Eastern Orthodox Church

A communion of self-governing churches that confess the faith of the seven Ecumenical Councils.

Developed in the Greek-speaking Roman East; separated visibly from Rome in 1054; expanded through the Slavic missions and the patriarchates.

• The seven Ecumenical Councils as definitive.
• Theosis (deification) as the goal of the Christian life.
• Distinction between God's essence and uncreated energies.
• Rejection of the Filioque addition to the Creed.

Scripture and Holy Tradition received together; conciliar authority over papal jurisdiction.

Seven mysteries; baptism by triple immersion, chrismation and Eucharist given together.

The Divine Liturgy (most commonly of St John Chrysostom); icons; fasting cycles.

• Athanasius
• Basil the Great
• John Chrysostom
• Maximus the Confessor
• Gregory Palamas

1. 1054
   Great Schism with Rome
2. 1453
   Fall of Constantinople
3. 1872
   Condemnation of phyletism