Explore Christian traditions

Discover how different Christian communities understand and honor the saints.

Anglicanism

The Anglican Communion is a global fellowship of churches with roots in the Church of England, formed during the English Reformation in the 16th century. It blends elements of Catholicism and Protestantism, holding to the authority of Scripture, tradition, and reason. Anglican belief is summarized in the Book of Common Prayer and the Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion. The Communion includes churches that are self-governing but share communion with the Archbishop of Canterbury, who holds a symbolic primacy. Worship styles range from High Church (more liturgical and Catholic in feel) to Low Church (more evangelical and Protestant). Anglicans celebrate two main sacraments—Baptism and Holy Communion—and may recognize others. The church emphasizes moral living, social justice, and unity amid diversity. While maintaining historic creeds and apostolic succession, Anglicanism allows for a broad range of theological views, fostering dialogue and inclusivity across its global membership.

Assyrian Church of the East

The Assyrian Church of the East is an ancient Christian church tracing its roots to the early Christian communities of Mesopotamia and the apostles Thomas, Thaddeus, and Addai. It separated from other churches after the Council of Ephesus in 431 AD due to theological differences, especially rejecting the title "Theotokos" for Mary and emphasizing a distinct Christology sometimes called Nestorianism. The Church uses the East Syriac Rite in its liturgy, centered on the ancient Liturgy of Addai and Mari. It values apostolic tradition, asceticism, and a strong sacramental life. The Church venerates saints and martyrs, honors the Bible and early Church Fathers, and has a significant presence mainly in the Middle East, India, and diaspora communities worldwide. Despite historical challenges, it maintains a rich spiritual heritage and distinct theological identity.

Eastern Catholicism (e.g., Maronite, Melkite, Chaldean)

Eastern Catholicism refers to the 23 Eastern Christian Churches in full communion with the Pope of Rome, while preserving their distinct liturgical rites, theology, and spiritual traditions. These Churches—such as the Maronite, Melkite, Ukrainian Greek Catholic, and Chaldean Catholic Churches—maintain the ancient practices of Eastern Christianity, including the Divine Liturgy, use of icons, and emphasis on mysticism and sacraments. They share core Catholic doctrines like papal authority and the sacraments but express them through diverse cultural and theological expressions rooted in Byzantine, Alexandrian, Syriac, Armenian, or East Syriac traditions. Eastern Catholics value their heritage and often serve as a bridge between the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic worlds, promoting unity while honoring their unique identity within the universal Catholic Church.

Eastern Orthodoxy

Eastern Orthodoxy is one of the three main branches of Christianity, tracing its roots to the early Church established by Jesus Christ and the apostles. It formally split from the Roman Catholic Church in the Great Schism of 1054, largely over issues of papal authority and theological differences. Eastern Orthodox Christians believe in the Holy Trinity, the divinity of Jesus, and the authority of Sacred Tradition alongside the Bible. The Church is a communion of autocephalous (self-governing) churches, each led by a bishop, with the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople holding a primacy of honor. Worship centers on the Divine Liturgy, with a strong emphasis on mystery, beauty, and the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Icons play a central role in devotion. Salvation is seen as theosis—union with God through grace. The Church preserves ancient practices, liturgy, and theology, maintaining continuity with the early Christian faith and emphasizing spiritual life, asceticism, and community.

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Lutheranism

The Lutheran Church is a major branch of Protestant Christianity that began with the reforms of Martin Luther in the early 16th century. It emerged in response to perceived abuses in the Roman Catholic Church, emphasizing justification by faith alone, the authority of Scripture over church tradition, and the priesthood of all believers. Lutherans hold to the teachings of the Bible as the sole rule of faith and accept the Lutheran Confessions, especially the Augsburg Confession, as accurate interpretations of Scripture. Worship includes liturgy, hymns, and the sacraments of Baptism and the Eucharist, which is viewed as the real presence of Christ. Lutherans reject papal authority but retain many traditional elements of Christian worship and theology. The church stresses salvation by grace through faith, not works, and values education, preaching, and congregational involvement. Today, Lutheranism is a global faith with various synods differing in theology and practice, but united in core beliefs.

Oriental Orthodoxy (e.g., Coptic, Armenian, Ethiopian)

The Oriental Orthodox Church is a family of Christian churches that separated from the rest of Christendom after the Council of Chalcedon in 451 AD, due to disagreements over the nature of Christ. They reject the Chalcedonian definition, instead affirming Miaphysitism—that Christ has one united nature, both divine and human. The communion includes the Coptic, Armenian, Syriac, Ethiopian, Eritrean, and Malankara (Indian) Orthodox Churches. They share a common faith and theology, though each has its own language, liturgy, and traditions. Worship is highly liturgical, with deep reverence for the sacraments, especially the Eucharist. Veneration of saints, use of icons, fasting, and monasticism play important roles in spiritual life. Oriental Orthodox Christians emphasize apostolic tradition, continuity with the early Church, and a mystical understanding of salvation. Despite historical isolation, they are now engaged in ecumenical dialogue and maintain a strong presence in Africa, the Middle East, and India.

Roman Catholicism

Roman Catholicism is the largest branch of Christianity, tracing its origins to Jesus Christ and the apostles, particularly Peter, whom Catholics regard as the first pope. Centered in Rome and led by the pope, the Church teaches that it is the one true Church established by Christ. Its core beliefs include the Trinity, the divinity of Jesus, the authority of the Bible and Sacred Tradition, and the sacraments—especially the Eucharist, which it sees as the real presence of Christ. Roman Catholicism emphasizes salvation through faith, good works, and the grace of God, mediated through the Church. It upholds the authority of the Magisterium (the Church’s teaching office) and promotes a life of prayer, moral living, and service. The Church has a rich liturgical and devotional life, with practices such as the Mass, veneration of Mary and the saints, and adherence to doctrines such as the Immaculate Conception and transubstantiation. Catholicism has shaped Western civilization and remains a global religious force.