The Orthodox Church By : Ms. Darlene Tempelton Catholic Central High School

Like the Catholic Church, the Orthodox Church traces it’s beginnings back to Christ and His Apostles. The two churches split in 1054 primarily over the issue of the authority of the Pope. Today there are between 230 – 300 million Orthodox Christians. Most live in Greece, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Russia.

Orthodox and Catholics share many of the same beliefs and practices: 7 sacraments Trinity Nicene Creed First seven ecumenical councils of the Church Veneration of saints and especially of the Virgin Mary (often referred to as the Theotokos or “God-Bearer”)

SACRAMENTS IN THE ORTHODOX CHURCH

Mysterion “Mysteries” – the Sacraments Ways in which God reaches out to humanity through normal material substances such as bread and water Orthodox do not limit the number There are 7 “Great Mysteries”

Baptism Usually infants Full immersion three times – in the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit

Chrismation Confirmation Chrism = holy oil Normally performed immediately after being baptized One may receive all the other sacraments after being confirmed

The Divine Liturgy Most important sacrament Celebrated only once a day Lasts between 90 minutes & 3 hours Congregants usually stand or kneel Usually in native language of the church (Greek for Greek Orthodox)

Receiving Communion: At every service Becomes “body and blood” of Christ Bread is dipped into wine and received from a golden spoon Must go to Confession, fast and pray before receiving Only Orthodox Christians may receive

Penance Required to participate in penance before planning on receiving communion Before a priest or bishop designated as a ”Confessor” Do not always receive a penance – if they do it is something to help so you do not commit that sin again No “First Penance” – one receives it when one is ready to (no age requirement)

Unction Anointing of the sick For anyone who feels the need for physical or spiritual healing

Holy Orders Includes bishops, priests and deacons Priests and deacons may marry before ordination Only ordain men Are discussing the possibility of ordaining women to the diaconate

Marriage The bond of love between a husband and wife is a foretaste of the love that will exist between us and God in heaven The ceremony includes:

The Exchange of Rings Takes place at the door of the church Priest blesses the rings and they are placed on the bride and groom’s right hands After this, the entrance procession take place

The Crowning The bride and groom are crowned by the priest – they wear these for the rest of the ceremony Ceremony contains Scripture readings, prayers and blessings, sharing of a cup of wine

Dance of Isaiah Dance of Isaiah – the couple circles the altar three times The circle is a symbol of eternity and reminds the couple that marriage is forever There is no exchange of vows

AN ORTHODOX CHURCH

A typical Greek Orthodox church:

Usually cruciform in shape Three sections: Narthex Nave Sanctuary

Narthex Entryway Contain icons and places for votive candles A place to pray and prepare oneself for entering into worship

Nave The main worship area May contain pews or kneelers – but many do not Bishop’s throne – found in all Orthodox churches Men & women are usually separated

Iconostasis Also called “templon” An icon screen Separates the nave from the sanctuary Contains icons of Jesus, John the Baptist, Mary and the church’s patron saint May contain other icons

Three doors – middle door (“The Beautiful Gate”) is only for the priest Only the priest and deacon may enter the sanctuary on the other side of the iconostasis Much of the service takes place where the congregation cannot see what is happening

Sanctuary Contains the altar, a seven branched candleholder, and the Tabernacle The consecration of the Eucharist takes place here

On the back wall there is nearly always a painting of “Christ Pantocrator” – “Christ All-Powerful”

ICONS

From the Greek word eikona, meaning “image” An icon is a painting of Jesus, Mary (The Theotokos) or a saint done in a very stylized form

Colors, symbols and the posture of the person all have symbolic meanings

Icons in a prayer corner of a home

ORGANIZATION

Patriarchs Originally heads of churches founded by the Apostles: Jerusalem, Antioch, Alexandria, Rome Constantinople was added in the fifth century Others were added as missionaries spread the church into Eastern Europe Patriarch Alexei of Moscow

Today Patriarchs are the heads of the national churches The Patriarch of Constantinople is “First Among Equals” Patriarchs are equal in authority to one another Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople

Organization of the Orthodox Church is similar to that of the Catholic Church, with Metropolitans, Archbishops, Bishops, Priests and deacons

Monasticism The earliest monastic rules (Pachomius and Basil) were Orthodox Orthodox monasteries today still follow the Rule of St. Basil

St. Paul’s Monastery, Mt. Athos Several Medieval monasteries are located on this “holy mountain” in Greece

Areas where most Christians belong to the Orthodox Church: