History:
- Origins: Dates back to early Christian communities in the Eastern Roman Empire.
- Great Schism (1054): Split from Roman Catholic Church over theological and political issues.
- Modern Era: Revival and expansion, especially among diaspora communities.
Beliefs:
- Trinity: One God in three persons (Father, Son, Holy Spirit).
- Incarnation: Jesus Christ is fully God and fully human.
- Salvation: Process of theosis (becoming partakers of the divine nature).
- Sacraments: Seven sacraments, including Baptism, Eucharist, and Marriage.
- Holy Tradition: Bible and Church traditions (Fathers, liturgy, councils) are authoritative.
Practices:
- Divine Liturgy: Central worship service, especially the Eucharist.
- Iconography: Use of icons in worship.
- Fasting and Prayer: Regular fasting periods and a strong emphasis on prayer.
- Monasticism: Monastic life is vital for spirituality and theology.
Structure:
- Autocephalous Churches: 14-16 self-governing bodies led by patriarchs or archbishops.
- Ecumenical Patriarch: The Patriarch of Constantinople is the symbolic leader.
Presence: Strong in Eastern Europe, the Balkans, and the Middle East, with growing communities worldwide.