What is Orthodox Christianity?
The ancient faith, unchanged through the centuries
The Orthodox Church is the original Christian Church founded by Jesus Christ and His Apostles nearly two thousand years ago. With over 300 million members worldwide, it is the second-largest Christian communion in the world.
The word "Orthodox" comes from the Greek words orthos (correct) and doxa (belief or glory), meaning "correct belief" or "right glory." Orthodox Christians believe they have preserved the original faith taught by Christ and passed down through the Apostles without addition or subtraction.
Continuity with the Early Church
Unlike many Christian bodies that trace their origins to reformers or founders of recent centuries, the Orthodox Church has maintained an unbroken continuity with the Church of the New Testament. The bishops of the Orthodox Church today stand in direct apostolic succession from the Twelve Apostles themselves.
This does not mean the Orthodox Church is merely old or traditional for its own sake. Rather, Orthodoxy believes that the Holy Spirit has guided the Church through the centuries, preserving the fullness of Christian truth while allowing it to be expressed in the languages and cultures of many peoples.
Core Beliefs
The Holy Trinity
Orthodox Christians worship one God in three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This is not three gods, nor is it one God wearing three masks; it is the mystery of God's inner life as a communion of love.
Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man, born of the Virgin Mary. Through His death and resurrection, He has defeated death itself and opened the way for all humanity to be united with God.
Salvation as Theosis
Salvation in Orthodoxy is understood not merely as forgiveness of sins or a ticket to heaven, but as theosis: being united with God while remaining fully human. As St. Athanasius wrote, "God became man so that man might become god."
The Church
The Church is the Body of Christ, the living community of believers united across time and space. Through the sacraments, especially Baptism and the Eucharist, we are incorporated into this Body.
Scripture and Tradition
The Bible is central to Orthodox faith, but it is read and interpreted within the living Tradition of the Church. This Tradition includes the writings of the Church Fathers, the decisions of the Ecumenical Councils, the liturgy, and the lives of the saints.
Worship in the Orthodox Church
Orthodox worship is rich in symbol, beauty, and meaning. The Divine Liturgy, which has been celebrated in essentially the same form for over 1,500 years, engages all the senses: we see icons and vestments, hear ancient hymns, smell incense, taste the Eucharist, and feel the oil of anointing.
This is intentional. Human beings are not merely minds; we are embodied souls. Orthodox worship addresses the whole person, drawing us into the reality of heaven on earth.
"We knew not whether we were in heaven or on earth, for surely there is no such splendor or beauty anywhere upon earth. We cannot describe it to you; only this we know, that God dwells there among men."
Envoys of Prince Vladimir of Kiev, after attending the Divine Liturgy in Constantinople (988 AD)The Orthodox Church in America
The Orthodox Church in America (OCA) was established through the missionary efforts of Russian Orthodox monks who came to Alaska in 1794. Today, the OCA is a self-governing (autocephalous) Orthodox church with dioceses throughout North America.
St. Lazarus Orthodox Chapel is a chapel of the OCA, under the Diocese of the Midwest. We welcome all who are seeking to learn about the Orthodox faith.
Come and See
The best way to understand Orthodox Christianity is to experience it. We invite you to attend a Divine Liturgy and see for yourself.
Plan Your Visit