What Do Orthodox Christians Believe?

Orthodox Christian belief is centered on the Holy Trinity and on Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God who became man for our salvation. A concise summary of the Church's fundamental faith is found in the Nicene Creed, recited during the Divine Liturgy.

One God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

Orthodox Christians believe in one God in three divine Persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The Holy Trinity is not three gods, but one God, consubstantial and undivided.

Jesus Christ is truly God and truly man

The Church confesses that Jesus Christ is the only-begotten Son of God who became truly human without ceasing to be divine. He was crucified, died, and rose from the dead. His Resurrection is at the heart of Orthodox Christian faith and worship.

Salvation is life in Christ

Orthodox Christianity understands salvation as reconciliation and communion with God through Jesus Christ. Christian life involves faith, repentance, Baptism, participation in the sacramental life of the Church, prayer, love, and continuing growth in holiness by the grace of God.

Scripture is received within Holy Tradition

The Bible is the Holy Scripture of the Church and has a central place in Orthodox worship and teaching. Orthodox Christians read Scripture within Holy Tradition, the living apostolic faith expressed in the Church's worship, Councils, Fathers, saints, and sacramental life.

The Church and the Sacraments

Orthodox Christians confess one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church. Baptism and Chrismation bring a person into the sacramental life of the Church, and the Eucharist is at the center of Orthodox worship. Confession, Marriage, Holy Unction, Ordination, and other sacramental actions also belong to the life of the Church.

The Theotokos, saints, and icons

Orthodox Christians honor the Virgin Mary as the Theotokos, meaning Mother of God, and venerate the saints as faithful members of the Church who are alive in Christ. Christians ask for their prayers, but worship belongs to God alone. Sacred icons are venerated, not worshiped, and bear witness to the reality of the Incarnation.

Resurrection and eternal life

Orthodox Christians await the return of Christ, the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the age to come. Christian life is therefore directed toward communion with God and the transformation of the whole person in Christ.