Holy Fathers Russian Orthodox Church
Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia
New York, New York

The Orthodox Church is the original Christian Church, preserving the teachings and practices established by Jesus Christ and His apostles. The Church is the true continuation of the faith, maintaining an unbroken apostolic succession that links current bishops directly to the apostles through the laying on of hands. This continuity is vital, ensuring the integrity of the faith and its doctrines, which have been faithfully passed down through the centuries.

Central to our theology is the belief in the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) and the understanding of Jesus Christ as both fully divine and fully human. The Church adheres to the Nicene Creed, a statement of faith that affirms these core beliefs and serves as the foundation for Orthodox Christian doctrine. The decisions made by the early ecumenical councils, particularly the Council of Nicaea (325) and the Council of Constantinople (381), are held in high regard. These councils defined the nature of Christ and the Trinity, shaping the Orthodox understanding of Christian doctrine. We reject teachings that deviate from these early creedal declarations, considering them as errors that distort the truth of the faith.

The sacraments, or "Holy Mysteries," play a pivotal role in our lives as Orthodox Christians, with the Eucharist at the center of our Worship. There are several Mysteries recognized by the Church such as Baptism, Chrismation, Holy Communion, Confession, Marriage, Ordination, and Holy Unction. These sacraments are the means by which God's grace is communicated to the faithful. The most central of these is the Eucharist, which commemorates Christ's sacrifice and serves as our source of eternal life. Through the sacraments, we are drawn closer to God, participating in the divine life and experiencing God's transformative power in our lives.

Orthodox worship is characterized by deep liturgical tradition. The Divine Liturgy, the central act of Orthodox worship, is celebrated with rich symbolism, hymns, and prayers. The liturgy is not just an individual act of devotion but a communal participation in the heavenly worship, where the faithful join with the saints and angels in adoration of God. Worship is not only a ritualistic practice but a means of entering into communion with God and one another.

Tradition is of paramount importance in the Orthodox Church, encompassing not only the Holy Scriptures but also the teachings of the Church Fathers, the liturgy, the Ecumenical Councils, and the ongoing guidance of the Holy Spirit. The Church, through its preserved tradition, remains faithful to the teachings of the apostles and the early Christian community. This living transmission of the faith ensures that the Church's teachings remain unaltered and true to its roots.

The Eastern Orthodox Church is not just a denomination but the true continuation of the original Christian faith. Through its unbroken apostolic succession, sacramental life, and adherence to ancient traditions and creeds, the Orthodox Church remains steadfast in its commitment to preserving the fullness of the Christian faith as handed down from the apostles.The Church is the living Body of Christ and the Ark of Salvation, guiding us into a deeper relationship with God through worship, doctrine, and spiritual practice.

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