Greek Orthodox Church of Alexandria facts for kids

The Orthodox Church of Alexandria is a very old and important Christian church. It's also known as the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria. This church is part of the larger Eastern Orthodox Church family. It is different from the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria, even though both are based in Egypt. In Egypt, members of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate were sometimes called Melkite Christians. This name came about because they stayed connected with the main leader of the Eastern Orthodox churches, the Patriarch of Constantinople. This happened after a big disagreement in the church in 451 AD, following a meeting called the Council of Chalcedon.

What is the Orthodox Church of Alexandria?

The Orthodox Church of Alexandria is one of the oldest Christian churches in the world. It traces its history all the way back to Saint Mark the Evangelist. He was one of Jesus's first followers. People believe he founded the church in the city of Alexandria, Egypt, in the 1st century AD.

Leaders of the Church: Patriarchs

The head of the Orthodox Church of Alexandria is called the Patriarch of Alexandria. This leader has a very important role. They are also known as the Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa. This shows that their spiritual leadership covers not just Egypt but the entire continent of Africa.

Why "Greek Orthodox"?

The church is often called "Greek Orthodox" because its main language for services and teachings was historically Greek. Many of its early leaders and scholars were also Greek-speaking. This helps to tell it apart from the Coptic Orthodox Church, which uses the Coptic language.

The Melkite Christians

The term "Melkite" was used for Christians in Egypt who followed the Byzantine (Greek) traditions. They stayed in communion with the Patriarch of Constantinople. This was after a major split in the church in 451 AD. This split was about how Christians understood the nature of Jesus Christ.

The Council of Chalcedon and the Schism

In 451 AD, a very important meeting called the Council of Chalcedon took place. Church leaders gathered to discuss important beliefs about Jesus. After this council, some churches agreed with its decisions, and others did not. The Orthodox Church of Alexandria agreed with the council. However, the Coptic Orthodox Church did not. This led to a big separation, or "schism," between them.

The Church Today

Today, the Orthodox Church of Alexandria continues its work across Africa. It has many dioceses and archdioceses (church regions). These are spread out in different countries. The church focuses on spiritual guidance and helping communities. It also works to spread the Christian faith in Africa.

Important Buildings

The main church building for the Patriarchate is the Cathedral of Evangelismos in Alexandria. There is also the Saint George Church in Cairo. These are important places for worship and church activities.

Images for kids

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  Patriarch Mark III with a black African attendant

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  Cathedral of Evangelismos, Alexandria

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  Saint George Church in Cairo

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  Cross of St Mark. Honorary religious medal of the Patriarchate

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  Dioceses and Archdioceses of the Greek Orthodox Church of Alexandria and of All Africa

See also

In Spanish: Iglesia ortodoxa de Alejandría para niños