The basic structure for the Orthodox church is defined by the New Testament writings; the canons (regulations and decrees) of the first seven ecumenical councils; the canons of several local or provincial councils, whose authority was recognized by the whole church; the so-called Apostolic Canons (actually some …
What are the parts of an Orthodox church?
The Church building is divided into three main parts: the narthex (vestibule), the nave (the temple proper) and the sanctuary (also called the altar or holy place). A major difference of traditional Orthodox churches from Western churches is the absence of any pews in the nave.
What are some important features of the Orthodox Church?
Essentially the Orthodox Church shares much with the other Christian Churches in the belief that God revealed himself in Jesus Christ, and a belief in the incarnation of Christ, his crucifixion and resurrection. The Orthodox Church differs substantially in the way of life and worship.
Why do Orthodox churches have domes?
There are several explanations of what these domes mean. One says that these domes are meant to gather or collect the goodness from Heaven, while another explanation is that they are meant to show the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the Church. The domes also come in different forms.
What was the principal architectural feature of the Eastern Orthodox churches?
Explanation: Arches, spires and steeples often accompanied the domes, but the thing in common is that they all have the dome.
What came first Catholic or Orthodox?
The two were once one so originally there was no separation, and originally it was just the “Christian Church.” The Orthodox church is considered the original church now because they follow more of the old traditions than Roman Catholics do; more changes happened in the Catholic church after the east west schism than …
How is Orthodox different from Catholic?
The Catholic Church believes the pope to be infallible in matters of doctrine. Orthodox believers reject the infallibility of the pope and consider their own patriarchs, too, as human and thus subject to error. … Most Orthodox Churches have both ordained married priests and celibate monastics, so celibacy is an option.
What does the Orthodox Church teach?
Eastern Orthodoxy interprets truth based on three witnesses: the consensus of the Holy Fathers of the Church; the ongoing teaching of the Holy Spirit guiding the life of the Church through the nous, or mind of the Church (also called the “Universal Consciousness of the Church”), which is believed to be the Mind of …
How does the Orthodox Church worship?
Orthodox Christians do not worship the icons, but pray through the icons to God. There are other services including an evening service of vespers , morning matins and other shorter services based on the Divine Office .
What is the meaning of Orthodox?
1a : conforming to established doctrine especially in religion orthodox principles the orthodox interpretation. b : conventional took an orthodox approach to the problem orthodox medicine. 2 capitalized : of, relating to, or constituting any of various conservative religious or political groups: such as.
Why did the Orthodox Church split from Catholic Church?
The Great Schism came about due to a complex mix of religious disagreements and political conflicts. One of the many religious disagreements between the western (Roman) and eastern (Byzantine) branches of the church had to do with whether or not it was acceptable to use unleavened bread for the sacrament of communion.
What does a Russian Orthodox church look like?
Many Russian Orthodox churches are distinguished by their verticality, bright colors and multiple domes, which provide a striking contrast with the flat Russian landscape, often covered in snow. The very first churches in Kievan Rus’, such as the 13-domed wooden Cathedral of St.
What is the purpose of domes?
Geodesic domes are an efficient architectural design; they are stronger, lighter, and quicker to construct than more traditional buildings. They also enclose a large amount of space with minimal materials, labor, and energy.
Do Orthodox churches have images?
Eastern Orthodox tradition holds that the production of Christian images dates back to the very early days of Christianity, and that it has been a continuous tradition since then.
What role did art and architecture play in the Orthodox churches?
Art, Architecture, and the Liturgy
So, the vast majority of Byzantine art and architecture were devoted to creating the perfect space for the liturgy. Byzantine churches created miniature worlds of heavenly purity, holiness, and sacred wonder.
Does the Orthodox Church have elders?
A starets (Romanian: stareț, Russian: стáрец, IPA: [ˈstarʲɪt͡s]; fem. ста́рица) is an elder of an Eastern Orthodox monastery who functions as venerated adviser and teacher. Elders or spiritual fathers are charismatic spiritual leaders whose wisdom stems from God as obtained from ascetic experience.