Conservapedia - User contributions [en]

Frankincense

2007-03-21T20:39:17Z

Kara:

'''Frankincense''' is an aromatic resin used in [[incense]] and in perfumes. It was one of the three [[Gifts of the Magi]], along with [[gold]] and [[myrrh]]. Today frankincense is available, but is costly.

Incense is still used by the [[Roman Catholic Church]], the [[Eastern Orthodox Church]], and various other Christian denominations. Incense is also used by other religious faiths.

<gallery>
Image:Frank.jpg|Frankincense
</gallery>

== References ==

[http://www.flickr.com Flickr Public Photos]

Debate:Why does the right side of the political spectrum tend to be more religous?

2007-03-21T16:53:02Z

Kara:

Its just a thought I had. At their core element, political parties are economic. You have the right, which favors the rich, and the left, which favors the poor. One strives to keep things the same, the other tries to change the system so it is more equal. So why does the right seem to embrace religion more?--[[User:Elamdri|Elamdri]] 09:30, 20 March 2007 (EDT)

:I'd say it's a bit more complicated than that. Politicians, by definition have no qualms about anything, do not hold any principles really - whatever will get them elected and allow them to keep their power. Religion has worked for the right (often) and economic disparity has worked to the left (class warfare). The Rev Ted Haggard is but the most recent example of the hypocrisy of the "right" and on the "left" Nancy Pelosi's efforts at exempting the American Samoa from the minimum wage hike (lobbying by companies headquartered in San Francisco). In a very broad sense, Milton Friedman was right (and as believed by President Reagan) - the best way to protect our freedoms is to keep the pie that the politician rascals control as small as possible and give them as little power as possibly we can. The "left" and the "right" loves Governmental control when it suits their purpose - the left for economic reasons (mostly), the right for social/religious/related agendas that they can enforce. [[User:kchittur|kchittur]] 12:10 PM, 20 March 2007 (CDT)

:I dont believe that the right does embrace religion more. The Left is full of religion. For example, environmentalism taken to its extreme is a religion. [[User: kara]]

:I'm talking about religion in the classical sense of modern Abrahamic religions. Let me rephrase. In any society, when you have a SMD|Plurality voting system like the US, 2 political parties emerge. One party favors the business sector or the rich. The other party favors the working class or the poor. This will always happen under these circumstances. So why is it that in America, the right have taken up God as a member of their party?--[[User:Elamdri|Elamdri]] 10:31, 21 March 2007 (EDT)

I would not say that the right has taken up God more than the left. What about Jesse Jackson?There are plenty of preachers on the left. To say that the left favors the poor and that the right favors the rich is not accurate. Things are not that clear cut. For example, some would say that the Roman Catholic church is far right. However, the Church has taken a clear pro-illigal immigrant stand in the United States. Most people (that would include politicians) are right on some issues and left on others. [[User: kara]]

Debate:Why does the right side of the political spectrum tend to be more religous?

2007-03-21T16:51:52Z

Kara:

Debate:Why does the right side of the political spectrum tend to be more religous?

2007-03-21T14:23:51Z

Kara:

Its just a thought I had. At thier core element, political parties are economic. You have the right, which favors the rich, and the left, which favors the poor. One strives to keep things the same, the other tries to change the system so it is more equal. So why does the right seem to embrace religion more?--[[User:Elamdri|Elamdri]] 09:30, 20 March 2007 (EDT)

I'd say it's a bit more complicated than that. Politicians, by definition have no qualms about anything, do not hold any principles really - whatever will get them elected and allow them to keep their power. Religion has worked for the right (often) and economic disparity has worked to the left (class warfare). The Rev Ted Haggard is but the most recent example of the hypocrisy of the "right" and on the "left" Nancy Pelosi's efforts at exempting the American Samoa from the minimum wage hike (lobbying by companies headquartered in San Francisco). In a very broad sense, Milton Friedman was right (and as believed by President Reagan) - the best way to protect our freedoms is to keep the pie that the politician rascals control as small as possible and give them as little power as possibly we can. The "left" and the "right" loves Governmental control when it suits their purpose - the left for economic reasons (mostly), the right for social/religious/related agendas that they can enforce. [[User:kchittur|kchittur]] 12:10 PM, 20 March 2007 (CDT)

I dont believe that the right does embrace religion more. The Left is full of religion. For example, environmentalism taken to its extreme is a religion. [[User: kara]]

Debate:Was the media attention needed?

2007-03-21T14:20:25Z

Kara:

I discovered Conservapedia from the media but it has also seems to have attracted unwanted attention. Do you think we really needed all that coverage? --[[User:Eiyuu Kou|Eiyuu Kou]] 23:03, 20 March 2007 (EDT)

== It was needed to spread the gospel of Conservapedia ==
I'm sorry... the what? [[User:Myk|Myk]] 23:26, 20 March 2007 (EDT)
: I think it just made YEC viewpoints get mocked further. Look at the articles, who could blame them. --[[User:AmesG|AmesG]] 23:30, 20 March 2007 (EDT)

::The word that Gospel is from in the greek can mean "good news" as well, so it's not necessarily a bible thing :-). "It was needed to spread the ''good news'' of Conservapedia" --[[User:Ymmotrojam|Ymmotrojam]] 23:30, 20 March 2007 (EDT)

I am uncomfortable with the word Gospel. The word today is viewed in a religious context. Gay means happy, but would people find it offensive to call the site Gay Conservapedia? Of course.

== The attention was needed ==

== It should have only been mentioned, not covered ==

== No, but if it was not for it, I would not be here ==
[[User:Sulgran|Sulgran]] 23:27, 20 March 2007 (EDT)
== Conservapedia shouldn't have had any media coverage for the sake of protecting pages ==

Icon

2007-03-21T13:45:43Z

Kara:

== Icon ==

The word "icon" comes from the Greek "eikon" which mean "image".

An icon is a holy image which is an art form of the [[Eastern Orthodox Church]]. The icon is not simply decorative. Many Orthodox churches have icons on the walls and the ceilings. In the ceiling or dome is the icon of Christ the Almighty, the Pantocrator.

The Eastern Orthodox Church does not permit icons representing God the Father. In addition, icons cannot be 3 dimensional (statues). The Eastern Orthodox Church also does not permit the Virgin Mary to be depicted in an icon without Christ (excluding the icon of the Annunciation).

It is common practice for iconographers not to sign their work in the belief that the glory goes to God, not to the artist.

The [[Iconoclastic controversy]] was a dispute over the veneration of icons within Christianity.

[[Image:Icon2.jpg]]

== References ==

[http://www.goarch.org Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America]

[http://www.flickr.com Flickr Public Photos]

Icon

2007-03-21T13:45:22Z

Kara:

== Icon ==

The word "icon" comes from the Greek "eikon" which mean "image".

An icon is a holy image which is an art form of the [[Eastern Orthodox Church]]. The icon is not simply decorative. Many Orthodox churches have icons on the walls and the ceilings. In the ceiling or dome is the icon of Christ the Almighty, the Pantocrator.

The Eastern Orthodox Church does not permit icons representing God the Father. In addition, icons cannot be 3 dimensional (statues). The Eastern Orthodox Church also does not permit the Virgin Mary to be depicted in an icon without Christ (excluding the icon of the Annunciation).

It is common practice for iconographers to not sign their work in the belief that the glory goes to God, not to the artist.

The [[Iconoclastic controversy]] was a dispute over the veneration of icons within Christianity.

[[Image:Icon2.jpg]]

== References ==

[http://www.goarch.org Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America]

[http://www.flickr.com Flickr Public Photos]

Christmas

2007-03-21T13:40:31Z

Kara:

'''Christmas''' is a [[holiday]] which celebrates the birth of [[Jesus Christ]], literally Christ's mass. The mass is celebrated after sundown on the 24th of December by the Roman Catholic church and most Protestant denominations. The day is recognized on January 6th by some [[Eastern Orthodox Church]](s) who combine the day with Ephiphany. Orthodox practice a Christmas Fast--lasting 40 days (November 15 to December 24).

The story of the birth of Christ is told in the opening chapters of the Gospel of Luke and the Gospel of Matthew. Each contains different elements of "the Christmas Story." The visit of the Archangel to the shepherds and the birth of Jesus in a manger are from Luke. The story of the Star of Bethlehem and the visit from the Wise Men bringing gifts of "gold, and frankincense and myrrh" are from Matthew.

In Western countries, during the Christmas season people generally hang up colored lights, place a Christmas (i.e. pine) tree in their house, sing carols (songs), and exchange gifts. Gift-giving commemorates the gifts given to the Christ child by the Wise Men and is symbolic of the fact that Jesus came as gift to mankind from God.

==History==

Christmas has had a long and complex history. Christmas is a relatively unimportant holiday in the Christian liturgy (less important, for example, than the Feast of the Epiphany). It is usually assumed that the historical Jesus was born in the Spring. The Catholic Church may have set a date near the date of the Winter Solstice in order to draw parishioners away from licentious pagan festivals occuring at about the same time of year, [[Saturnalia]]. Early Protestants, including the Puritans who settled in Plymouth, did not celebrate Christmas, which they denounced as Papist.

Many of the customs we have come to associate with Christmas developed in Victorian England, notably the Christmas Tree (which originated in Germany and was introduced in England by Prince Albert). The concept of Christmas as a family-centered celebration and a time of generosity, good will, and friendliness to neighbors, was promoted and codified by Charles Dickens in ''A Christmas Carol.''

In the United States, the image of Santa Claus (i.e. Saint Nicholas) and his reindeer has been shaped by Clement Moore's poem, "A Visit from Saint Nicholas" (with the famous opening line "'Twas the night before Christmas.") In other countries, the depiction of Santa vary widely. For instance, in the Netherlands, Santa Claus is shown in a bishop's mitre.

In the United States, during the twentieth century, gift-giving assumed a greater and greater role, and by mid-century had become of great commercial importance, to the point where some felt the religious aspects were becoming forgotten. As Stan Freberg put it<ref>in a recording, "Green Christmas"</ref> in 1958, "There are two S's in Christmas and they're ''both'' dollar signs." The single week before Christmas currently accounts for 25% to 30% of all retail sales.

==Modern-day cultural significance==

The tension between religious and secularized Christmas has waxed and waned periodically over the years. The pendulum swung toward secularization in the middle of the twentieth century. One marker was the emergence of songs like ''I'll Be Home For Christmas'' (1943), ''The Christmas Song,'' (1946), and ''Silver Bells'' (1951), which have become a beloved part of Christmas in America despite their lack of any religious content. Bing Crosby, a devout Catholic, initially was reluctant to sing the secular 1942 song ''White Christmas,'' which was to become his biggest hit.<ref>[http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=850892 Still Dreaming of a White Christmas], NPR story</ref>

In recent years, the celebration of Christmas has become part of the "culture wars." [[Fox News]] analysts [[John Gibson]] and [[Bill O'Reilly]] claim that Christmas has come under attack by "[[liberal]]s." Some Christian conservatives want an increased recognition of the religious core of the holiday, and want to maintain a separation between Christmas and other holidays occurring at the same time of year.
==Notes and references==

<references/>

Christmas

2007-03-21T13:37:31Z

Kara:

'''Christmas''' is a [[holiday]] which celebrates the birth of [[Jesus Christ]], literally Christ's mass. The mass is celebrated after sundown on the 24th of December by the Roman Catholic church and most Protestant denominations. The day is recognized on January 6th by some [[Eastern Orthodox Church]](s) who combine the day with Ephiphany.

The story of the birth of Christ is told in the opening chapters of the Gospel of Luke and the Gospel of Matthew. Each contains different elements of "the Christmas Story." The visit of the Archangel to the shepherds and the birth of Jesus in a manger are from Luke. The story of the Star of Bethlehem and the visit from the Wise Men bringing gifts of "gold, and frankincense and myrrh" are from Matthew.

In Western countries, during the Christmas season people generally hang up colored lights, place a Christmas (i.e. pine) tree in their house, sing carols (songs), and exchange gifts. Gift-giving commemorates the gifts given to the Christ child by the Wise Men and is symbolic of the fact that Jesus came as gift to mankind from God.

==History==

Christmas has had a long and complex history. Christmas is a relatively unimportant holiday in the Christian liturgy (less important, for example, than the Feast of the Epiphany). It is usually assumed that the historical Jesus was born in the Spring. The Catholic Church may have set a date near the date of the Winter Solstice in order to draw parishioners away from licentious pagan festivals occuring at about the same time of year, [[Saturnalia]]. Early Protestants, including the Puritans who settled in Plymouth, did not celebrate Christmas, which they denounced as Papist.

Many of the customs we have come to associate with Christmas developed in Victorian England, notably the Christmas Tree (which originated in Germany and was introduced in England by Prince Albert). The concept of Christmas as a family-centered celebration and a time of generosity, good will, and friendliness to neighbors, was promoted and codified by Charles Dickens in ''A Christmas Carol.''

In the United States, the image of Santa Claus (i.e. Saint Nicholas) and his reindeer has been shaped by Clement Moore's poem, "A Visit from Saint Nicholas" (with the famous opening line "'Twas the night before Christmas.") In other countries, the depiction of Santa vary widely. For instance, in the Netherlands, Santa Claus is shown in a bishop's mitre.

In the United States, during the twentieth century, gift-giving assumed a greater and greater role, and by mid-century had become of great commercial importance, to the point where some felt the religious aspects were becoming forgotten. As Stan Freberg put it<ref>in a recording, "Green Christmas"</ref> in 1958, "There are two S's in Christmas and they're ''both'' dollar signs." The single week before Christmas currently accounts for 25% to 30% of all retail sales.

