Typica

What unites the Orthodox is theology, although there are variations in style depending on country of origin and/or local custom. These local customs are referred to as differences in typica and are accepted by church leaders since they are not perceived to conflict theologically with basic Eastern Orthodox teachings. Thus it is that many Eastern Orthodox Churches adopt a national title (e.g. Bulgarian Orthodox, Georgian Orthodox, Greek Orthodox, Macedonian Orthodox (not officially recognized), Russian Orthodox, Romanian Orthodox, Serbian Orthodox, etc.) and this title serves to distinguish which language, which bishops, and which of the typica is followed by that particular congregation. Members of the Church are fully united in faith and the Sacred Mysteries with all Eastern Orthodox congregations, regardless of nationality. Differences in praxis (practice) tend to be slight; they involve such things as the order in which a particular set of hymns are sung or what time a particular service is performed. In general, an Eastern Orthodox Christian could travel the globe and feel familiar with the services even if he did not know the language in which they were celebrated.
----
Category:christianity