Eastern Orthodox Christianity icons
The Orthodox church is one of the three main Christian sects (the others being Roman Catholic and Protestant). Around 200 million Orthodox Christians live worldwide. Many self-governing churches, either autocephalous (having their head) or autonomous (meaning self-governing) make up the Orthodox Church. The Orthodox churches share a similar faith, doctrine, tradition, and worship practices. They combine Greek, Middle Eastern, Russian, and Slavic components. Its geographical (rather than national) moniker generally reflects its members' cultural heritage.
"Orthodox" comes from the Greek words "orthos" and "Doxa," which is Orthodox religion or thinking. The Greek peoples and cultures influenced the Orthodox tradition. This form of Christianity is often termed 'Byzantine Christianity', after the Roman Empire's Eastern capital, Byzantium.
These churches believe, as do all Christian churches, that God revealed himself in Jesus Christ, who was crucified and rose from the dead. The Orthodox Church differs from other churches in lifestyle, worship, and doctrine.
The Holy Spirit is considered present in and leading the Church, operating in the form of priests and bishops.
Orthodox Churches in Eastern
The Patriarch of Constantinople is the formal leader of the Eastern Orthodox Churches. He is, however, merely the first among equals, with no actual power over any other churches except his own.
There are 15 'autocephalous Churches', in order of precedence. Patriarchs lead Churches 1–9, while Archbishops and Metropolitans lead Churches 10 and 11.
- Church of Constantinople (ancient)
- Church of Alexandria (ancient)
- Church of Antioch (ancient)
- Church of Jerusalem (ancient)
- Church of Russia (established in 1589)
- Church of Serbia (1219)
- Church of Romania (1925)
- Church of Bulgaria (927)
- Church of Georgia (466)
- Church of Cyprus (434)
- Church of Greece (1850)
- Church of Poland (1924)
- Church of Albania (1937)
- Church of Czech and Slovak lands (1951)
- The Orthodox Church in America (1970)
Icons
Iconography is important to Orthodox Christians. Their breathtaking works of art have been regarded as "windows into God's kingdom." They are employed in both public and private worship. An icon is usually a two-dimensional artwork. They are normally on wood and have a gold leaf backdrop. They show Christ, Mary, biblical events, and saints' lives, among other motifs. The iconographer uses prayer and fasting to prepare for creating such icons. The Orthodox Christian enters a sacred space with God by worshiping before the icon.
Conclusion
An icon is a religious aid in the Orthodox Church. These 'windows to heaven' let us concentrate on the divine. By transforming our physical life, as the holy people symbolized by the icons did, we are taught not to reject it but to alter it. Note that the icons are respected, not worshiped.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Orthodox Christianity's primary symbol?
A version of the Christian cross seen in the Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic Churches of the Byzantine rite. The Orthodox or Russian (Orthodox) Cross is used extensively by organizations to connote the Byzantine rite. It is also known as the Suppedaneum Cross.
Do Orthodox Christians pray to icons?
Orthodox Christians pray using icons as a visual aid. The act of praying "to" an image is considered blasphemy.
What is the Greek Orthodox faith?
To be Orthodox is to believe and worship correctly. The sect is so-called because it arose and prospered in the late Roman Empire's eastern, Greek-speaking provinces.
What does the Bible say about icons?
The first commandment mentions idols and graven images (Deut. 4,15-16). No graven image of God is to be made. His material aliases are immeasurably bigger.
- Did Jesus found the Orthodox Church?
The Eastern Orthodox religion traces its roots to Jesus Christ and the apostles. The apostles selected bishops as their successors, and these bishops chose other bishops.
