How Does the Orthodox Church Understand Sin?

Orthodox Christianity speaks of sin both as real moral wrongdoing and as a condition that wounds human beings and their relationships with God, other people, and creation.

Why use the language of sickness? The medical image emphasizes that salvation includes healing and transformation, not merely the cancellation of a legal penalty.

Does this remove personal responsibility? No. Calling sin a sickness does not excuse harmful choices or injustice.

See What Does Repentance Mean in Orthodox Christianity?.