Itäortodoksiset

Itäortodoksiset refers to the Eastern Orthodox Church, a major branch of Christianity that traces its origins back to the early church founded by Jesus Christ. It is one of the oldest Christian traditions in the world. The Eastern Orthodox Church is characterized by its emphasis on tradition, scripture, and the teachings of the early Church Fathers. Its theology is deeply rooted in the Nicene Creed and the decisions of the first seven ecumenical councils.

The church is structured as a communion of autocephalous (self-governing) churches, with each church led by its own synod of bishops. The Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople holds a position of primacy of honor but does not have direct administrative authority over the other autocephalous churches. Major autocephalous churches include the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, the Orthodox Church of Alexandria, the Orthodox Church of Antioch, and the Orthodox Church of Jerusalem, along with national churches like the Russian Orthodox Church, the Greek Orthodox Church, and the Serbian Orthodox Church.

Worship in the Eastern Orthodox Church is highly liturgical and symbolic, often involving elaborate ceremonies, icons, chanting, and incense. The Divine Liturgy is the central act of worship. Sacraments, known as Holy Mysteries, are central to Orthodox spiritual life, including Baptism, Chrismation, the Eucharist, Repentance, Holy Unction, Holy Orders, and Marriage. The veneration of icons is an important aspect of Orthodox devotion, seen as windows into the divine. The church maintains a strong monastic tradition.