The Nicene Creed
Our beliefs are rooted in the ancient apostolic tradition, especially in the forms that developed in the Syriac and Greek parts of the Mediterranean world and in the other Christian societies further east and south, outside the limits of the late Roman Empire. We are “A Church of the Three Councils” and our faith is rooted in historical creeds, especially that established by the Council of Nicaea and perfected by the Council of Constantinople.
This Creed (the word comes from the Latin creed = I believe) is the fundamental definition of belief in the Orthodox Catholic Church of America. It is a clear statement of beliefs
You will notice the lack of the filioque (“and of the Son”) which was added at a later date by Western theologians in the Roman tradition. (It is not used by any Orthodox community.)
Note also that this document of faith was originally called a symbol. This is because words are, in fact, symbols, often moving towards, but unable to fully express the Mystery.
The Sacraments or Mysteries
The Orthodox Catholic Church of America, like all other Orthodox Churches, recognizes the Sacraments that are part of our salvation history.
Tradition tells us that the Church has used them throughout the centuries to mark the mileposts of our Christian lives. These become outward signs of God’s grace working in our lives.
Some of the sacraments can be received only once, while others can be received over and over again to change our lives. They are a mark of the hand of God.
Unlike the West, the Orthodox world has not entered into the debate over exactly how many sacraments there are in the Church. (The West chose seven.)
Our sense is that God in Christ is reconciling the entire universe, bringing each and every one into the divine inner life in a multitude of ways through all the elements of God’s creation.
