Eastern Orthodoxy: An Introductory Survery

Eastern Orthodoxy (Greek, Russian, Antiochean, etc.) has a rich history that is grounded in the ancient Church and embraces the theological articulation that arose during the first six centuries of the Christian era. While it is the dominant form of Christianity in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, it is little understood by Western Protestants.On the surface Orthodoxy in many ways resembles Roman Catholicism, except that Orthodox priests marry and wear beards. But the differences between Catholicism and Orthodoxy are profound. Orthodoxy represents the most ancient form of Christianity practiced today. Among its many differences from Catholicism are facts that it does not recognize the authority of the Pope, and it places the Trinity and personal relationship with all three persons, Father, Son and Spirit at the center of its life and worship.Over the past two decades the search for historical rootedness in the Christian faith has led many Protestants to embrace Orthodoxy, while most others shake their heads not understanding this "foreign" and non-Protestant expression of Christianity. This essay provides an introductory survey of the history, theology and heart of Orthodoxy with a goal of promoting understanding this ancient form of Christianity.