What Does It Mean To Be Orthodox

Being Orthodox encompasses a rich tapestry of faith, tradition, and practice rooted in the early Church. To truly understand what it means to be Orthodox, one must delve into its historical origins, theological distinctiveness, liturgical life, and the lived experience of its adherents. It's more than just a label; it's a commitment to a specific way of understanding and living the Christian faith, passed down through generations since the time of Christ and His Apostles.

Historical Roots: The Undivided Church

The Orthodox Church traces its origins directly back to the original Christian community founded by Jesus Christ and the Apostles. It sees itself as the continuation of the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church confessed in the Nicene Creed, a statement of faith formulated in 325 AD.

• The Early Church Fathers: Orthodox theology is deeply rooted in the writings and teachings of the Early Church Fathers, such as St. Athanasius, St. Basil the Great, St. Gregory of Nazianzus, and St. John Chrysostom. These figures played a crucial role in shaping Christian doctrine and practice during the first centuries of Christianity.
• The Seven Ecumenical Councils: The Orthodox Church recognizes the authority of the Seven Ecumenical Councils (from the 1st Council of Nicaea in 325 AD to the 2nd Council of Nicaea in 787 AD). These councils addressed critical theological issues and defined essential doctrines, such as the nature of Christ and the Holy Trinity.
• The Great Schism: A pivotal moment in Christian history occurred in 1054 with the Great Schism, which formally divided the Church into the Western (Roman Catholic) and Eastern (Orthodox) branches. This split was the culmination of growing theological, political, and cultural differences between the East and West.

Core Beliefs and Theology

Orthodox theology is characterized by its emphasis on tradition, scripture, and the experience of God. It's a living theology, constantly being interpreted and applied within the context of the Church.

• The Holy Trinity: The Orthodox Church affirms the Holy Trinity: God is one being, eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Each person is fully God, yet distinct, and they exist in a relationship of perfect love and unity.
• The Incarnation: A central tenet of Orthodox belief is the Incarnation, the belief that God the Son became incarnate as Jesus Christ, fully God and fully human. This union of divinity and humanity in Christ is seen as essential for the salvation of humankind.
• Salvation as Theosis: Unlike some Western theological traditions that emphasize legalistic or forensic views of salvation, Orthodoxy understands salvation as theosis, or deification. This means becoming more and more like God through participation in His divine energies. It's a lifelong process of spiritual growth and transformation, enabled by the grace of God.
• The Importance of Tradition: Tradition (Paradosis) is not seen as something static or outdated, but as a living and dynamic transmission of the faith from one generation to the next. It includes the teachings of the Church Fathers, the decisions of the Ecumenical Councils, the liturgical practices of the Church, and the lives of the saints. Scripture is understood within the context of this Tradition, not in isolation.
• The Saints: The Orthodox Church venerates saints, recognizing them as individuals who lived lives of extraordinary holiness and devotion to God. Saints are seen as examples to follow and intercessors who can pray to God on behalf of the faithful.

Liturgical Life and Worship

Orthodox worship is characterized by its beauty, symbolism, and emphasis on communal participation. The Divine Liturgy, the central act of worship, is a profound experience that engages all the senses.

• The Divine Liturgy: The Divine Liturgy is the Eucharistic service in which bread and wine are consecrated and offered as the Body and Blood of Christ. It is a re-enactment of the Last Supper and a participation in the eternal liturgy of heaven. The Liturgy is celebrated with elaborate vestments, incense, chanting, and icons, creating a rich and immersive experience.
• Icons: Icons are not simply religious art; they are considered windows into heaven. They depict Christ, the Virgin Mary, the saints, and biblical scenes. Icons are venerated as representations of the persons they depict, and are believed to be filled with divine grace.
• Sacraments (Mysteries): The Orthodox Church recognizes seven sacraments, also called mysteries: Baptism, Chrismation (Confirmation), Holy Eucharist (Communion), Confession (Repentance), Holy Orders (Priesthood), Marriage, and Anointing of the Sick (Unction). These sacraments are seen as channels of divine grace, through which believers receive spiritual blessings.
• Fasting and Prayer: Fasting and prayer are essential aspects of Orthodox spiritual life. Fasting involves abstaining from certain foods (meat, dairy, eggs, etc.) during specific periods of the year, such as Lent and Advent. Prayer includes personal prayer, liturgical prayer, and the Jesus Prayer ("Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner").

