Orthodox Christianity
Orthodox Christianity is a generalized reference to the Eastern traditions of Christianity, as opposed to the Western traditions (which descend through, or alongside of, the
Roman Catholic Church) or the
Eastern Rite Catholic churches. Orthodox Christianity claims to be the original Christian church founded by Christ and the Apostles, and traces its lineage back to the early church through the process of
Apostolic Succession. Orthodox distinctives (shared with Eastern Rite Catholic churches) include the
Divine Liturgy, Mysteries or Sacraments, and an emphasis on the preservation of Tradition, which it holds to be Apostolic in nature. Orthodox Churches are also distinctive in that they are organized into self-governing jurisdictions.
It is estimated that there are approximately 350 million Orthodox Christians in the world.
In general terms, there are three main branches of Orthodox Christianity: the
Church of the East,
Eastern Orthodoxy, and
Oriental Orthodoxy.
Church of the East refers to the churches of Eastern Christian traditions that keep the faith of only the first two
ecumenical councils of the undivided Church - the First Council of Nicaea and the First Council of Constantinople. These churches are also called the Nestorian Church or the
Assyrian Church of the East. The Nestorian churches are sometimes classified under "Oriental Orthodox" churches as well.
Eastern Orthodoxy is a Christian body whose adherents are largely based in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, with a growing presence in the western world. Eastern Orthodox Christians subscribe to the first
seven ecumenical councils. Today, many adherents shun the term "Eastern" as denying the church's universal character. They refer to Eastern Orthodoxy simply as "The Orthodox Church."
Oriental Orthodoxy refers to the churches of Eastern Christian traditions that keep the faith of only the first three
ecumenical councils of the undivided Church - the
First Council of Nicaea, the First Council of Constantinople and the Council of Ephesus - and rejected the dogmatic definitions of the
Council of Chalcedon. Hence, these churches are also called
Old Oriental Churches.
For other definitions and meaning for the word
orthodox, see
Orthodoxy.
*
Church of the East*
Eastern Orthodoxy*
Oriental Orthodoxy*
One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church
