The Eastern Orthodox Christian Church, officially called the Orthodox Catholic Church, is one of the three major Christian faiths. They have preserved their beliefs entirely according to the traditions of the early Christian church that was established by the apostles of Jesus. Their beliefs were founded by the first seven ecumenical councils, and the church prides itself on not deviating from those beliefs when other denominations have. These are five of the key religious beliefs and traditions of the Eastern Orthodox Christian Church:
The Holy Trinity
The faith believes that three persons make up the Holy Trinity. There is the Father God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Jesus is God’s son. Orthodox Christians believe Jesus was fully divine and human, died for our salvation, and will return to judge humankind. The Holy Spirit is also part of the Trinity; Orthodox Christians believe the Holy Spirit is of the same essence as the Father God, but proceeds from the Father as a gift to the church and its people. They believe the Spirit is what empowers the people of the Church and imparts spiritual gifts. The faith also considers all parts of the trinity to be equally divine.
Baptism
This is a central tradition in Orthodox Christianity. People are fully immersed three times during their baptism, as a gift of new life. It is a sign of the death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is immediately followed by chrismation, in which the newly baptized are anointed with oil blessed by the bishop.
The Sacraments
The church has seven sacraments, or rituals, that they recognize: baptism, chrismation, communion, holy orders, penance, anointing of the sick, and marriage. Original doctrine did not limit the number of sacraments, but seven has been the accepted amount since the 17th century.
Predestination
According to the Eastern Orthodox Christian Church, God knows what every man’s destiny is, but he does not create that destiny himself. Therefore, man has free will.
Mary
Jesus’ mother, Mary, holds a place of high honor with Orthodox Christians; however, unlike other churches, they do not believe in the Immaculate Conception doctrine held by the Roman Catholic Church.
These central beliefs of the Eastern Orthodox Christian Church hold strong in this faith and are still active today. This early church believes itself to be the one “true” Christian faith because it has remained dedicated to the original doctrine set forth by the first seven ecumenical councils. Even when this constancy caused their split from the Roman Catholic Church centuries ago, the Eastern Orthodox Christian Church did not sway from their beliefs.