Which churches are considered Orthodox?

Understanding "Orthodox" Christianity in America

When many Americans hear the word "Orthodox," they might think of a general sense of tradition or adherence to established beliefs. However, in a religious context, "Orthodox" specifically refers to a distinct branch of Christianity that traces its lineage directly back to the early apostles. This article will delve into which churches are considered Orthodox, explaining their historical roots, key characteristics, and how they differ from other Christian denominations.

What Exactly Does "Orthodox" Mean?

The word "Orthodox" comes from two Greek words: orthos (correct, right) and doxa (belief, glory). Therefore, Orthodox Christianity literally means "correct belief" or "right glory." This self-designation highlights their conviction that they preserve the authentic faith and teachings of Jesus Christ and his apostles, as passed down through centuries of unbroken tradition.

Key Characteristics of Orthodox Churches:

Apostolic Succession: Orthodox churches maintain that their bishops are in direct, unbroken succession from the original twelve apostles. This is seen as crucial for the validity of their sacraments and teachings.
Sacramental Worship: The sacraments (or "mysteries") are central to Orthodox life. These include Baptism, Chrismation (similar to Confirmation), Holy Communion (Eucharist), Confession, Marriage, Ordination, and Holy Unction (Anointing of the Sick).
Sacred Tradition: Alongside the Bible, Orthodox Christians hold Sacred Tradition in high regard. This encompasses the teachings of the Church Fathers, the decrees of ecumenical councils, the liturgical texts, and the lives of the saints.
Iconography: Icons, which are stylized religious images of Christ, the Theotokos (Mother of God), saints, and biblical events, play a vital role in Orthodox worship and devotion. They are considered "windows into heaven."
Liturgical Worship: Orthodox worship is highly liturgical and often described as mystical and awe-inspiring. The Divine Liturgy is the central act of worship, rich in symbolism, chanting, and ancient prayers.
Hierarchical Structure: Orthodox churches are structured hierarchically, with bishops, priests, and deacons. The Patriarch of Constantinople is considered the "Ecumenical Patriarch," holding a position of honor but not universal jurisdiction in the same way the Pope does in Roman Catholicism.

Which Churches are Considered Orthodox?

When identifying Orthodox churches, it's important to distinguish between two main branches:

1. Eastern Orthodox Churches

These are the churches that are in full communion with the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. They represent the vast majority of what is commonly understood as "Orthodox Christianity." While they share a common faith and governance, they are often organized along national or ethnic lines, reflecting their historical development. Some of the major Eastern Orthodox churches you might encounter in America include:

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America: This is the largest Eastern Orthodox jurisdiction in the United States, serving Greek-Americans.
The Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America: This archdiocese serves those of Arabic and Middle Eastern heritage, as well as many converts.
The Orthodox Church in America (OCA): This is an autocephalous (self-governing) church within the Eastern Orthodox communion, established to serve the Orthodox faithful in North America, regardless of ethnic background.
The Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia (ROCOR): Historically, this group separated from the Moscow Patriarchate after the Bolshevik Revolution. They have recently re-established communion with the Moscow Patriarchate.
The Ukrainian Orthodox Church: Serving the Ukrainian diaspora.
The Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America: Serving Romanian-Americans.
The Bulgarian Eastern Orthodox Church: Serving Bulgarian-Americans.
The Serbian Orthodox Church in North and South America: Serving Serbian-Americans.
The Georgian Orthodox Church: A smaller but growing presence.

These churches share the same core theology, sacraments, and traditions. While they may have slight variations in liturgical customs or the use of language (some use Old Church Slavonic, others Greek, English, or other vernacular languages), they are fundamentally united in faith.

2. Oriental Orthodox Churches

These churches are also ancient and apostolic, but they are not in communion with the Eastern Orthodox Churches due to historical theological disputes, particularly surrounding the nature of Christ (Christology), following the Council of Chalcedon in 451 AD. Oriental Orthodox churches consider themselves fully Orthodox in their faith and practice. Major Oriental Orthodox churches with a presence in America include:

The Armenian Apostolic Church: The national church of Armenia, known for its ancient traditions.
The Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria: The largest Christian community in Egypt, with a significant diaspora in America.
The Syriac Orthodox Church: Tracing its origins to Antioch, with a strong presence in India and a growing diaspora.
The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church: One of the oldest Christian churches in the world, with a unique liturgical tradition.
The Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Church: A more recent ecclesiastical entity that separated from the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.
The Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church: An ancient Indian Orthodox church.

It's important to note that while both Eastern and Oriental Orthodox churches consider themselves "Orthodox," they are separate communions.

Distinguishing Orthodox Churches from Other Denominations

It's common for Americans to confuse "Orthodox" with "Protestant" or "Catholic." Here's a brief clarification:

Roman Catholic Church: While sharing many similarities with Eastern Orthodoxy (apostolic succession, sacraments, tradition), the Roman Catholic Church is distinct, particularly regarding the authority of the Pope and certain theological developments. The Great Schism of 1054 formally separated the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches.
Protestant Churches: Protestant denominations (e.g., Baptists, Methodists, Lutherans, Presbyterians) emerged from the Reformation in the 16th century and generally emphasize salvation by faith alone and the authority of Scripture as the ultimate guide. They do not typically claim apostolic succession in the same way as Orthodox or Catholic churches and have different understandings of sacraments and church governance.
Eastern Orthodox vs. Oriental Orthodox: As mentioned, the primary historical division lies in their Christological formulations and their adherence to the Councils of the first seven centuries.

In summary, when asking "Which churches are considered Orthodox," the primary answer lies with the Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox communions. These are ancient churches that have preserved the faith and practices of early Christianity through centuries of unbroken tradition and apostolic succession. They offer a rich spiritual heritage and a profound way of life for their adherents.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do Orthodox churches maintain their traditions?

Orthodox churches maintain their traditions through a strong emphasis on Sacred Tradition, which is understood as the living faith passed down from the apostles through the Church Fathers, ecumenical councils, liturgical practices, and the lives of saints. This tradition is considered divinely inspired and is seen as a continuous unfolding of God's revelation, guided by the Holy Spirit.

Why are there different "national" Orthodox churches?

The distinct national or ethnic affiliations of many Eastern Orthodox churches arose from historical circumstances and the way Christianity spread geographically. As the faith was introduced to different peoples and cultures, the Church often adapted its language and some customs to the local context, while maintaining core theological unity. These national identities often reflect the historical roots of the communities that make up these jurisdictions.

What is the significance of icons in Orthodox worship?

Icons are not merely decorations in Orthodox churches; they are considered sacred objects that serve as visual theology. They are believed to be "windows into heaven," connecting the worshiper to the divine reality they depict. Icons are venerated, not worshipped, as a means of honoring Christ, the Theotokos, and the saints, and they play a crucial role in prayer and spiritual contemplation.