==Modern-day cultural significance==

The tension between religious and secularized Christmas has waxed and waned periodically over the years. The pendulum swung toward secularization in the middle of the twentieth century. One marker was the emergence of songs like ''I'll Be Home For Christmas'' (1943), ''The Christmas Song,'' (1946), and ''Silver Bells'' (1951), which have become a beloved part of Christmas in America despite their lack of any religious content. Bing Crosby, a devout Catholic, initially was reluctant to sing the secular 1942 song ''White Christmas,'' which was to become his biggest hit.<ref>[http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=850892 Still Dreaming of a White Christmas], NPR story</ref>

In recent years, the celebration of Christmas has become part of the "culture wars." [[Fox News]] analysts [[John Gibson]] and [[Bill O'Reilly]] claim that Christmas has come under attack by "[[liberal]]s." Some Christian conservatives want an increased recognition of the religious core of the holiday, and want to maintain a separation between Christmas and other holidays occurring at the same time of year.
==Notes and references==

<references/>

"Sunday of Orthodoxy"

2007-03-21T13:27:54Z

Kara:

== Sunday of Orthodoxy ==
The Sunday of Orthodoxy is the first sunday of Lent in the [[Eastern Orthodox Church]]. This day commemorates the end of the [[Iconoclastic controversy]]. The day is commemorated with the Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil the Great, which is preceded by the Matins service. A Great Vespers is conducted on Saturday evening.

Orthodox faithful carry icons in a procession, while the clergy offer petitions for the people, civil authorities, and those who have reposed in the faith. It is the norm for persons to carry the Saint for whom they were named.

"Sunday of Orthodoxy"

2007-03-21T13:27:21Z

Kara:

== Sunday of Orthodoxy ==
The Sunday of Orthodoxy is the first sunday of Lent in the [[Eastern Orthodox Church]]. This day commemorates the end of the [[Iconoclastic Controversy]]. The day is commemorated with the Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil the Great, which is preceded by the Matins service. A Great Vespers is conducted on Saturday evening.

Orthodox faithful carry icons in a procession, while the clergy offer petitions for the people, civil authorities, and those who have reposed in the faith. It is the norm for persons to carry the Saint for whom they were named.

"Sunday of Orthodoxy"

2007-03-21T13:21:31Z

Kara:

== Sunday of Orthodoxy ==
The Sunday of Orthodoxy is commemorated with the Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil the Great, which is preceded by the Matins service. A Great Vespers is conducted on Saturday evening.

Orthodox (members of the [[Eastern Orthodox Church]]) faithful carry icons in a procession, while the clergy offer petitions for the people, civil authorities, and those who have reposed in the faith.

Iconoclastic controversy

2007-03-21T13:21:14Z

Kara:

"Sunday of Orthodoxy"

2007-03-21T13:20:44Z

Kara: New page: == Sunday of Orthodoxy == The Sunday of Orthodoxy is commemorated with the Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil the Great, which is preceded by the Matins service. A Great Vespers is conducted o...

== Sunday of Orthodoxy ==
The Sunday of Orthodoxy is commemorated with the Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil the Great, which is preceded by the Matins service. A Great Vespers is conducted on Saturday evening.

Orthodox (members of the Eastern Orthodox Church) faithful carry icons in a procession, while the clergy offer petitions for the people, civil authorities, and those who have reposed in the faith.

Iconoclastic controversy

2007-03-21T13:20:06Z

Kara:

== The Iconoclastic Controversy ==

In either the year 726 or 730, Emperor Leo III banned all images of Christ that showed him in human form. The Iconoclasts argued that any image depicting God in human form either omits His divine nature or confuses it with His human nature.

The Seventh Ecumenical Council (787) defended image veneration believing that to venerate an image is to venerate not its substance but the shared likeness. An icon of Christ affirms the reality of the human and the divine.

In the year 843 icons and their veneration were restored on the first Sunday in Lent. This Sunday is refered to as the [["Sunday of Orthodoxy"]].

== The Sunday of Orthodoxy ==

The Sunday of Orthodoxy is commemorated with the Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil the Great, which is preceded by the Matins service. A Great Vespers is conducted on Saturday evening.

Orthodox (members of the [[Eastern Orthodox Church]]) faithful carry icons in a procession, while the clergy offer petitions for the people, civil authorities, and those who have reposed in the faith.

== References ==

[http://www.goarch.org Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America]

[[Category:Religion]]

Iconoclastic controversy

2007-03-21T13:00:09Z

Kara:

== The Iconoclastic Controversy ==

In either the year 726 or 730, Emperor Leo III banned all images of Christ that showed him in human form. The Iconoclasts argued that any image depicting God in human form either omits His divine nature or confuses it with His human nature.

The Seventh Ecumenical Council (787) defended image veneration believing that to venerate an image is to venerate not its substance but the shared likeness. An icon of Christ affirms the reality of the human and the divine.

In the year 843 icons and their veneration were restored on the first Sunday in Lent. This Sunday is refered to as the "Sunday of Orthodoxy."

== The Sunday of Orthodoxy ==

The Sunday of Orthodoxy is commemorated with the Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil the Great, which is preceded by the Matins service. A Great Vespers is conducted on Saturday evening.

Orthodox (members of the [[Eastern Orthodox Church]]) faithful carry icons in a procession, while the clergy offer petitions for the people, civil authorities, and those who have reposed in the faith.

== References ==

[http://www.goarch.org Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America]

[[Category:Religion]]

Icon

2007-03-21T12:56:39Z

Kara:

== Icon ==

The word "icon" comes from the Greek "eikon" which mean "image".

An icon is a holy image which is an art form of the [[Eastern Orthodox Church]]. The icon is not simply decorative. Many Orthodox churches have icons on the walls and the ceilings. In the ceiling or dome is the icon of Christ the Almighty, the Pantocrator.

The Eastern Orthodox Church does not permit icons representing God the Father. In addition, icons cannot be 3 dimensional (statues). The Eastern Orthodox Church also does not permit the Virgin Mary to be depicted in an icon without Christ (excluding the icon of the Annunciation).

The [[Iconoclastic controversy]] was a dispute over the veneration of icons within Christianity.

[[Image:Icon2.jpg]]

== References ==

[http://www.goarch.org Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America]

[http://www.flickr.com Flickr Public Photos]

Eastern Orthodox Church

2007-03-21T12:50:25Z

Kara:

The Orthodox Church is an international group of patriarchal, autocephalous and autonomous churches. Each church is independent in her internal organization and follows her own particular customs. However, all the churches are united in the same faith.

Each Church is led by a synod of bishops. The [[Ecumenical Patriarch]] of Constantinople is is regarded as "first among equals."

== The Great Schism ==

The Great Schism is the title given to separation between the Western Church (the Roman Catholic) and the Eastern Church, (the Orthodox), which took place in the eleventh century.

By the ninth century legitimate differences were intensified by political circumstances, cultural clashes, papal claims, and the introduction in the West of the Filioque phrase into the [[Nicene Creed]].

[[Image:Church3.jpg]]

== References ==

[http://www.goarch.org Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America]

[http://www.oca.org Orthodox Church in America]

[http://www.flickr.com Flickr Public Photos]

== External Links ==

[http://www.ancientfaithradio.com Orthodox Internet Radio]

[http://www.goarch.org Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America]

[http://www.oca.org Orthodox Church in America]

[http://www.ec-patr.org Official Web Site For Ecumenical Patriarchate]

[[Category:Religion]]

Ecumenical Patriarch

2007-03-21T04:33:35Z

Kara:

== Ecumenical Patriarch ==

The title "Ecumenical Patriarch" belongs exclusively to the Archbishop of Constantinople. The Church of St. George is home to the Ecumenical Patriarchate. In 1991,Patriarch Bartholomew was elected the 270th Archbishop of Costantinople

Eastern Orthodox Church

2007-03-21T04:30:39Z

Kara:

The Orthodox Church is an international group of patriarchal, autocephalous and autonomous churches. Each church is independent in her internal organization and follows her own particular customs. However, all the churches are united in the same faith.

Each Church is led by a synod of bishops. The [[Ecumenical Patriarch]] of Constantinople is is regarded as "first among equals."

== The Great Schism ==

The Great Schism is the title given to separation between the Western Church (the Roman Catholic) and the Eastern Church, (the Orthodox), which took place in the eleventh century.

By the ninth century legitimate differences were intensified by political circumstances, cultural clashes, papal claims, and the introduction in the West of the Filioque phrase into the [[Nicene Creed]].

== References ==

[http://www.goarch.org Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America]

[http://www.oca.org Orthodox Church in America]

== External Links ==

[http://www.ancientfaithradio.com Orthodox Internet Radio]

[http://www.goarch.org Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America]

[http://www.oca.org Orthodox Church in America]

[http://www.ec-patr.org Official Web Site For Ecumenical Patriarchate]

[[Category:Religion]]

Eastern Orthodox Church

2007-03-21T04:28:20Z

Kara:

Eastern Orthodox Church

2007-03-21T04:15:33Z

Kara: /* Holy Week */

The Orthodox Church is an international federation of patriarchal, autocephalous and autonomous churches. Each church is independent in her internal organization and follows her own particular customs. However, all the churches are united in the same faith and order.

The Orthodox Church acknowledges that unity does not mean uniformity. Each Church is led by a synod of bishops. Among the various bishops, the [[Ecumenical Patriarch]] of Constantinople is accorded a "place of honor" and is regarded as "first among equals."

In America and Western Europe there are a number of dioceses and archdioceses which are directly linked to one of these autocephalous Churches. For example, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese is under the care of the Patriarchate of Constantinople.

== The Great Schism ==

The Great Schism is the title given to separation between the Western Church (the Roman Catholic) and the Eastern Church, (the Orthodox), which took place in the eleventh century.

By the ninth century legitimate differences were intensified by political circumstances, cultural clashes, papal claims, and the introduction in the West of the Filioque phrase into the [[Nicene Creed]]. The Filioque affirms that the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son. Both the papal claims and the Filioque were strongly repudiated by the East.

The Crusades can be considered the final element in the process of estrangement and deepening mistrust. Although there were attempts to restore communion in the years 1274 and 1439, there was no lasting unity achieved.

== Eastern-Rite Catholics ==

The term commonly refers to those Orthodox Christians who left Orthodoxy and acknowledged the jurisdiction of the Pope of Rome while retaining the rites and practices observed by Orthodoxy. The term "uniate" is seen as negative by such individuals, who are more commonly referred to as Catholics of the Byzantine Rite, Greek Catholics, Eastern Rite Catholics, Melkite Catholics, or any number of other titles.

== Tradition ==

The main sources of Orthodox teaching are the Bible and Sacred Tradition. The third source is the writings of the so-called Apostolic Fathers and the Apologists. The fourth source is decisions of the canonical synods, local and ecumenical, and their utterances of faith, especially the Symbol of Faith (Nicene Creed) and some of their canons pertaining to faith. The fifth source is the discourses written at the time of disputes and schisms, especially the Great Schism between the Eastern and Western parts of the Undivided Church (1054). The sixth source is a variety of discourses written after the Protestant Reformation; these documents critique the various errors of Protestantism and Roman Catholicism.

The Bible is viewed as only one expression of God's revelation in the on-going life of His people. Scripture is part of the treasure of Faith which is known as Tradition. Tradition means that which is "handed on" from one generation to another.

== Original Sin ==

Orthodoxy believes that, while everyone bears the consequences of the first sin, the foremost of which is death, only Adam and Eve are guilty of that sin.

== Sin ==

In the Orthodox Church there are no "categories" of sin as found in the Christian West.
In the pre-Vatican II Roman Catholic catechism, sins were categorized as "mortal" and "venial." These categories do not exist in the Orthodox Church. Sin is sin.

== Canonization of Saints ==

The Orthodox Church does not follow any official procedure for the "recognition" of saints. Initially the Church accepted as saints those who had suffered martyrdom for Christ. The saints are saints thanks to the grace of God, and they do not need official ecclesiastical recognition.

Recently, in order to avoid abuses, the Ecumenical Patriarchate has issued special encyclical letters (tomoi) in which the Holy Synod "recognizes" or accepts the popular feelings about a saint. Such an example in our days is St. Nicodemos of the Holy Mountain (1955).

== Theotokos ==

Orthodoxy teaches that the Mother of God was sinless of her own free will and that she remains ever-virgin. Orthodox Christians do not "pray to" the Mother of God instead of God. However, they do seek her intercession before her Son. The Roman Catholic doctrine of the Immaculate Conception (the belief that the Virgin Mary was born without original sin) is foreign to Orthodox Christianity.

== Fasting ==

Fasting as practiced in the Orthodox Church means abstinence from meat, fish, dairy products, olive oil, and wine. Total abstinence is reserved for the fast of several hours duration preceding Holy Communion. The rules for fasting prescribed by the holy canons are quite rigid. Most Orthodox Christians today find it difficult to uphold the traditional practice for the length of time prescribed.

== Holy Week ==
There are services throughout Holy Week beginning with Palm Sunday Morning.

'''Saturday Midnight (Pascha)'''
Before midnight, the Odes of Lamentation of the previous day are repeated. The Orthros of the Resurrection begins in complete darkness. The priest takes light from the vigil light and gives it to the faithful, who are holding candles. In many churches the priest leads the people outside the church, where he reads the Gospel.

The people wait for the priest to start the hymn of Resurrection. From this moment the entire service takes on a joyous Easter atmosphere.

The Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom is then officiated.

