I apologize for reposting this- I posted this in another forum before I knew about this one (To know Christ is only possible in the Orthodox Church?).
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I am only now inquiring/browsing the teachings of the Orthodox Church in my spiritual journey and I came across this and wanted to ask about it.
On the official website of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America website (goarch.org), there is an article called "Teachings of the Orthodox Church" (Teachings of the Orthodox Church - Introduction to Orthodoxy Articles - Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America).
In the second paragraph, the article states:
"Orthodoxy believes that the Christian Faith and the Church are inseparable. It is impossible to know Christ, to share in the life of the Holy Trinity, or to be considered a Christian, apart from the Church. It is in the Church that the Christian Faith is proclaimed and maintained. It is through the Church that an individual is nurtured in the Faith."
My question is to clarify the phrases in bold.
Orthodox Church members, do you believe that this means the official Orthodox Church or the "invisible church" of all believers? Do you believe it is impossible to know Christ or be considered a Christian if you are not a member of the Orthodox Church?
I guess that would include me and all other Protestants, and I guess Catholics too?
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I am only now inquiring/browsing the teachings of the Orthodox Church in my spiritual journey and I came across this and wanted to ask about it.
On the official website of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America website (goarch.org), there is an article called "Teachings of the Orthodox Church" (Teachings of the Orthodox Church - Introduction to Orthodoxy Articles - Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America).
In the second paragraph, the article states:
"Orthodoxy believes that the Christian Faith and the Church are inseparable. It is impossible to know Christ, to share in the life of the Holy Trinity, or to be considered a Christian, apart from the Church. It is in the Church that the Christian Faith is proclaimed and maintained. It is through the Church that an individual is nurtured in the Faith."
My question is to clarify the phrases in bold.
Orthodox Church members, do you believe that this means the official Orthodox Church or the "invisible church" of all believers? Do you believe it is impossible to know Christ or be considered a Christian if you are not a member of the Orthodox Church?
I guess that would include me and all other Protestants, and I guess Catholics too?