denominationsOrthodox

Denominations Orthodox refers to the branch of Christianity that includes a number of self-governing church bodies united by shared faith, sacramental life, and apostolic succession but organized into separate jurisdictions. In common parlance, the term often covers two main families: the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Oriental Orthodox Churches. The Orthodox churches see themselves as preserving the faith of the early church and the decisions of the first seven ecumenical councils, while maintaining diverse liturgical traditions and national languages.

Eastern Orthodox churches constitute the largest group within Orthodoxy. They are a loose communion of autocephalous and autonomous churches, such as the Greek, Russian, Serbian, Romanian, and Bulgarian Orthodox Churches, among others. They share a common doctrine, theology, and liturgical heritage, notably the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom and a strong emphasis on icons. Governance is via bishops in synods, with the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople regarded as a first among equals rather than a universal pope.

Oriental Orthodox churches form a separate family that rejects the Chalcedonian definition of the Council of Chalcedon (451). Major members include the Coptic Orthodox, Armenian Apostolic, Syriac Orthodox, Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo, Eritrean Orthodox, and Malankara (Indian) Orthodox Churches. They maintain distinct liturgical and theological traditions, with their own respective primates and synods, and they are not in full communion with the Eastern Orthodox churches, though they sometimes participate in dialogue.

Together, Orthodox denominations emphasize liturgy, sacraments, venerations of saints and icons, and continuity with the early church, while maintaining diverse local practices and governance structures.