Viktor Nikitin
The History of the Christian Church: An Exhaustive Account

Introduction: The Orthodox Church as the Original New Testament Church

Christianity stands as one of the world’s most enduring faith traditions, tracing its roots back nearly two millennia to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. More than just a religion, Christianity is a living community—The Church—established by Christ Himself and perpetuated by the Holy Spirit.

At the heart of Christianity is the Orthodox Church, which claims to be the original New Testament Church, established by Jesus Christ and His apostles. This Church is the continuation of the community described vividly in the Book of Acts and throughout the Epistles in the New Testament.

The Orthodox Church is unique in its structure and belief. It is made up of about a dozen national Churches—including the Russian Orthodox Church, Greek Orthodox Church, Serbian Orthodox Church, and others—each governed by its own Patriarch or Metropolitan. These Churches are administratively independent and equal in status, united in faith and sacraments.

Unlike the Roman Catholic Church, which claims the Pope as the supreme earthly head, the Orthodox Church recognizes no such earthly figure. Rather, it professes that Jesus Christ Himself is the Head of the Church, and that all patriarchs and bishops serve under Him in conciliar unity.

The Orthodox Church's history is remarkable for its unbroken continuity. From Pentecost until today, it has preserved the original teaching and worship of the apostles without change. The last time the Church officially adjusted its doctrine was during the Seventh Ecumenical Council in 787 AD.

This steadfastness stands in contrast with the Roman Catholic Church, which formally split from Orthodoxy in 1054 AD during what is known as the Great Schism. Later, the Protestant Reformation in 1517 led to the emergence of many Protestant denominations, which introduced substantial doctrinal shifts.

While Roman Catholic and Protestant Churches have adopted many changes, the Orthodox Church has preserved the faith in its fullness, retaining the doctrines, liturgy, and spiritual life of the early Church.

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1. The Beginning of the Church: Pentecost and the Empowerment of the Apostles

The Christian Church was born not with a physical building or a grand institution, but with a moment of divine power and inspiration—the event of Pentecost.

Pentecost: The Descent of the Holy Spirit

Pentecost is a Jewish feast celebrated 50 days after Passover, commemorating the giving of the Law to Moses at Mount Sinai. But the Christian Pentecost, described in Acts 2:1-4, marks a new covenant moment—the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles gathered in Jerusalem.

The apostles were gathered “together in one place” when suddenly the sound of a mighty rushing wind filled the house. Tongues of fire appeared, resting upon each of them. The apostles were filled with the Spirit, enabling them to speak in languages they had never learned, allowing them to preach the Gospel to the diverse crowds visiting Jerusalem.

This moment was transformative. The apostles, once fearful and unsure after Christ’s crucifixion, were now emboldened, joyful, and equipped with divine wisdom. They became fearless heralds of Jesus Christ, boldly proclaiming the Good News: that Jesus was the promised Messiah, crucified and resurrected.

The Apostles: Ordinary Men Transformed

The apostles were mostly fishermen—uneducated men from Galilee, ordinary and humble. Yet through the Spirit, they accomplished extraordinary feats: preaching to multitudes, performing miracles, establishing communities of believers, and writing letters that became foundational to Christian theology.

For instance, Peter, once fearful and denying Christ, became the leading apostle who preached boldly on Pentecost. Paul, initially a persecutor of Christians, was converted and became the “Apostle to the Gentiles,” traveling vast distances to spread Christianity.

Early Growth of the Church

The apostles began baptizing converts, teaching them Jesus’ commandments, and organizing the first local churches in Jerusalem and beyond. The community lived in unity, sharing possessions and breaking bread together.

Despite fierce opposition—both from Jewish leaders and Roman authorities—the Church grew rapidly. The Holy Spirit's presence ensured that the faith was preserved and spread.

The Importance of Pentecost in Orthodox Life

Pentecost is a major feast in the Orthodox Church, celebrated with joy and solemnity. It marks the Church’s birthday and the ongoing presence of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers.

It reminds Orthodox Christians that the Church is not merely a human institution but a living, Spirit-empowered Body of Christ.

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2. The Five Ancient Churches: Foundations of Christian Unity

As the apostles preached and the faith spread beyond Jerusalem, Christian communities grew in many cities across the Roman Empire and beyond. Among these early Christian communities, five ancient Churches emerged as leading centers of faith and authority. These five Churches, known as the Pentarchy, became the pillars of early Christianity, each led by a Patriarch, equal in honor and responsibility:

1. The Church of Jerusalem

2. The Church of Antioch

3. The Church of Alexandria

4. The Church of Rome

5. The Church of Constantinople

Each of these Churches was vital to the spread and development of Christianity, contributing unique cultural, theological, and pastoral influences.

The Church of Jerusalem: The Mother Church

Jerusalem was the city where Jesus was crucified and resurrected—the epicenter of the Christian faith. The Church here was the original seed from which Christianity grew.

