Eastern Orthodoxy: The Russian Curch

Russia's primary form of Christianity is known as Eastern Orthodox. They believe that humans are created in the image and likeness of God. The goal of humanity is to recover that image, only possible because of the reincarnation of Jesus. Eastern Orthodox is highly ritualistic. Even now, 2,000 years later, orthodox mass known as the "Divine Liturgy" is the closest thing to the original christian rituals that a modern person can get to. The Liturgy last three hours and is divided into three parts. The preparation of communion, the procession and then the communion itself. Communion is different. Instead of wafers and grape juice, chunks of a fully risen loaf of bread are placed in wine during the preparation and left to soak through the processions. During the communion itself, the liquefied bread is served with a spoon. This is a full representation of the body and blood of Christ.The entire service is participated in standing up. Eastern Orthodox is extremely ethnocentric. They aren't trying to expand, but to keep in the Russian gene pool.