Church Structure and Governance

The Orthodox Church is organized into autocephalous (self-governing) churches, each with its own primate (e.g., Patriarch, Metropolitan, Archbishop). These churches are united in faith and communion with one another, but they are administratively independent.

• Autocephaly: Autocephaly means that a particular Orthodox Church has the right to govern itself without interference from other churches. This reflects the principle of conciliarity, which emphasizes the importance of local decision-making within the context of the universal Church.
• The Ecumenical Patriarch: The Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople is considered the "first among equals" among the Orthodox primates. While he does not have the same authority as the Pope in the Roman Catholic Church, he holds a place of honor and has a responsibility to promote unity and cooperation among the Orthodox Churches.
• Synods: Decisions within each autocephalous church are made by synods of bishops. These synods address theological, liturgical, and administrative matters.

Living the Orthodox Faith

Being Orthodox is not just about adhering to a set of beliefs or practices; it's about living a life transformed by the grace of God. It involves cultivating a relationship with Christ, participating in the life of the Church, and striving to live according to the teachings of the Gospel.

• Spiritual Growth: Orthodox Christians are encouraged to pursue spiritual growth through prayer, fasting, confession, and participation in the sacraments. They are also encouraged to read the Scriptures, the writings of the Church Fathers, and the lives of the saints.
• Community: The Orthodox Church is a community of believers who support and encourage one another in their spiritual journey. Orthodox Christians are encouraged to participate in the life of their local parish and to build relationships with other members of the Church.
• Love and Service: Orthodox Christians are called to love God and to love their neighbor as themselves. This includes serving others, especially those in need. Orthodox Christians are involved in a variety of charitable and social outreach ministries.
• Witness: Orthodox Christians are called to be witnesses to the Gospel in their words and actions. This means sharing their faith with others and living in a way that reflects the teachings of Christ.

Key Distinctions from Other Christian Traditions

While sharing many common beliefs with other Christian traditions, the Orthodox Church also has distinctive theological and practical differences.

• The Filioque Controversy: The filioque clause, which was added to the Nicene Creed by the Western Church, states that the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son. The Orthodox Church rejects this addition, believing that the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father alone. This theological difference has been a major point of contention between the Orthodox and Catholic Churches.
• Papal Authority: The Orthodox Church does not accept the doctrine of papal supremacy, which asserts that the Pope has supreme authority over the entire Church. Instead, the Orthodox Church emphasizes the principle of conciliarity, which holds that decisions should be made by councils of bishops.
• Original Sin: While Orthodoxy acknowledges the consequences of the ancestral sin of Adam and Eve, it does not embrace the Augustinian concept of "original sin" that views humanity as inherently depraved and guilty from birth. Instead, Orthodoxy teaches that humans inherit a corrupted nature, prone to sin, but still possessing free will and the potential for good.
• The Immaculate Conception: The Orthodox Church does not accept the Roman Catholic doctrine of the Immaculate Conception, which states that the Virgin Mary was conceived without original sin.
• Married Clergy: Unlike the Roman Catholic Church, the Orthodox Church allows married men to be ordained to the priesthood. However, priests cannot marry after ordination, and bishops must be celibate.

Challenges and Contemporary Issues

The Orthodox Church faces a variety of challenges in the modern world, including:

• Secularism: The rise of secularism and materialism poses a challenge to traditional religious values.
• Globalization: Globalization brings new opportunities for evangelism and outreach, but it also presents challenges to cultural identity and traditional practices.
• Ecumenism: The Orthodox Church is involved in ecumenical dialogues with other Christian traditions, but these dialogues can be complex and challenging, given the theological differences that exist.
• Political and Social Issues: The Orthodox Church is engaged in discussions about a variety of political and social issues, such as human rights, environmentalism, and economic justice.
• Maintaining Unity: With a global presence spanning diverse cultures and nationalities, maintaining unity among the various autocephalous churches remains an ongoing task.

Conclusion

Being Orthodox is a journey of faith that involves embracing a particular worldview, participating in a vibrant liturgical life, and striving to live according to the teachings of Christ. It is a commitment to the ancient traditions of the Church, while also engaging with the challenges of the modern world. It means finding spiritual nourishment in the sacraments, seeking guidance from the saints, and working towards theosis, becoming more like God in all aspects of life. Understanding what it means to be Orthodox requires a willingness to explore its rich history, theology, and practices, and to experience the transformative power of the Orthodox faith. For those drawn to its depth and beauty, it offers a path towards a deeper relationship with God and a more meaningful life.