Eastern Orthodox

Eastern Orthodox Christianity emerged from the Byzantine Empire and spread through Eastern Europe, Russia, and the Mediterranean, developing distinct theological, liturgical, and artistic traditions from Western Christianity. The Orthodox Church emphasizes mysticism, the veneration of icons, the role of the Holy Spirit, and conciliar governance. Sacred sites include Mount Athos (monastic republic in Greece), the Hagia Sophia in Constantinople (now Istanbul), and countless monasteries and cathedrals across the Orthodox world. The monastic tradition is central — Mount Athos alone contains twenty active monasteries and hundreds of smaller communities where monks have practiced hesychasm (contemplative prayer) for over a thousand years. The Schism of 1054 CE formally separated East from West, leading to different theological emphases and liturgical practices. Eastern Orthodox Christianity is a living tradition with over 300 million adherents, including the Russian Orthodox Church, Greek Orthodox Church, Serbian Orthodox Church, and many others. Sacred practices include the Divine Liturgy, icon veneration, and pilgrimage to holy sites.