The Greek Orthodox Church is founded on the teachings of Jesus Christ. It turns to two great sources of authority: the Sacred Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments and Holy Tradition, which includes the collective wisdom and experience of the apostles, saints, martyrs and fathers of the church. Orthodoxy believes that God has revealed Himself to us, especially in the revelation of Jesus Christ. God’s love and his purpose are constantly manifested in the life of the Church by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Orthodox priests wear special vestments for celebrating sacred ritual. These garments are intended to focus attention on God. The mitre, worn on the head, is fashioned after the ancient Byzantine crown. The black monastic mantle may be covered with a more elaborately decorated over-garment or chasuble. The large medallion worn upon the bosom often has an icon in the center. Unlike monks the Greek Orthodox Priest traditionally recites prayer with all sorts of vestments.