An Introduction to Orthodox Spirituality

The sources of Orthodox spirituality are the Holy Scriptures, sacred Tradition, the dogmatic definitions of the Ecumenical Synods, and the spiritual teachings of the Greek Orthodox Fathers. Orthodox spirituality is mainly expressed through prayer, daily Christian living, and worship, which ultimately lead to union with the divine uncreated Light. Read More
Related Articles in this Series

An Introduction to the Orthodox Church

An ever-growing number of persons from various backgrounds are becoming interested in the Orthodox Church. These individuals are discovering the ancient faith and rich traditions of the Orthodox Church. They have been attracted by her mystical vision of God and His Kingdom, by the beauty of her worship, by the purity of her Christian faith, and by her continuity with the past. These are only some of the treasures of the Church, which has a history reaching back to the time of the Apostles. The Orthodox Church in this country owes its origin to the devotion of so many immigrants from lands such as Greece, Russia, the Middle East, and the Balkans. In the great wave of immigrations in the 19th and 20th centuries, Orthodox Christians from many lands and cultures came to America in search of freedom and opportunity. Like the first Apostles, they carried with them a precious heritage and gift. To the New World they brought the ancient faith of the Orthodox Church. More »

Becoming an Orthodox Christian

Outlines the procedure for becoming a member of the Orthodox Church. More »

History of the Orthodox Church

Learn about the history and great epochs of Orthodoxy. More »

House of God: What's Inside an Orthodox Church?

Learn about the interior of an Orthodox Church. More »

Special Services and Blessings of the Orthodox Church

Learn about the non-sacramental services which contribute to spiritual life in the Orthodox Christian church. More »

Spirituality

Learn about the meaning of theosis as the goal of Christian life in the Orthodox Church. More »

Teachings of the Orthodox Church

Orthodoxy believes that the Christian Faith and the Church are inseparable. It is impossible to know Christ, to share in the life of the Holy Trinity, or to be considered a Christian, apart from the Church. It is in the Church that the Christian Faith is proclaimed and maintained. It is through the Church that an individual is nurtured in the Faith. More »

Understanding the Sacraments of the Orthodox Church

Learn about the meaning and importance of liturgical life and the Sacraments of the Orthodox Church. More »

Worship in the Orthodox Church

Learn about the form and characteristics of Orthodox Christian worship. More »

For Families

“Crown them with glory and honor.” Marriage in the Orthodox Church

One of the sacraments of the Orthodox Church, the Marriage Service is rich with biblical imagery, prayer, and symbol. Because the ceremony is attended by Orthodox and non-Orthodox who may not be aware of the significance of the actions, this text has been prepared. It can be used as the basis for a program booklet distributed at the ceremony. There are a few spots for customization, such as including the names of the bride and the groom. The text can be edited easily to fit the program. Other possible additions to a program include the names of the bridal party, the family members, the clergy celebrating the ceremony, locations of receptions, and a personal note from the couple. More »

Be the Bee #155 | How Should Orthodox Christians Preach the Gospel?

Orthodox Christianity is perhaps the best-kept secret in America. Why? And how can we help share the Good News?

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Be the Bee #154 | Why People Stop Being Christians (and What We Can Do About It)

Adults fear that young people will grow up and stop being Christians. But no one ever fears that a kid will stop rooting for their favorite sports team. Why?

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You are a Royal Priesthood (feat. Fr. Stephen Freeman)

As Christians, we're all priests of creation. We're all called to live liturgically: to offer ourselves, each other, and all our lives to Christ our God. More »

Liturgy & Worship

Great Lent - A Week by Week Meaning

This great period of Lent before Easter is called by the Orthodox Church, Tessaracoste (Quadragesimal), which comes from the word forty (the 40 days of "fasting"). More »

Music in the Orthodox Church

Learn about music in the Orthodox Church. Discovering Orthodox Christianity is a series of talks, shows, and presentations designed to introduce and explain the basic teaching of Orthodox Christianity. More »

The House of God: Architecture, Vestments & Religious Articles

Learn about architecture, vestments, and religious articles in the Orthodox Church. Discovering Orthodox Christianity is a series of talks, shows, and presentations designed to introduce and explain the basic teaching of Orthodox Christianity. More »

The House of God: Iconography

Learn about the beautiful iconography in the Orthodox Church. Discovering Orthodox Christianity is a series of talks, shows, and presentations designed to introduce and explain the basic teaching of Orthodox Christianity. More »

The Orthodox Liturgical Year

Learn about the liturgical year of the Orthodox Church. Discovering Orthodox Christianity is a series of talks, shows, and presentations designed to introduce and explain the basic teaching of Orthodox Christianity. More »