Frequently asked questions
Is the Antiochian Orthodox Church truly Orthodox?
Indeed, several expressions of Christianity within the universal "one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church" are professed by all. The Antiochian Orthodox Church is a significant and respected branch of Eastern Orthodox Christianity with a rich history and theological tradition. Unlike the Roman Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church, including the Antiochian Orthodox Church, operates independently of the Vatican and the Pope in Rome.
What unites all Orthodox Churches?
All Orthodox Christian communities affirm their belief in the "one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church." They uphold the idea that individuals join the single Body of Christ through baptism and receive spiritual sustenance through the Eucharist. The Orthodox tradition also teaches the celebration of sacraments during significant life moments.
As siblings in the same family, these churches share commonalities while also possessing distinctions. Typically, variations are related to governance and discipline, though some differences touch on theological and ecclesiological matters. Such diversity among sisters is natural, emphasizing that not all churches are identical. Nevertheless, they remain connected by shared values: baptism, Eucharist, and apostolic succession.
How can Orthodox Churches assert their apostolic roots?
The fundamental criterion for any Orthodox Church is its adherence to apostolic succession. Most Orthodox bishops have been validly consecrated, and authentic lines of succession trace back to the apostles. These lines often derive from sources within the historical Orthodox tradition and various Eastern Orthodox Churches.
Declaration of Autonomy
Reprinted from historical declarations of independence within the Orthodox tradition, reflecting the autonomy and self-governing nature of the Antiochian Orthodox Church:
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On behalf of the clergy and laity of the Antiochian Orthodox Church, we, the undersigned bishop, proclaim the autonomy and independence of our portion of the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. We are in no way subject to or dependent upon any foreign See, nor do we recognize the right of any external religious body to require submission to their authority or jurisdiction.
We uphold the faith once delivered to the saints and outlined in the decrees of the Ecumenical Councils, which were accepted in both the East and the West. We maintain that these doctrines have remained unimpaired and free from heresy throughout the centuries.
In line with our Orthodox heritage, we hold and declare the following:
1. Holy Mysteries: Our Divine Lord and Savior Jesus Christ instituted seven holy mysteries or sacraments. All are necessary for humanity's salvation, though not all are received by every individual.
2. Sacrament of Penance: The Sacrament of Penance is essential, and auricular confession is encouraged and practiced.
3. Communion of Saints: We invoke and venerate the Blessed Virgin Mary, the saints, and the Holy Angels of God.
4. Liturgy: While vernacular languages may be used, new liturgies or significant alterations to traditional rites are not encouraged.
5. The Eucharist: The Divine Liturgy is the supreme act of Christian worship, and daily celebration is encouraged.
6. Holy Icons: The use of holy icons, statues, symbols, and relics is upheld as aids to devotion.
7. Sacramental Integrity: Holy Sacraments are administered only to Orthodox Christians who profess the Orthodox Faith.
8. Fasting and Abstinence: Prescribed days of fasting and abstinence are observed, and Holy Communion is received fasting.
For these reasons, we declare our autonomy and independence from all foreign interference in our doctrine, discipline, and policy:
In necessariis unitas, in dubiis libertas, in omnibus caritas
("In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity").
Rev. Fr. Kenneth Torres, (Chancellor)
December 13, 2024, The Feast of St. Lucy
Indeed, several expressions of Christianity within the universal "one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church" are professed by all. The Antiochian Orthodox Church is a significant and respected branch of Eastern Orthodox Christianity with a rich history and theological tradition. Unlike the Roman Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church, including the Antiochian Orthodox Church, operates independently of the Vatican and the Pope in Rome.
What unites all Orthodox Churches?
All Orthodox Christian communities affirm their belief in the "one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church." They uphold the idea that individuals join the single Body of Christ through baptism and receive spiritual sustenance through the Eucharist. The Orthodox tradition also teaches the celebration of sacraments during significant life moments.
As siblings in the same family, these churches share commonalities while also possessing distinctions. Typically, variations are related to governance and discipline, though some differences touch on theological and ecclesiological matters. Such diversity among sisters is natural, emphasizing that not all churches are identical. Nevertheless, they remain connected by shared values: baptism, Eucharist, and apostolic succession.
How can Orthodox Churches assert their apostolic roots?
The fundamental criterion for any Orthodox Church is its adherence to apostolic succession. Most Orthodox bishops have been validly consecrated, and authentic lines of succession trace back to the apostles. These lines often derive from sources within the historical Orthodox tradition and various Eastern Orthodox Churches.
Declaration of Autonomy
Reprinted from historical declarations of independence within the Orthodox tradition, reflecting the autonomy and self-governing nature of the Antiochian Orthodox Church:
---
On behalf of the clergy and laity of the Antiochian Orthodox Church, we, the undersigned bishop, proclaim the autonomy and independence of our portion of the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. We are in no way subject to or dependent upon any foreign See, nor do we recognize the right of any external religious body to require submission to their authority or jurisdiction.
We uphold the faith once delivered to the saints and outlined in the decrees of the Ecumenical Councils, which were accepted in both the East and the West. We maintain that these doctrines have remained unimpaired and free from heresy throughout the centuries.
In line with our Orthodox heritage, we hold and declare the following:
1. Holy Mysteries: Our Divine Lord and Savior Jesus Christ instituted seven holy mysteries or sacraments. All are necessary for humanity's salvation, though not all are received by every individual.
2. Sacrament of Penance: The Sacrament of Penance is essential, and auricular confession is encouraged and practiced.
3. Communion of Saints: We invoke and venerate the Blessed Virgin Mary, the saints, and the Holy Angels of God.
4. Liturgy: While vernacular languages may be used, new liturgies or significant alterations to traditional rites are not encouraged.
5. The Eucharist: The Divine Liturgy is the supreme act of Christian worship, and daily celebration is encouraged.
6. Holy Icons: The use of holy icons, statues, symbols, and relics is upheld as aids to devotion.
7. Sacramental Integrity: Holy Sacraments are administered only to Orthodox Christians who profess the Orthodox Faith.
8. Fasting and Abstinence: Prescribed days of fasting and abstinence are observed, and Holy Communion is received fasting.
For these reasons, we declare our autonomy and independence from all foreign interference in our doctrine, discipline, and policy:
In necessariis unitas, in dubiis libertas, in omnibus caritas
("In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity").
Rev. Fr. Kenneth Torres, (Chancellor)
December 13, 2024, The Feast of St. Lucy