== Calculation of Pascha ==

According to the ruling of the First Ecumenical Synod in 325, Easter Sunday should fall on the Sunday which follows the first full moon after the vernal equinox. If the full moon happens to fall on a Sunday, Easter is observed the following Sunday. The day taken to be the invariable date of the vernal equinox is March 21.

The Orthodox Church continues to base its calculations for the date of Easter on the Julian Calendar, which was in use at the time of the First Ecumenical Synod. Western Christians observe the date of the vernal equinox on March 21 according to the Gregorian Calendar.

<gallery>
Image:Pascha.jpg|Celebration of Pascha
</gallery>

== The Sacraments/ Divine Mysteries ==

The Orthodox Church uses the Greek word mysterion, instead of sacrament, to denote the divinely instituted rites which manifest sanctifying divine grace. Mysterion means anything hidden or incomprehensible. Its chief meaning is linked to the hidden and secret Will of God related to the salvation of the world, now manifest in Jesus Christ, the Incarnate Word (Logos).

The mysteries are effective when two basic conditions are observed. First, the ministers of the mysteries must be canonically ordained and in canonical order with the Church. Second, they must be "ordained" to conduct the prescribed rites of the Church because the rites express the faith of the Church.

The Orthodox Church has never formally determined a particular number of Sacraments.

The '''Holy Eucharist''', which is known as the Divine Liturgy, is the central and most important worship experience of the Orthodox Church. All the other Sacraments of the Church lead toward and flow from the Eucharist.

Communion is restricted to Orthodox Christians who are in full communion with the Church.

Through the three-fold immersion in the waters of '''Baptism''' in the Name of the Holy Trinity, one dies to the old ways of sin and is born to a new life in Christ. Orthodoxy encourages the baptism of infants. The Baptism of adults is practiced when there was no previous baptism in the name of the Holy Trinity.

<gallery>
Image:Baptism.jpg|Eastern Orthodox Baptism
</gallery>

The Sacrament of '''Chrismation''' (Confirmation) immediately follows baptism and is never delayed until a later age. In the Sacrament of Chrismation, the priest anoints the various parts of the body of the newly-baptized with Holy Oil. The Sacraments of initiation always are concluded with the distribution of Holy Communion to the newly-baptized. There is never a time when the young are not part of God's people.

Chrismation imparts the gifts of the Holy Spirit (Is. 11:23 and Gal. 5:22). Chrismation is called the seal (sphragis). Chrismation, once canonically performed, cannot be repeated. Chrismation is also a sacrament of reconciliation.

The chrism (Holy Myron) that is used for the ritual anointing is a mixture of olive oil, balsam, wine, and some forty aromatic substances. Chrism is prepared and consecrated periodically on Holy Thursday. By ancient custom the right to prepare and consecrate the chrism belongs to the bishop and its administration to the presbyters. Each autocephalous Orthodox Chruch has the right to prepare and consecrate chrism.

'''Confession''' is the Sacrament through which sins are forgiven, and the relationship to God and to others is restored and strengthened. According to Orthodox teaching, the penitent confess to God and is forgiven by God. The priest is the sacramental witness.

Through the Sacrament of '''marriage''', a man and a woman are publicly joined as husband and wife. There are no vows in the Sacrament. Orthodox Christians may not be married in non-Orthodox ceremonies and remain "in good standing" with the Orthodox Church. It is not permitted for an Orthodox Christian to be married to an individual who has not been baptized, regardless of whether they are of the Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, or other faith.

While the Church stands opposed to divorce, the Church, in its concern for the salvation of its people, does permit divorced individuals to marry a second and even a third time. The Order of the Second or Third Marriage is somewhat different than that celebrated as a first marriage and it bears a penitential character.

The Holy Spirit preserved the continuity of the Church through the Sacrament of '''Holy Orders'''. Through ordination, men who have been chosen from within the Church are set apart by the Church for special service to the Church. Each is viewed as a living icon of Christ among His people. Only a Bishop may ordain. The Orthodox Church permits men to marry before they are ordained. Since the sixth century, Bishops have been chosen from the celibate clergy.

The Orthodox Church precludes the ordination of women to the priesthood and episcopacy.
Orthodoxy does not see the priesthood has a "right" or a "privilege." It does not understand ordination to the priesthood as a matter of justice or equality. No one has the "right" to ordination (even males).

The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, or '''Holy Unction''' as it is also known, reminds the faithful that when in pain, either physical, emotional, or spiritual, Christ is present through the ministry of his Church. Orthodoxy does not view this Sacrament as available only to those who are near death. It is offered to all who are sick in body, mind, or spirit. The Church celebrates the Sacrament for all its members during Holy week on Holy Wednesday.

== The House of God ==

When one enters the interior of the Orthodox church it is like stepping into a whole new world of color and light.

The interior of an Orthodox church is frequently very beautiful. Orthodoxy recognizes that beauty is an important dimension of human life. As the pious woman poured her most precious oil on the feet of Our Lord, Orthodoxy seeks always to offer to God what is best and most beautiful.

<gallery>
Image:Church3.jpg|Inside Church Building
</gallery>

== Monasticism ==

The monastic men and women in Orthodoxy are usually restricted to monasteries and do not normally participate in the active ministry of the Church. Orthodox monastic life is contemplative -- there are no monastic "orders" devoted to teaching, social work, etc., such as one would find in Roman Catholicism.

[[Image:Nun.jpg]]

== References ==

[http://www.goarch.org Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America]

[http://www.oca.org Orthodox Church in America]

[http://www.flickr.com Flickr Public Photos]

== External Links ==

[http://www.ancientfaithradio.com Orthodox Internet Radio]

[http://www.goarch.org Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America]

[http://www.oca.org Orthodox Church in America]

[http://www.ec-patr.org Official Web Site For Ecumenical Patriarchate]

[[Category:Religion]]

Eastern Orthodox Church

2007-03-21T04:05:19Z

Kara: /* Pascha */

The Orthodox Church is an international federation of patriarchal, autocephalous and autonomous churches. Each church is independent in her internal organization and follows her own particular customs. However, all the churches are united in the same faith and order.

The Orthodox Church acknowledges that unity does not mean uniformity. Each Church is led by a synod of bishops. Among the various bishops, the [[Ecumenical Patriarch]] of Constantinople is accorded a "place of honor" and is regarded as "first among equals."

In America and Western Europe there are a number of dioceses and archdioceses which are directly linked to one of these autocephalous Churches. For example, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese is under the care of the Patriarchate of Constantinople.

== The Great Schism ==

The Great Schism is the title given to separation between the Western Church (the Roman Catholic) and the Eastern Church, (the Orthodox), which took place in the eleventh century.

By the ninth century legitimate differences were intensified by political circumstances, cultural clashes, papal claims, and the introduction in the West of the Filioque phrase into the [[Nicene Creed]]. The Filioque affirms that the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son. Both the papal claims and the Filioque were strongly repudiated by the East.

The Crusades can be considered the final element in the process of estrangement and deepening mistrust. Although there were attempts to restore communion in the years 1274 and 1439, there was no lasting unity achieved.

== Eastern-Rite Catholics ==

The term commonly refers to those Orthodox Christians who left Orthodoxy and acknowledged the jurisdiction of the Pope of Rome while retaining the rites and practices observed by Orthodoxy. The term "uniate" is seen as negative by such individuals, who are more commonly referred to as Catholics of the Byzantine Rite, Greek Catholics, Eastern Rite Catholics, Melkite Catholics, or any number of other titles.

== Tradition ==

The main sources of Orthodox teaching are the Bible and Sacred Tradition. The third source is the writings of the so-called Apostolic Fathers and the Apologists. The fourth source is decisions of the canonical synods, local and ecumenical, and their utterances of faith, especially the Symbol of Faith (Nicene Creed) and some of their canons pertaining to faith. The fifth source is the discourses written at the time of disputes and schisms, especially the Great Schism between the Eastern and Western parts of the Undivided Church (1054). The sixth source is a variety of discourses written after the Protestant Reformation; these documents critique the various errors of Protestantism and Roman Catholicism.

The Bible is viewed as only one expression of God's revelation in the on-going life of His people. Scripture is part of the treasure of Faith which is known as Tradition. Tradition means that which is "handed on" from one generation to another.

== Original Sin ==

Orthodoxy believes that, while everyone bears the consequences of the first sin, the foremost of which is death, only Adam and Eve are guilty of that sin.

== Sin ==

In the Orthodox Church there are no "categories" of sin as found in the Christian West.
In the pre-Vatican II Roman Catholic catechism, sins were categorized as "mortal" and "venial." These categories do not exist in the Orthodox Church. Sin is sin.

== Canonization of Saints ==

The Orthodox Church does not follow any official procedure for the "recognition" of saints. Initially the Church accepted as saints those who had suffered martyrdom for Christ. The saints are saints thanks to the grace of God, and they do not need official ecclesiastical recognition.

Recently, in order to avoid abuses, the Ecumenical Patriarchate has issued special encyclical letters (tomoi) in which the Holy Synod "recognizes" or accepts the popular feelings about a saint. Such an example in our days is St. Nicodemos of the Holy Mountain (1955).

== Theotokos ==

Orthodoxy teaches that the Mother of God was sinless of her own free will and that she remains ever-virgin. Orthodox Christians do not "pray to" the Mother of God instead of God. However, they do seek her intercession before her Son. The Roman Catholic doctrine of the Immaculate Conception (the belief that the Virgin Mary was born without original sin) is foreign to Orthodox Christianity.

== Fasting ==

Fasting as practiced in the Orthodox Church means abstinence from meat, fish, dairy products, olive oil, and wine. Total abstinence is reserved for the fast of several hours duration preceding Holy Communion. The rules for fasting prescribed by the holy canons are quite rigid. Most Orthodox Christians today find it difficult to uphold the traditional practice for the length of time prescribed.

== Holy Week ==

'''Palm Sunday Morning'''
Palms are distributed to the people in the Church. The Epistle reading is Phil. 4:4-9, and the Gospel reading is John 12:1-18.

'''Palm Sunday Evening'''
This service commemorates the blessed and noble Joseph and the fig tree which was cursed and withered by the Lord. The Gospel reading during this service is Matthew 21:18-43.

'''Monday Evening'''
This service commemorates the parable of the Ten Virgins, Mtt. 25:1-13. The Gospel is Matthew 22:15-23 through 23:39; 24:26 through 26:2.

'''Tuesday Evening'''
This serivice commemorates the anointing of Christ with myrrh by the woman in the house of Simon, the leper, in Bethany. The Gospel reading is John 12:17-50.

'''Wednesday Morning'''
The Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts is celebrated on this day for the last time during Lent.

'''Wednesday Evening'''
Holy Unction takes place on this Wednesday evening. At the end of the service, the priest anoints the people with Holy Oil.

'''Thursday Morning'''
During this Liturgy the priest prepares the "Amnos", the Holy Communion, which is kept throughout the whole year to be given the faithful in times of sickness.

'''Thursday Evening'''
This service is long, but its content is deeply moving. There are "Twelve Gospel" readings of this service. After the reading of the fifth Gospel comes the procession with the Crucifix around the church. During the Procession, the faithful Christian kneels and prays for his spiritual welfare, imitating the thief on the Cross who confessed his faith and devotion to Christ.

'''Friday Morning'''
According to the Hebrew custom, the "Royal Hours", four in number, are read at this time.

'''Friday Afternoon'''
The Vespers of Friday afternoon are a continuation of the Royal Hours. During this service, the removal of the Body of Christ from the Cross is commemorated. As the priest reads the Gospel he removes the Body of Christ from the Cross, wraps It in a white cloth and takes It to the altar. The priest then chants a mourning hymn. The priest then carries the cloth on which the Body of Christ is painted or embroidered around the church before placing It inside the Sepulcher, a carved bier which symbolizes the Tomb of Christ.

Good Friday is the only day in the year on which the Divine Liturgy is not officiated.

'''Friday Evening'''
This service consists of psalms, hymns and readings, dealing with the death of Christ. In some parishes the entire flower-bedecked Sepulcher, symbolizing the Tomb, is carried in the procession.The entire congregation joins in singing the, three parts of the "Hymns of Praise". After these hymns are sung, the priest sprinkles the Sepulcher and the whole congregation with fragrant water.

'''Saturday Morning'''
At this service psalms are read and Resurrection hymns are sung which tell of Christ's descent into Hades.

'''Saturday Midnight (Pascha)'''
The Resurrection is celebrated. Before midnight, the Odes of Lamentation of the previous day are repeated. The Orthros of the Resurrection begins in complete darkness. The priest takes light from the vigil light and gives it to the faithful, who are holding candles. In many churches the priest leads the people outside the church, where he reads the Gospel.

The people wait for the priest to start the hymn of Resurrection, which they join him in singing, repeatedly: "Christ has Risen from the dead, by death trampling upon Death, and has bestowed life upon those in the tombs". From this moment the entire service takes on a joyous Easter atmosphere.

The Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom is then officiated. At the end of the Liturgy, a part of the marvelous festival sermon of St. Chrysostom is read.

'''Pascha Afternoon'''
Easter Sunday afternoon the faithful gather once more for prayer with lighted candles. All sing the hymn, "Christ is Risen from the Dead". The people greet one another joyously, saying: "Christ is Risen", the Easter salutation which is answered, "Truly He is Risen".

The Gospel according to John (20:19-25) is read in various languages, proclaiming the Good News of Resurrection all over the universe without discrimination.

== Calculation of Pascha ==

According to the ruling of the First Ecumenical Synod in 325, Easter Sunday should fall on the Sunday which follows the first full moon after the vernal equinox. If the full moon happens to fall on a Sunday, Easter is observed the following Sunday. The day taken to be the invariable date of the vernal equinox is March 21.

