Whether you wandered in from curiosity, a friend's invitation, or a quiet hunger for something ancient and true — this page is for you. Take your time. There is no rush here.
Orthodox Christianity is the faith of the Apostles, preserved and lived continuously for over two thousand years. It is not a movement, a denomination, or a reform — it is the original Church established by Jesus Christ, maintained through an unbroken succession of bishops from the Apostles to the present day.
The word orthodox comes from the Greek orthos (right, correct) and doxa (glory, worship, belief). Orthodoxy is therefore both right belief and right worship — the two are inseparable. What the Church believes, it also prays. What it prays, it believes.
The Orthodox Church encompasses dozens of distinct traditions — Greek, Russian, Antiochian, Serbian, Romanian, OCA, and more — each with its own liturgical customs and language, but sharing one faith, one baptism, and full sacramental communion with one another.
Two Study pages are designed specifically for those at the beginning of the journey. The Symbol of Faith walks through the Nicene Creed article by article — the Church’s concise statement of what she believes. The History of Orthodoxy traces the story of the Church from Pentecost to the present through an interactive timeline.
If you're coming from a Western Christian background — Catholic, Protestant, Evangelical, or none — you will notice differences. Here are some of the most significant.
Orthodox Christianity is not a set of beliefs you hold privately. It is a life you live — in the home, in the body, in the rhythms of the day and the year.
No website, podcast, or book can substitute for the experience of attending a Divine Liturgy. The faith is lived in community, in the presence of Christ among His people. The next and most important step is simply to go.
Orthodox parishes exist across most of North America and throughout the world. Jurisdictions include the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese (GOARCH), the Orthodox Church in America (OCA), the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese (AOCA), the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia (ROCOR), and many others — all in full communion, sharing one faith.
Use the parish locator below to find a congregation near you. When you arrive, introduce yourself. Every parish has seen newcomers before. You will be welcomed.
If you are exploring Orthodoxy as a parent, there is a dedicated page with practical guidance — how to explain icons, fasting, and the liturgy to children at different ages, tips for raising Orthodox kids, and links to family resources.
Guidance for Parents →