Discover Orthodox Christianity
Explore the ancient and enduring faith of Orthodoxy, where timeless traditions and profound truths guide contemporary believers across generations and cultures.
OUR BELIEFS
Introduction
Orthodox Christianity is centered on the continuity of faith, love, and the timeless teachings of Jesus Christ, maintained through the Holy Tradition and the life of the Church. This spiritual heritage, rooted in the experiences of the Apostolic community, offers believers a path to knowing and experiencing God intimately.
Holy Ascension of Christ icon
Overview of the Orthodox Faith
The Orthodox Church, throughout the ages, has sustained a living connection with the Apostolic community founded by Christ. Orthodoxy believes that it has preserved the historic Christian faith in its fullness, free from error and distortion since the time of the Apostles. The essence of the Orthodox faith is encapsulated in the worship and teachings of the Church, which serve as both a guardian and a living expression of God’s revelation.
The Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed
I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.
And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages. Light of Light; very God of very God; begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father, by whom all things were made; who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man. And He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried. And the third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures; and ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of the Father; and He shall come again with glory to judge the living and the dead; whose Kingdom shall have no end.
And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life, who proceeds from the Father; who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; who spoke by the prophets.
And I believe in one Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
First Council of Nicaea (325) icon
EXPLORE FURTHER
Deepen Your Understanding
Engage with these valuable resources to explore the profound teachings and rich traditions of Orthodox Christianity.
The Orthodox Faith
Protopresbyter Thomas Hopko
A four-part book series offering a comprehensive overview of Orthodox beliefs and practices.
OrthodoxIntro – What is Orthodox Christianity?
Ancient Faith Ministries
Provides newcomers with reliable answers to introductory questions about Orthodox Christian life, connecting them with real-life church communities.
Resources on Orthodoxy
Christ the Savior-Holy Spirit Orthodox Church
Learn about Orthodoxy from our mother parish in Cincinnati, Ohio.
FREE RESOURCE
Discover the Core Beliefs of Orthodoxy
Produced by the Orthodox Church in America, this PDF provides a clear introduction to the essential teachings of Orthodox Christianity, perfect for those curious about the faith or beginning their spiritual journey.
Know the Faith
Ancient Faith Ministries
A free e-book that presents Orthodox Christianity clearly to Western Christians, grounded in Scripture and patristic theology, with comparisons to Catholic and Protestant beliefs.
Department of Christian Education
Orthodox Church in America
Supports faith formation for all ages by providing lesson plans, workshops, training, and educational resources with guidance from the Holy Synod of Bishops of The Orthodox Church in America.
SVS Press
St. Vladimir’s Seminary
As the largest publisher of Orthodox books in English, St. Vladimir’s Seminary Press offers over 500 titles, supporting the Seminary’s mission to educate future church leaders.
CONNECT WITH US
Have Questions?
We invite you to reach out with any questions or to join us in discovering the fullness of the Orthodox Christian faith.