The Orthodox Church continues to base its calculations for the date of Easter on the Julian Calendar, which was in use at the time of the First Ecumenical Synod. Western Christians observe the date of the vernal equinox on March 21 according to the Gregorian Calendar.

<gallery>
Image:Pascha.jpg|Celebration of Pascha
</gallery>

== The Sacraments/ Divine Mysteries ==

The Orthodox Church uses the Greek word mysterion, instead of sacrament, to denote the divinely instituted rites which manifest sanctifying divine grace. Mysterion means anything hidden or incomprehensible. Its chief meaning is linked to the hidden and secret Will of God related to the salvation of the world, now manifest in Jesus Christ, the Incarnate Word (Logos).

The mysteries are effective when two basic conditions are observed. First, the ministers of the mysteries must be canonically ordained and in canonical order with the Church. Second, they must be "ordained" to conduct the prescribed rites of the Church because the rites express the faith of the Church.

The Orthodox Church has never formally determined a particular number of Sacraments.

The '''Holy Eucharist''', which is known as the Divine Liturgy, is the central and most important worship experience of the Orthodox Church. All the other Sacraments of the Church lead toward and flow from the Eucharist.

Communion is restricted to Orthodox Christians who are in full communion with the Church.

Through the three-fold immersion in the waters of '''Baptism''' in the Name of the Holy Trinity, one dies to the old ways of sin and is born to a new life in Christ. Orthodoxy encourages the baptism of infants. The Baptism of adults is practiced when there was no previous baptism in the name of the Holy Trinity.

<gallery>
Image:Baptism.jpg|Eastern Orthodox Baptism
</gallery>

The Sacrament of '''Chrismation''' (Confirmation) immediately follows baptism and is never delayed until a later age. In the Sacrament of Chrismation, the priest anoints the various parts of the body of the newly-baptized with Holy Oil. The Sacraments of initiation always are concluded with the distribution of Holy Communion to the newly-baptized. There is never a time when the young are not part of God's people.

Chrismation imparts the gifts of the Holy Spirit (Is. 11:23 and Gal. 5:22). Chrismation is called the seal (sphragis). Chrismation, once canonically performed, cannot be repeated. Chrismation is also a sacrament of reconciliation.

The chrism (Holy Myron) that is used for the ritual anointing is a mixture of olive oil, balsam, wine, and some forty aromatic substances. Chrism is prepared and consecrated periodically on Holy Thursday. By ancient custom the right to prepare and consecrate the chrism belongs to the bishop and its administration to the presbyters. Each autocephalous Orthodox Chruch has the right to prepare and consecrate chrism.

'''Confession''' is the Sacrament through which sins are forgiven, and the relationship to God and to others is restored and strengthened. According to Orthodox teaching, the penitent confess to God and is forgiven by God. The priest is the sacramental witness.

Through the Sacrament of '''marriage''', a man and a woman are publicly joined as husband and wife. There are no vows in the Sacrament. Orthodox Christians may not be married in non-Orthodox ceremonies and remain "in good standing" with the Orthodox Church. It is not permitted for an Orthodox Christian to be married to an individual who has not been baptized, regardless of whether they are of the Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, or other faith.

While the Church stands opposed to divorce, the Church, in its concern for the salvation of its people, does permit divorced individuals to marry a second and even a third time. The Order of the Second or Third Marriage is somewhat different than that celebrated as a first marriage and it bears a penitential character.

The Holy Spirit preserved the continuity of the Church through the Sacrament of '''Holy Orders'''. Through ordination, men who have been chosen from within the Church are set apart by the Church for special service to the Church. Each is viewed as a living icon of Christ among His people. Only a Bishop may ordain. The Orthodox Church permits men to marry before they are ordained. Since the sixth century, Bishops have been chosen from the celibate clergy.

The Orthodox Church precludes the ordination of women to the priesthood and episcopacy.
Orthodoxy does not see the priesthood has a "right" or a "privilege." It does not understand ordination to the priesthood as a matter of justice or equality. No one has the "right" to ordination (even males).

The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, or '''Holy Unction''' as it is also known, reminds the faithful that when in pain, either physical, emotional, or spiritual, Christ is present through the ministry of his Church. Orthodoxy does not view this Sacrament as available only to those who are near death. It is offered to all who are sick in body, mind, or spirit. The Church celebrates the Sacrament for all its members during Holy week on Holy Wednesday.

== The House of God ==

When one enters the interior of the Orthodox church it is like stepping into a whole new world of color and light.

The interior of an Orthodox church is frequently very beautiful. Orthodoxy recognizes that beauty is an important dimension of human life. As the pious woman poured her most precious oil on the feet of Our Lord, Orthodoxy seeks always to offer to God what is best and most beautiful.

<gallery>
Image:Church3.jpg|Inside Church Building
</gallery>

== Monasticism ==

The monastic men and women in Orthodoxy are usually restricted to monasteries and do not normally participate in the active ministry of the Church. Orthodox monastic life is contemplative -- there are no monastic "orders" devoted to teaching, social work, etc., such as one would find in Roman Catholicism.

[[Image:Nun.jpg]]

== References ==

[http://www.goarch.org Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America]

[http://www.oca.org Orthodox Church in America]

[http://www.flickr.com Flickr Public Photos]

== External Links ==

[http://www.ancientfaithradio.com Orthodox Internet Radio]

[http://www.goarch.org Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America]

[http://www.oca.org Orthodox Church in America]

[http://www.ec-patr.org Official Web Site For Ecumenical Patriarchate]

[[Category:Religion]]

Eastern Orthodox Church

2007-03-21T03:34:17Z

Kara:

The Orthodox Church is an international federation of patriarchal, autocephalous and autonomous churches. Each church is independent in her internal organization and follows her own particular customs. However, all the churches are united in the same faith and order.

The Orthodox Church acknowledges that unity does not mean uniformity. Each Church is led by a synod of bishops. Among the various bishops, the [[Ecumenical Patriarch]] of Constantinople is accorded a "place of honor" and is regarded as "first among equals."

In America and Western Europe there are a number of dioceses and archdioceses which are directly linked to one of these autocephalous Churches. For example, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese is under the care of the Patriarchate of Constantinople.

== The Great Schism ==

The Great Schism is the title given to separation between the Western Church (the Roman Catholic) and the Eastern Church, (the Orthodox), which took place in the eleventh century.

By the ninth century legitimate differences were intensified by political circumstances, cultural clashes, papal claims, and the introduction in the West of the Filioque phrase into the [[Nicene Creed]]. The Filioque affirms that the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son. Both the papal claims and the Filioque were strongly repudiated by the East.

The Crusades can be considered the final element in the process of estrangement and deepening mistrust. Although there were attempts to restore communion in the years 1274 and 1439, there was no lasting unity achieved.

== Eastern-Rite Catholics ==

The term commonly refers to those Orthodox Christians who left Orthodoxy and acknowledged the jurisdiction of the Pope of Rome while retaining the rites and practices observed by Orthodoxy. The term "uniate" is seen as negative by such individuals, who are more commonly referred to as Catholics of the Byzantine Rite, Greek Catholics, Eastern Rite Catholics, Melkite Catholics, or any number of other titles.

== Tradition ==

The main sources of Orthodox teaching are the Bible and Sacred Tradition. The third source is the writings of the so-called Apostolic Fathers and the Apologists. The fourth source is decisions of the canonical synods, local and ecumenical, and their utterances of faith, especially the Symbol of Faith (Nicene Creed) and some of their canons pertaining to faith. The fifth source is the discourses written at the time of disputes and schisms, especially the Great Schism between the Eastern and Western parts of the Undivided Church (1054). The sixth source is a variety of discourses written after the Protestant Reformation; these documents critique the various errors of Protestantism and Roman Catholicism.

The Bible is viewed as only one expression of God's revelation in the on-going life of His people. Scripture is part of the treasure of Faith which is known as Tradition. Tradition means that which is "handed on" from one generation to another.

== Original Sin ==

Orthodoxy believes that, while everyone bears the consequences of the first sin, the foremost of which is death, only Adam and Eve are guilty of that sin.

== Sin ==

In the Orthodox Church there are no "categories" of sin as found in the Christian West.
In the pre-Vatican II Roman Catholic catechism, sins were categorized as "mortal" and "venial." These categories do not exist in the Orthodox Church. Sin is sin.

== Canonization of Saints ==

The Orthodox Church does not follow any official procedure for the "recognition" of saints. Initially the Church accepted as saints those who had suffered martyrdom for Christ. The saints are saints thanks to the grace of God, and they do not need official ecclesiastical recognition.

Recently, in order to avoid abuses, the Ecumenical Patriarchate has issued special encyclical letters (tomoi) in which the Holy Synod "recognizes" or accepts the popular feelings about a saint. Such an example in our days is St. Nicodemos of the Holy Mountain (1955).

== Theotokos ==

Orthodoxy teaches that the Mother of God was sinless of her own free will and that she remains ever-virgin. Orthodox Christians do not "pray to" the Mother of God instead of God. However, they do seek her intercession before her Son. The Roman Catholic doctrine of the Immaculate Conception (the belief that the Virgin Mary was born without original sin) is foreign to Orthodox Christianity.

== Fasting ==

Fasting as practiced in the Orthodox Church means abstinence from meat, fish, dairy products, olive oil, and wine. Total abstinence is reserved for the fast of several hours duration preceding Holy Communion. The rules for fasting prescribed by the holy canons are quite rigid. Most Orthodox Christians today find it difficult to uphold the traditional practice for the length of time prescribed.

== Pascha ==

== Calculation of Pascha ==

According to the ruling of the First Ecumenical Synod in 325, Easter Sunday should fall on the Sunday which follows the first full moon after the vernal equinox. If the full moon happens to fall on a Sunday, Easter is observed the following Sunday. The day taken to be the invariable date of the vernal equinox is March 21.

The Orthodox Church continues to base its calculations for the date of Easter on the Julian Calendar, which was in use at the time of the First Ecumenical Synod. Western Christians observe the date of the vernal equinox on March 21 according to the Gregorian Calendar.

<gallery>
Image:Pascha.jpg|Celebration of Pascha
</gallery>

== The Sacraments/ Divine Mysteries ==

The Orthodox Church uses the Greek word mysterion, instead of sacrament, to denote the divinely instituted rites which manifest sanctifying divine grace. Mysterion means anything hidden or incomprehensible. Its chief meaning is linked to the hidden and secret Will of God related to the salvation of the world, now manifest in Jesus Christ, the Incarnate Word (Logos).

The mysteries are effective when two basic conditions are observed. First, the ministers of the mysteries must be canonically ordained and in canonical order with the Church. Second, they must be "ordained" to conduct the prescribed rites of the Church because the rites express the faith of the Church.

The Orthodox Church has never formally determined a particular number of Sacraments.

The '''Holy Eucharist''', which is known as the Divine Liturgy, is the central and most important worship experience of the Orthodox Church. All the other Sacraments of the Church lead toward and flow from the Eucharist.

Communion is restricted to Orthodox Christians who are in full communion with the Church.

Through the three-fold immersion in the waters of '''Baptism''' in the Name of the Holy Trinity, one dies to the old ways of sin and is born to a new life in Christ. Orthodoxy encourages the baptism of infants. The Baptism of adults is practiced when there was no previous baptism in the name of the Holy Trinity.

<gallery>
Image:Baptism.jpg|Eastern Orthodox Baptism
</gallery>

The Sacrament of '''Chrismation''' (Confirmation) immediately follows baptism and is never delayed until a later age. In the Sacrament of Chrismation, the priest anoints the various parts of the body of the newly-baptized with Holy Oil. The Sacraments of initiation always are concluded with the distribution of Holy Communion to the newly-baptized. There is never a time when the young are not part of God's people.

Chrismation imparts the gifts of the Holy Spirit (Is. 11:23 and Gal. 5:22). Chrismation is called the seal (sphragis). Chrismation, once canonically performed, cannot be repeated. Chrismation is also a sacrament of reconciliation.

The chrism (Holy Myron) that is used for the ritual anointing is a mixture of olive oil, balsam, wine, and some forty aromatic substances. Chrism is prepared and consecrated periodically on Holy Thursday. By ancient custom the right to prepare and consecrate the chrism belongs to the bishop and its administration to the presbyters. Each autocephalous Orthodox Chruch has the right to prepare and consecrate chrism.

'''Confession''' is the Sacrament through which sins are forgiven, and the relationship to God and to others is restored and strengthened. According to Orthodox teaching, the penitent confess to God and is forgiven by God. The priest is the sacramental witness.

Through the Sacrament of '''marriage''', a man and a woman are publicly joined as husband and wife. There are no vows in the Sacrament. Orthodox Christians may not be married in non-Orthodox ceremonies and remain "in good standing" with the Orthodox Church. It is not permitted for an Orthodox Christian to be married to an individual who has not been baptized, regardless of whether they are of the Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, or other faith.

While the Church stands opposed to divorce, the Church, in its concern for the salvation of its people, does permit divorced individuals to marry a second and even a third time. The Order of the Second or Third Marriage is somewhat different than that celebrated as a first marriage and it bears a penitential character.

The Holy Spirit preserved the continuity of the Church through the Sacrament of '''Holy Orders'''. Through ordination, men who have been chosen from within the Church are set apart by the Church for special service to the Church. Each is viewed as a living icon of Christ among His people. Only a Bishop may ordain. The Orthodox Church permits men to marry before they are ordained. Since the sixth century, Bishops have been chosen from the celibate clergy.

