The Eastern Orthodox Tradition is Characterized by its continuity with the Apostalic Church, its liturgy and its territorial churches. Eastern Orthodoxy follows the faith and practices that were defined by the first seven ecumenical councils.

Its members live mainly in the Balkans, the Middle East and Russia. They recognize the leadership of the Patriarch of Constantinople ( the Ecumenical Patriarch). The Bishopric of Byzantium was founded according to legends of the 4th century by St. Andrew and his disciple Stachys, who became the first Bishop AD 38-54. Constantine the Great transferred the capitol of the Roman Empire from Rome to Byzantium (AD 330) and renamed it Constantinople (New Rome) its bishopric was elevated to archbishopric. In AD 381 the first Council of Constantinople recognized that the Bishop of Constantinople had rights equal to those of the Bishop of Rome. In the 6th Century the official tittle of the Bishop of Constantinople became, "Archbishop of Constantinople, New Rome, and Ecumenical Patriarch".

One major aspect of the Eastern Orthodox Church is the use of the Byzantine Rite. This isa system of liturgical practices, organized in Antioch but developed and perfected in Constantinople.

Three liturgies are usually connected with the Orthodox Church: The Liturgy of St John Chrysostom is the normal church liturgy, the Liturgy of St Basel the Great is longer and used on ten special occasions, and the Liturgy of The Presanctified ( of St Gregory The Great) is celebrated on Wensdays and Fridays during Lent and from Monday to Wednesday during Holy Week. A fourth, that of St James the Apostle is rarely used. There is some difference in the sacrements as well. The greatest seems to be in the sacrement called Chesmation which introduces new members into the church. It is very similiar to Confirmation. A Priest annoints the forehead, eyes, nostrils, mouth, ears, breast, hands and feet of the newly baptised with Chrism, a mixture of olive oil and balsam blessed by a bishop, and says at each annointing, "The seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit".

Another difference in Eastern Orthodoxy is the use of Icons. Icons in the Eastern tradition are representitives of sacred personages and events in mural painting, mosiac or wood. After the iconoclastic controversy of the 8th and 9th century the Eastern Church formulated the doctrinal basis for their veneration. Icons are considered an essential part of the church and are given special liturgical veneration. In the Byzantine tradition this developed into Iconostasis which is a solid screen of stone, wood or metal usually seperating the sanctuary from the nave. It is usually covered with panel icons. It is pierced by a large or Royal Door and curtain, set in the center of the screen and two smaller doors on either side. It always includes the Icon of Incarnation(Mary with Child) on the left side and the second coming (Christ in Majesty) on the right. The Icons of the four Evangelists, the Annunciation and the Last Supper cover the Royal Door. Icons of the Archangels, the 12 Apostles, the feasts of the Church, the prophets of the Old Testament are arrayed in patterns all figures facing the Royal Doors.

One of the most interesting aspects of the Eastern Tradition is the Starets. The monastic Tradition of the Church had understood itself to be a way of life that aimed at a real experience of the future Kingdom of God; the starets are charismatic spiritual guides, who have already achieved this experience and aid others to attain spiritual progress and success.