Eastern Orthodoxy

Eastern Orthodoxy is a Christian tradition of self-governing churches united by Byzantine liturgy, Orthodox theology, and recognition of the first seven ecumenical councils.

Nicene Creed: A Christian statement of faith first formulated at the Council of Nicaea in 325 and expanded at Constantinople in 381. Its confession of the Trinity is central to Orthodox worship and doctrine.
Eastern Orthodox sacraments: The sacred rites through which Eastern Orthodox Christians receive and participate in divine grace. Sacraments connect Orthodox doctrine to communal and personal religious life.
First Council of Nicaea: The 325 council that rejected Arian teaching and produced an early form of the Nicene Creed. Its doctrinal decisions became part of the common inheritance Orthodox churches affirm.
Roman Catholic Church: The worldwide Christian church in communion with the bishop of Rome, or pope. Disputes over papal authority and other teachings distinguish it from Eastern Orthodoxy.
John Chrysostom: A fourth-century bishop of Constantinople, theologian, and preacher honored as a saint in Eastern Orthodoxy. The Divine Liturgy bearing his name is the most commonly celebrated Orthodox rite.
Eastern Orthodox Church organization: The structure of self-governing Eastern Orthodox churches, bishops, and shared councils. Autocephaly explains how churches govern themselves while remaining in communion.
Ecumenical councils: Assemblies of bishops convened to address matters of Christian doctrine and church order. The first seven councils provide shared doctrinal authority for Eastern Orthodoxy.
Great Schism: The gradual rupture between the churches centered on Rome and Constantinople, conventionally dated to 1054. The schism marks the enduring separation between Eastern Orthodoxy and Roman Catholicism.
Oriental Orthodox Churches: A family of churches that rejected the Council of Chalcedon’s definition of Christ’s two natures. They are distinct from Eastern Orthodoxy despite similar names and ancient traditions.
Gregory Palamas: A fourteenth-century Byzantine theologian who defended hesychast prayer and the distinction between God’s essence and energies. His theology shaped Orthodox accounts of prayer and participation in divine life.

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