What We Believe
At the American Orthodox Catholic Church (AOCC), the word "Orthodox" is central to who we are, what and how we believe and practice our faith. The term means "right belief" or "true worship" and reflects our commitment to preserving the fullness of the Christian faith as taught by Christ, handed down by the apostles, and safeguarded by the early Church.
What Does It Mean to Be Orthodox? To be Orthodox is to live out the faith in a way that is faithful to Christ’s teachings and the unbroken witness of the Church. Orthodoxy is not just a set of beliefs; it is a way of life shaped by worship, prayer, and devotion to God. It calls us to hold firm to the truth revealed by God, even as the world around us changes.
Orthodoxy means remaining rooted in the foundational teachings of the early Church, including the doctrine of the Trinity, the Incarnation of Christ, and the authority of Holy Tradition. It means standing firm in the faith handed down by the apostles, refusing to compromise with false teachings, and proclaiming the truth with humility and love.
A Faith Rooted in History Orthodoxy is deeply historical, connecting us to the earliest Christian communities. The Church Fathers, such as St. Athanasius, St. John Chrysostom, and St. Gregory of Nazianzus, defended the faith against heresies and clarified essential doctrines. Their writings continue to guide us, ensuring that we remain anchored in the faith that "was once for all delivered to the saints" (Jude 1:3).
The Ecumenical Councils, such as the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD, played a critical role in preserving Orthodoxy. These gatherings of Church leaders reaffirmed the truth of Christ’s divinity and the unity of the Trinity, shaping the faith we profess today.
Orthodoxy in Worship Orthodoxy is expressed not only in what we believe but in how we worship. Our liturgy reflects the reverence and awe due to God, drawing us into the heavenly worship described in Scripture. Every prayer, hymn, and sacrament points us toward the holiness of God and reminds us of His presence among us.
In our worship, we use symbols, gestures, and traditions that have been passed down for centuries. These sacred actions remind us that our faith is not new or invented but part of an unbroken line of worship stretching back to the apostles. Through the liturgy, we enter into a holy communion with God and with all the saints who have gone before us.
Why Orthodoxy Matters Today In an age of confusion and shifting values, Orthodoxy offers clarity and stability. It reminds us that truth is not subjective or changeable but revealed by God and entrusted to the Church. Orthodoxy calls us to live counter-culturally, rooted in eternal truths rather than passing trends.
At the AOCC, being Orthodox means embracing the fullness of the Christian faith without addition or subtraction. It means living in continuity with the early Church, guided by the Holy Spirit, and grounded in the teachings of Christ. This commitment strengthens our faith, deepens our worship, and unites us with believers across time and space.
By holding fast to Orthodoxy, we remain faithful to the mission of the Church: to proclaim the Gospel, glorify God, and lead others into the life-changing presence of Christ.
What Does It Mean to Be Orthodox? To be Orthodox is to live out the faith in a way that is faithful to Christ’s teachings and the unbroken witness of the Church. Orthodoxy is not just a set of beliefs; it is a way of life shaped by worship, prayer, and devotion to God. It calls us to hold firm to the truth revealed by God, even as the world around us changes.
Orthodoxy means remaining rooted in the foundational teachings of the early Church, including the doctrine of the Trinity, the Incarnation of Christ, and the authority of Holy Tradition. It means standing firm in the faith handed down by the apostles, refusing to compromise with false teachings, and proclaiming the truth with humility and love.
A Faith Rooted in History Orthodoxy is deeply historical, connecting us to the earliest Christian communities. The Church Fathers, such as St. Athanasius, St. John Chrysostom, and St. Gregory of Nazianzus, defended the faith against heresies and clarified essential doctrines. Their writings continue to guide us, ensuring that we remain anchored in the faith that "was once for all delivered to the saints" (Jude 1:3).
The Ecumenical Councils, such as the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD, played a critical role in preserving Orthodoxy. These gatherings of Church leaders reaffirmed the truth of Christ’s divinity and the unity of the Trinity, shaping the faith we profess today.
Orthodoxy in Worship Orthodoxy is expressed not only in what we believe but in how we worship. Our liturgy reflects the reverence and awe due to God, drawing us into the heavenly worship described in Scripture. Every prayer, hymn, and sacrament points us toward the holiness of God and reminds us of His presence among us.
In our worship, we use symbols, gestures, and traditions that have been passed down for centuries. These sacred actions remind us that our faith is not new or invented but part of an unbroken line of worship stretching back to the apostles. Through the liturgy, we enter into a holy communion with God and with all the saints who have gone before us.
Why Orthodoxy Matters Today In an age of confusion and shifting values, Orthodoxy offers clarity and stability. It reminds us that truth is not subjective or changeable but revealed by God and entrusted to the Church. Orthodoxy calls us to live counter-culturally, rooted in eternal truths rather than passing trends.
At the AOCC, being Orthodox means embracing the fullness of the Christian faith without addition or subtraction. It means living in continuity with the early Church, guided by the Holy Spirit, and grounded in the teachings of Christ. This commitment strengthens our faith, deepens our worship, and unites us with believers across time and space.
By holding fast to Orthodoxy, we remain faithful to the mission of the Church: to proclaim the Gospel, glorify God, and lead others into the life-changing presence of Christ.
CreedsThe Church Is Creedal: We are a church holding to a high view of the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments and we believe in bringing the Gospel of Jesus the Christ to the lost.
The Apostle's & Nicene Creeds are to be taught in the Church and to be received by the Faithful. They hold true the earliest doctrines of the faith. |
SacramentsThe Church is Sacramental: At the center of worship is the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist in which is the real presence of Christ modeled after the biblical presentation of worship on earth & in heaven.
The Sacraments of the Church are God’s Word in action and are a means of Grace. The Sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion are ordained by our Lord Jesus Christ for all Christians. The Eucharist is the central point of our worship. |
Liturgical WorshipThe Church is Charismatic: We are a church open to the continued working of the Holy Spirit through gifts, signs, wonders and miracles. We believe in the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and the working of grace in the divine mysteries & sacraments.
Our Worship is Liturgical. According to the ancient faith, this is the worship described in the Heavens where Jesus is the one who offers and is being offered. |
