About Orthodoxy

The Orthodox Church is the ancient Christian Church founded by our Lord Jesus Christ and proclaimed by His Apostles. For two thousand years, the Orthodox Church has preserved the faith, worship, and spiritual life of the early Church, faithfully handed down through Holy Scripture and Holy Tradition.

The Orthodox Church confesses the faith of the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church, as expressed in the Nicene Creed and defined through the teachings of the Holy Fathers and the Seven Ecumenical Councils.

Orthodox Christians believe in one God in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The Son of God became man in Jesus Christ for the salvation of the world, uniting divine and human nature in Himself and restoring humanity to communion with God.

Today the Orthodox Church is a communion of self-governing local churches throughout the world that share the same faith, sacraments, and apostolic tradition.

Among these churches, the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople serves as “first among equals” among Orthodox bishops, helping maintain unity within the worldwide Orthodox Church.

At its heart, Orthodoxy is not simply a set of ideas, but a way of life. It is a life of worship, prayer, repentance, and transformation in Christ through the grace of the Holy Spirit.

Orthodox Priest

Our Worship

The central act of worship in the Orthodox Church is the Divine Liturgy, the ancient Eucharistic service through which the faithful gather to glorify God and partake of the Holy Mysteries.

Orthodox worship has been preserved in continuity with the early Church and engages the whole person—heart, mind, and senses. Through sacred hymnography, Scripture readings, icons, incense, and prayer, the faithful participate in the worship of God and the life of the Kingdom.

The Divine Liturgy is not simply a remembrance but a living participation in the saving work of Christ. At its center is Holy Communion, in which the faithful receive the Body and Blood of Christ for the forgiveness of sins and life everlasting.

Throughout the week and year, the Church also celebrates many other services including:

  • Vespers (evening prayer)
  • Matins/Orthros (morning prayer)
  • Feasts of the Church calendar
  • Fasting seasons such as Great Lent

These services form the rhythm of Orthodox spiritual life and guide the faithful in prayer, repentance, and growth in holiness.

Visitors are always welcome to attend our services and experience the beauty and depth of Orthodox Christian worship.

The Sacraments

The Orthodox Church lives through the grace of the Holy Mysteries, commonly known as the Sacraments. Through these sacred acts, God’s grace is given to the faithful for the healing, renewal, and sanctification of the human person.

The principal mysteries of the Church include:

  • Holy Baptism
  • Chrismation
  • The Holy Eucharist
  • Confession
  • Marriage
  • Holy Unction
  • Ordination

Through these mysteries, the faithful are united to Christ and strengthened in their spiritual life.

The Life of the Church

Orthodox Christian life is shaped by prayer, fasting, repentance, and participation in the life of the Church.

The Church calendar guides the faithful through the great feasts of the year and the seasons of fasting and preparation. These rhythms help Orthodox Christians grow spiritually and draw closer to Christ.

Prayer also forms the heart of the Orthodox spiritual life. Both personal prayer and the communal prayer of the Church lead the faithful into deeper communion with God.