What
is the Orthodox Presbyterian Church?
(See
below for links to our denominational website with answers to some basic
questions about the OPC.)
Our
name comes from the Greek words “ορθόδοξος”
(orthodoxos), “πρεσβύτερος” (Presbuteros) and “kuriakoς”
(kuriakos).
Orthodox
The word is derived from
two words “orqo” (ortho) which means
“correct” and “doxoς” (doxos ~
from dokein) which means “to think”. Taken Together “Orthodox” means “correct
thinking” or “correct opinion”.
Thus Orthodox refers to
the Church’s desire and effort to think (and act) correctly in our relationship
to God.
Presbyterian
The word is derived from
“πρεσβύτερος”
(presbuteros) which means “elder”.
Thus Presbyterian refers
to the form of church government where elders rule and teach within a
congregation. Collectively elders exert
authority through local and international councils.
Church
The word is probably
derived from the Greek word “kuriakoς” (kuriakos) which means
“of the LORD”.
Thus Church refers to how
we, as a community, belong to the LORD.
When we put it all
together, the Orthodox Presbyterian Church is a community of believers, belonging
to the LORD, who strive to be correct in our actions and opinions and are ruled
by men who are appointed as elders.
Links
to our Denominational website
What is the Orthodox
Presbyterian Church? Answer
What is the history of
the Orthodox Presbyterian Church? Answer
What is the Reformed
Faith? Answer
What confessions do we
hold to? Answer
How is the OPC governed? Answer