Introduction to Orthodoxy

Orthodox Christianity has been around for over 2000 years and goes directly back to the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ in Bethlehem. All Christian Churches today share the same historical roots that are still an active part of Orthodox Christianity today.

From a great book by Timothy Ware entitled quite simply The Orthodox Church:

What is meant by "the Orthodox Church'? The divisions which have brought about the present fragmentation of Christendom occurred in three main states, at intervals of roughly five hundred years. The first state in the separation came in the fifth and sixth centuries, when the "lesser" or "separated" eastern Churches became divided from the main body of Christians. These Churches fall into two groups, the Nestorian Church of Persia and the five Monophysite Churches of Armenia, Syria, Egypt, Ethiopia and India.

To begin, click any link to the left for more details on a specific topic, or click this link on "Being Orthodox" for a decent high-level overview as well...