Much teaching transmitted orally by the Apostles has come down to us in Sacred Tradition. John, 'And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world could not contain the books that should be written' (John 21:20). The teachings of the Church are derived from two sources: Holy Scripture, and Sacred Tradition, within which the Scriptures came to be, and within which they are interpreted. Together they constitute and call themselves the Orthodox Church. Those founded in later years through the missionary activity of the first churches were the Churches of Sinai, Russia, Greece, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania, and many others.Įach of these churches is independent in administration, but, with the exception of the Church of Rome, which finally separated from the others in the year 1054, all are united in faith, doctrine, Apostolic tradition, sacraments, liturgies, and services.

Peter and James, and the Church of Rome by Sts. The Church of Constantinople was founded by St. The churches founded by the Apostles themselves include the Patriarchates of Constantinople, Alexandria, Antioch, Jerusalem, and Rome. In the years which followed, the Apostles spread the Church and its teachings far they founded many churches, all united in faith, worship, and the partaking of the Mysteries (or as they are called in the West, the Sacraments) of the Holy Church. A final note.Īlmost two thousand years ago, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came to earth and founded the Church, through His Apostles and disciples, for the salvation of man. Content: A brief overview of the Eastern Orthodox Church's history and teaching.

Beliefs of orthodox church