THE ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN
The Orthodox Christian belongs to the Body of Christ, the Church of
Christ. This Eastern Orthodox Church is organically the same congregation (or
ecclesia) which was born at the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in Jerusalem on
Pentecost, a direct continuation from the Apostles by laying on of hands from
each generation of priests to the next. The Orthodox Christian recognizes the
rich Christian heritage and proclaims that he belongs to this Church, which
corresponds to the Church of the Apostles as does a grown-up person correspond
to a picture taken of him as a child.
The Orthodox Christian has been baptized in the name of the Holy Trinity
and follows the ideals and beliefs of both the Scriptures and Sacred
Tradition. He believes in a living and loving God, Whose Grace protects and
guides him in the path of redemption. He believes that God has revealed
Himself in the Bible through the Prophets and especially in the Person of
Jesus Christ, His only-begotten Son who is man's Savior. He especially
believes in the Incarnation of Christ as God-Man, in His Crucifixion and
Resurrection, in His Gospel and Commandments, and in the world to come.
(Excerpts from THE FAITH WE HOLD by Archbishop Paul of Finland)
If you want more information, look on the Orthodox Readings
page. There are some good articles there that give a more
complete introduction to the Church.
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