Question:  Please explain the Russian Orthodox religion to me.

            Roper

Answer:  Dear “Roper”,

            Wow!  That’s a big question.  The Russian, Greek, Armenian and other orthodox churches (sometimes called the Eastern Church) share a common heritage.  They split with the western church (known to us today as the Roman Catholic Church) about 1000 years ago over an issue known as the filioque.  The filioque concerns whether the Father sends the Son who sends the Spirit; or whether the Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son.  For many Christians not a big issue – but big enough at that time to cause a split.  Or at least be the apparent reason for a split; for there were other reasons as well – and of course 1000 years has gone by without any reconciliation.

            As I said, big question – hope that sheds a little light on your question.

            In Christ,

            Greg Albrecht