oostersorthodox

The Oostersortodoxe Kerk, commonly referred to as the Oosters-Orthodoxe Kerk, is a Christian denomination that originated in the Netherlands in the 20th century. The term "Oosters-Orthodox" can be literally translated as "Eastern Orthodox," a reference to the denomination's historical ties to the Eastern Orthodox Church.

The Oosters-Orthodoxe Kerk emerged in the 1920s as a result of the secularization of the Netherlands and the subsequent separation of church and state. During this time, many Dutch Christians, particularly those of Orthodox background, sought to maintain their Eastern Orthodox traditions and practices in the face of a rapidly secularizing society. To this end, they established their own denomination, which would later become known as the Oosters-Orthodoxe Kerk.

Today, the Oosters-Orthodoxe Kerk is a small but distinct denomination within the Dutch Christian landscape. Adherents of the denomination maintain their own distinct traditions and practices, which include the use of the Psalter of Andreas Kokines, a 17th-century Orthodox psalter, and the veneration of saints and martyrs. The Oosters-Orthodoxe Kerk also observes the liturgical calendar of the Eastern Orthodox Church, with its attendant feasts and fasts.

Notwithstanding its small size, the Oosters-Orthodoxe Kerk has maintained a significant presence within Dutch Orthodox circles. Throughout its history, the denomination has drawn inspiration from the Eastern Orthodox Church while adapting its traditions and practices to the specific cultural and historical context of the Netherlands. As such, the Oosters-Orthodoxe Kerk represents a unique blend of Eastern Orthodox traditions and Dutch cultural heritage.