Understanding the Orthodox Church: A Key Branch of Christianity
The Orthodox Church represents one of the three major branches of Christianity, alongside Catholicism and Protestantism. Characterized by its emphasis on mysticism and spirituality, the Orthodox tradition is often seen as more conservative compared to its counterparts. The church is broadly divided into Eastern Orthodox, connected to countries like Russia, and Oriental Orthodox, associated with regions such as Africa and Asia. In the Netherlands, both branches are collectively referred to as the Orthodox Church, reflecting their shared spiritual heritage.