Characteristic Traits of Orthodox Spirituality

by Metropolitan Hierotheos Vlachos

Within this framework we can detect some characteristic traits of Orthodox spirituality. It is, firstly, Christ-centred, since Christ is the only medicine for humankind, by virtue of the hypostatic union of the divine and human nature in His Person.

Secondly, Orthodox spirituality is also centred on the Holy Trinity, since Christ is always united with the Father and the Holy Spirit.

All the Sacraments are performed in the name of the Triune God. Christ, however, is the Head of the Church and cannot be thought of without the Church. Consequently Orthodox spirituality is also Church-centred, since only within the Church can we come into communion with Christ. Finally, as we shall explain later, Orthodox spirituality is sacramental and ascetical.

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