . And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of life, who proceeds from the Father, who together with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who spoke through the prophets . In One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church . I acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. I expect the resurrection of the dead . And the life of the ages to come. Amen .

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Eastern Orthodox Church Beliefs and Practices The word orthodox means "right believing" and was adopted to signify the true religion that faithfully followed the beliefs and practices defined by the first seven world-wide councils (dating back to the first 10 centuries). Orthodox Christianity claims to have fully preserved, without any deviation, the traditions and doctrines of the early Christian church established by the apostles . This is why they believe themselves to be the only true and "right believing" Christian faith.

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Orthodox Beliefs and Practices: Authority of Scripture - Orthodox Christians believe the Holy Scriptures (as interpreted and defined by church teaching in the first seven ecumenical councils) along with Holy Tradition are of equal value and importance. Baptism - Orthodox Christians believe baptism is the initiator of the salvation experience. The Orthodox Church practices baptism by full immersion. Holy Spirit - Orthodox Christians believe that the Holy Spirit is one of the persons of the Trinity , who proceeds from the Father and is one in essence with the Father. The Holy Spirit is given by Christ as a gift to the church, to empower for service, to place God's love in our hearts, and to impart spiritual gifts for the Christian life and witness. Jesus Christ - Orthodox Christians believe that Jesus Christ is the second person of the Trinity, God's Son, fully divine and fully human. He became flesh through Mary, but was without sin. He died on the cross as man's Savior. He resurrected and ascended to heaven. He will return to judge all men.

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Orthodox Beliefs and Practices: Mary - Orthodox Christians believe Mary has supreme grace and is to be highly honored but they reject the doctrine of Immaculate Conception . Predestination - Orthodox Christians believe God has foreknowlege of man's destiny, but he does not predestine him. Saints and Icons - Orthodox Christians practice veneration of icons; reverence is directed toward the person they represent and not the relics themselves. Salvation - Orthodox Christians believe salvation is a gradual, life-long process by which Christians become more and more like Christ. This requires faith in Jesus Christ , working through love. The Trinity - Orthodox Christians believe there are three persons in the Godhead, each divine, distinct and equal. The Father God is the eternal head; the Son is begotten of the Father; the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father.