History and Origins
This city became the early center of Eastern Christianity after the Roman Empire moved its capital there.
What is Constantinople?
This is the most commonly celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Orthodox Church.
What is the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom?
The Orthodox liturgical year begins on this date.
What is September 1?
This saint's Divine Liturgy is known for the prayers of the Anaphora.
Who is St. Basil the Great?
The Orthodox understanding of salvation emphasizes becoming like God, known by this term.
What is theosis?
The Great Schism between East and West is typically dated to this year.
What is 1054?
This service, is the main evening prayer service of the daily cycle.
What is Vespers?
This feast, known as Pascha, is considered the “Feast of Feasts.”
What is the Resurrection of Christ?
This defender of icons helped restore icon veneration during the Triumph of Orthodoxy.
Who is St. John of Damascus or St. Theodore the Studite?
Orthodoxy teaches that the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father alone, rejecting this Latin addition.
What is the Filioque?
This emperor called the First Ecumenical Council in 325.
Who is Constantine the Great?
This liturgy, used during Great Lent, is attributed to St. Gregory the Dialogist Pope of Rome.
What is the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts?
This 40-day fast prepares the faithful for Christmas.
What is the Nativity Fast?
This Cappadocian Father wrote On the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the Spirit’s divinity.
Who is St. Basil the Great?
This term refers to the divine energies by which humans encounter God.
What are the uncreated energies?
This empire preserved and spread Eastern Christian tradition for over 1,000 years.
What is the Byzantine Empire?
Orthodox monastics often live under guidance of an elder known by this Greek word for “spiritual father.”
What is Geronda?
The Orthodox Church celebrates this feast 50 days after Pascha.
What is Pentecost?
This Athonite saint revived Hesychasm and taught the distinction between the uncreated essence and uncreated energies.
Who is St. Gregory Palamas?
Orthodoxy holds that Scripture and this equally ancient source together make up the teachings of the Church.
What is Holy Tradition?
The Orthodox Church traces its apostolic authority through ancient patriarchates known collectively by this term.
What is the Pentarchy?
This hymn, sung before the Small Entrance is attributed to Emperor Justinian.
What is Only-begotten Son?
This fast, observed in summer, honors the Mother of God and ends with her Dormition.
What is the Dormition Fast?
This saint, known for the “Ladder of Divine Ascent,” is commemorated during Lent.
Who is St. John Climacus?
This Christological doctrine affirms that Christ has two natures but one divine-human person.
What is the hypostatic union?