WHAT IS THE ORTHODOX CHURCH?

What is The Orthodox Church?

Members of St. Nicholas Orthodox Church, an Antiochian Western parish are Orthodox Christians.

Western-rite Orthodox, Eastern-rite Orthodox, and other Orthodox church names you may come across, by no means, indicate that Orthodoxy is one of many Christian denominations. The Rite of an Orthodox Church represents the traditions of how the sacraments are celebrated. It does not relate to the core teachings or doctrines of the church.

Orthodoxy is NOT a denomination among denominations or a religion among other religions. Orthodox means ‘correct in teaching,’ ‘true to the correct opinion’ or ‘proper in faith’.

The Orthodox Church refers to churches in communion with one another who accept the statement of faith established by the Seven Ecumenical Councils as the sum and total of the great councils.

Saint Innocent of Alaska explained Orthodoxy well when he stated, “Orthodoxy is The Way into the Kingdom of Heaven.”

The very Reverend Edward Hughes further explains, “We [The Orthodox Church] desire Jesus Christ and His Kingdom above and beyond everything else; therefore, we are closely focused on “The Way” therein.” ¹

Jesus Christ in the book of Matthew 7:13-14, tells us,

[13] “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. [14] Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.

Ordination Celebration for Fr. Jacob Bourassa

Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church is an Antiochian Western-Rite Parish

St Nicholas Orthodox Church is Antiochian Orthodox. Our understanding and spiritual inheritance come from the city where the disciples were first called Christians (Antioch). Historically, we are connected with the earliest believers and ancient Hebrew Revelations of God.

In summation, The Orthodox Church, including our St. Nicholas Western Orthodox Parish, adheres to the teachings established by the Seven Ecumenical Councils, emphasizing the correctness of its faith. The Antiochian Orthodox Church, to which St. Nicholas belongs, maintains this historical and theological connection. This alignment with early Christian beliefs and practices makes The Orthodox Church “The Way” or the narrow gate.

¹ Fenton, V. Rev. John W. & Hughes, V, Rev. Edward (2023). With What Zeal, The Western Rite in the Antiochian Orthodox Church. Whittier, CA. Orthodox Christian Press (p. 241)

Learn More About the Orthodox Faith...

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Wednesday Wisdom

Explore the Orthodox Study Bible

Get an Orthodox Understanding of the Holy Scriptures through an in-depth exploration of the Orthodox Study Bible with Fr. Jacob Bourassa.

  • Time: Wednesdays at 6 PM*
  • Where: St. Nicholas Church
  • Remote Access Available

*Always check the calendar for schedule changes and updates.

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