What Does It Mean To Be Orthodox

Being Orthodox is about more than just attending a specific church; it's a profound and comprehensive way of life rooted in the ancient Christian faith. It encompasses theology, worship, culture, and a continuous striving to align oneself with the teachings and spirit of the early Church. To truly understand what it means to be Orthodox, one must delve into its historical roots, core beliefs, practices, and the lived experience of its adherents. This article will explore these facets, offering a detailed look at the Orthodox Christian faith.

Historical Roots

Orthodoxy traces its origins directly back to the original Christian Church founded by Jesus Christ and His Apostles. It views itself as the unbroken continuation of that Church, preserving the teachings and practices passed down through the centuries. This continuity is maintained through:

Apostolic Succession: Orthodox bishops are seen as successors to the Apostles, ordained in an unbroken chain that stretches back to the early Church. This ensures the continuity of teaching and sacramental grace.
Sacred Tradition: Orthodoxy relies not only on the Bible but also on Sacred Tradition, which includes the teachings of the Church Fathers, the decisions of the Ecumenical Councils, liturgical practices, and the lived experience of the saints. This Tradition is seen as the Holy Spirit's ongoing guidance of the Church.
The Seven Ecumenical Councils: These councils, held between the 4th and 8th centuries, defined core Christian doctrines such as the nature of Christ and the Holy Trinity. Orthodoxy accepts these councils as authoritative and foundational to its faith.

The split between the Eastern (Orthodox) and Western (Roman Catholic) Churches occurred gradually over centuries, culminating in the Great Schism of 1054. This schism was caused by a complex mix of theological, political, and cultural factors, including disagreements over papal authority, the Filioque clause (the addition of "and the Son" to the Nicene Creed), and liturgical practices.

Core Beliefs

Orthodox theology is rich and multifaceted, emphasizing both the transcendence and immanence of God. Key beliefs include:

The Holy Trinity

Orthodox Christians believe in one God, eternally existing in three distinct Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Trinity is a mystery beyond human comprehension, yet it is the central truth of the Christian faith.

The Father is the source of divinity, the unoriginate origin of the Son and the Holy Spirit.
The Son (Jesus Christ) is the Word of God, eternally begotten of the Father, who became incarnate for our salvation. He is fully God and fully human.
The Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and is worshipped and glorified together with the Father and the Son.

Christology

Orthodoxy affirms the Chalcedonian Definition of Christ, which states that Jesus Christ is "perfect in Godhead and also perfect in manhood; truly God and truly man." He possesses two natures, divine and human, united without confusion, change, division, or separation in one Person. This understanding is crucial for understanding salvation, as it is through Christ's humanity that we are able to be united with God.

Salvation (Theosis)

Salvation in Orthodoxy is understood as theosis, or deification - the process of becoming more like God through grace. It is not merely forgiveness of sins but a lifelong journey of transformation, in which we participate in the divine nature. This involves:

Repentance: Turning away from sin and towards God.
Faith: Trusting in Jesus Christ and His teachings.
Love: Loving God and our neighbor.
Participation in the Sacraments: Receiving God's grace through the Church's sacraments.
Asceticism: Practicing spiritual disciplines such as prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.

The Church

The Church is seen as the Body of Christ, a living organism united by the Holy Spirit. It is the community where believers encounter God and are transformed by His grace. The Orthodox Church is characterized by:

Unity: A shared faith, sacraments, and episcopal structure.
Holiness: Set apart for God's purposes and striving for holiness.
Catholicity: Universal, embracing all people and all times.
Apostolicity: Founded on the teachings of the Apostles and maintaining apostolic succession.

The Saints

Saints are men and women who have lived lives of exemplary holiness and have been recognized by the Church as being particularly close to God. They serve as models for believers and are venerated (but not worshipped) as intercessors before God. Icons of the saints are used in worship as windows into heaven, connecting the faithful with the heavenly realm.

Worship and Practices

Orthodox worship is characterized by its beauty, solemnity, and rich symbolism. It is designed to engage all the senses and to transport the worshipper into the presence of God.

The Divine Liturgy

The central act of worship in the Orthodox Church is the Divine Liturgy, which is the celebration of the Eucharist. It is a mystical re-enactment of the Last Supper, in which the bread and wine are consecrated and become the Body and Blood of Christ. Through Holy Communion, believers are united with Christ and with one another. The Divine Liturgy is typically celebrated on Sundays and major feast days.

The Liturgical Cycle

Orthodox worship follows a liturgical cycle that revolves around the life of Christ and the feasts of the Church. This cycle includes:

The Great Feasts: These commemorate major events in the life of Christ and the Theotokos (Virgin Mary), such as Christmas, Pascha (Easter), Pentecost, and the Dormition of the Theotokos.
The Weekly Cycle: Each day of the week is dedicated to a particular theme or saint.
Lent and Fasting: Periods of fasting and intensified prayer, especially during Great Lent (before Pascha) and other designated times throughout the year.

Icons

Icons are an integral part of Orthodox worship. They are not merely decorative images but are considered windows into heaven, connecting the faithful with the persons they depict. Icons are painted according to strict canons, ensuring their theological accuracy and spiritual power. They are venerated with kisses and bows, but not worshipped. Worship is reserved for God alone.

