The History of Orthodox Christianity
Over the last several years, America has been discovering the Orthodox Church in vast numbers, and for good reason. They have discovered the ancient faith and rich traditions of the Orthodox Church. They have been attracted by her mystical vision of God and His Kingdom, by the beauty of her worship, by the purity of her Christian faith, and by her continuity with the past.
To be Orthodox is to live out the faith in a way that is faithful to Christ’s teachings and the unbroken witness of the Church. Orthodoxy is not just a set of beliefs; it is a way of life shaped by worship, prayer, and devotion to God. It calls us to hold firm to the truth revealed by God, even as the world around us changes.
Orthodoxy means remaining rooted in the foundational teachings of the early Church, including the doctrine of the Trinity, the Incarnation of Christ, and the authority of Holy Tradition. It means standing firm in the faith handed down by the apostles, refusing to compromise with false teachings, and proclaiming the truth with humility and love.
Faith Rooted in History – Orthodoxy is deeply historical, connecting us to the earliest Christian communities. The Church Fathers, such as St. Ignatius, St. Athanasius, St. John Chrysostom, and St. Gregory of Nazianzus, defended the faith against false teachings and clarified essential doctrines. Their writings continue to guide us, ensuring that we remain anchored in the faith that “was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 1:3).
The Ecumenical Councils, such as the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD, played a critical role in preserving Orthodoxy. These gatherings of Church leaders reaffirmed the truth of Christ’s divinity and the unity of the Trinity, shaping the faith we profess today.
While the West leaned toward a legalistic view of Christ’s work on the cross, the East espoused a more mystical theology rooted in a relationship with God. Since the Early Church was not monolithic, the two great traditions existed together for more than a thousand years until the Great Schism divided the Church. Today, Roman Catholics and Protestants are heirs to the Western tradition, and the Orthodox are heirs to the Eastern tradition.
The word “Orthodox” is central to who we are, what and how we believe and practice our faith. The term means “right belief” or “true worship” and reflects our commitment to preserving the fullness of the Christian faith as taught by Christ, handed down by the apostles, and safeguarded by the early Church.
This description comes to us from the fifth century and has two meanings which are closely related. The first definition is “true teaching.” The Orthodox Church believes that she has maintained and handed down the Christian faith, free from error and distortion, from the days of the Apostles. The second definition, which is actually the more preferred, is “true praise.” To bless, praise, and glorify God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is the fundamental purpose of the Church. All her activities, even her doctrinal formulations, are directed toward this goal.
Orthodoxy in Worship – Orthodoxy is expressed not only in what we believe but in how we worship. Our liturgy reflects the reverence and awe due to God, drawing us into the heavenly worship described in Scripture. Every prayer, hymn, and sacrament points us toward the holiness of God and reminds us of His presence among us.
In our worship, we use symbols, gestures, and traditions that have been passed down for centuries. These sacred actions remind us that our faith is not new or invented but part of an unbroken line of worship stretching back to the apostles. Through the liturgy, we enter into a holy communion with God and with all the saints who have gone before us.
Why Orthodoxy Matters Today – In an age of confusion and shifting values, Orthodoxy offers clarity and stability. It reminds us that truth is not subjective or changeable but revealed by God and entrusted to the Church. Orthodoxy calls us to live counter-culturally, rooted in eternal truths rather than passing trends.
At Holy Trinity Church, being Orthodox means embracing the fullness of the Christian faith without addition or subtraction. It means living in continuity with the early Church, guided by the Holy Spirit, and grounded in the teachings of Christ. This commitment strengthens our faith, deepens our worship, and unites us with believers across time and space.
By holding fast to Orthodoxy, we remain faithful to the mission of the Church: to proclaim the Gospel, glorify God, and lead others into the life-changing presence of Christ.
Fr. Don
PS. Click Here to watch an insightful broad overview of how the three branches of Christianity came to exist (Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Protestant).