So what is the Orthodox Church? That’s a question that surely has to pop into the minds of you who choose to read this blog. Definitively, “The Orthodox Church is the original Church, established by our Lord Jesus Christ upon the foundation of the Apostles, Himself being the chief Cornerstone, and enlivened by the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost.” I have no doubt there are some who will take issue with the authority of that statement. I understand that because it’s quite a statement. But please bear in mind it’s not made lightly. I wouldn’t have typed those words without being absolutely sure there was some way to back it up. Also, if you think I’m the person who dares to attempt defending such a statement, you would be horribly mistaken. Through the grace of God, there have been and are countless brilliant, gifted, and courageous souls who have defend Orthodoxy much better than I could ever try. It has been going on since Christ started the Church. I strongly advise you to start here if you have questions. But before you do, please allow me to give you just a quick bit of advice.

If you’re someone from the West (western Europe, North and South America), odds are you’ve been affected culturally in matters of religion in ways that you’re probably not even aware of. My guess is that when you hear the word “catholic” you think of the Pope. In the Nicene Creed, Orthodoxy proclaims the belief in “one Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church.” We mean this in the universal sense of the word, and not the Roman Catholic sense that may come to your mind. That’s the thing. In regards to Eastern Orthodoxy, it’s good to try and remember the “Eastern” part of it and not connect it to the West too much.

That’s all for now. God bless.