The Oriental Orthodox Church refers to a family of autocephalous and autonomous Eastern Christian churches that adhere to the ancient Christian traditions and teachings of early councils but distinct from the Eastern Orthodox Church. It is comprised of several national and regional churches, also known as "Oriental Orthodoxy," with historic roots in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
These churches include the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria (Egypt), the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (Ethiopia and Eritrea), the Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Church (Eritrea), the Syriac Orthodox Church (Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon), the Armenian Apostolic Church (Armenia), and the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church (India).
The Oriental Orthodox Church considers itself one of the ancient branches of Christianity, rooted in the teachings and practices of the early church fathers. Its major theological distinctive is its rejection of the Council of Chalcedon in 451 AD, which resulted in a division between the Chalcedonian (Eastern Orthodox) and non-Chalcedonian (Oriental Orthodox) churches. The Oriental Orthodox Church believes in the full humanity and divinity of Christ but does not accept the "two natures" doctrine established at Chalcedon, emphasizing instead the "one nature" concept (Miaphysitism).
The Oriental Orthodox Church maintains a rich liturgical tradition, with hymns, rituals, and sacraments playing a significant role in the religious life of its members. It is also deeply involved in social and charitable activities, aiming to serve and uplift its communities. Since its emergence, the Oriental Orthodox Church has faced challenges, including persecution and conflicts, but remains a vibrant and valued part of the broader Christian tapestry.
