Greek Orthodox Church

The Greek Orthodox Church first came on the shores of America at St. Augustine, Florida in 1768, where one of the original buildings is still standing. The Orthodox churches are said to be direct decedents from the twelve apostles linage. Many Orthodox Christians in the United States can trace their heritage to European or Asian countries.

Specifics of the Greek Orthodox Church is that the Virgin Mary carries a very important role, and only men can serve as clergy. The clergy can be married, but only if they were married prior to their ordination.

The sacraments celebrated by the Greek Orthodox are baptism, confirmation, holy communion, holy unction, holy matrimony and ordination. Baptism is performed on a child shortly after their first birthday, where they are submerged in water and given their religious name. The name is never used until after the baptism.

Their two most important holidays are Easter and Christmas, in that order. At Easter, crowds gather at the churches and at midnight the priest says, “Christ is risen,” and the crowd responds, “truly risen.” At this time, they all light candles, which they have been given, from the candle that the priest brought with him. They then return to their homes, attempting to keep their candles burning until they reach the doorway of their house. If the candle is still burning when they arrive home, they make a cross and bless their home for the coming year.

The Orthodox religion is a truly colorful and devote celebration of the life of Christ, the twelve apostles, and the event of Christ rising from the dead.