What We Believe

The Orthodox Church

The journey of faith is never solitary — it is always lived out within the Church, in fellowship with the Body of Christ. True Christianity is profoundly ecclesial, and Orthodoxy treasures this communal life.

Rooted in Christ and His apostles, the Orthodox Church has remained steadfast for over twenty centuries. She is both catholic and apostolic, founded by our Lord Jesus Christ Himself at Pentecost, as recorded in the Book of Acts. Christ is the head and the cornerstone of His Church.

Today, the Orthodox Church exists throughout the world. Local Churches are organized as either autocephalous — fully self-governing in internal and external matters — or autonomous, largely self-governing internally but under the guidance of a “mother Church” in external relations and episcopal elections. Historically, Churches were tied to specific geographic regions, expanding only to establish new roots in other lands.

Leadership within the Church follows the ancient structure of bishops, archbishops, metropolitans, and patriarchs. These distinctions indicate administrative responsibilities, not rank in spiritual authority, for all bishops share an equal voice when gathered in council (synod, «Собор»). The Ecumenical Councils, recognized across all Orthodoxy, remain the highest authority on matters of faith and life. Local and diocesan councils, as well as parish councils, carry out the same spirit of conciliarity at every level of Church life.

Ministry

The three major orders of ordained ministry are bishops, priests, and deacons. Bishops, chosen from the monastic order, serve as overseers of dioceses and preside over councils. Priests serve as the bishop’s representatives in parishes, guiding the spiritual and pastoral life of the faithful. Deacons, historically active in both liturgy and pastoral care, today primarily assist in worship but are increasingly reclaiming their broader ministry of service.

The laity are also vital to the life of the Church, participating in liturgical roles, education, charitable works, and administration. Orthodox tradition emphasizes that clergy and laity are interdependent, each essential to the flourishing of the Church.

Worship

The heart of Orthodox life is worship. Services are designed to mirror the heavenly liturgy described in Isaiah and Revelation, drawing the faithful into the worship around God’s throne.

The three central services are:

  1. Vespers — evening prayer, proclaiming Christ as the Light who overcomes darkness.

  2. Matins — morning prayer, rejoicing in the appearance of Christ as the Good News of salvation.

  3. The Divine Liturgy — the Eucharistic celebration of Christ’s Kingdom, both anticipated and present here and now.

Orthodox worship also employs holy icons — Scripture in visual form. Icons are not worshiped but venerated, for the love and honor given to them passes to the persons and mysteries they depict.

The Holy Sacraments

The Church recognizes seven great Mysteries, through which the faithful receive God’s grace:

  • For all believers: Baptism, Chrismation, Holy Eucharist, Repentance (Confession)

  • For special callings: Marriage, Holy Unction (anointing of the sick), Ordination

Other sacred rites — monastic tonsure, funerals, blessings, sanctifications, Akathists, and daily prayers — also form the fabric of Orthodox life. All are set within the rhythm of the liturgical year, with its cycle of feasts and fasts, guiding the faithful through a life of prayer and renewal.

Spiritual Life

Human beings are created in the image and likeness of God. The “image” speaks of the divine potential within us; the “likeness” is the fulfillment of that potential. The goal of life is theosis — union with God, becoming ever more God-like by His grace.

The Church is a spiritual hospital where Christ offers healing for the soul. Through the sacraments, prayer, fasting, and the rhythms of the Church year, the faithful are guided toward peace, wholeness, and salvation.

All who wish to learn more about the Orthodox faith are warmly welcomed to join our parish community in worship. Orthodox Christians preparing to receive the Divine Eucharist are encouraged to approach with prayer, fasting, confession, and the blessing of the priest.