Welcome to Orthodox Basics
The primary purpose of this website is to provide laypeople and anyone with even the slightest interest in the Orthodox faith with fundamental information and a clearer understanding of the foundations of our beliefs and practices.
Introducing Orthodox Christianity: Faith, Tradition, and Purpose
The central point of our faith is Jesus Christ of Nazareth, our Lord and Savior. He was made flesh by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary, whom we rightly call the Theotokos. As the Creator of all things, He brought everything into existence through His boundless might. In His divine love, He entered creation to save us from sin, which leads to eternal death. In His holy goodness, God descended from above to grant us eternal life.
Our Triune God desires a relationship with us through His Holy Spirit and calls us to partake in the body of His Church.
While a foundational understanding of our faith is valuable and essential for deepening one’s beliefs, defending them, and appreciating their significance, faith itself is not measured by theological knowledge or academic credentials. Rather, it is rooted in the relationship we cultivate with Him and the trust we place in our Lord. It is defined by our willingness to take up our cross, follow Him, and do the will of our Father in heaven. Ultimately, faith is a way of life.
At its core, our faith calls us to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, and mind, while also loving our neighbors as ourselves, as spoken in Matthew 22:37-40.
Each person must ask themselves: Are we willing to repent and turn away from a sinful life?
When Jesus died and rose again, He did not leave us without guidance. He entrusted us with His Church and sent the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, to lead us into all truth and guide us toward Life. The Orthodox Church is the continuation of God’s covenant, fulfilling what was delivered to the Children of Israel by the prophets and realized in Jesus Christ for the entire world, as proclaimed by the Apostles. Because of this, the Orthodox Church is often called the New Israel. Through the body of the Church, we become children of God, participating in the New Covenant.
This website serves as a starting point for those seeking to learn about Christ, His saints, His Church, and Her teachings. May it provide guidance and encouragement as you grow in your spiritual journey.