Eastern Orthodoxy

The phrase "pall of orthodoxy" refers to a prevailing atmosphere or influence of conventional beliefs or established doctrines that may stifle dissent or creative thinking. It suggests an oppressive weight or burden imposed by accepted norms, which can inhibit innovation and critical discourse. This pall can create an environment where alternative perspectives are marginalized or discouraged.

In the Orthodox Christian Church, clergy typically take communion separately to maintain the tradition of their distinct role in the sacramental life of the Church. They receive the Eucharist in a more solemn and ritualistic manner, often in a more concentrated form. In contrast, the laity, or communicants, receive communion mixed—typically with wine and bread—symbolizing the communal aspect of the faith and the unity of all believers in Christ. This practice reflects theological and liturgical distinctions, emphasizing the role of the clergy as intermediaries while also fostering a sense of community among the faithful.

Orthodox treatment refers to conventional medical practices that are widely accepted and practiced by healthcare professionals, typically based on scientific evidence and clinical research. This includes treatments like medications, surgery, and physical therapy that adhere to established guidelines and protocols. Orthodox treatment contrasts with alternative or complementary therapies, which may not have the same level of scientific validation. The goal of orthodox treatment is to effectively manage or cure health conditions based on proven methods.

Yes, Orthodox Christians have priests who play a vital role in their religious practices and community life. These priests are responsible for conducting liturgies, administering sacraments, and providing spiritual guidance to their congregations. They are typically part of a hierarchical structure that includes bishops and deacons, all of whom are essential to the functioning of the Orthodox Church.

The Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Kyiv Patriarchate was founded in 1992 by Patriarch Mstyslav (Skrypnyk), who was previously the head of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in exile. The church emerged following Ukraine's independence from the Soviet Union and aimed to provide an independent Ukrainian Orthodox identity separate from the Moscow Patriarchate. It played a significant role in promoting Ukrainian nationalism and religious autonomy.

Monks and nuns began to play important roles in Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox life. They ran hospitals and schools and aided the poor. They also helped preserve Greek and Roman writings. One important duty was to serve as missionaries. Missionaries teach their religion to those who do not believe.

The Orthodox only allow full immersion for Baptisms. Sprinkling (or aspersion) is done by Roman Catholics. An Orthodox child or adult must be submersed in water in order for a baptism to be valid. The Greek word "baptise" means to immerse, therefore sprinkling has never been allowed in the Orthodox Church.

Yes, there are groups that split from the Eastern Orthodox Church. The so called "Nestorians," now known as the Church of the East, or the Assyrian Church of the East; the so-called "Monophysites," now known as the Armenian Apostolic Church, the Syrian Orthodox Church, The Malankara Church, the Ethiopian Tewahedo Church, the Coptic Church, and the Eritrean Orthodox Church; the Roman Catholic Church. All of these "splits" resulted in new organizations that have never reconciled completely with the Orthodox Churches.

Also, splits more "within" the Orthodox Church that have been reconciled in some cases, and not in other cases (some small groups believe they they alone carry on the Orthodox Church, and that the current Orthodox Churches are no longer Orthodox) Old Rite or Old Believers, Old Calendarists (several different organizations), Catacomb Church in Russia (which is virtually extinct; new varieties seem to come into existence frequently).

Nationalist driven splits-the Ukrainian Orthodox Church is the only large grop that insists on being on its own, while its Mother Church, the Russian Orthodox Church, does not sanction the unilateral declaration of "independence," as that is not how is has been traditionally done within the Church.

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No, it is not the same process.

No, the Greek Orthodox church is a part of the Eastern Orthodox Churches.

Ecumenical Patriarch and he is the "first among equals" and by no means infallible.

The Church which Jesus Christ established (Church of God) on the 1s Pentecost Sunday, June 17, 31 AD, had a small group of followers who were commonly referred to as followers of 'The Way' or the Nazarene. It wasn't until Antioch some 10+ years afterwards that these followers were sarcastically referred to as Christians.

Orthodox icons are often referred to as "windows to heaven." The icon is a depiction of Christ, the saints, or biblical events done in a very precise fashion with thoughtful prayer throughout the process. The icon shares in the reality of image it depicts, thus we hold them very dear as they teach us with our eyes what our ears cannot hear.