The "One, Holy, Catholic (Universal), and Apostolic" Church: A Cornerstone of Orthodox Christianity

Introduction

The Orthodox Church stands as a cornerstone of Christianity, holding firm to the concept of the "One, Holy, Catholic (Universal), and Apostolic Church." This self-understanding shapes its doctrines, practices, and its place within the broader Christian world. This essay will explore the significance of these attributes for the Orthodox Church, drawing upon biblical teachings.

One (አንዲት): Unity holds utmost importance in Orthodox belief. It finds its foundation in the teachings of Jesus Christ himself, who prayed for his disciples to be "one" as He and the Father are one (John 17:11). This oneness extends beyond mere organizational unity; it encompasses a shared faith, practice, and experience of the divine.

Holy (ቅድስት): Holiness, for the Orthodox Church, is not merely an aspiration but a characteristic of the Church itself. The Church is seen as the vessel of God's grace, a place where the Holy Spirit is actively present and transforms believers. This holiness is experienced through the Sacraments, through prayer and worship, and through the lives of the saints who serve as models for Christian living.

Catholic (Universal) (አለም አቀፋዊት): The term "Catholic" in the Orthodox context does not denote a single, centralized organization but rather the universality of the Church's message and reach. The Orthodox Church sees itself as encompassing the entirety of the true Christian faith, open to all people and transcending cultural and ethnic boundaries. This universality is rooted in the Great Commission, where Christ instructs his disciples to "go therefore and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19).

Apostolic (ሐዋሪያዊት): Apostolic succession forms a foundation of Orthodox self-understanding. The Church believes that the authority and teachings of the Apostles have been faithfully transmitted through the laying on of hands (ordination) from generation to generation. This ensures continuity with the original message entrusted by Christ and safeguards against doctrinal error.

Conclusion

The "One, Holy, Catholic (Universal), and Apostolic" attributes are not mere signifiers for the Orthodox Church; they are its defining characteristics. These concepts shape its approach to Scripture, tradition, and its relationship with other Christian denominations. While recognizing the diversity within Christianity, the Orthodox Church sees itself as the faithful guardian of the original Christian faith, offering a path towards unity, holiness, and experiencing the divine presence. The continued commitment to these core values passed down from the early Church Fathers, ensures that the Orthodox Church will remain a significant voice within the vast diversity of Christian traditions.