The Eastern Orthodox Church

The Eastern Orthodox Church is one of the oldest Christian traditions, emphasizing continuity with the original Christian church established in the Eastern Roman Empire. It practices a rich liturgy, venerates icons, and follows ancient traditions and doctrines preserved over centuries. Leadership is decentralized, consisting of national churches led by bishops, with the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople regarded as a spiritual leader. The Orthodox Church focuses on the sacraments, community worship, and a mystical approach to faith, emphasizing the transformative process of theosis—becoming more divine—through prayer, rituals, and living a virtuous life.