Nativity of the Mother of GodOld Rite Orthodox Church in Woodburn, OR

Orthodox Christianity

☦

Discover the ancient faith and living tradition of the Orthodox Church, preserved in its fullness since the time of Christ and the Apostles

The Orthodox Faith

Orthodoxy means "right belief" and "right worship." The Orthodox Church has preserved the fullness of the Christian faith as handed down by Christ to the Apostles, maintaining the ancient traditions, liturgical practices, and spiritual teachings of the early Church without addition or subtraction.

Orthodox icon
Holy Trinity Icon by Andrei Rublev, 15th century
Beliefs
History
Traditions
Orthodox belief

Orthodox Beliefs

Orthodox Christianity holds to the ancient understanding of the Holy Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—one God in three persons. We confess Christ as fully God and fully human, whose incarnation, death, and resurrection reconcile humanity with God.

We honor the Theotokos (Mother of God) and the saints as examples of holiness and intercessors who pray with us. Icons are venerated as windows to heaven, not as idols but as representations of holy persons and events.

The Orthodox Church preserves the apostolic faith through Holy Scripture and Holy Tradition, guided by the Seven Ecumenical Councils, and teaches that salvation is a lifelong process of becoming more like Christ (theosis).

More on Beliefs
Orthodox history

The History of Orthodoxy

The Orthodox Church traces its history directly to Christ and the Apostles. Following Pentecost, the Apostles spread the Gospel throughout the known world, establishing churches in major cities like Antioch, Alexandria, Rome, Constantinople, and Jerusalem.

For a thousand years, Christianity existed as one Church. In 1054, the Great Schism occurred between East and West. The Eastern Orthodox Church maintained the ancient traditions, while the Western Church (which later became Roman Catholicism and then Protestant denominations) developed differently.

Throughout centuries of persecution—under Roman emperors, Islamic conquests, Communist regimes, and others—Orthodoxy has preserved the fullness of the Christian faith, witnessing to the truth through the lives of countless saints and martyrs.

More on Orthodoxy
Orthodox traditions

Orthodox Tradition

Orthodox Christians participate in a rich liturgical life centered around the Divine Liturgy, where we receive the Body and Blood of Christ in Holy Communion. The liturgical calendar guides us through fasts and feasts that commemorate the life of Christ and the saints.

Prayer is essential to Orthodox spirituality, including both communal worship and personal prayer rules. The Jesus Prayer—'Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner'—is central to Orthodox spiritual practice, as is regular confession and spiritual guidance.

Orthodox Christians fast from animal products and oil on Wednesdays and Fridays, as well as during the four major fasting periods: Great Lent, the Apostles' Fast, the Dormition Fast, and the Nativity Fast. These ascetic traditions help cultivate self-discipline and spiritual growth.

More on Tradition

Frequently Asked Questions

Orthodoxy preserves the fullness of the ancient Christian faith without addition or subtraction. We maintain apostolic succession, the original form of worship, the veneration of icons, and a theosis-centered understanding of salvation as becoming more like Christ.
Absolutely! Orthodox services are open to all visitors. While Holy Communion is reserved for baptized and chrismated Orthodox Christians, everyone is welcome to attend services, receive a blessing, and partake of the blessed bread (antidoron) distributed at the end of Liturgy.
The best way to learn about Orthodoxy is to experience it! Visit a service, speak with the priest or parishioners, and immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and scents of Orthodox worship. We also offer inquirers' classes, recommended reading, and one-on-one discussions for those who wish to learn more.
The journey to Orthodoxy typically involves a period of learning and participation in the life of the Church, followed by catechism (formal instruction), and culminating in the sacraments of baptism and/or chrismation. This process varies in length depending on individual circumstances and prior Christian experience.
In Orthodox theology, salvation is understood as theosis—the process of becoming more like God through participation in His divine energies. It is not merely a legal pardon but a healing and restoration of our entire being: body, soul, and spirit. This journey involves cooperation with God's grace through prayer, participation in the sacraments, ascetic practices, and living a life of love.
Icons are not idols but windows to heaven that help us connect with Christ, the Theotokos (Mother of God), and the saints. We don't worship the physical icon itself, but rather venerate the holy person depicted. Icons teach theological truths, serve as aids to prayer, and remind us of the incarnation—that God became truly human in Christ, making the invisible God visible and therefore depictable.
View All FAQs