What is Orthodoxy?
About Orthodoxy
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The Orthodox Church is the Christian Church that traces its life directly back to the apostles. Rooted in Scripture, shaped by the early Church, and guided by the Holy Spirit through the centuries, Orthodoxy is not a new expression of Christianity, but the ancient faith lived continuously to the present day.
Orthodoxy is not simply a set of beliefs—it is a way of life centered on worship, prayer, repentance, and communion with God.
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Orthodox Christians confess faith in the Holy Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—and proclaim Jesus Christ as fully God and fully man, who took flesh for the life of the world.
We believe the Christian faith is something received, not reinvented. Scripture, worship, doctrine, and spiritual life are all received together within the life of the Church.
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Orthodox worship is ancient, reverent, and deeply biblical. Scripture is sung, prayers are shared, and the whole person—body, mind, and soul—is engaged through beauty, silence, movement, and sound.
The Divine Liturgy is the central act of Orthodox life, where heaven and earth meet, and where Christ offers Himself to His people.
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Icons are not decorations but windows into the Kingdom of God. They teach, invite prayer, and proclaim the reality of Christ’s incarnation.
The sacraments (or “mysteries”)—such as Baptism, Communion, Confession, Marriage, and Unction—are encounters with God’s grace within the life of the Church.
Orthodoxy affirms that God works through the material world because He Himself entered it.
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Orthodoxy understands salvation not only as forgiveness, but as healing and transformation—a lifelong journey of growing into the likeness of Christ.
This journey is not rushed or forced. Questions are welcomed. Growth happens through prayer, repentance, worship, and life together in the Church.
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Orthodoxy is for those who are:
Seeking depth, stability, and beauty in the Christian faith
Looking for a faith rooted in history and lived in community
Willing to learn, ask questions, and walk patiently
You do not need to have everything figured out to begin.
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If you’re curious about Orthodoxy, we invite you to attend services, ask questions, and consider our Intro to Orthodoxy classes. There is no pressure—only an open invitation to explore.
“Come and see.” (John 1:46)
FAQs
What is Matins?
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Matins in the Orthodox Church is a morning service of psalms, hymns, readings, and prayers that prepares the faithful for the Divine Liturgy and commemorates the Resurrection and/or the saints of the day. It combines communal chanting and scriptural reflection, often including the Gospel reading and the hours' hymns, fostering spiritual watchfulness and thanksgiving. The faithful are usually still and quiet during Matins.
Are there two services on sundays?
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Matins precedes the Divine Liturgy and is not a separate service; it is the preparatory morning prayer that leads into and enriches the Eucharistic celebration.
How should I dress for Church?
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When attending an Orthodox church, it’s best to wear modest, respectful clothing—men typically wear dress shirts or slacks and women wear dresses, skirts, or modest pants with shoulders covered. Avoid revealing, casual, or overly informal attire (shorts, tank tops, or flip-flops) out of respect for the sacred space and liturgy.
Are Children allowed in the service?
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Children are welcome to participate fully in Orthodox services, learning the prayers, hymns, and rituals alongside their families. Unlike some places of worship that restrict or separate children, our tradition embraces their presence as part of the living parish community and their spiritual formation.