Itäortodoksista

Itäortodoksista refers to the Eastern Orthodox Church, a major branch of Christianity. It traces its origins back to the early church founded by Jesus Christ and his apostles. The Eastern Orthodox Church is characterized by its rich liturgical tradition, its emphasis on the teachings of the Seven Ecumenical Councils, and its adherence to the Apostolic Succession. The Patriarch of Constantinople holds a position of honor as the Ecumenical Patriarch, primus inter pares (first among equals), but does not possess the same universal jurisdiction as the Pope in the Roman Catholic Church.

The Eastern Orthodox Church is organized into a number of autocephalous (self-governing) churches, each with its own primate. These include the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, the Patriarchate of Alexandria, the Patriarchate of Antioch, the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, the Russian Orthodox Church, the Serbian Orthodox Church, the Romanian Orthodox Church, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, and the Georgian Orthodox Church, among others. While administratively independent, these churches are in full communion with each other.

Key theological tenets include the belief in the Holy Trinity, the divinity of Jesus Christ, and the Resurrection. The veneration of icons plays a significant role in Orthodox worship and spirituality, seen as windows to the divine. The Divine Liturgy is the central act of worship, often celebrated in a language understood by the local congregation, though ancient languages like Greek and Slavonic are also used. The church is governed by bishops, who are considered successors to the apostles, and the clergy includes priests and deacons.