Eastern Orthodox

Though there are Orthodox groups all over the world, the most well known are the Greek and Russian Orthodox.

Eastern Orthodox Christianity highlights a way of life and belief that is expressed particularly through worship. By maintaining correct forms of worshipping God from the early church, Eastern Christians believe that they confess the true doctrine of God in the right way.

Fasting and prayer are important parts of Orthodox practice. Orthodox believe that fasting can be the 'foundation of all good'. The discipline of training the body can enable a believer to concentrate the mind totally on preparation for prayer and spiritual living.

The Orthodox Church calendar begins on September 1st and ends on August 31st. Each day is sacred: each is a saint's day, so at least one saint is venerated daily. In Eastern Orthodoxy, Easter is the central festival, not Christmas. Remembrance and celebration centre on the cross and the resurrection of Christ.

For Eastern Orthodox congregations in the Faith Wales area, click here.

Information

The Chaplaincy to the University of Glamorgan provides the following information from its own researchers. Each page has been checked by the chaplaincy advisor from the relevant faith group. Within every major religion, there are differences of opinion between leaders, and between leaders and followers. We only aim to provide an overview.