| | The '''Orthodox Churches''' are the second largest body of [[Christians]], with an estimated membership between 250 million and 350 million people. The Orthodox Churches understand themselves to constitute the original Catholic Christian Church founded by [[Jesus Christ]]. Members believe that theirs is the oldest Christian denomination in the world. The Orthodox faith is notable for its use of [[icon]]s, candles, incense, relics of [[saint]]s, and beautiful vestments during her rich liturgical services. It is often confused with the Byzantine-rite Catholics who are in communion with the [[Pope]] of [[Rome]]. The Orthodox are not in communion with the [[Roman Catholics]], whom they view as holding several false doctrines. While in the West, the Orthodox Churches may be thought of as the Church in [[Russia]], [[Greece]], and other [[Eastern European]] countries, they are present on all inhabited continents and in most countries worldwide. The original church or community of the East before the [[Great Schism]] in 1054 comprised: the Greek churches founded by [[Saint Paul]], and the Antiochian and Asia Minor churches founded by Saint Peter.<ref>[https://stbartsestes.org/questions-and-interesting-facts/which-apostle-started-the-greek-orthodox-church.html]</ref> | | The '''Orthodox Churches''' are the second largest body of [[Christians]], with an estimated membership between 250 million and 350 million people. The Orthodox Churches understand themselves to constitute the original Catholic Christian Church founded by [[Jesus Christ]]. Members believe that theirs is the oldest Christian denomination in the world. The Orthodox faith is notable for its use of [[icon]]s, candles, incense, relics of [[saint]]s, and beautiful vestments during her rich liturgical services. It is often confused with the Byzantine-rite Catholics who are in communion with the [[Pope]] of [[Rome]]. The Orthodox are not in communion with the [[Roman Catholics]], whom they view as holding several false doctrines. While in the West, the Orthodox Churches may be thought of as the Church in [[Russia]], [[Greece]], and other [[Eastern European]] countries, they are present on all inhabited continents and in most countries worldwide. The original church or community of the East before the [[Great Schism]] in 1054 comprised: the Greek churches founded by [[Saint Paul]], and the Antiochian and Asia Minor churches founded by Saint Peter.<ref>[https://stbartsestes.org/questions-and-interesting-facts/which-apostle-started-the-greek-orthodox-church.html]</ref> |
| | Orthodox Churches are one denomination under the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, the first among equals. | | Orthodox Churches are one denomination under the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, the first among equals. |