Discovering the Saints

Orthodox Tradition

Mid-way through the history of Christianity the first major schism over practice and doctrine occurred which caused the breaking of the church in 1054 AD into the Catholic Church in the west and the Orthodox Church in the east. Both claim primacy and authenticity over the other and their traditions have developed separately but in parallel with each other.

The Orthodox church does not have a Pope, they are structured around independent Bishops called “Primates” who oversee large regions of the world called “sees”. The sees originate with the original churches established by the Apostles. Each of these Primates can trace his ordination pedigree back to one of the original Apostles. The Orthodox church has changed in its practice and doctrine very little over the centuries and some of the oldest churches still in use in the middle east are Orthodox.

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Lent

Lent is a season of 40 days of preparation for the pinnacle event of the Christian year, Holy Week and Easter.

Epiphany / Theophany of Christ

Epiphany marks the end of the Christmas season in the west and is the date that the Nativity is celebrated in the east. It is marked with celebrations and is an important holiday in both Catholic and Orthodox traditions.

The Holy Name – The Circumcision of our Lord

A memorial honoring the name of Christ, or alternately the day of his naming, has been observed by Christians at varying degrees over the centuries. For Latter-day Saints it can be an opportunity to emphasize the importance of covenants.

Holy Innocents

The Holy Innocents are the children murdered by Herod. Though a solemn subject matter this day is one for reflecting on and treasuring children and childhood.

Saint John – The Apostle and Evangelist

John the Apostle was the only one of the 12 to not die a martyr’s death. He wrote several books of the Bible and his life message was one of love.