Extended Catechism
Definition
A community established by God, united by Orthodox faith, hierarchy and sacraments; governed by Christ Himself according to the Father’s will; members united to the Head and to one another and to those in heaven; animated and sanctified by the Holy Spirit. This is descriptive, not exhaustive, since the Church’s mystical life exceeds formulas.
Episodes
Related Concepts
- Earthly Definition Of The Church
- Local Churches And Universal Unity
Biblical References
- 1 Peter 2:9 — *But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of his own, so that you may proclaim the virtues of the one who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. *
- Ephesians 1:10 — *toward the administration of the fullness of the times, to head up all things in Christ—the things in heaven and the things on earth. *
- Hebrews 13:14 — *For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. *
- Ephesians 6:12 — *For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens. *
- Hebrews 12:23 — *and congregation of the firstborn, who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous, who have been made perfect, *
- Ephesians 2:20 — *because you have been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. *