Õigeusk

Õigeusk, also known as Orthodoxy, refers to the Eastern Orthodox Church, one of the oldest Christian denominations. It traces its roots back to the original Church founded by Jesus Christ and his apostles. The term "Orthodox" means "correct belief" or "right glory," emphasizing its adherence to the teachings and traditions passed down through the centuries.

The Eastern Orthodox Church is characterized by its rich liturgical tradition, including ancient services filled with chanting, icons, and incense. Icons, which are sacred images, play a significant role in Orthodox worship and spirituality, serving as windows into the divine. The Church is structured around a synodal system, with autocephalous (self-governing) national churches, each led by a patriarch or archbishop.

Key theological tenets of Orthodoxy include the belief in the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), the divinity of Jesus Christ, and the importance of the Sacraments. The Church emphasizes theosis, or deification, the process by which believers become united with God. The Bible and the tradition of the Church Fathers are considered authoritative sources of faith and practice.

Historically, the Great Schism of 1054 is a pivotal event, marking the formal separation between the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Western Roman Catholic Church. While sharing many common roots, theological and liturgical differences contributed to this division. Today, the Eastern Orthodox Church is a global communion with millions of followers, particularly in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Africa.