Orthodox Christianity 101

Iconography

The use of sacred images, or icons, occupies a central place in Orthodox worship and spirituality, serving as windows to heaven and aids to prayer, contemplation, and spiritual growth. Rooted in the belief in the Incarnation, iconography affirms the goodness of creation and the possibility of encountering the divine through material means. Icons depict Christ, the Virgin Mary, saints, angels, and biblical scenes in a stylized manner, conveying spiritual truths and theological insights through symbolic gestures, colors, and compositions. As "windows to heaven," icons facilitate the believer's ascent to God and participation in the heavenly liturgy, revealing the presence of the transcendent within the immanent and the eternal within the temporal. Icons are venerated, not worshiped, in Orthodox worship, as tangible manifestations of the spiritual reality they represent. The process of creating icons, guided by tradition and prayer, involves both artistic skill and spiritual discernment, affirming the unity of faith and aesthetics in the service of divine worship and revelation.

We have a few great resources on Icon Veneration in Orthodox Christianity and on a common misconception from outside Orthodoxy talking about how Orthodox Icons are not at all like idols.

Other Orthodox Concepts

Holy Trinity

The foundational doctrine of Orthodox Christianity, the Holy Trinity affirms God's triune nature as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit existing eternally in perfect unity and communion. This concept emphasizes the mystery of God's being, transcending human comprehension yet revealed through Scripture and Tradition. Orthodox theology holds that the three persons of the Trinity are distinct yet inseparable, each fully God and sharing the same divine essence. The Trinity serves as the basis for understanding God's self-revelation, creation, redemption, and the Christian life, inviting believers into a dynamic relationship with the divine.

Sacraments

The sacraments, or mysteries, of the Orthodox Church are sacred rites instituted by Christ to convey God's grace and presence to believers. Rooted in Scripture and Tradition, the seven principal sacraments—baptism, chrismation, Eucharist, confession, marriage, holy orders, and anointing of the sick—mediate the transformative power of the Holy Spirit for salvation and sanctification. Each sacrament signifies and effects spiritual realities, uniting the faithful with Christ and incorporating them into the life of the Church. Through the sacraments, believers participate in the paschal mystery of Christ's death and resurrection, receive forgiveness of sins, and are empowered for Christian witness and service in the world. The sacraments are celebrated within the context of liturgical worship and communal prayer, underscoring their communal and ecclesial dimension.

Role of Saints

In Orthodox spirituality, saints occupy a central place as models of Christian virtue and intercessors who pray on behalf of believers before God. The communion of saints, consisting of both the living and the departed faithful, testifies to the unity of the Church across time and space and underscores the reality of the "cloud of witnesses" (Hebrews 12:1) who surround believers in their pilgrimage of faith. Saints are those who have exemplified heroic virtue, endured persecution, and manifested extraordinary holiness in their lives, serving as beacons of light and sources of inspiration for the faithful. Through their prayers and intercessions, saints offer spiritual assistance, protection, and guidance to believers, mediating God's grace and mercy for their salvation and sanctification. Icons of saints, venerated in Orthodox worship and devotional practices, serve as tangible reminders of their presence and power, inviting believers into communion with the heavenly host and participation in the divine life.

Orthodox Eschatology

Eschatology in Orthodox theology concerns the study of the last things and the fulfillment of God's plan for creation, including the final judgment, the resurrection of the dead, and the renewal of all things in Christ. Orthodox eschatology is rooted in the scriptural witness to God's ultimate victory over sin, death, and evil through the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the promise of the new heavens and the new earth. The eschatological vision of Orthodox Christianity affirms the reality of eternal life and the hope of salvation for those who have faith in Christ and live according to his commandments. It also acknowledges the reality of judgment and the possibility of eternal separation from God for those who reject his grace and persist in sin. The second coming of Christ, anticipated with hope and vigilance by the faithful, will inaugurate the final judgment, the resurrection of the dead, and the establishment of God's kingdom in its fullness. Orthodox eschatology inspires believers to live in anticipation of Christ's return, cultivating lives of holiness, repentance, and service in preparation for the age to come.

Holy Mysteries

The Holy Mysteries, or sacraments, of the Orthodox Church are sacred rites instituted by Christ to convey God's grace and presence to believers, enabling them to participate in the divine life and grow in holiness. Rooted in Scripture and Tradition, the sacraments signify and effect spiritual realities, uniting the faithful with Christ and incorporating them into the life of the Church. The seven principal sacraments—baptism, chrismation, Eucharist, confession, marriage, holy orders, and anointing of the sick—mediate the transformative power of the Holy Spirit for salvation and sanctification. Each sacrament corresponds to a specific stage of the Christian life, from initiation into the Church to the reception of divine healing and the vocation to holy orders. Through the sacraments, believers receive the grace of God for the forgiveness of sins, the empowerment for Christian witness, and the nourishment of their souls for eternal life. The sacraments are celebrated within the context of liturgical worship and communal prayer, underscoring their communal and ecclesial dimension and their centrality to the Christian life.

Salvation

Orthodox soteriology centers on the understanding of salvation as the process of deification, or theosis, wherein human beings are called to participate in the divine life and become like God. This transformative journey unfolds through faith in Jesus Christ, participation in the sacraments, and a life of repentance, prayer, and virtue. Salvation encompasses liberation from sin, death, and alienation from God, leading to communion with the Holy Trinity and the fulfillment of God's intended purpose for humanity. It is both a present reality and a future hope, realized through the Church and culminating in eternal life in the kingdom of God.

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