Definition
The Orthodox Church is a major branch of Christianity that traces its origins back to the early Christian communities in the Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantine Empire). It is characterized by its adherence to ancient traditions and doctrines, its emphasis on the mystical experience of God, and its use of elaborate rituals and iconography. The Orthodox Church is organized into self-governing churches, each led by its own patriarch or archbishop. It's like a family of related but independent churches, all sharing a common heritage. The churches all practice the same sacraments and hold the same core beliefs.