The Orthodox Church precludes the ordination of women to the priesthood and episcopacy.
Orthodoxy does not see the priesthood has a "right" or a "privilege." It does not understand ordination to the priesthood as a matter of justice or equality. No one has the "right" to ordination (even males).

The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, or '''Holy Unction''' as it is also known, reminds the faithful that when in pain, either physical, emotional, or spiritual, Christ is present through the ministry of his Church. Orthodoxy does not view this Sacrament as available only to those who are near death. It is offered to all who are sick in body, mind, or spirit. The Church celebrates the Sacrament for all its members during Holy week on Holy Wednesday.

== The House of God ==

When one enters the interior of the Orthodox church it is like stepping into a whole new world of color and light.

The interior of an Orthodox church is frequently very beautiful. Orthodoxy recognizes that beauty is an important dimension of human life. As the pious woman poured her most precious oil on the feet of Our Lord, Orthodoxy seeks always to offer to God what is best and most beautiful.

<gallery>
Image:Church3.jpg|Inside Church Building
</gallery>

== Monasticism ==

The monastic men and women in Orthodoxy are usually restricted to monasteries and do not normally participate in the active ministry of the Church. Orthodox monastic life is contemplative -- there are no monastic "orders" devoted to teaching, social work, etc., such as one would find in Roman Catholicism.

[[Image:Nun.jpg]]

== References ==

[http://www.goarch.org Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America]

[http://www.oca.org Orthodox Church in America]

[http://www.flickr.com Flickr Public Photos]

== External Links ==

[http://www.ancientfaithradio.com Orthodox Internet Radio]

[http://www.goarch.org Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America]

[http://www.oca.org Orthodox Church in America]

[http://www.ec-patr.org Official Web Site For Ecumenical Patriarchate]

[[Category:Religion]]

Roman Catholic Church

2007-03-21T02:48:05Z

Kara:

Catholic means "universal" and the phrase '''Catholic Church''' refers to the single universal Christian church founded by Peter.

The term "The Catholic church" refers to any one of several Rites, but in the United States is often used synonymously for the largest Rite, the [[Roman Catholic Church]]. Other Rites include the Byzantine, Alexandrian, Syriac, Armenian, Maronite, and Chaldean Rites. The Eastern rites have significant differences in liturgy, history, discipline and hierarchy from the Roman Catholic Church, but still recognize the primacy of the Bishop of Rome (the [[Pope]]) and are in communion with Rome.

These Eastern Rite churches are Catholic and do not belong to the [[Eastern Orthodox Church]] that split from the Catholic Church during the Great Schism of 1054.

"Catholic" can be opposed to "Protestant." Protestants regard themselves as Christians, but Catholics do not regard Protestants as authentically within the church established by Peter, and do not regard Protestant ministers as being validly ordained. Protestants would of course challenge this, but nevertheless agree that there is a wide separation between Protestant denominations and the churches that refer to themselves as "Catholic."

The Anglican Church (Episcopalian in the United States) occupies an odd situation, because it encompasses within it factions ("Low Church") that emphasize its Protestant aspects and factions ("High Church") that emphasize its Catholic aspects. Anglo-Catholics regard the Anglican church as part of the Catholic Church, and in the unbroken line of the Apostolic Succession. The Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern branches take a position that could be described as saying that the Anglican Church is almost but not quite Catholic. There have long been unification overtures, and Anglican priests who wish to adopt Catholic Holy Orders are often provided with an abbreviated path to that goal.

_______________________

*[http://tcrnews2.com/VaticanCouncil2.html The Reasons for the Second Vatican Council]

Roman Catholic Church

2007-03-21T02:46:08Z

Kara:

Catholic means "universal" and the phrase '''Catholic Church''' refers to the single universal Christian church founded by Peter.

The term "The Catholic church" refers to any one of several Rites, but in the United States is often used synonymously for the largest Rite, the [[Roman Catholic Church]]. Other Rites include the Byzantine, Alexandrian, Syriac, Armenian, Maronite, and Chaldean Rites. The Eastern rites have significant differences in liturgy, history, discipline and hierarchy from the Roman Catholic Church, but still recognize the primacy of the Bishop of Rome (the [[Pope]]) and are in communion with Rome.

These Eastern Rite churches are Catholic, unlike the [[Eastern Orthodox Church]] that split from the Catholic Church during the Great Schism of 1054.

"Catholic" can be opposed to "Protestant." Protestants regard themselves as Christians, but Catholics do not regard Protestants as authentically within the church established by Peter, and do not regard Protestant ministers as being validly ordained. Protestants would of course challenge this, but nevertheless agree that there is a wide separation between Protestant denominations and the churches that refer to themselves as "Catholic."

The Anglican Church (Episcopalian in the United States) occupies an odd situation, because it encompasses within it factions ("Low Church") that emphasize its Protestant aspects and factions ("High Church") that emphasize its Catholic aspects. Anglo-Catholics regard the Anglican church as part of the Catholic Church, and in the unbroken line of the Apostolic Succession. The Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern branches take a position that could be described as saying that the Anglican Church is almost but not quite Catholic. There have long been unification overtures, and Anglican priests who wish to adopt Catholic Holy Orders are often provided with an abbreviated path to that goal.

_______________________

*[http://tcrnews2.com/VaticanCouncil2.html The Reasons for the Second Vatican Council]

John Birch Society

2007-03-21T01:31:47Z

Kara:

The '''John Birch Society''' is an anti-[[Communist]], anti-[[Illuminati]], pro-[[Christian]], [[patriotic]] [[American]] organization.

The organization was founded by [[Robert Welch]] in 1958 to aid America in fighting Communist infiltration of our nation, and have been active ever since, opposing [[collectivist]] infiltration from communists, [[fascists]], the [[United Nations]], and similar front groups.

It was named after [[John Birch]], the first American to die in the [[Cold War]].

The Society works towards educating Americans about the original intent of the Founding Fathers. The John Birch Society strongly believes that the United States is a Constitutional Republic, not a democracy. Although the JBS is considered to be "right-wing", the group has taken many positions contrary to neo-Conservatism.

The official magazine of the John Birch Society is ''The New American''.

== Links ==
[http://www.jbs.org/ The John Birch Society Website]

[http://www.thenewamerican.com/ The New American]

John Birch Society

2007-03-21T01:28:12Z

Kara:

The '''John Birch Society''' is an anti-[[Communist]], anti-[[Illuminati]], pro-[[Christian]], [[patriotic]] [[American]] organization.

The organization was founded by [[Robert Welch]] in 1958 to aid America in fighting Communist infiltration of our nation, and have been active ever since, opposing [[collectivist]] infiltration from communists, [[fascists]], the [[United Nations]], and similar front groups.

It was named after [[John Birch]], the first American to die in the [[Cold War]].

The Society works towards educating Americans about the original intent of the Founding Fathers. The John Birch Society strongly believes that the United States is a Constitutional Republic, not a democracy.

Although the JBS is considered to be "right-wing", the group has taken many positions contrary to neo-Conservatism.

== USA Patriot Act ==
The John Birch Society has taken the position that the Patriot Act could pose more of a threat to personal liberty than to terrorists.{{fact}}

== Iraq ==

The John Birch Society has taken the position that the Bush administration lured the American public into supporting a war that is becoming a global quagmire.

== Links ==
[http://www.jbs.org/ The John Birch Society Website]

John Birch Society

2007-03-21T01:23:07Z

Kara:

The '''John Birch Society''' is an anti-[[Communist]], anti-[[Illuminati]], pro-[[Christian]], [[patriotic]] [[American]] organization.

The organization was founded by [[Robert Welch]] in 1958 to aid America in fighting Communist infiltration of our nation, and have been active ever since, opposing [[collectivist]] infiltration from communists, [[fascists]], the [[United Nations]], and similar front groups.

It was named after [[John Birch]], the first American to die in the [[Cold War]].

The Society works towards educating Americans about the original intent of the Founding Fathers. The John Birch Society strongly believes that the United States is a Constitutional Republic, not a democracy.

== USA Patriot Act ==

The John Birch Society has taken the position that the Patriot Act could pose more of a threat to personal liberty than to terrorists.

== Links ==
[http://www.jbs.org/ The John Birch Society Website]

John Birch Society

2007-03-21T01:18:41Z

Kara:

Coptic Church

2007-03-20T22:28:50Z

Kara:

{{stub}}

The '''Coptic Church of Egypt''' is one of the oldest denominations of Christianity, originating in Alexandria, [[Egypt]] in the 1st century. <ref>http://www.gotquestions.org/Coptic-Christianity.html</ref>

The Coptic Church of Egypt is a non-Chalcedonian Church and is similiar to the [[Eastern Othodox Church]] in ethos, lifestyle, and worship.

Although most of Egypt presently follows Islam, a remnant of the Coptic Church persists to this day in Egypt.

==References==
<references/>

[http://www.goarch.org Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America]

Coptic Church

2007-03-20T22:21:03Z

Kara:

{{stub}}

The '''Coptic Church''' is one of the oldest denominations of Christianity, originating in Alexandria, [[Egypt]] in the 1st century. <ref>http://www.gotquestions.org/Coptic-Christianity.html</ref> Although most of Egypt presently follows Islam, a remnant of the Coptic Church persists to this day in Egypt. Theologically, the church resembles the [[Eastern Orthodox Church]].

==References==
<references/>

Chan Buddhism

2007-03-20T21:12:54Z

Kara:

Chan (Zen) Buddhism is the Indian form of [[Buddhism]].

Feminism

2007-03-20T21:11:30Z

Kara:

Feminism is a philosophy granting equal rights and opportunities to women. Roots of the movement include the Women's Suffrage movement of the early 1900's and the Women's Liberation movement of the 1960's.

==External Links==
*[http://www.feministezine.com/feminist/ The Feminist eZine] Archive of articles about Feminist History.

Debate:What exactly is Conservapedia?

2007-03-20T13:03:42Z

Kara:

What exactly is conservapedia?

==Original discussion from UserTalk:Aschlafly==

I bring this up as a topic of discussion, not a criticism. I wonder if ASchlafly needs to consider reconciling the goals of this site in regards to its format. A wiki is an inherently democratic format...anyone can contribute, and errors are theoretically diluted as more and more people become involved. Over time, experts' edits will outnumber those of vandals and non-experts. The stated goals here, based on what is explicitly written and what has taken place in edits, appears to be less democratic, with an agenda being set from the top down. ASchlafly insists on expert opinion, but when it disagrees with his worldview, he edits articles which fall out of his own expertise. I do not mean in any way to impugn his morals or objectives, but perhaps a wiki is not the best format for him to accomplish his needs. If he wants an online extension of his textbooks, wiki is definitely a poor format to use. IMHO.
Id be interested in comments/responses, and will also post this on my discussion page.

[[User:Palmd001|Palmd001]] 11:04, 19 March 2007 (EDT)

: A wiki need not be a direct democracy, just as most countries are not. It is essential to avoid mob rule. Wikipedia fails in this essential regard. Consevapedia, in contrast, is based on [[rules]], just as the United States is. The democratic forces are properly restrained by the good rules. Likewise here. Thanks. Over time, rule-based democracies (i.e., constitutional republics) are more successful than direct democracies.--[[User:Aschlafly|Aschlafly]] 11:27, 19 March 2007 (EDT)

:: Your idea of "mob rule" seems to be "statements of facts that disagree with your opinions," see e.g. [[Theory of evolution]]. Will you allow commentary on articles that are currently quite poor? That seems a reasonable "goal."--[[User:AmesG|AmesG]] 11:29, 19 March 2007 (EDT)

:Palmd001, I agree with your basic point, and your observation seems to be quite correct. (However, from a technical point of view, a wiki system is very good for publishing a project like this. It has tons of technical advantages.)
:In a way, Aschlafly wants to have the best of all worlds. He wants the popularity/fame that comes from having a frequent editor/visitor base, he wants activity, he wants people contributing as much as possible in a wide variety of topics, but he also wants everybody to stick to his personal worldview. And that last part simply doesn't work when you have open registrations. But with a by-application or by-invitation system, growth and popularity become major issues. --[[User:Sid 3050|Sid 3050]] 11:42, 19 March 2007 (EDT)

Aschlafly, not to be argumentative, but Wikipedia [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=WP:NOT#Wikipedia_is_not_a_democracy doesn't at all intend to be a pure democracy]. Also, perhaps I'm misunderstanding, but are you suggesting that Wikipedia has ''fewer'' rules than Conservapedia? If anything, I'd describe Wikipedia as a large bureaucracy compared to Conservapedia's "[[Conservapedia:Commandments|there is only one rule page]]". --[[User:Interiot|Interiot]] 11:44, 19 March 2007 (EDT)

::I would add that the simplification of the commandments has added to confusion over what is (subtle) vandalism, what is a source, what is opinion, what is appropriate or inappropriate content. The inconsistent enforcement of these commandments has made for an uncomfortable work environment. For instance, here is the February 17 version of the [[John McCain]] page [http://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=John_McCain&oldid=14293]... every edit to that point was made by Aschlafly and it clearly violates many of the commandments. Nothing is sourced, a good deal is opinion and not verifiable. When I cleaned it up by taking out the unsourced opinion, but leaving the unsourced fact, I was accused of removing factual information.

