A CHRISTIAN TRADITION AT THE TABLE
Ancient faith, living communion
Self-governing local churches united by a common apostolic faith, sacramental life, and conciliar tradition.
SCRIPTURE WITHIN HOLY TRADITION
The Bible is the inspired written witness at the heart of Holy Tradition. The Creed, Ecumenical Councils, liturgy, Fathers, saints, canons, and icons belong to the church’s received life.
Not every inherited custom has equal authority. Orthodoxy distinguishes apostolic faith from local habit, cultural practice, discipline, and theological opinion.
BISHOPS · SYNODS · RECEPTION
A bishop shepherds a local church; bishops govern self-ruling churches together in synods. Patriarchs, archbishops, and metropolitans preside among brother bishops without possessing unrestricted authority over all Orthodox Christians.
The seven Ecumenical Councils hold unique authority. Conciliar decisions must remain faithful to apostolic Tradition and be received by the church—a process not reducible to either one leader or a simple popular vote.
DIVINE LITURGY · HOLY MYSTERIES
Scripture, icons, incense, chanting, prayer, and the Eucharist proclaim that the Son truly entered material creation. Orthodox Christians receive Communion as Christ’s true body and blood.
Salvation includes forgiveness, healing, liberation, and transformation into God’s likeness. Theosis means participation in God’s life by grace, never becoming God by nature.
CONTINUITY · PASTORAL CARE
A parish does not redefine doctrine for itself. Priests answer to bishops, bishops to synods and brother bishops, and every synod to the faith of the wider church.
Dogma is distinguished from discipline and pastoral application. Orthodoxy’s cautious, conciliar approach can preserve stability, while also making jurisdictional conflict and coordinated responses slow.
Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox churches are distinct ancient communions; the Oriental Orthodox deserve their own page.
GIFTS TO DISCOVER
Many Orthodox churches feature icons of Christ, Mary, saints, and biblical events. These sacred images belong to the community’s prayer and worship; the icon screen expresses connection with Christ and the saints.
Orthodox Church in America · IconsGreat Lent begins with an invitation to mend relationships. At Forgiveness Vespers, Orthodox worshippers traditionally ask one another’s forgiveness and offer their own, making reconciliation something the community practices together.
Orthodox Church in America · Lenten servicesMany Orthodox Christians, especially in Slavic traditions, bring Easter foods to church to be blessed. Eggs, cheese, and other festive foods then help mark the joyful end of the Lenten fast.
Orthodox Church in America · Easter traditionsHONEST DIFFERENCES
STAYING AT THE TABLE
READ THE TRADITION IN ITS OWN WORDS
Orthodoxy has no single centralized teaching website. These sources represent recognized jurisdictions, episcopal cooperation, and the 2016 Holy and Great Council; jurisdictional policy and universal consensus are not identical.
An overview from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.
The Orthodox Church in America on Scripture and doctrine.
An introduction to Orthodox sacramental life.
Official texts of the 2016 council.
The council’s text on Christian division and dialogue.
Episcopal cooperation in the United States.