The Macedonian Orthodox Church is a religious institution that follows the teachings and traditions of Orthodox Christianity. It is a self-governing, autocephalous (independent) church that originated in the Republic of Macedonia during the 20th century.
The Macedonian Orthodox Church is not officially recognized by other Orthodox churches, which view it as a schismatic movement. Its establishment in 1967 resulted from a breakaway from the Serbian Orthodox Church and the subsequent rise of Macedonian nationalism. The church was born out of a desire by the Macedonian people to have their own national church separate from the Serbian Orthodox Church.
With its headquarters in the capital city of Skopje, the Macedonian Orthodox Church plays a significant role in the religious and cultural life of the Macedonian people. Its members adhere to the Eastern Orthodox Christian faith, upholding its doctrines and practices, including the veneration of saints, sacraments, and liturgical worship.
The Macedonian Orthodox Church has a hierarchical structure, led by a primate known as the Archbishop of Ohrid and Macedonia. Its clergy includes bishops, priests, and deacons who perform religious services and administer sacraments to the faithful.
While the Macedonian Orthodox Church is not recognized by other Eastern Orthodox churches, it maintains relations with several autonomous Orthodox churches across the globe. It has actively pursued recognition and establishment of its autocephalous status, aiming to gain full acceptance and canonical recognition from other Orthodox jurisdictions.
