eastern orthodox

eastern orthodox — adjective

1. relating to the historic Christian tradition in the eastern part of Europe and t

1.adjectiveC1
Definition

relating to the historic Christian tradition in the eastern part of Europe and the Middle East, marked by Byzantine-style worship and leadership shared across many bishops instead of one pope

Example

The guide pointed to Eastern Orthodox icons inside the mountain church.

common collocation: Eastern Orthodox icons and church art

Karim grew up in an Eastern Orthodox family in northern Greece.

Eastern Orthodox + family for background or identity

Common collocations
  • Eastern Orthodox church
  • Eastern Orthodox service
  • Eastern Orthodox icon
  • Eastern Orthodox family
Synonyms
  • Orthodox Christian

    often refers to a person or community and is less common before every noun

  • Greek Orthodox

    narrower; often points to a specific national or cultural branch rather than the whole tradition

Grammar Patterns

Eastern Orthodox church

Eastern Orthodox family

Eastern Orthodox service

Usage Note

Usually appears before a noun and is normally capitalized. It names a specific Christian tradition, not just any church that happens to be in the eastern part of a country.

Common Mistakes

an eastern orthodox church in town
an Eastern Orthodox church in town
When naming this tradition, both words are normally capitalized.
an orthodox church in the east of Turkey
an Eastern Orthodox church in Turkey
Eastern Orthodox names a particular branch of Christianity, not simply a church located farther east.

Etymology

First known use

1701

1701, in the meaning defined above