::Further, I would direct you to the revert war going over on [[Physics]]: [http://www.conservapedia.com/index.php?title=Physics&action=history]. The subject of the reverts is whether or not to call the universe "God's Universe" or not. The commandment "give full credit to Christianity" is unclear and the user in favor of "God's universe" seemed to receive confirmation from Aschlafly that this would be appropriate. So ''that'' is the primary reason given for "God's" inclusion with the article. That is not indicative of constitutional republic or a rules based democracy, it is indicative of monarchy. [[User:Myk|Myk]] 12:17, 19 March 2007 (EDT)

''''I was trying to find the reverts - or are they gone permanently since someone decided that it was inappropriate/wrong/whatever?''''[[User:kchittur|kchittur]] 2:50, 19 March 2007 (CDT)

::Check the history, maybe I linked it incorrectly. The gist of the revert war is whether or not physics should be described as "the study of nature, and is the science of studying the laws of the universe" or "the study of nature, and is the science of studying the laws of God's universe." ''(OK, I'll try and navigate the reverts)''

This kind of discussion is exactly what I'm hoping for. Thanks especially to Mr. Schlafly for contributing. If, as you say, Wikipedia is more like a constitutional/representative democracy, then, to carry the analogy further, there should be a limited set of elected or appointed contributors who are trained to follow the commandments and who are true experts in their fields. The "people" would be the subscribers to the site. This still would not be a true Wiki. I am not arguing against your goals--that is your business. I am simply saying that the chosen format does not seem consistent with your goals. For instance, this discussion...
[[User:Palmd001|Palmd001]] 11:55, 19 March 2007 (EDT)

::: Folks, true Wiki's have simple, clear rules. Otherwise it is a mobocracy. Wikipedia has complex, senseless, and arbitrarily enforced rules. Check out [[Bias in Wikipedia]] to see the result. We're like the constitutional republic of the United States. Wikipedia is like the French Revolution.--[[User:Aschlafly|Aschlafly]] 12:32, 19 March 2007 (EDT)

::::May I butt in? I'm new here, but "old" at Wikipedia.

::::I can agree with the "complex" part, but the rules are not entirely senseless. One rule I like is [[Wikipedia:Attribution]], which requires contributors to provide verifiable references for 'facts' which aren't common knowledge or are matters of dispute.
:::::: I have proposed we go one further step toward quality with our attributions. Discussion at [[Conservapedia_Discussions#References]]. [[User:Terryeo|Terryeo]] 15:26, 19 March 2007 (EDT)

::::Enforcement of rules is another matter. I'm "on probation" because of supposedly "tendentious" edits on some issues which are hotly debated by liberals and conservatives, but I haven't appealed that decision. I'd rather just become more congenial. --[[User:Ed Poor|Ed Poor]] 12:37, 19 March 2007 (EDT)
::::: Heh ! I knew that small group of editors had someone in mind when they initiated the "tendentious editing" policy. Good luck [[User:Terryeo|Terryeo]] 15:26, 19 March 2007 (EDT)

Thanks for creating this as a separate article...I think that will be useful.
In response to Mr. Schlafly, I would say that having more, complex rules, as you say Wikipedia does, should help, rather than hurt, as that is what this site seems to need. The Commandments are vague and confusing, leading to arbitrariness.
Another interesting point inherent in the wiki process is this--if someone is "patrolling an agenda", their influence will eventually be diluted out. As thousands of users begin to contribute, "mainstream" voices will predominate, and only an enormous army of sysops/admis will be able to maintain a particular character. If the site attracts mainly conservatives, then there will likely be a bit of a conservative bias, but not more than that.

[[User:Palmd001|Palmd001]] 13:40, 19 March 2007 (EDT)

==Once more==
I'm putting in a header to both inform and to make the page a bit easier to navigate. And once more invite whoever wants to to come to freenode.net via Chatzilla or mIRC or whatever and be able to talk in real-time. [[User:Cracker|Cracker]]<sup>[[User_Talk:Cracker|talk]]</sup>

==Is Conservapedia a Christian Website==
There seems to be a strong predisposition towards Christianity and Biblical literalism. References to works that contradict a literal interpretation of the Bible seem to be deleted on a regular basis. Is this a Christian website? [[User:Myk|Myk]] 18:19, 19 March 2007 (EDT)

An excellent question to which I would like a yes or no answer, but I probably won't get one.
[[User:Palmd001|Palmd001]] 18:29, 19 March 2007 (EDT)

My magic 8-ball says "Yes". --[[User:Scrap|Scrap]] 00:55, 20 March 2007 (EDT)

I am new to the site. This is a valid question. But I would phrase it as Is Conservapedia specifically an anti-Catholic Website? I am an Eastern Orthodox Christian, but I have corrected NUMEROUS errors. It could be that these are spam...or it could be the postings of the original Conservapedia staff. I dont know. I want to be involved if the idea is to correct bias. However, I do not want to be involved if the idea of the site is to promote anti-Catholicism or has the goal to convert individuals to a particular relgious belief.

Frankincense

2007-03-20T12:51:49Z

Kara:

Eastern Orthodox Church

2007-03-20T03:37:14Z

Kara: /* The Sacraments/ Divine Mysteries */

The Orthodox Church is an international federation of patriarchal, autocephalous and autonomous churches. Each church is independent in her internal organization and follows her own particular customs. However, all the churches are united in the same faith and order.

The Orthodox Church acknowledges that unity does not mean uniformity. Each Church is led by a synod of bishops. Among the various bishops, the [[Ecumenical Patriarch]] of Constantinople is accorded a "place of honor" and is regarded as "first among equals."

In America and Western Europe there are a number of dioceses and archdioceses which are directly linked to one of these autocephalous Churches. For example, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese is under the care of the Patriarchate of Constantinople.

== The Great Schism ==

The Great Schism is the title given to separation between the Western Church (the Roman Catholic) and the Eastern Church, (the Orthodox), which took place in the eleventh century.

By the ninth century legitimate differences were intensified by political circumstances, cultural clashes, papal claims, and the introduction in the West of the Filioque phrase into the [[Nicene Creed]]. The Filioque affirms that the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son. Both the papal claims and the Filioque were strongly repudiated by the East.

The Crusades can be considered the final element in the process of estrangement and deepening mistrust. Although there were attempts to restore communion in the years 1274 and 1439, there was no lasting unity achieved.

== Eastern-Rite Catholics ==

The term commonly refers to those Orthodox Christians who left Orthodoxy and acknowledged the jurisdiction of the Pope of Rome while retaining the rites and practices observed by Orthodoxy. The term "uniate" is seen as negative by such individuals, who are more commonly referred to as Catholics of the Byzantine Rite, Greek Catholics, Eastern Rite Catholics, Melkite Catholics, or any number of other titles.

== Tradition ==

The main sources of Orthodox teaching are the Bible and Sacred Tradition. The third source is the writings of the so-called Apostolic Fathers and the Apologists. The fourth source is decisions of the canonical synods, local and ecumenical, and their utterances of faith, especially the Symbol of Faith (Nicene Creed) and some of their canons pertaining to faith. The fifth source is the discourses written at the time of disputes and schisms, especially the Great Schism between the Eastern and Western parts of the Undivided Church (1054). The sixth source is a variety of discourses written after the Protestant Reformation; these documents critique the various errors of Protestantism and Roman Catholicism.

The Bible is viewed as only one expression of God's revelation in the on-going life of His people. Scripture is part of the treasure of Faith which is known as Tradition. Tradition means that which is "handed on" from one generation to another.

== Original Sin ==

Orthodoxy believes that, while everyone bears the consequences of the first sin, the foremost of which is death, only Adam and Eve are guilty of that sin.

== Sin ==

In the Orthodox Church there are no "categories" of sin as found in the Christian West.
In the pre-Vatican II Roman Catholic catechism, sins were categorized as "mortal" and "venial." These categories do not exist in the Orthodox Church. Sin is sin.

== Canonization of Saints ==

The Orthodox Church does not follow any official procedure for the "recognition" of saints. Initially the Church accepted as saints those who had suffered martyrdom for Christ. The saints are saints thanks to the grace of God, and they do not need official ecclesiastical recognition.

Recently, in order to avoid abuses, the Ecumenical Patriarchate has issued special encyclical letters (tomoi) in which the Holy Synod "recognizes" or accepts the popular feelings about a saint. Such an example in our days is St. Nicodemos of the Holy Mountain (1955).

== Theotokos ==

Orthodoxy teaches that the Mother of God was sinless of her own free will and that she remains ever-virgin. Orthodox Christians do not "pray to" the Mother of God instead of God. However, they do seek her intercession before her Son. The Roman Catholic doctrine of the Immaculate Conception (the belief that the Virgin Mary was born without original sin) is foreign to Orthodox Christianity.

== Fasting ==

Fasting as practiced in the Orthodox Church means abstinence from meat, fish, dairy products, olive oil, and wine. Total abstinence is reserved for the fast of several hours duration preceding Holy Communion. The rules for fasting prescribed by the holy canons are quite rigid. Most Orthodox Christians today find it difficult to uphold the traditional practice for the length of time prescribed.

== Calculation of Pascha ==

According to the ruling of the First Ecumenical Synod in 325, Easter Sunday should fall on the Sunday which follows the first full moon after the vernal equinox. If the full moon happens to fall on a Sunday, Easter is observed the following Sunday. The day taken to be the invariable date of the vernal equinox is March 21.

The Orthodox Church continues to base its calculations for the date of Easter on the Julian Calendar, which was in use at the time of the First Ecumenical Synod. Western Christians observe the date of the vernal equinox on March 21 according to the Gregorian Calendar.

<gallery>
Image:Pascha.jpg|Celebration of Pascha
</gallery>

== The Sacraments/ Divine Mysteries ==

The Orthodox Church uses the Greek word mysterion, instead of sacrament, to denote the divinely instituted rites which manifest sanctifying divine grace. Mysterion means anything hidden or incomprehensible. Its chief meaning is linked to the hidden and secret Will of God related to the salvation of the world, now manifest in Jesus Christ, the Incarnate Word (Logos).

The mysteries are effective when two basic conditions are observed. First, the ministers of the mysteries must be canonically ordained and in canonical order with the Church. Second, they must be "ordained" to conduct the prescribed rites of the Church because the rites express the faith of the Church.

The Orthodox Church has never formally determined a particular number of Sacraments.

The '''Holy Eucharist''', which is known as the Divine Liturgy, is the central and most important worship experience of the Orthodox Church. All the other Sacraments of the Church lead toward and flow from the Eucharist.

Communion is restricted to Orthodox Christians who are in full communion with the Church.

Through the three-fold immersion in the waters of '''Baptism''' in the Name of the Holy Trinity, one dies to the old ways of sin and is born to a new life in Christ. Orthodoxy encourages the baptism of infants. The Baptism of adults is practiced when there was no previous baptism in the name of the Holy Trinity.

<gallery>
Image:Baptism.jpg|Eastern Orthodox Baptism
</gallery>

The Sacrament of '''Chrismation''' (Confirmation) immediately follows baptism and is never delayed until a later age. In the Sacrament of Chrismation, the priest anoints the various parts of the body of the newly-baptized with Holy Oil. The Sacraments of initiation always are concluded with the distribution of Holy Communion to the newly-baptized. There is never a time when the young are not part of God's people.

Chrismation imparts the gifts of the Holy Spirit (Is. 11:23 and Gal. 5:22). Chrismation is called the seal (sphragis). Chrismation, once canonically performed, cannot be repeated. Chrismation is also a sacrament of reconciliation.

The chrism (Holy Myron) that is used for the ritual anointing is a mixture of olive oil, balsam, wine, and some forty aromatic substances. Chrism is prepared and consecrated periodically on Holy Thursday. By ancient custom the right to prepare and consecrate the chrism belongs to the bishop and its administration to the presbyters. Each autocephalous Orthodox Chruch has the right to prepare and consecrate chrism.

'''Confession''' is the Sacrament through which sins are forgiven, and the relationship to God and to others is restored and strengthened. According to Orthodox teaching, the penitent confess to God and is forgiven by God. The priest is the sacramental witness.

Through the Sacrament of '''marriage''', a man and a woman are publicly joined as husband and wife. There are no vows in the Sacrament. Orthodox Christians may not be married in non-Orthodox ceremonies and remain "in good standing" with the Orthodox Church. It is not permitted for an Orthodox Christian to be married to an individual who has not been baptized, regardless of whether they are of the Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, or other faith.

While the Church stands opposed to divorce, the Church, in its concern for the salvation of its people, does permit divorced individuals to marry a second and even a third time. The Order of the Second or Third Marriage is somewhat different than that celebrated as a first marriage and it bears a penitential character.

The Holy Spirit preserved the continuity of the Church through the Sacrament of '''Holy Orders'''. Through ordination, men who have been chosen from within the Church are set apart by the Church for special service to the Church. Each is viewed as a living icon of Christ among His people. Only a Bishop may ordain. The Orthodox Church permits men to marry before they are ordained. Since the sixth century, Bishops have been chosen from the celibate clergy.

The Orthodox Church precludes the ordination of women to the priesthood and episcopacy.
Orthodoxy does not see the priesthood has a "right" or a "privilege." It does not understand ordination to the priesthood as a matter of justice or equality. No one has the "right" to ordination (even males).

The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, or '''Holy Unction''' as it is also known, reminds the faithful that when in pain, either physical, emotional, or spiritual, Christ is present through the ministry of his Church. Orthodoxy does not view this Sacrament as available only to those who are near death. It is offered to all who are sick in body, mind, or spirit. The Church celebrates the Sacrament for all its members during Holy week on Holy Wednesday.

== The House of God ==

When one enters the interior of the Orthodox church it is like stepping into a whole new world of color and light.

The interior of an Orthodox church is frequently very beautiful. Orthodoxy recognizes that beauty is an important dimension of human life. As the pious woman poured her most precious oil on the feet of Our Lord, Orthodoxy seeks always to offer to God what is best and most beautiful.

