Questions

What is the Orthodox Church? The Orthodox Church is the communion of local Churches, each gathered around its bishop at the Eucharist, which confess the faith of the Apostles… Why do Orthodox Christians venerate icons? Because the Son of God became a visible man, he can be depicted; the honor given to an icon passes to the person it… Why do Orthodox Christians ask the saints to pray for them? Christians on earth pray for one another, and death does not separate the members of Christ's Body; the saints, alive in God, continue to… Why is the Virgin Mary called the Theotokos? "Theotokos" means "she who gave birth to God." The title protects the truth about Christ: the one born of Mary is not a mere… What are the main differences between the Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches? The two Churches shared one faith and communion for a thousand years. They separated chiefly over the authority of the bishop of Rome and… How does someone become Orthodox? By a period of instruction as a catechumen, under the guidance of a priest, followed by reception into the Church by Baptism, by Chrismation,… Why do Orthodox Christians fast, and how? Fasting has accompanied prayer among God's people from the beginning. The Church appoints fasting seasons and days, and each believer keeps the fast with… What do Orthodox Christians mean by “theosis”? Theosis, or deification, is the goal of the Christian life: real union with God, in which we become by grace what God is by…