What Is Orthodox Christianity?

Orthodox Christianity is the original Christian Church, tracing an unbroken line back to the Apostles themselves. With over 250 million faithful worldwide, it is the second-largest Christian communion, yet many in the West know little about it.

## The Word 'Orthodox'

The word 'Orthodox' comes from the Greek 'orthos' (correct, straight) and 'doxa' (glory, worship, belief). It means both 'right belief' and 'right worship' — the two are inseparable. To believe rightly is to worship rightly, and to worship rightly is to believe rightly.

## Continuity with the Early Church

Orthodoxy understands itself not as one denomination among many, but as the continuation of the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church founded by Christ and sustained by the Holy Spirit. The faith, the worship, and the spiritual life of the Orthodox Church today are recognisably the same as those of the early Christians.

The seven Ecumenical Councils (from Nicaea in 325 to Nicaea II in 787) defined the core doctrines that Orthodox Christians hold to this day: the full divinity and full humanity of Christ, the Holy Trinity, the veneration of icons, and the role of the Theotokos (the Virgin Mary as 'God-bearer').

## Worship at the Centre

Orthodox worship engages all the senses: sight (icons, vestments, candlelight), sound (chanting, bells), smell (incense), taste (the Eucharist, blessed bread), and touch (venerating icons, making the sign of the Cross). The Divine Liturgy — the central act of worship — has been celebrated in essentially the same form for over 1,500 years.

## The Mystery of Faith

Orthodoxy is comfortable with mystery. Where Western theology often seeks precise definitions, Orthodoxy is content to stand in awe before the incomprehensible God. The Greek Fathers spoke of 'apophatic theology' — knowing God by recognising what He is not. This is not anti-intellectual; it is a recognition that God transcends all human categories.

## A Living Tradition

Orthodox Tradition (with a capital T) is not mere repetition of the past. It is the living faith of the dead, not the dead faith of the living. The Holy Spirit continues to guide the Church, and the Tradition grows and breathes while remaining faithful to what was delivered once for all to the saints.

## Why Explore Orthodoxy?

People come to Orthodoxy for many reasons: the beauty of the worship, the depth of the theology, the richness of the spiritual life, the unbroken continuity with the early Church, or simply a sense of 'coming home.' Whatever brings you here, you are welcome. Take your time. Ask questions. The faith that has endured for two millennia is patient enough to wait for you.