Orthodox facts for kids

Orthodox is a word that means "correct belief" or "straight teaching." It comes from two old Greek words: orthos, meaning "correct" or "straight," and doxa, meaning "teaching" or "worship." When something is called "orthodox," it usually means it follows the original or traditional ideas very closely.

Orthodox Beliefs in Christianity

In Christianity, the word "Orthodox" is often used for certain churches and their beliefs. These churches follow very old traditions and teachings that they believe are the original ones.

The Eastern Orthodox Church

The Eastern Orthodox Church is one of the largest Christian groups in the world. It is especially strong in Eastern Europe, Russia, and the Middle East. For a long time, the Christian Church was united. However, in 1054, a big split happened between the churches in the East and the churches in the West. This event is known as the Great Schism. After this, the Eastern churches became known as the Eastern Orthodox Church, and the Western church became the Roman Catholic Church.

The Oriental Orthodox Churches

The Oriental Orthodox Churches are another group of Christian churches. They separated from the main Christian Church even earlier, in the 5th century. This happened after a big meeting called the Council of Chalcedon. These churches include the Coptic Orthodox Church, the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, and others. They have their own unique traditions and ways of worship.

Traditional Christian Beliefs

Sometimes, the word "orthodox" (with a small 'o') is used to describe Christian beliefs that are very traditional. It means sticking to the oldest and most widely accepted teachings of Christianity. For example, believing in the basic stories of the Bible and the teachings of Jesus is considered an orthodox Christian view.

Orthodox Beliefs in Judaism

In Judaism, "Orthodox" refers to a major branch that strictly follows Jewish law and traditions.

Orthodox Judaism

Orthodox Judaism is a branch of Judaism that believes the Torah (the first five books of the Hebrew Bible) was given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai. They follow Jewish law, called Halakha, very carefully. This includes rules about food, prayer, and how to live daily life. Orthodox Jews believe these laws are timeless and should be followed today.

Modern Orthodox Judaism

Modern Orthodox Judaism is a part of Orthodox Judaism. People who follow Modern Orthodoxy also strictly follow Jewish law. However, they also try to be involved in modern society and culture. They often combine their religious life with education and careers in the wider world. They believe that Jewish law and modern life can exist together.

Related Organizations

• Orthodox Union: This is one of the largest Orthodox Jewish organizations in the United States. It helps Jewish communities and provides services, such as certifying food as kosher.

See also

In Spanish: Ortodoxo para niños