Led by James the Just, often called the “brother of the Lord,” the Jerusalem Church preserved the Jewish-Christian heritage, including respect for the Mosaic Law. It was here that the first believers worshipped in the Temple and in homes.

Despite persecutions, including the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans in 70 AD, the Church remained a spiritual center and place of pilgrimage. Its patriarch held special honor as the custodian of Christ’s holy sites.

The Church of Antioch: Birthplace of the “Christians”

Antioch, in modern-day Turkey, was one of the empire’s largest cities and a vibrant cultural hub. It was here that the followers of Jesus were first called “Christians” (Acts 11:26), a name that would spread worldwide.

The Antioch Church played a key missionary role. It was the base for apostles like Paul and Barnabas on their evangelistic journeys.

Antioch’s diverse, cosmopolitan population influenced its theology and practice, blending Jewish tradition with Greek culture. This Church maintained a strong commitment to evangelism and pastoral care.

The Church of Alexandria: The Center of Learning

Alexandria, Egypt, was a world-renowned seat of learning, home to the famous Library and great philosophical schools.

The Alexandrian Church became a beacon of Christian scholarship and monasticism. It produced many great Fathers such as Clement of Alexandria, Origen, and St. Athanasius the Great, who defended orthodox faith against heresies like Arianism.

This Church was known for its allegorical interpretation of Scripture and its mystical theology, deeply influencing Christian thought.

The Church of Rome: The Imperial Seat

Rome, the capital of the Roman Empire, was the largest and most politically significant city in the ancient world. The Church of Rome grew in prominence due to its location and the martyrdom of apostles Peter and Paul there.

The Bishop of Rome, later called the Pope, claimed special authority, asserting the primacy of Rome as the successor of Peter. However, this claim was contested by the other patriarchates.

Rome was a center for missionary efforts in the Western world and developed distinctive liturgical and theological traditions.

The Church of Constantinople: The New Rome

Founded by Emperor Constantine in 330 AD, Constantinople (modern Istanbul) became the new imperial capital.

The Church of Constantinople quickly rose in stature, becoming “New Rome.” Its Patriarch was second only to the Bishop of Rome in honor.

Constantinople was a hub for theological debates, councils, and the defense of orthodoxy. Its liturgical rites and architectural achievements, like the Hagia Sophia, symbolized the glory of Christian civilization.

Equality Among the Patriarchates

The five ancient patriarchates formed a conciliar system where decisions affecting the whole Church were made together.

Orthodox tradition teaches these Churches were equal in status, reflecting the unity of the Body of Christ with many parts.

In contrast, the Roman Catholic Church later emphasized papal primacy, which became a major source of division leading to the Great Schism.

The Cultural and Theological Contributions

Each patriarchate brought unique contributions:

Jerusalem preserved the roots of the faith.

Antioch emphasized missionary zeal and scriptural preaching.

Alexandria developed rich theology and monasticism.

Rome represented order and legal structure.

Constantinople embodied imperial Christian culture and theological leadership.

Together, they nurtured the unity and orthodoxy of the early Church.

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3. Persecution of Christians: The Crucible of Faith and Witness

From its earliest days, the Christian Church faced fierce opposition. This opposition was not merely political but profoundly cultural and religious, challenging the radical new faith at every turn. The experience of persecution shaped the Church’s identity, deepened its spiritual resolve, and produced a multitude of heroic witnesses to the faith.

Jewish Persecution: The First Trials

The first Christians were Jewish, followers of Jesus who believed Him to be the promised Messiah foretold by the prophets. Yet, many Jewish religious leaders rejected Jesus’ claims and viewed His followers as heretics and troublemakers.

The tension culminated in violent opposition. The first martyr of Christianity was St. Stephen, a deacon in the early Church, who boldly preached Christ and was stoned to death by an enraged crowd (Acts 7). His death marked the beginning of widespread persecution by Jewish authorities.

Other apostles, including James, the brother of John, were executed by Jewish rulers. The early Christians were ostracized, threatened, and faced constant danger.

Roman Persecution: Hostility of a Pagan Empire

The situation worsened dramatically when the Roman authorities turned their attention to Christians.

Romans worshipped a pantheon of gods and deified emperors. Their social order was deeply tied to pagan religion, festivals, and emperor worship. Christianity’s exclusive monotheism, rejection of idol worship, and refusal to participate in imperial cult rituals were seen as dangerous subversion.

Moreover, Christian morals challenged Roman customs—teaching humility over pride, love over cruelty, chastity over indulgence, and charity over selfishness. Christians condemned slavery and polygamy, and their practices often shocked Roman sensibilities.

The Nature of Roman Persecutions

Roman persecution was sporadic but brutal. Emperors like Nero (54–68 AD) blamed Christians for disasters such as the great fire of Rome, using them as scapegoats and subjecting them to cruel tortures.

Christians were arrested, tortured, and executed in horrific ways—burned alive, fed to wild beasts, crucified, or beheaded.

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