Eastern Orthodox Flashcards, test questions and answers
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What is Eastern Orthodox?
The Eastern Orthodox Church is one of the oldest Christian churches in existence. It has its roots in the early church that was founded by Jesus and his disciples. The Eastern Orthodox Church traces its origins to the earliest days of Christianity, when it emerged from a split with Rome around 1054 AD. Since then, it has spread throughout the world and today boasts over 300 million members.The Eastern Orthodox Church is traditionally known for its strong emphasis on tradition, ritual, and liturgy as well as its adherence to ancient teachings and practices such as icons, sacraments, saints’ veneration, fasting periods, pilgrimages and monasticism. Central to the faith are seven Ecumenical Councils which set down doctrines regarding Christology (the nature of Christ), soteriology (salvation) and other key matters affecting Christian belief. The central figures of this church are Christ himself; Mary His mother; St John Chrysostom – Patriarch of Constantinople; St Basil the Great – Archbishop of Caesarea; St Gregory Palamas-Archbishop of Thessalonica; St Nicholas-Bishop of Myra among others who have shaped its theology since ancient times up until today.Eastern Orthodoxy follows an apostolic succession whereby every bishop can trace their lineage back through an unbroken chain all the way to Jesus’s own apostles. This means that what they teach today still holds true to those first teachings delivered by Jesus so many centuries ago. Additionally each local church is autonomous but still partakes in certain common beliefs including Trinitarianism where God is understood as three persons existing in unity: Father Son & Holy Spirit Those who join this faith must confess certain creeds outlining these core beliefs before formally joining a congregation or parish within this denomination. In terms of worship practice Eastern Orthodoxy includes services like Vespers/Matins (evening & morning); Communion/Eucharist(celebrating Lord’s Supper); Baptisms & Chrismations(confirmation) amongst many more prayers & services designed for different occasions throughout year . With regards to rituals there are two main ways these can be observed: either at home or within a service at your local parish depending on individual preference . There also exist several popular feasts days celebrating important figures , moments , events in history related both directly indirectly with church including Christmas Easter Pentecost etc . All these ceremonies aim facilitate spiritual growth healthy living amongst believers providing them with regular reminders about reverence due lord savior Jesus Christ .