What is the Orthodox Church?

[InnerPhyre]

A Buddhist fellow asked this question in the Outreach section, and since he can't post here, I'm posting his question so that you can all respond and he can see it. Peace!

I was wondering if you could tell me exactly what the Orthodox Church is. Who is it's head, what are it's origins... that kinda stuff.

I'm especially interested in the Russian Orthodox Church. It's pretty fascinating how quickly Communism (statist Atheism) took over after the Guns of October.

PS. What do you peeps think of the fluidity of language? Do think it's cool that it changes so fast or do you wish I would've said it like this: "Do Ye believe the Word is ALIVE?"

[Grand_Duchess-Elizaveta]

Hi, Gilbert! :wave: Thank you for asking about the Orthodox Church.:) I feel like the least qualified person to answer you, however. Your question seems simple, but it's actually not that easy to answer. I feel it would be best if you look at this website: http://oca.org/pages/orth_chri/Q-and-A/index.html#teachings There are a lot of questions and answers about the Orthodox faith on this site. Try reading over that, and if you have questions regarding any teachings or history, please feel free to ask! It is easier for us to answer more specific questions.:)

As for the Russian Orthodox Church, I don't know for sure what it is you want to know. I don't know a lot about Russia specifically. In TAW, we have a couple members who live in Russia, but I don't think any are logged on at the moment. You will hear of diffferent jurisdictions in Orthodoxy, such as Greek Orthodox, Russian Orthodox, Serbian Orthodox, etc. I really wish the ethnic titles weren't there because it causes confusion. All cannonical Orthodox Churches believe and practice the SAME faith. The ethnic title at the front only tells you which synod/patriarchate they belong to. Again, please feel free to ask more questions. Sorry I couldn't be more helpful!

[Niko]

You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to Grand_Duchess-Elizaveta again.

:cool: :D :cool:

[vanshan]

Just a brief answer about who is the head of the Orthodox Church--we believe Christ alone is the head of His Church. He established bishops, priests, and deacons to care for his flock, but none of these is seen as the head. Unlike most groups, the Orthodox Church is held together by unity of belief, apostolic succession of its bishops, and holy tradition, which includes the holy scriptures. The Church is held together by our desire to maintain the apostolic faith, unchanged. If we depart from that deposit of faith established by Christ, we depart from the Orthodox Church.

We do not have the equivalent of a Pope, like the Catholic Church. We do have patriarchs who are honored bishops, but they do not have authority over other bishops, except they are given honorary respect. These patriarchs do not have the authority to change Church teachings or act alone. None are considered infallible. All decisions in Orthodoxy are made by council, seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Basil