Greek Orthodoxy Research Paper
Greek Orthodox Church
Mae Williams
HUM 130
March 20, 2011
Joseph Butryn
Greek Orthodox Church
The Eastern Orthodox Church, of which the Greek Orthodox Church is a part, is rich in history and traditions. The roots of Greek Orthodoxy can be traced back to the conversion of Mediterranean people during the time of the apostle Paul. For most of the Greek Orthodox Church’s history, “…it understands itself to be in direct continuity with the founding of Christianity in Thessalonica, Philippi, Corinth, Athens, Nicopolis, and other Greek cities by the apostle Paul” (Harakas, 2005). Greek Orthodoxy is similar to Roman Catholicism as well as other Christian faiths. In addition, it shares similarities with Islam as well as marked differences. …show more content…
Orthodox Christians view each day as sacred and honor at least one sacred event or saint every day of the year. Some events are observed annually. These events or major feast days are the Nativity of the Theotokos (September 8th), Exaltation of the Holy Cross (September 14th), Presentation of the Theotokos in the Temple (November 21st), Christmas or Nativity of Jesus Christ (December 25th), Epiphany or Baptism of Christ (January 6th), Presentation of Christ in the Temple (February 2nd), Annunciation (March 25th), Easter or Pascha (varies from year to year), Acension (40 days after Easter), Pentecost (50 days after Easter), Transfiguration of Christ (August 6th), and Dormition of the Theotokos (August 15th). Of these major feast days, Easter is considered the most …show more content…
Unlike Roman Catholicism, the Bishops of Greek Orthodoxy are all considered equals. The Patriarch (similar to the Pope) is considered the First among Equals. He resides at the church of Constantinople (now modern day Istanbul, Turkey) which is the first Holy Synod. Next the other 11 synods which are located around the world. These synods are presided over by the Patriarch. The leaders of these synods are chosen by election and term of service is one year. Each synod consists of metropolitans (similar to the dioceses of Roman Catholicism) and one bishop is elected as president of each metropolitan. Each of the metropolitan presidents take a one month turn attending meetings at the Church of Constantinople in keeping with the belief of equality among all the
Mae Williams
HUM 130
March 20, 2011
Joseph Butryn
Greek Orthodox Church
The Eastern Orthodox Church, of which the Greek Orthodox Church is a part, is rich in history and traditions. The roots of Greek Orthodoxy can be traced back to the conversion of Mediterranean people during the time of the apostle Paul. For most of the Greek Orthodox Church’s history, “…it understands itself to be in direct continuity with the founding of Christianity in Thessalonica, Philippi, Corinth, Athens, Nicopolis, and other Greek cities by the apostle Paul” (Harakas, 2005). Greek Orthodoxy is similar to Roman Catholicism as well as other Christian faiths. In addition, it shares similarities with Islam as well as marked differences. …show more content…
Orthodox Christians view each day as sacred and honor at least one sacred event or saint every day of the year. Some events are observed annually. These events or major feast days are the Nativity of the Theotokos (September 8th), Exaltation of the Holy Cross (September 14th), Presentation of the Theotokos in the Temple (November 21st), Christmas or Nativity of Jesus Christ (December 25th), Epiphany or Baptism of Christ (January 6th), Presentation of Christ in the Temple (February 2nd), Annunciation (March 25th), Easter or Pascha (varies from year to year), Acension (40 days after Easter), Pentecost (50 days after Easter), Transfiguration of Christ (August 6th), and Dormition of the Theotokos (August 15th). Of these major feast days, Easter is considered the most …show more content…
Unlike Roman Catholicism, the Bishops of Greek Orthodoxy are all considered equals. The Patriarch (similar to the Pope) is considered the First among Equals. He resides at the church of Constantinople (now modern day Istanbul, Turkey) which is the first Holy Synod. Next the other 11 synods which are located around the world. These synods are presided over by the Patriarch. The leaders of these synods are chosen by election and term of service is one year. Each synod consists of metropolitans (similar to the dioceses of Roman Catholicism) and one bishop is elected as president of each metropolitan. Each of the metropolitan presidents take a one month turn attending meetings at the Church of Constantinople in keeping with the belief of equality among all the