Easter Orthodox 2012

Easter

The festivities often do not normally occur at the same time as other Christian Easter celebrations because the date of the Easter Greek Orthodox is based on altered Julian calendar and the Western world uses the Gregorian calendar.

The Conflict between Orthodoxy and Protestantism

When is orthodox Easter Sunday 2009? When is Orthodox Easter or Easter Orthodox Easter is yet another disputed issues! Before this let’s have a look at what exactly the word orthodox stands for. The meaning of Orthodox is "right believe" and was embraced to justify the true religion that honestly followed the beliefs and traditions constituted by the first seven ecumenical councils. Orthodox Christianity proclaims to have completely preserved, without any bifurcation, the traditions and set rules of the early Christian church established by the apostles. This is why they assume themselves to be the only true and "right believer" of Christian faith.

The basic disputes that led to the split between the Eastern Orthodox and the Roman Catholic Church rotate around Rome's bifurcation from the original affirmations of the seven ecumenical councils. Another specific conflict is known as the Filioque Controversy. This Latin word filioque means "and from the Son”. Eastern Christians believe the Spirit and the Son both have their origin in the Father.

One significant difference between Orthodoxy and Protestantism is the term of "Sola Scriptura”. Orthodox believer argues that the Holy Scriptures (as interpreted and established by church teaching in the first seven ecumenical councils)along with Holy Culture shares similar value and significance.

Another less explicit distinction between Eastern Orthodoxy and Western Christianity is their distinct theological concepts, which might be the outcome of cultural influences. The Eastern concept is more dedicated towards ideology, philosophy and mysticism whereas the Western stratum is influenced more by a practical and legally logical approach. This is evident in the subtly distinct methods that Eastern and Western Christians approach spiritual truth. Orthodox Christians believe that truth must be individually experienced and, as a result, they emphasis less on its brief definition.

Worship is considered major focus of church life in Eastern Orthodoxy. It is highly liturgical, encompassing seven sacraments. Veneration of icons and a dynamic form of meditative prayer is normally incorporated into their religious customs.

Orthodox Beliefs and Doctrines:

Scripture Authority

Orthodox Christians stratum believe the Holy Scriptures (as interpreted and defined by church in the first seven ecumenica councils) and Holy Culture are of equally valuable and significant.

Baptism

Baptism is the inception of the salvation experience is the belief of Orthodox Christians. The Orthodox Church embraces baptism by full immersion Orthodox Christians faith.

Eucharist

The Eucharist is the focus of worship in the Orthodox Church. Eastern Orthodox Christians assume that during the Eucharist believers partake mystically of Christ's body and blood and receive his life and power.

Holy Spirit

Orthodox Christians believe Holy Spirit is one of the individuals of the Trinity. The Holy Spirit is provided by Christ as a gift to the church, to enhance the service, to place God's love in our hearts, and to impart spiritual present for the Christian life.

Jesus Christ

Orthodox Christians believe that Jesus Christ is the second person of the Trinity, Almighty's Son, completely divine and fully human being. He became flesh through Mother Mary. He died on the cross fighting as man's Savior. He reincarnated and ascended to heaven. He will return to judge all sins.

Mary

Orthodox Christians believe Mary has supreme dignity and should be held in high esteem but reject the doctrine of ImmaculateConception.

Predestination

Orthodox Christians believe God has foreseen man's destiny, but he does not predestine him.

Saints and Icons

Orthodox Christians practice adoration of icons; reverence is projected toward the individual they represent and not the relics themselves.

Salvation

Orthodox Christians believe salvation is a simultaneous, life-long phenomenon by which Christians come close to Christ.

The Trinity

Orthodox Christians consider there are three persons in the Godhead, each divine, different and similar. The Father God is the eternal head; the Son is begotten of the Father; the Holy Spirit came from the Father.