<gallery>
Image:Church3.jpg|Inside Church Building
</gallery>

== Monasticism ==

The monastic men and women in Orthodoxy are usually restricted to monasteries and do not normally participate in the active ministry of the Church. Orthodox monastic life is contemplative -- there are no monastic "orders" devoted to teaching, social work, etc., such as one would find in Roman Catholicism.

[[Image:Nun.jpg]]

== References ==

[http://www.goarch.org Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America]

[http://www.oca.org Orthodox Church in America]

[http://www.flickr.com Flickr Public Photos]

== External Links ==

[http://www.ancientfaithradio.com Orthodox Internet Radio]

[http://www.goarch.org Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America]

[http://www.oca.org Orthodox Church in America]

[http://www.ec-patr.org Official Web Site For Ecumenical Patriarchate]

[[Category:Religion]]

Eastern Orthodox Church

2007-03-20T03:26:31Z

Kara: /* The House of God */

The Orthodox Church is an international federation of patriarchal, autocephalous and autonomous churches. Each church is independent in her internal organization and follows her own particular customs. However, all the churches are united in the same faith and order.

The Orthodox Church acknowledges that unity does not mean uniformity. Each Church is led by a synod of bishops. Among the various bishops, the [[Ecumenical Patriarch]] of Constantinople is accorded a "place of honor" and is regarded as "first among equals."

In America and Western Europe there are a number of dioceses and archdioceses which are directly linked to one of these autocephalous Churches. For example, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese is under the care of the Patriarchate of Constantinople.

== The Great Schism ==

The Great Schism is the title given to separation between the Western Church (the Roman Catholic) and the Eastern Church, (the Orthodox), which took place in the eleventh century.

By the ninth century legitimate differences were intensified by political circumstances, cultural clashes, papal claims, and the introduction in the West of the Filioque phrase into the [[Nicene Creed]]. The Filioque affirms that the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son. Both the papal claims and the Filioque were strongly repudiated by the East.

The Crusades can be considered the final element in the process of estrangement and deepening mistrust. Although there were attempts to restore communion in the years 1274 and 1439, there was no lasting unity achieved.

== Eastern-Rite Catholics ==

The term commonly refers to those Orthodox Christians who left Orthodoxy and acknowledged the jurisdiction of the Pope of Rome while retaining the rites and practices observed by Orthodoxy. The term "uniate" is seen as negative by such individuals, who are more commonly referred to as Catholics of the Byzantine Rite, Greek Catholics, Eastern Rite Catholics, Melkite Catholics, or any number of other titles.

== Tradition ==

The main sources of Orthodox teaching are the Bible and Sacred Tradition. The third source is the writings of the so-called Apostolic Fathers and the Apologists. The fourth source is decisions of the canonical synods, local and ecumenical, and their utterances of faith, especially the Symbol of Faith (Nicene Creed) and some of their canons pertaining to faith. The fifth source is the discourses written at the time of disputes and schisms, especially the Great Schism between the Eastern and Western parts of the Undivided Church (1054). The sixth source is a variety of discourses written after the Protestant Reformation; these documents critique the various errors of Protestantism and Roman Catholicism.

The Bible is viewed as only one expression of God's revelation in the on-going life of His people. Scripture is part of the treasure of Faith which is known as Tradition. Tradition means that which is "handed on" from one generation to another.

== Original Sin ==

Orthodoxy believes that, while everyone bears the consequences of the first sin, the foremost of which is death, only Adam and Eve are guilty of that sin.

== Sin ==

In the Orthodox Church there are no "categories" of sin as found in the Christian West.
In the pre-Vatican II Roman Catholic catechism, sins were categorized as "mortal" and "venial." These categories do not exist in the Orthodox Church. Sin is sin.

== Canonization of Saints ==

The Orthodox Church does not follow any official procedure for the "recognition" of saints. Initially the Church accepted as saints those who had suffered martyrdom for Christ. The saints are saints thanks to the grace of God, and they do not need official ecclesiastical recognition.

Recently, in order to avoid abuses, the Ecumenical Patriarchate has issued special encyclical letters (tomoi) in which the Holy Synod "recognizes" or accepts the popular feelings about a saint. Such an example in our days is St. Nicodemos of the Holy Mountain (1955).

== Theotokos ==

Orthodoxy teaches that the Mother of God was sinless of her own free will and that she remains ever-virgin. Orthodox Christians do not "pray to" the Mother of God instead of God. However, they do seek her intercession before her Son. The Roman Catholic doctrine of the Immaculate Conception (the belief that the Virgin Mary was born without original sin) is foreign to Orthodox Christianity.

== Fasting ==

Fasting as practiced in the Orthodox Church means abstinence from meat, fish, dairy products, olive oil, and wine. Total abstinence is reserved for the fast of several hours duration preceding Holy Communion. The rules for fasting prescribed by the holy canons are quite rigid. Most Orthodox Christians today find it difficult to uphold the traditional practice for the length of time prescribed.

== Calculation of Pascha ==

According to the ruling of the First Ecumenical Synod in 325, Easter Sunday should fall on the Sunday which follows the first full moon after the vernal equinox. If the full moon happens to fall on a Sunday, Easter is observed the following Sunday. The day taken to be the invariable date of the vernal equinox is March 21.

The Orthodox Church continues to base its calculations for the date of Easter on the Julian Calendar, which was in use at the time of the First Ecumenical Synod. Western Christians observe the date of the vernal equinox on March 21 according to the Gregorian Calendar.

<gallery>
Image:Pascha.jpg|Celebration of Pascha
</gallery>

== The Sacraments/ Divine Mysteries ==

The Orthodox Church uses the Greek word mysterion, instead of sacrament, to denote the divinely instituted rites which manifest sanctifying divine grace. Mysterion means anything hidden or incomprehensible. Its chief meaning is linked to the hidden and secret Will of God related to the salvation of the world, now manifest in Jesus Christ, the Incarnate Word (Logos).

The mysteries are effective when two basic conditions are observed. First, the ministers of the mysteries must be canonically ordained and in canonical order with the Church. Second, they must be "ordained" to conduct the prescribed rites of the Church because the rites express the faith of the Church.

The Orthodox Church has never formally determined a particular number of Sacraments.

The '''Holy Eucharist''', which is known as the Divine Liturgy, is the central and most important worship experience of the Orthodox Church. All the other Sacraments of the Church lead toward and flow from the Eucharist.

Communion is restricted to Orthodox Christians who are in full communion with the Church.

Through the three-fold immersion in the waters of '''Baptism''' in the Name of the Holy Trinity, one dies to the old ways of sin and is born to a new life in Christ. Orthodoxy encourages the baptism of infants. The Baptism of adults is practiced when there was no previous baptism in the name of the Holy Trinity.

The Sacrament of '''Chrismation''' (Confirmation) immediately follows baptism and is never delayed until a later age. In the Sacrament of Chrismation, the priest anoints the various parts of the body of the newly-baptized with Holy Oil. The Sacraments of initiation always are concluded with the distribution of Holy Communion to the newly-baptized. There is never a time when the young are not part of God's people.

Chrismation imparts the gifts of the Holy Spirit (Is. 11:23 and Gal. 5:22). Chrismation is called the seal (sphragis). Chrismation, once canonically performed, cannot be repeated. Chrismation is also a sacrament of reconciliation.

The chrism (Holy Myron) that is used for the ritual anointing is a mixture of olive oil, balsam, wine, and some forty aromatic substances. Chrism is prepared and consecrated periodically on Holy Thursday. By ancient custom the right to prepare and consecrate the chrism belongs to the bishop and its administration to the presbyters. Each autocephalous Orthodox Chruch has the right to prepare and consecrate chrism.

'''Confession''' is the Sacrament through which sins are forgiven, and the relationship to God and to others is restored and strengthened. According to Orthodox teaching, the penitent confess to God and is forgiven by God. The priest is the sacramental witness.

Through the Sacrament of '''marriage''', a man and a woman are publicly joined as husband and wife. There are no vows in the Sacrament. Orthodox Christians may not be married in non-Orthodox ceremonies and remain "in good standing" with the Orthodox Church. It is not permitted for an Orthodox Christian to be married to an individual who has not been baptized, regardless of whether they are of the Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, or other faith.

While the Church stands opposed to divorce, the Church, in its concern for the salvation of its people, does permit divorced individuals to marry a second and even a third time. The Order of the Second or Third Marriage is somewhat different than that celebrated as a first marriage and it bears a penitential character.

The Holy Spirit preserved the continuity of the Church through the Sacrament of '''Holy Orders'''. Through ordination, men who have been chosen from within the Church are set apart by the Church for special service to the Church. Each is viewed as a living icon of Christ among His people. Only a Bishop may ordain. The Orthodox Church permits men to marry before they are ordained. Since the sixth century, Bishops have been chosen from the celibate clergy.

The Orthodox Church precludes the ordination of women to the priesthood and episcopacy.
Orthodoxy does not see the priesthood has a "right" or a "privilege." It does not understand ordination to the priesthood as a matter of justice or equality. No one has the "right" to ordination (even males).

The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, or '''Holy Unction''' as it is also known, reminds the faithful that when in pain, either physical, emotional, or spiritual, Christ is present through the ministry of his Church. Orthodoxy does not view this Sacrament as available only to those who are near death. It is offered to all who are sick in body, mind, or spirit. The Church celebrates the Sacrament for all its members during Holy week on Holy Wednesday.

== The House of God ==

When one enters the interior of the Orthodox church it is like stepping into a whole new world of color and light.

The interior of an Orthodox church is frequently very beautiful. Orthodoxy recognizes that beauty is an important dimension of human life. As the pious woman poured her most precious oil on the feet of Our Lord, Orthodoxy seeks always to offer to God what is best and most beautiful.

<gallery>
Image:Church3.jpg|Inside Church Building
</gallery>

== Monasticism ==

The monastic men and women in Orthodoxy are usually restricted to monasteries and do not normally participate in the active ministry of the Church. Orthodox monastic life is contemplative -- there are no monastic "orders" devoted to teaching, social work, etc., such as one would find in Roman Catholicism.

[[Image:Nun.jpg]]

== References ==

[http://www.goarch.org Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America]

[http://www.oca.org Orthodox Church in America]

[http://www.flickr.com Flickr Public Photos]

== External Links ==

[http://www.ancientfaithradio.com Orthodox Internet Radio]

[http://www.goarch.org Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America]

[http://www.oca.org Orthodox Church in America]

[http://www.ec-patr.org Official Web Site For Ecumenical Patriarchate]

[[Category:Religion]]

Eastern Orthodox Church

2007-03-20T03:24:33Z

Kara: /* Calculation of Pascha */

The Orthodox Church is an international federation of patriarchal, autocephalous and autonomous churches. Each church is independent in her internal organization and follows her own particular customs. However, all the churches are united in the same faith and order.

The Orthodox Church acknowledges that unity does not mean uniformity. Each Church is led by a synod of bishops. Among the various bishops, the [[Ecumenical Patriarch]] of Constantinople is accorded a "place of honor" and is regarded as "first among equals."

In America and Western Europe there are a number of dioceses and archdioceses which are directly linked to one of these autocephalous Churches. For example, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese is under the care of the Patriarchate of Constantinople.

== The Great Schism ==

The Great Schism is the title given to separation between the Western Church (the Roman Catholic) and the Eastern Church, (the Orthodox), which took place in the eleventh century.

By the ninth century legitimate differences were intensified by political circumstances, cultural clashes, papal claims, and the introduction in the West of the Filioque phrase into the [[Nicene Creed]]. The Filioque affirms that the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son. Both the papal claims and the Filioque were strongly repudiated by the East.

The Crusades can be considered the final element in the process of estrangement and deepening mistrust. Although there were attempts to restore communion in the years 1274 and 1439, there was no lasting unity achieved.

== Eastern-Rite Catholics ==

The term commonly refers to those Orthodox Christians who left Orthodoxy and acknowledged the jurisdiction of the Pope of Rome while retaining the rites and practices observed by Orthodoxy. The term "uniate" is seen as negative by such individuals, who are more commonly referred to as Catholics of the Byzantine Rite, Greek Catholics, Eastern Rite Catholics, Melkite Catholics, or any number of other titles.

== Tradition ==

The main sources of Orthodox teaching are the Bible and Sacred Tradition. The third source is the writings of the so-called Apostolic Fathers and the Apologists. The fourth source is decisions of the canonical synods, local and ecumenical, and their utterances of faith, especially the Symbol of Faith (Nicene Creed) and some of their canons pertaining to faith. The fifth source is the discourses written at the time of disputes and schisms, especially the Great Schism between the Eastern and Western parts of the Undivided Church (1054). The sixth source is a variety of discourses written after the Protestant Reformation; these documents critique the various errors of Protestantism and Roman Catholicism.

The Bible is viewed as only one expression of God's revelation in the on-going life of His people. Scripture is part of the treasure of Faith which is known as Tradition. Tradition means that which is "handed on" from one generation to another.

== Original Sin ==

Orthodoxy believes that, while everyone bears the consequences of the first sin, the foremost of which is death, only Adam and Eve are guilty of that sin.

== Sin ==

In the Orthodox Church there are no "categories" of sin as found in the Christian West.
In the pre-Vatican II Roman Catholic catechism, sins were categorized as "mortal" and "venial." These categories do not exist in the Orthodox Church. Sin is sin.

== Canonization of Saints ==

The Orthodox Church does not follow any official procedure for the "recognition" of saints. Initially the Church accepted as saints those who had suffered martyrdom for Christ. The saints are saints thanks to the grace of God, and they do not need official ecclesiastical recognition.

