Greek Orthodox Church facts for kids
The Greek Orthodox Church is a major Christian church. It is the largest Christian group in Greece and among Greek people worldwide. It shares a common cultural tradition. Its worship service, called a liturgy, is traditionally done in Koine Greek. This was the original language of the New Testament.
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What is the Greek Orthodox Church?
The Greek Orthodox Church is part of the larger Eastern Orthodox Church. It follows the teachings and traditions that have been passed down for nearly 2,000 years. This church believes in the Trinity, which means God is one but exists as the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit.
History of the Greek Orthodox Church
The roots of the Greek Orthodox Church go back to the very first Christian communities. These communities were founded by the Apostles in places like Greece, Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), and the Middle East. Over time, the Christian church grew and spread.
A big event in Christian history was the East–West Schism in 1054. This was when the Christian church officially split into two main parts: the Roman Catholic Church in the West and the Eastern Orthodox Church in the East. The Greek Orthodox Church is a major part of the Eastern Orthodox tradition.
Important Moments in History
- Early Christianity: Many early Christian communities were in Greek-speaking areas. The New Testament was written in Koine Greek.
- Byzantine Empire: For many centuries, the Greek Orthodox Church was closely tied to the Byzantine Empire. This empire was centered in Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul).
- Under Ottoman Rule: After the fall of the Byzantine Empire in 1453, many Greek Orthodox Christians lived under Ottoman rule. The church helped keep Greek culture and identity alive during this time.
- Modern Greece: When modern Greece became an independent country, the Greek Orthodox Church became its official religion.
Beliefs and Practices
The Greek Orthodox Church has many unique beliefs and practices. These are often different from other Christian churches.
Sacraments and Worship
The church has seven sacraments, which are special holy actions. The most important one is the Eucharist, also called Holy Communion. During the liturgy, people receive bread and wine, which they believe become the body and blood of Jesus Christ.
The liturgy is a very important part of worship. It is a long and beautiful service with hymns, prayers, and readings from the Bible. Icons, which are holy pictures of Jesus, Mary, and saints, are also very important in Orthodox worship. People often venerate (show deep respect to) icons.
Fasting and Feasts
Fasting is a common practice in the Greek Orthodox Church. This means giving up certain foods, like meat or dairy, at specific times of the year. The biggest fasting period is before Easter.
The church celebrates many feast days throughout the year. The most important holidays are Easter (Pascha) and Christmas. Easter is considered the "Feast of Feasts" and is celebrated with great joy.
The Greek Orthodox Church Around the World
While the Greek Orthodox Church is strongest in Greece, it has a large presence all over the world. Many Greek people have moved to other countries, and they have taken their faith with them.
Greek Orthodox Communities Abroad
You can find Greek Orthodox churches in many countries, including:
These churches help Greek people stay connected to their heritage and faith. They also welcome people from all backgrounds who want to learn about Orthodoxy.
Images for kids
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St Andrew's Cathedral, Patras
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Hagia Sophia, Thessaloniki
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Agios Minas Cathedral, Heraklion
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Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Vienna, designed by Theophil Hansen (1856)
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The building (1881) of the Phanar Greek Orthodox College (Phanari), established in 1454
