Orthodoxy is a direction in Christianity. Religion

To maintain ethical and moral standards in society, as well as to regulate the relationship between an individual and the state or the highest form of spirituality (Cosmic Mind, God), world religions were created. In the course of time, within each great religion, there were schisms. As a result of this split, Orthodoxy was formed.

Orthodoxy and Christianity

Many make the mistake of believing all Christians to be Orthodox. Christianity and Orthodoxy are not the same thing. How to distinguish between these two concepts? What is their essence? Now let's try to figure it out.

Christianity is a world religion, which originated in the 1st century. BC. E. In anticipation of the arrival of the Savior. Its formation was influenced by the philosophical teachings of the time, Judaism (one God replaced one another) and endless military and political skirmishes.

Orthodoxy is only one of the branches of Christianity, which originated in the 1st millennium AD. In the Eastern Roman Empire and received its official status after the split of the general Christian church in 1054.

History of Christianity and Orthodoxy

The history of Orthodoxy (orthodoxy) began as early as the first century AD. This was the so-called apostolic doctrine. After the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, the faithful apostles began preaching the teachings to the masses, attracting new believers to their ranks.

In the II-III centuries orthodoxy engaged in an active confrontation between Gnosticism and Arianism. The former rejected the writings of the Old Testament and interpreted the New Testament in their own way. The second, under the leadership of Presbyter Arius, did not recognize the consubstantiality of the Son of God (Jesus), considering him a mediator between God and people.

The seven Ecumenical Councils, convened with the support of the Byzantine emperors from 325 to 879, helped to remove the contradictions between the rapidly developing heretical teachings and Christianity. The axioms established by the Councils concerning the nature of Christ and the Virgin, as well as the affirmation of the Creed symbol helped to shape the new trend into a powerful Christian religion.

Not only heretical concepts contributed to the development of Orthodoxy. The split of the Roman Empire into Western and Eastern influenced the formation of new trends in Christianity. The different political and social views of the two empires gave a break in the common Christian church. Gradually it began to disintegrate into Roman Catholic and Eastern Catholic (later Orthodox). The final split between Orthodoxy and Catholicism occurred in 1054, when the Patriarch of Constantinople and the Pope excommunicated each other from the church (anathema). The separation of the general Christian church in 1204, together with the fall of Constantinople, was completed.

The Russian land adopted Christianity in 988. Officially, there was still no division into the Roman and Greek Orthodox churches, but due to political and economic interests of Prince Vladimir in the territory of Russia, the Byzantine trend - Orthodoxy was widespread.

Essence and foundations of Orthodoxy

The basis of any religion is faith. Without it, the existence and development of divine teachings is impossible.

The essence of Orthodoxy is contained in the Symbol of Faith, adopted at the second Ecumenical Council. At the Fourth Ecumenical Council, the Nicene Creed (12 dogmas) was approved as an axiom, not subject to any change.

The Orthodox believe in God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit (Holy Trinity). God the Father is the creator of everything earthly and heavenly. The Son of God, incarnated from the Virgin Mary, is one-semblance and unanimous in relation to the Father. The Holy Spirit proceeds from God the Father through the Son and is worshiped no less than the Father and the Son. The symbol of Faith tells about the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ, pointing to eternal life after death.

All Orthodox belong to the same church. Baptism is an obligatory ritual. When it is committed, liberation from original sin occurs.

It is compulsory to observe the moral norms (commandments) that are transmitted by God through Moses and are expressed by Jesus Christ. All the "rules of conduct" are based on help, compassion, love and patience. Orthodoxy teaches us to endure all the burdens of life without resentment, accepting them as God's love and testing for sins, then to enter paradise.

Orthodoxy and Catholicism (main differences)

Catholicism and Orthodoxy have a number of differences. Catholicism - a branch of Christian doctrine, emerged, like Orthodoxy, in the first century. AD In the Western Roman Empire. Orthodoxy is a direction in Christianity, which originated in the Eastern Roman Empire. Your attention is given to the comparative table:

Today, the question of reconciliation between churches is very often raised. But due to significant and small differences (for example, Catholics and Orthodox can not agree on the use of yeast or unleavened bread in the sacraments) reconciliation is constantly postponed. About reunification in the near future can not be at all.

The attitude of Orthodoxy to other religions

Orthodoxy is a direction which, having separated from the common Christianity as an independent religion, does not recognize other teachings, considering them to be false (heretical). A truly faithful confession can only be one single thing.

Orthodoxy is a direction in religion, which does not lose popularity, but even vice versa, it acquires. And yet, in the modern world, it quietly coexists in the neighborhood with other religions: Islam, Catholicism, Protestantism, Buddhism, Shinto and others.

Orthodoxy and Modernity

Our time gave the church freedom and renders it support. Over the past 20 years, the number of believers, as well as those who identify themselves with the Orthodox faith, has increased. At the same time, the moral spirituality that this religion implies, on the contrary, has fallen. A huge number of people perform rituals and attend the church mechanically, that is, without faith.

The number of churches and parish schools visited by believers has increased. The increase in external factors only partially affects the internal state of a person.

The Metropolitan and other clergymen hope that, nevertheless, those who have consciously accepted Orthodox Christianity will be able to spiritually take place.