Prayer

Prayer is a vital aspect of Orthodox life. Orthodox Christians are encouraged to pray regularly, both privately and in community. Forms of prayer include:

The Jesus Prayer: A short, repetitive prayer ("Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner") that is used to cultivate inner stillness and attentiveness to God.
The Daily Office: A cycle of prayers and readings that are chanted or recited at various times throughout the day.
Akathists and Canons: Poetic hymns that are dedicated to Christ, the Theotokos, or the saints.

Sacraments (Mysteries)

The Orthodox Church recognizes seven sacraments, or mysteries, which are outward signs of inward grace instituted by Christ:

Baptism: The sacrament of initiation into the Church, in which the believer is cleansed from original sin and united with Christ. It is typically performed by triple immersion in water.
Chrismation (Confirmation): The sacrament in which the believer receives the gift of the Holy Spirit, empowering them to live a Christian life. It is administered by anointing with holy oil (chrism).
Holy Eucharist (Communion): The sacrament in which the believer receives the Body and Blood of Christ, uniting them with Him and with the Church.
Confession (Reconciliation): The sacrament in which the believer confesses their sins to a priest and receives forgiveness from God.
Marriage (Holy Matrimony): The sacrament in which a man and a woman are united in a lifelong bond of love, blessed by God.
Holy Orders (Ordination): The sacrament in which men are ordained to the priesthood or diaconate, empowering them to serve the Church.
Unction (Anointing of the Sick): The sacrament in which the sick are anointed with oil, seeking healing of body and soul.

Culture and Community

Orthodoxy is not just a set of beliefs and practices; it is a way of life that permeates all aspects of existence. Orthodox culture is characterized by:

Emphasis on Tradition

Orthodox Christians value tradition as a source of wisdom and guidance. They seek to preserve the teachings and practices of the early Church and to apply them to contemporary life.

Strong Community Bonds

Orthodox parishes are typically close-knit communities, providing support and fellowship for their members. The Church is seen as a family, where believers care for one another and share in each other's joys and sorrows.

Respect for Elders

Orthodoxy places a high value on respecting elders, both within the Church and in society. Elders are seen as sources of wisdom and experience, and their counsel is sought and valued.

Hospitality

Orthodox Christians are known for their hospitality, welcoming visitors and strangers with warmth and generosity. This is seen as a reflection of God's love for all people.

Arts and Aesthetics

Orthodox culture has produced a rich artistic heritage, including iconography, liturgical music, and architecture. These art forms are designed to uplift the soul and to convey the beauty and majesty of God.

Challenges and Contemporary Issues

Like any religious tradition, Orthodoxy faces challenges in the modern world. Some of these include:

Secularism

The rise of secularism in many parts of the world poses a challenge to traditional religious values. Orthodox Christians are called to maintain their faith in the face of increasing indifference or hostility to religion.

Globalization

Globalization has brought Orthodox Christians into contact with people of different cultures and beliefs. This can lead to both opportunities for evangelism and challenges to maintaining cultural identity.

Internal Divisions

While Orthodoxy is united in its core beliefs, there are sometimes divisions between different jurisdictions or ethnic groups. Overcoming these divisions and fostering greater unity is an ongoing challenge.

Social Issues

Orthodox Christians grapple with a variety of social issues, such as poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation. Applying Orthodox principles to these issues requires careful discernment and a commitment to social justice.

The Lived Experience of Being Orthodox

Ultimately, being Orthodox is about living a life transformed by faith in Jesus Christ. It is about striving to love God and neighbor, to grow in holiness, and to participate in the life of the Church. This involves:

Regularly attending liturgical services: Participating in the Divine Liturgy and other services is essential for nourishing one's spiritual life.
Praying daily: Cultivating a personal relationship with God through prayer.
Reading the Bible and the writings of the Church Fathers: Studying the Scriptures and the teachings of the saints provides guidance and inspiration.
Fasting regularly: Practicing self-discipline and denying oneself worldly pleasures in order to focus on spiritual growth.
Giving alms to the poor: Sharing one's resources with those in need.
Confessing one's sins: Seeking forgiveness and healing through the sacrament of confession.
Living a life of virtue: Striving to embody the virtues of love, humility, patience, and compassion.

Being Orthodox is not always easy. It requires commitment, discipline, and a willingness to challenge oneself. However, it is also a source of great joy, peace, and fulfillment. Orthodox Christians believe that they have been given a precious gift in the form of the ancient Christian faith, and they seek to share that gift with the world.

FAQ About Orthodox Christianity

How does Orthodoxy differ from Catholicism? While sharing historical roots, differences exist in papal authority, the Filioque clause in the Nicene Creed, liturgical practices, and theological emphases.
What is the role of the Virgin Mary in Orthodoxy? The Theotokos (God-bearer) is highly venerated as the mother of God and an intercessor for believers.
Are Orthodox Churches in communion with each other? Most Orthodox Churches are in full communion, recognizing each other's sacraments and clergy.
How can I learn more about Orthodoxy? Visit an Orthodox Church, speak with a priest or knowledgeable member, and explore Orthodox Christian resources online and in print.
Is it difficult to convert to Orthodoxy? Conversion involves a period of instruction and preparation, culminating in baptism or chrismation. The process varies depending on one's background.

Conclusion

Being Orthodox is an all-encompassing journey of faith, tradition, and spiritual growth. It's a commitment to living a life rooted in the ancient Christian teachings and practices, striving for theosis – becoming more like God. It is a journey of challenges and rewards, deeply connected to community and history, with a continuous pursuit of a closer relationship with God. The Orthodox faith offers a rich tapestry of worship, theology, and culture, inviting believers to experience the fullness of the Christian life.