Any of you who have read any of my posts have noticed that I have mentioned the Orthodox Church. Are any of you familiar with it?

I was a member for 4 years but I never felt like I became that indoctrinated. God was looking out for me.

They claim to be the one true church although they feel that other churches have a portion of the truth. They believe in Apostolic succession. They also believe in Traditions in addition to the Scriptures.

They believe in baptism for the remission of sins by immersion.

The mission I attended was non-instrumental. I believe that many of the Orthodox Churches are non-instrumental; however, I believe that some are starting to introduce the instrument in their worship services.

The Catholic Church broke off from them in 1054, I believe, because Rome wanted to be over the other jurisdictions.

The Orthodox Church is huge in Russia, Greece, and other areas I can't recall. I belonged to the Antiochian branch based on the church in Antioch.

Many Orthodox Churches appear to be ethnic exclusive. I attended a Greek Orthodox Church made up of cradle Orthodox members and they are not warm toward non-Greeks. The church I attended was made up mostly of converts.

Speaking of cradle Orthodox, the Orthodox Church believes in infant baptism citing the Scriptures that mention that whole households were baptized.

Icons are venerated. Incense is used.

The Eucharist (Lord's Supper) is served in one cup with bread and wine. The bread is leavened. It is taken from the Priest and spooned into the mouth. In the absence of a priest, if the bread has been pre-sanctified, a deacon can administer the Eucharist. The communion is closed; only Orthodox Christians can partake.

There is so much more. I will try to add more later. I have forgotten a lot, however, but will do my best to be as accurate as possible.

Blessings,
Pam

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"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9 NKJV