Recently, in order to avoid abuses, the Ecumenical Patriarchate has issued special encyclical letters (tomoi) in which the Holy Synod "recognizes" or accepts the popular feelings about a saint. Such an example in our days is St. Nicodemos of the Holy Mountain (1955).

== Theotokos ==

Orthodoxy teaches that the Mother of God was sinless of her own free will and that she remains ever-virgin. Orthodox Christians do not "pray to" the Mother of God instead of God. However, they do seek her intercession before her Son. The Roman Catholic doctrine of the Immaculate Conception (the belief that the Virgin Mary was born without original sin) is foreign to Orthodox Christianity.

== Fasting ==

Fasting as practiced in the Orthodox Church means abstinence from meat, fish, dairy products, olive oil, and wine. Total abstinence is reserved for the fast of several hours duration preceding Holy Communion. The rules for fasting prescribed by the holy canons are quite rigid. Most Orthodox Christians today find it difficult to uphold the traditional practice for the length of time prescribed.

== Calculation of Pascha ==

According to the ruling of the First Ecumenical Synod in 325, Easter Sunday should fall on the Sunday which follows the first full moon after the vernal equinox. If the full moon happens to fall on a Sunday, Easter is observed the following Sunday. The day taken to be the invariable date of the vernal equinox is March 21.

The Orthodox Church continues to base its calculations for the date of Easter on the Julian Calendar, which was in use at the time of the First Ecumenical Synod. Western Christians observe the date of the vernal equinox on March 21 according to the Gregorian Calendar.

<gallery>
Image:Pascha.jpg|Celebration of Pascha
</gallery>

== The Sacraments/ Divine Mysteries ==

The Orthodox Church uses the Greek word mysterion, instead of sacrament, to denote the divinely instituted rites which manifest sanctifying divine grace. Mysterion means anything hidden or incomprehensible. Its chief meaning is linked to the hidden and secret Will of God related to the salvation of the world, now manifest in Jesus Christ, the Incarnate Word (Logos).

The mysteries are effective when two basic conditions are observed. First, the ministers of the mysteries must be canonically ordained and in canonical order with the Church. Second, they must be "ordained" to conduct the prescribed rites of the Church because the rites express the faith of the Church.

The Orthodox Church has never formally determined a particular number of Sacraments.

The '''Holy Eucharist''', which is known as the Divine Liturgy, is the central and most important worship experience of the Orthodox Church. All the other Sacraments of the Church lead toward and flow from the Eucharist.

Communion is restricted to Orthodox Christians who are in full communion with the Church.

Through the three-fold immersion in the waters of '''Baptism''' in the Name of the Holy Trinity, one dies to the old ways of sin and is born to a new life in Christ. Orthodoxy encourages the baptism of infants. The Baptism of adults is practiced when there was no previous baptism in the name of the Holy Trinity.

The Sacrament of '''Chrismation''' (Confirmation) immediately follows baptism and is never delayed until a later age. In the Sacrament of Chrismation, the priest anoints the various parts of the body of the newly-baptized with Holy Oil. The Sacraments of initiation always are concluded with the distribution of Holy Communion to the newly-baptized. There is never a time when the young are not part of God's people.

Chrismation imparts the gifts of the Holy Spirit (Is. 11:23 and Gal. 5:22). Chrismation is called the seal (sphragis). Chrismation, once canonically performed, cannot be repeated. Chrismation is also a sacrament of reconciliation.

The chrism (Holy Myron) that is used for the ritual anointing is a mixture of olive oil, balsam, wine, and some forty aromatic substances. Chrism is prepared and consecrated periodically on Holy Thursday. By ancient custom the right to prepare and consecrate the chrism belongs to the bishop and its administration to the presbyters. Each autocephalous Orthodox Chruch has the right to prepare and consecrate chrism.

'''Confession''' is the Sacrament through which sins are forgiven, and the relationship to God and to others is restored and strengthened. According to Orthodox teaching, the penitent confess to God and is forgiven by God. The priest is the sacramental witness.

Through the Sacrament of '''marriage''', a man and a woman are publicly joined as husband and wife. There are no vows in the Sacrament. Orthodox Christians may not be married in non-Orthodox ceremonies and remain "in good standing" with the Orthodox Church. It is not permitted for an Orthodox Christian to be married to an individual who has not been baptized, regardless of whether they are of the Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, or other faith.

While the Church stands opposed to divorce, the Church, in its concern for the salvation of its people, does permit divorced individuals to marry a second and even a third time. The Order of the Second or Third Marriage is somewhat different than that celebrated as a first marriage and it bears a penitential character.

The Holy Spirit preserved the continuity of the Church through the Sacrament of '''Holy Orders'''. Through ordination, men who have been chosen from within the Church are set apart by the Church for special service to the Church. Each is viewed as a living icon of Christ among His people. Only a Bishop may ordain. The Orthodox Church permits men to marry before they are ordained. Since the sixth century, Bishops have been chosen from the celibate clergy.

The Orthodox Church precludes the ordination of women to the priesthood and episcopacy.
Orthodoxy does not see the priesthood has a "right" or a "privilege." It does not understand ordination to the priesthood as a matter of justice or equality. No one has the "right" to ordination (even males).

The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, or '''Holy Unction''' as it is also known, reminds the faithful that when in pain, either physical, emotional, or spiritual, Christ is present through the ministry of his Church. Orthodoxy does not view this Sacrament as available only to those who are near death. It is offered to all who are sick in body, mind, or spirit. The Church celebrates the Sacrament for all its members during Holy week on Holy Wednesday.

== The House of God ==

When one enters the interior of the Orthodox church it is like stepping into a whole new world of color and light.

The interior of an Orthodox church is frequently very beautiful. Orthodoxy recognizes that beauty is an important dimension of human life. As the pious woman poured her most precious oil on the feet of Our Lord, Orthodoxy seeks always to offer to God what is best and most beautiful.

[[Image:Church3.jpg]]

== Monasticism ==

The monastic men and women in Orthodoxy are usually restricted to monasteries and do not normally participate in the active ministry of the Church. Orthodox monastic life is contemplative -- there are no monastic "orders" devoted to teaching, social work, etc., such as one would find in Roman Catholicism.

[[Image:Nun.jpg]]

== References ==

[http://www.goarch.org Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America]

[http://www.oca.org Orthodox Church in America]

[http://www.flickr.com Flickr Public Photos]

== External Links ==

[http://www.ancientfaithradio.com Orthodox Internet Radio]

[http://www.goarch.org Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America]

[http://www.oca.org Orthodox Church in America]

[http://www.ec-patr.org Official Web Site For Ecumenical Patriarchate]

[[Category:Religion]]

Name day

2007-03-20T02:27:56Z

Kara: New page: == Name Day == A Name Day is a day of celebration in place of a birthday by members of the Eastern Orthodox Church. All those persons having a particular Saint's name rejoice on the s...

== Name Day ==

A Name Day is a day of celebration in place of a birthday by members of the [[Eastern Orthodox Church]]. All those persons having a particular Saint's name rejoice on the same day. Observing your name-day is considered to be spiritually important.

Frankincense

2007-03-20T02:01:39Z

Kara:

'''Frankincense''' is an aromatic resin. It is used in incense and in perfumes. It was one of the three [[Gifts of the Magi]], along with [[gold]] and [[myrrh]]. Today frankincense is available, but is costly.

[[Incense]] is still used by the [[Roman Catholic Church]], the [[Eastern Orthodox Church]], and various other Christian denominations. Incense is also used by other religious faiths.

Saint Patrick

2007-03-19T23:38:18Z

Kara:

Saint Patrick of Ireland was a [[Roman Catholic]] missionary believed to have converted virtually the entire island of [[Ireland]] to [[Christianity]]. Much about him remains a mystery.

The [[Eastern Orthodox Church]] teaches that he was the son of a deacon and a grandson of a priest. The Orthodox Church refers to him as Saint Patrick, the Enlightener of Ireland.

==Life as a Slave==
He was captured as a teenager in Britain and sold as a slave in Ireland, where he herded animals on Mount Slemish, near Belfast. After six years of this, he escaped.

==Dream==
When Patrick was in his forties, he had a vivid dream that told him to return to Ireland. He wrote in his ''Confession'':<ref name="AmericanMinute">[http://www.amerisearch.net/index.php?date=2004-03-17&view=View American Minute] for March 17th</ref>
{{QuoteBox|In the depth of the night, I saw a man named Victoricus coming as if from Ireland, with innumerable letters, and he gave me one and while I was reading I thought I heard the voice of those near the western sea call out: 'Please, holy boy, come and walk among us again.' Their cry pierced my very heart, and I could read no more, and so I awoke.}}
Patrick risked his life by returning to Ireland and attempting to convert the ferocious [[Druid]]s who ruled the island. He used the symbol of the three-leaf clover to educate the Irish about the [[Trinity]].

==Conversion==
Patrick baptized 120,000 Irish and established 300 churches. According to legend, Patrick banished the snakes from Ireland, as there are no snakes there to this day. Some regard the snakes as a metaphor representing heathen religions.

==Reflection and Death==
Patrick wrote about his life:<ref name="AmericanMinute"/>
{{QuoteBox|Patrick the sinner, an unlearned man to be sure. None should ever say that it was my ignorance that accomplished any small thing, it was the gift of God.}}
He is believed to have died on March 17, 461 [[A.D.]]

[[Image:Patrick1.jpg]]

== References ==
<references/>

[http://www.goarch.org Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America]

[http://www.flickr.com Flickr Public Photos]

File:Patrick1.jpg

2007-03-19T23:37:08Z

Kara:

Saint Patrick

2007-03-19T23:30:36Z

Kara:

Saint Patrick of Ireland was a [[Roman Catholic]] missionary believed to have converted virtually the entire island of [[Ireland]] to [[Christianity]]. Much about him remains a mystery.

The [[Eastern Orthodox Church]] teaches that he was the son of a deacon and a grandson of a priest. The Orthodox Church refers to him as Saint Patrick, the Enlightener of Ireland.

==Life as a Slave==
He was captured as a teenager in Britain and sold as a slave in Ireland, where he herded animals on Mount Slemish, near Belfast. After six years of this, he escaped.

==Dream==
When Patrick was in his forties, he had a vivid dream that told him to return to Ireland. He wrote in his ''Confession'':<ref name="AmericanMinute">[http://www.amerisearch.net/index.php?date=2004-03-17&view=View American Minute] for March 17th</ref>
{{QuoteBox|In the depth of the night, I saw a man named Victoricus coming as if from Ireland, with innumerable letters, and he gave me one and while I was reading I thought I heard the voice of those near the western sea call out: 'Please, holy boy, come and walk among us again.' Their cry pierced my very heart, and I could read no more, and so I awoke.}}
Patrick risked his life by returning to Ireland and attempting to convert the ferocious [[Druid]]s who ruled the island. He used the symbol of the three-leaf clover to educate the Irish about the [[Trinity]].

==Conversion==
Patrick baptized 120,000 Irish and established 300 churches. According to legend, Patrick banished the snakes from Ireland, as there are no snakes there to this day. Some regard the snakes as a metaphor representing heathen religions.

==Reflection and Death==
Patrick wrote about his life:<ref name="AmericanMinute"/>
{{QuoteBox|Patrick the sinner, an unlearned man to be sure. None should ever say that it was my ignorance that accomplished any small thing, it was the gift of God.}}
He is believed to have died on March 17, 461 [[A.D.]]

== References ==
<references/>

[http://www.goarch.org Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America]

Icon

2007-03-19T18:18:13Z

Kara:

== Icon ==

The word "icon" comes from the Greek "eikon" which mean "image".

An icon is a holy image which is the distinctive art form of the [[Eastern Orthodox Church]]. The icon may be a painting of wood, on canvas, a mosaic or a fresco. The icon is not simply decorative, inspirational, or educational.

Many Orthodox churches have icons not only on the iconostasion but also on the walls, ceilings, and in arches. In the ceiling or dome is the icon of Christ the Almighty, the Pantocrator. The icon portrays the Triumphant Christ who reigns as Lord of heaven and earth.

The Eastern Orthodox Church does not permit icons representing God the Father. In addition, icons cannot be 3 dimensional (statues). The Eastern Orthodox Church also does not permit the Virgin Mary to be depicted in an icon without Christ (except for the icon of the Annunciation).

The [[Iconoclastic controversy]] was a dispute over the veneration of icons within Christianity.

[[Image:Icon2.jpg]]

== References ==

[http://www.goarch.org Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America]

[http://www.flickr.com Flickr Public Photos]

Icon

2007-03-19T18:11:21Z

Kara:

== Icon ==

The word "icon" comes from the Greek "eikon" which mean "image".

An icon is a holy image which is the distinctive art form of the [[Eastern Orthodox Church]]. The icon may be a painting of wood, on canvas, a mosaic or a fresco. The icon is not simply decorative, inspirational, or educational.

Many Orthodox churches have icons not only on the iconostasion but also on the walls, ceilings, and in arches. In the ceiling or dome is the icon of Christ the Almighty, the Pantocrator. The icon portrays the Triumphant Christ who reigns as Lord of heaven and earth.

The [[Iconoclastic controversy]] was a dispute over the veneration of icons within Christianity.

[[Image:Icon2.jpg]]

== References ==

[http://www.goarch.org Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America]

[http://www.flickr.com Flickr Public Photos]

File:Icon2.jpg

2007-03-19T18:09:52Z

Kara:

Icon

2007-03-19T16:52:28Z

Kara:

Icon

2007-03-19T16:50:50Z

Kara:

Icon

2007-03-19T16:48:56Z

Kara: