Random questions about Orthodoxy

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  1. *]Is it true that Eastern Orthodox Christians wear a cross to show they are baptized members of the church? I heard that it’s given to them at baptism
    *]Is there any solid reason why Eastern Orthodox Christians don’t use 3-dimensional statues like Catholics do or is it purely tradition?
    *]Pascha, that’s what Easter is called in Orthodoxy right?
    *]Is it true some Divine Liturgies are in English and some are not, depending on where you go?
    *]Do Eastern Orthodox Christians believe in Marian apparitions?
    *]Has anyone asked you “are you Catholic or Christian?” and if so how do you respond?
    *]What’s the Eastern Orthodox position on divorce and how does it differ from Catholicism?

    These are asked out of pure curiosity 🤷
 
First thing first, I recommend that you take questions about Orthodox Christianity to Orthodox forums where you are more likely to get answers from Orthodox Christians themselves. That said, since I am Orthodox I will offer my answers.
Is it true that Eastern Orthodox Christians wear a cross to show they are baptized members of the church? I heard that it’s given to them at baptism
It is customary for Orthodox Christians to receive a baptismal cross as part of their baptism and chrismation. It is also customary for the baptized Orthodox Christian to wear this baptismal cross once they are old enough to do so.
Is there any solid reason why Eastern Orthodox Christians don’t use 3-dimensional statues like Catholics do or is it purely tradition?
Icons were more prevalent in both early Western and Eastern Christian parishes because it is easier to paint a picture than sculpt a statue. There is nothing inherently wrong with using statues. Orthodoxy simply never adopted the practice.
Pascha, that’s what Easter is called in Orthodoxy right?
Correct.
Is it true some Divine Liturgies are in English and some are not, depending on where you go?
Yes, just as the language in which the Mass is celebrated varies from place to place.
Do Eastern Orthodox Christians believe in Marian apparitions?
Do we leave they are possible? Absolutely. Do we accept all alleged apparitions? Not necessarily.
Has anyone asked you “are you Catholic or Christian?” and if so how do you respond?
Orthodox Christianity is both catholic and Christian. However, because the term “catholic” is almost exclusively associated with the Roman Catholic Church, many Orthodox Christians do not introduce themselves as Catholic because it may lead to confusion.
What’s the Eastern Orthodox position on divorce and how does it differ from Catholicism?
In Eastern Orthodoxy, divorce is seen as a grave sin that ought to be avoided. However, Eastern Orthodox Christianity permits divorce and remarriage in certain circumstances.
 
Icons were more prevalent in both early Western and Eastern Christian parishes because it is easier to paint a picture than sculpt a statue. There is nothing inherently wrong with using statues. Orthodoxy simply never adopted the practice.
I was told that Orthodox regard statues as graven or three dimensional images and as such they are generally not allowed because of Scripture: , “Thou shalt have no graven images” (Exodus 20:4).
 
I was told that Orthodox regard statues as graven or three dimensional images and as such they are generally not allowed because of Scripture: , “Thou shalt have no graven images” (Exodus 20:4).
That would be a mistaken reason. The Orthodox simply do not change their customs without good reason, and statues just never became a custom.
Exodus 20:3-5: “You shall have no other gods beforea me. “You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them;…
Both Catholics and Orthodox generally believe that the graven images commandment is part of a general prohibition on worshiping false gods.
 
I was told that Orthodox regard statues as graven or three dimensional images and as such they are generally not allowed because of Scripture: , “Thou shalt have no graven images” (Exodus 20:4).
Orthodox individuals have all sorts of beliefs, but Orthodoxy as a whole has no official position on statues.
 
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