What is the Church – Meaning and Role in the Life of Orthodox Believers

The Church is more than a building or an institution - it is the living community of Orthodox believers united in the true faith and in the Holy Liturgy. In the Orthodox understanding, the Church is the mystical body of Christ, whose head is Jesus Christ himself. Through the Holy Liturgy and the Sacraments, especially the Eucharist, believers experience divine grace and communion with God.

The Church as a Liturgical Community

The Orthodox Church reveals herself in the Eucharist, which is the center of spiritual life. According to the First Letter to the Corinthians (1 Cor 11:18), the true Church comes together in the common celebration of the Holy Liturgy. This gathering is not a merely symbolic event, but the real presence of Christ in the community of believers.

The Apostolic Heritage of the Orthodox Church

An essential characteristic of the Orthodox Church is its apostolic heritage. It sees itself as the direct successor of the early Church founded by the Apostles and preserves the true faith and holy tradition through an unbroken line of episcopal ordinations. This unwavering connection to the apostolic teachings distinguishes the Orthodox Church from other faith communities.

The Sacraments as a Source of Divine Grace

The Orthodox Church recognizes seven sacraments: baptism, myrrh-annointing, Eucharist, confession, marriage, ordination and anointing of the sick. The Eucharist is the central sacrament that completes all other sacraments. Through the sacraments, the believer is filled with the grace of God and accepted into divine communion.

The universal and apostolic church

The Orthodox Church is universal and unites believers of all nations and cultures. Its mission is to proclaim the Gospel and accompany people on the path to salvation. The Orthodox faith is not just a confession, but is witnessed in everyday life through a Christian life and love for God.

Conclusion

The Orthodox Church is not just an institution, but a spiritual community that connects believers with God and with each other. Through the sacraments and the Holy Liturgy, man experiences divine grace and finds his place in the mystical body of Christ. The Church preserves the apostolic heritage, leads believers to salvation, and is the path to spiritual renewal. Those who live in the Church receive the strength and grace to face the challenges of life with God at their side.