What We Believe

The Nicene Creed sums up the fundamental beliefs of all Orthodox Christians and is also the basis for versions used by the Catholic and Protestant denominations.  The Creed was formulated in 325 AD at the Council of Nicea, which was the first Ecumenical Council.  Orthodox Christians recite the Creed in its original form during the Liturgy, along with the Lord’s Prayer, Communion Prayer and Christ’s Presence.  At Christmas we recite our belief in Christ’s birth;  and at Pascha (Easter), our belief in His Resurrection.

Christ’s Presence           Priest:  Christ is in our midst.

                                              All:      He is and always shall be.

At Christmas                    Priest:  Christ is born.

                                              All:      Glorify Him.

At Pascha (Easter)        Priest:  Christ is risen! 

                                              All:      Indeed He is risen!

The Nicene Creed

I believe:

—In one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of Heaven and Earth, and of all things visible and invisible;

—And in one Lord Jesus Christ;

—The Son of God, the only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages. Light of Light, true God of true God; begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father, by Whom all things were made;

—Who for us men and for our salvation came down from Heaven, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man.         

—And He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried.

—And the third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures;

—And ascended into Heaven, and sits at the right hand of the Father;

—And He shall come again with glory to judge the living and the dead; whose Kingdom shall have no end.

—And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life, Who proceeds from the Father; Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; Who spoke by the prophets.

—In one Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.

—I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins.

—I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come.  Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer

Congregation:  Our Father, Who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name.  Thy Kingdom come.  Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Priest:  For Thine is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory, of the Father, and the Son, and of the Holy Spirit; now and ever, and unto ages of ages.

All:  Amen.

The Communion Prayer

I believe, O Lord, and I confess that Thou art truly the Christ, the Son of the living God, who came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am first.  I believe also that this is truly Thine own most pure Body, and that this is truly Thine own precious Blood.  Therefore, I pray Thee: have mercy upon me and forgive my transgressions, both voluntary and involuntary, of word and of deed, committed in knowledge or in ignorance.  And make me worthy to partake without condemnation of Thy most pure Mysteries, for the remission of my sins, and unto life everlasting. Amen.

              Of Thy Mystical Supper, O Son of God, accept me today as a communicant; for I will not speak of Thy Mystery to Thine enemies, neither like Judas will I give Thee a kiss; but like the thief will I confess thee; Remember me, O Lord, in Thy Kingdom.

              May the communion of Thy Holy Mysteries be neither to my judgment, nor to my condemnation, O Lord, but to the healing of soul and body. Amen.