What can you tell me about orthodox Christianity?

Question

While I know a little about this branch of Christianity, I would like to know more. What is the doctrine of their church? What traditions do they follow?

I was told they directly follow all the precepts laid down by the Apostles but I'd like some more clarification.

To further clarify, it should be Orthodox, not orthodox. I missed the capitalization. Thank you fellow poster!

Answer 1

I am assuming that you are a Westerner, and probably a protestant. If you want to see an article explaining Orthodox Christianity from a Westerner's point of view, then try these articles:

Answer 2

Do you mean Orthodox? If you use a small "o," it is similar to the difference between catholic (universal) and Catholic (Roman Catholic).

Greek Orthodox Christians were born out of the Great Schism in 1054, which was the final split between the Roman Church and the Byzantine one. Most of this debate was stemming from the authority of the Roman Bishop, which would be later called the Pope.

Greek Orthodoxy rejected the authority which the Roman Bishop claimed to have over all of Christendom, and in 1054 both the Roman Bishop and the Greek Bishop excommunicated each other.

Whether Greek Orthodoxy "directly" follows all precepts set down by the Apostles is another question entirely, but they do make claims (as does the Roman Catholic Church) to be continuing the tradition set by the Apostles.

Answer 3

Orthodox Christians have a slightly different symbol of faith: the main thing is the filioque case - it's about who the Holy Spirit comes from.

Catholics believe that it comes from both the Father and the Son (filioque means "and Son"), while the orthodox believe that it comes only from the father.

The filioque case became the splitting point for the Christianity.

As years went by, Catholics kept changing their doctrine, while Orthodox christianity remained the same: they don't believe that Virgin Mary went to heaven as a virgin, they don't accept the Pope as an infallible figure, there's no limbo in orthodox christianity.

Answer 4

The same as Catholics but they do not acknowledge the pope as leader.
And a few other minor differences.