Orthodoxy. The Great Visual Encyclopedia

Orthodoxy — not just a religion, but a living history, culture, and art embodied in the greatest monuments, numerous vibrant testimonies of the strength of spirit and miracles performed through prayers to God. For more than a thousand and a half years, the Orthodox faith has united nations, inspired ascetics, and shaped national traditions. But most importantly — this branch of Christianity preaches the true doctrine about God. This encyclopedia tells how Orthodoxy originated and how it differs from other Christian confessions, presents the main periods of the development of the faith called "right belief." By turning the pages of this book filled with numerous spectacular illustrations, you will immerse yourself in the times of the earthly life of Jesus Christ and the deeds of His apostles, the first Local Churches, and Ecumenical Councils.
You will learn how dogmas of faith were born out of disputes and discussions and at what cost the freedom of religion was attained, who created the Slavic alphabet and where the first Orthodox churches and monasteries were built, how Ancient Rus and other Slavic countries were baptized. Unique reproductions of paintings, icons, and frescoes, exclusive photographs of spiritual relics and masterpieces of church architecture will not only help to understand the foundations of the Orthodox faith and the order of worship in the temple, the special symbolism of sacred relics, and the meaning of the Holy Mysteries, but also make the light of Orthodoxy closer and clearer.