Our Beliefs
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The Orthodox Patriarchate of the Nations adheres to the foundational beliefs of Orthodox Christianity, emphasizing the preservation of Apostolic traditions and the teachings of the early undivided Church. Here are some key aspects of its beliefs:
1. Nicene Creed: The Patriarchate upholds the Nicene Creed as the core statement of faith, affirming the doctrines of the Trinity, the Incarnation, and the Resurrection.
2. Apostolic Succession: It emphasizes the importance of Apostolic Succession, maintaining an unbroken line of spiritual authority from the apostles to the present-day clergy.
3. Liturgical Worship: The Patriarchate values the richness of Orthodox liturgical traditions, including the celebration of the Divine Liturgy, the sacraments, and the use of Byzantine chant.
4. Inclusivity and Outreach: It seeks to engage with diverse communities worldwide, promoting unity and inclusivity while respecting cultural and linguistic differences.
5. Theological Integrity: The Patriarchate is committed to preserving the theological teachings of the early Church, ensuring that its practices align with Orthodox doctrine.
6. Community and Service: It emphasizes the importance of serving others, advocating for social justice, and addressing the spiritual and material needs of its communities. -
The Ten-fold parts of our Orthodox Faith
The teachings of the Orthodox Church are rooted in the traditions of the early undivided Christian Church and emphasize the spiritual, sacramental, and communal life of the faithful. Here are the core aspects of Orthodox teachings:
1. The Holy Trinity
The Orthodox Church believes in one God in three persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. These three persons are consubstantial, co-eternal, and equal in divinity.
2. Holy Scripture and Holy Tradition
Orthodox teachings are based on both the Holy Scriptures (the Bible) and Holy Tradition (the practices, writings, and teachings of the early Church Fathers, councils, and saints). These two sources are considered complementary and inseparable.
3. The Nicene Creed
The Nicene Creed, formulated at the First and Second Ecumenical Councils (325 and 381 AD), is the foundational statement of faith, affirming the Church's beliefs about the Trinity, the Incarnation, and the Church itself.
4. The Church as the Body of Christ
The Orthodox Church views itself as the Body of Christ, a living and spiritual community united by faith, sacraments, and a commitment to living the Gospel.
5. Sacraments (Holy Mysteries)
Orthodoxy emphasizes the importance of the Holy Mysteries, or sacraments, as means of receiving divine grace. The seven major sacraments are:
- Baptism: Entry into the Christian life and the Church.
- Chrismation: The seal of the Holy Spirit, following baptism.
- Eucharist: The central sacrament, involving the Body and Blood of Christ.
- Confession: Forgiveness of sins and spiritual healing.
- Marriage: Blessing the union of a man and woman.
- Holy Orders: Ordination to serve the Church.
- Anointing of the Sick: Healing and comfort during illness.
6. Theosis (Union with God)
The ultimate goal of Orthodox Christian life is theosis, or union with God. This involves becoming more like Christ through prayer, repentance, participation in the sacraments, and a life of humility and love.7. The Veneration of Saints and Icons
Orthodox Christians honor saints and the Virgin Mary (Theotokos) as examples of holiness and intercessors. Icons, as visual representations of holy figures, play an essential role in worship and devotion.
8. Eschatology (Beliefs about the End Times)
The Orthodox Church teaches belief in the Second Coming of Christ, the final judgment, and the resurrection of the dead. Eternal life in God's presence is the ultimate hope for the faithful.
9. Fasting and Prayer
Orthodox Christians observe periods of fasting and engage in daily prayer as a means of spiritual discipline and drawing closer to God.10. Community and Service
The Church emphasizes the importance of community life, mutual support among believers, and acts of charity and service to others.
The teachings of the Orthodox Church reflect its commitment to maintaining the faith and practices of the early Christian tradition, fostering a life of holiness, love, and communion with God. -
The Prayer Rope
One of the great treasures that we continue is the Prayer Rope. What is a Prayer Rope? A prayer rope used in both the Eastern and Western Christianity that is used to count the number of prayers done in rhythm. We pray the Prayer Rope every day and is a normal part of our spirituality. The prayer rope is optional for all companions and is not required to be done for salvation but is a pious prayer devotion meant to help us meditate upon the goodness of God. The prayer rope can be prayed in one of three ways:
Traditional Prayer Rope (Eastern)
1. At any time of the day when we have free time, without being seen by anyone, secretly, we hold the prayer rope with our left or right hand and move from knot to knot with our thumb whispering simultaneously or meditating upon the prayer: "Lord Jesus Christ have mercy on me" or "Most Holy Theotokos save us".
2. At the time of our regular prayer, when we pray following the rule of prayer that our spiritual father has told us to follow, we hold the prayer rope with our left hand between the thumb and the index finger and move from knot to knot. At each knot we simultaneously do two things: i) with our right hand we make the sign of the cross over ourselves and ii) we say the prayer "Lord Jesus Christ have mercy on me". When we finish with all the knots of the prayer rope, we continue following the same procedure, for as many times as our spiritual father has advised.Traditional (Anglican) Prayer RopeIn the Name of God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.The Invitatory
O God make speed to save me (us),O Lord make haste to help me (us),Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.The Cruciforms
Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy Immortal One, Have mercy upon me (us).The Weeks
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, Have mercy on me, a sinner.Or, in a group setting: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, Have mercy upon us.Celtic Prayer Rope:
In the Name of God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.The Invitatory
O God make speed to save me (us), O Lord make haste to help me (us),Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.The Cruciform
Be the eye of God dwelling with me,The foot of Christ in guidance with me,The shower of the Spirit pouring on me,Richly and generouslyThe Weeks
Pray each phrase on a separate bead.
I bow before the Father who made me,I bow before the Son who saved me,I bow before the Spirit who guides me,In love and adoration.I praise the Name of the one on high.I bow before thee Sacred Three, The ever One, the Trinity. -
