Final Answer:
If you were part of the Orthodox Catholic Church, you would be following the traditions, doctrines, and practices of Eastern Orthodox Christianity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Being part of the Orthodox Catholic Church means adhering to the ancient traditions and teachings of Eastern Orthodox Christianity. This branch of Christianity follows the Nicene Creed and considers itself the continuation of the early Christian Church, tracing its origins to the apostles themselves. The Orthodox Church places significant emphasis on preserving the teachings of the early Church Fathers and maintains a rich liturgical and spiritual tradition.
Members of the Orthodox Catholic Church participate in sacraments, including baptism, chrismation, the Eucharist, confession, marriage, ordination, and anointing of the sick. Worship practices are characterized by elaborate liturgical services, often conducted in the local language alongside ancient hymns and chants. Icons are prevalent in Orthodox churches, serving as visual representations of Christ, saints, and biblical events, playing a significant role in worship and spiritual life.
The governance of the Orthodox Church is structured around a conciliar system, with the patriarchs, metropolitans, and bishops overseeing various regions. The ecumenical patriarch in Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul) holds a position of honor but does not have the same centralized authority as the Pope in Roman Catholicism.
Additionally, the Orthodox Catholic Church maintains a strong sense of mysticism and spirituality, focusing on theosis or divinization, the process of becoming closer to God. This spiritual journey involves prayer, asceticism, and striving for holiness, aiming for a union with God's divine nature.
Overall, being part of the Orthodox Catholic Church entails embracing a deeply rooted, spiritual, and traditional form of Christianity, placing importance on ancient rituals, theological teachings, and spiritual growth toward communion with God.