Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • An independent Christian church with its own Patriarch: The Russian Orthodox Church is an autocephalous (self-governing) Eastern Orthodox church, headed by its own Patriarch. Historically, it was the state church of the Russian Empire until the revolution of 1917.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • The Russian Orthodox Church has millions of adherents worldwide.
  • He converted and became a member of the Russian Orthodox Church.
  • The history of the Russian Orthodox Church is deeply intertwined with the history of Russia itself.

Advanced Usage

• Used in historical and religious contexts: The term is used to discuss theology, history, politics, and culture, particularly in relation to Russia and Eastern Europe.
  • The schism within the Russian Orthodox Church in the 17th century led to the creation of the Old Believers.

Variants and Related Words

• Orthodox Church (Eastern Orthodox Church): The broader communion of Christian churches to which the Russian Orthodox Church belongs.
• Moscow Patriarchate: A common designation for the administrative center of the Russian Orthodox Church.
• ROC: A common acronym for the Russian Orthodox Church.

Synonyms

• Moscow Patriarchate (when referring to its administrative entity).
• (There are no direct synonyms for this specific proper noun referring to the institution.)

Related Phrases

• To be in communion with the Russian Orthodox Church: Describes other churches that share the same sacraments and faith.
  • The Serbian Orthodox Church is in communion with the Russian Orthodox Church.

Related Idioms

• (This is a proper noun for a specific institution; it does not have idiomatic uses.)

Noun

1. an independent church with its own Patriarch; until 1917 it was the established church or Russia