About Orthodoxy:

HOW DID THE ORTHODOX CHURCH BEGIN?

The Orthodox Church is the continuing presence of the Body of Jesus Christ in the world. The seed of the Church existed in the people and tradition of Israel, which was chosen by God to bring light to all the nations (cf Acts 3:25, Luke 2:32). The Church was manifested in the world as Christ's Body when "God was manifested in the flesh,"(1Tim 3:16) and it was baptized into the grace of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost (Acts 2). Thus, the foundation of the Church was begun by the prophets and completed by the Apostles, "Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone" (Eph 2:20). The Orthodox Church has held fast to this foundation, taking care to build with work that endures, and thus continues to be the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit.

ARE THERE OTHER NAMES FOR THE ORTHODOX CHURCH?

The Orthodox Church is variously referred to as the Eastern Orthodox Church, the Orthodox Catholic Church, and the Orthodox Christian Church. In addition, an Orthodox community may be identified by its country of origin, as in the case of a Greek Orthodox Church, or by the Patriarchate to which it belongs. For example, the Antiochian Orthodox Church is named for the city of Antioch, where the Patriarch historically resided.

ARE ALL ORTHODOX CHURCHES THE SAME?

All Orthodox Churches share an identical faith in Jesus Christ as received from the Apostles, a common tradition of preserving and understanding that faith, and the same forms of worship. Individual Orthodox communities may use their own languages in services and have particular customs of their own.

ARE VISITORS WELCOME IN ORTHODOX PARISHES?

Yes! We are delighted to welcome you to Holy Trinity Orthodox Church. Visitors are encouraged to join us in worshipping the Lord. Partaking of Holy Communion, however, is reserved for those who are united in heart and mind with the rest of the Body of the Orthodox Church by becoming members of that Body.
Those wishing to learn more about our Faith may want to browse our library or attend an Inquirer’s Class offered periodically. For more information about these opportunities, please call 983-5826. The best means to learn about the Orthodox Faith, however, is simply to "come and see" (John 1:39). Please see our schedule of services at the end of this brochure.

WHO IS THE HEAD OF THE ORTHODOX CHURCH?

Jesus Christ. The Orthodox Church does not have a single earthly head. It is administrated by bishops, priests and deacons, who continue the work of the Apostles, serving Christ’s Body, as Christ Himself came to serve.

WHAT ARE THE MAIN CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ORTHODOX CHURCH?

The most important characteristics of the Church are defined in the Nicene Creed, which is the universal expression of the Christian faith. The Church is:
+ One - "There is one body, and one Spirit…"(Eph 4:4). Thus, the Church of Christ is a single body sharing a common life of faith. This life springs from a single source, the Holy Spirit. The theological eye of the Church is single (cf Matt 6:22); there is therefore no confusing plurality of faiths within the Body. Rather, it is a place where we can come into the "unity of the faith and of the knowledge of God" (Eph 4:13).
+ Holy - The Church manifests the holiness of God in the world, calling its members to put on Christ-like holiness, "because it is written, ‘be holy, for I am holy’" (1Pet 1:16).
+ Catholic - As Christ’s eternal and living body, the Church is universal, and contains the fullness of Him who is the Truth. This Truth "is the same yesterday today, and forever," and for "all the nations" (Heb 13:8, Matt 28:19).
+ Apostolic - The Orthodox Church was founded by the Apostles and preserves the "ancient landmarks" (Prov 22:28) of the Apostolic Faith, standing fast and holding the traditions it has been taught, "whether by word or [their] epistle," (2 Thes 2:15) and continuing, with all the Apostles, "with one accord in prayer and supplication" (Acts 1:14).

A Mission of the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese | The Most Rev. Metropolitan PHILIP, Primate
The Rev. Fr. John Bethancourt, Pastor | The Rev. Fr. Basil Rives, Deacon
231 E. Cordova Road, Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87505, USA | (505) 983-5826