About

The Oriental Orthodox Church

A practical introduction to the Coptic Church and the Oriental Orthodox Church for visitors, catechumens, converts, and parish members.

1. Introduction

Start with the basic framing for the Coptic Church, Oriental Orthodoxy, and what this guide means by Orthodoxy.

2. Becoming Orthodox

Learn about catechism, classes, baptism, and the practical path of entering the Orthodox Church.

3. Orthodox Life, Creed, and Prayer

Read about the Creed, confession, personal prayer, fasting, reverence, and daily Orthodox Christian life.

4. The Divine Liturgy

Understand the liturgical shape of Orthodox worship, the Offering of the Lamb, Scripture readings, Communion, hymns, incense, and reverence.

5. The Seven Sacraments

Explore Baptism, Chrismation, Confession, Communion, Unction of the Sick, Marriage, and Priesthood.

6. Church Seasons, Feasts, and Fasts

Follow the rhythm of the Orthodox year through fasts, feasts, Holy Week, and major church seasons.

7. Church Services

Learn about Vespers, Matins, Raising of Incense, Midnight Praises, the Divine Liturgy, and other liturgical services.

8. Church Building and Icons

Read about church architecture, eastward prayer, the sanctuary, nave, narthex, iconostasis, and the role of icons in Orthodox worship.