The term "Orthodox Catholic Church" refers to a particular Christian denomination that encompasses different branches of Christianity, which follow the orthodox teachings and traditions of the ancient Christian faith. The Orthodox Catholic Church traces its roots back to the early Christian church and claims to uphold the original apostolic teachings passed down through the centuries.
The Orthodox Catholic Church is distinct from the Roman Catholic Church, though they share similar beliefs about the sacraments, liturgy, and many theological doctrines. However, the Orthodox Catholic Church is separate from the Roman Catholic Church due to historical and doctrinal differences.
Orthodox Catholic Churches are known for their strong emphasis on tradition, liturgical worship, and the authority of bishops. They place great importance on icons, sacraments, and the veneration of saints. The Orthodox Catholic Church rejects the doctrines of papal supremacy and the filioque clause, which led to the Great Schism of 1054 that divided Christianity into Western (Roman Catholic) and Eastern (Orthodox) branches.
The Orthodox Catholic Church is made up of autonomous or autocephalous churches, which are led by individual bishops or archbishops, and there is no centralized authority or single leader like the Pope in Roman Catholicism. The major Orthodox Christian denominations include the Greek Orthodox, Russian Orthodox, and Antiochian Orthodox Churches, among others.
Overall, the Orthodox Catholic Church represents a rich and ancient Christian tradition that adheres to orthodox teachings and practices, maintaining its distinct identity among other Christian denominations.
