Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'orthodoxy'

English Word: orthodoxy

Key Russian Translations:

• православие [prəvɐˈslavʲɪjə] - [Formal, Religious context]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in religious, historical, and cultural discussions, but not in everyday casual conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of religious terminology and Russian cultural nuances, as per CEFR standards)

Pronunciation (Russian):

православие: [prəvɐˈslavʲɪjə]

Note on православие: The stress falls on the third syllable ("slav"), which is a common feature in Russian words ending in -ие. Be mindful of the soft 'в' sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Adherence to traditional or established beliefs, especially in a religious context

Translation(s) & Context:

• православие - Used in formal or religious discussions to refer to Orthodox Christianity, often in historical or cultural contexts; common in written texts or speeches about faith.

Usage Examples:

• В России православие играет ключевую роль в национальной идентичности.

  In Russia, Orthodoxy plays a key role in national identity.

• Православие подразумевает строгое соблюдение традиций и обрядов.

  Orthodoxy implies strict adherence to traditions and rituals.

• Многие люди в Восточной Европе исповедуют православие как свою веру.

  Many people in Eastern Europe practice Orthodoxy as their faith.

• Православие часто обсуждается в контексте этических и моральных норм.

  Orthodoxy is often discussed in the context of ethical and moral norms.

• Изучение православия помогает понять историю византийской культуры.

  Studying Orthodoxy helps understand the history of Byzantine culture.

2. Specifically referring to the Eastern Orthodox Church or its doctrines

Translation(s) & Context:

• православие - Applied in ecclesiastical or doctrinal contexts, such as church services or theological debates; emphasizes the institutional aspect.

Usage Examples:

• Православие имеет богатую историю, восходящую к первым векам христианства.

  Orthodoxy has a rich history dating back to the early centuries of Christianity.

• В православии акцент делается на таинствах и литургии.

  In Orthodoxy, emphasis is placed on sacraments and liturgy.

• Православие отличается от католицизма своими традициями и иерархией.

  Orthodoxy differs from Catholicism in its traditions and hierarchy.

• Молодое поколение интересуется корнями православия в современном мире.

  The younger generation is interested in the roots of Orthodoxy in the modern world.

• Православие празднует Пасху по юлианскому календарю.

  Orthodoxy celebrates Easter according to the Julian calendar.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Православие" is a neuter noun in the third declension. It follows standard Russian noun inflection patterns for neuter nouns ending in -ие. Below is a table outlining its declension:

Note: This noun is relatively regular, but in plural forms, it may vary slightly in poetic or archaic usage.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • вероисповедание (slightly broader, referring to any faith confession; used in more general religious contexts)
  • ортодоксия (a direct borrowing, used in academic settings for precise alignment with English "orthodoxy")
• Antonyms:
  • ересь (heresy; implies deviation from established beliefs)
  • схизма (schism; refers to a split or separation from the main body)

Related Phrases:

• Русское православие - Refers to Russian Orthodoxy, emphasizing its cultural and national significance.
• Восточное православие - Denotes Eastern Orthodoxy as a broader tradition across countries like Greece and Serbia.
• Православная вера - Means "Orthodox faith," often used in personal or devotional contexts.
• Церковь православия - Translates to "Church of Orthodoxy," referring to institutional structures.

Usage Notes:

"Православие" directly corresponds to the English "orthodoxy" in religious contexts, particularly for Eastern Orthodox Christianity, but it carries strong cultural connotations in Russian-speaking regions. Use it in formal or academic discussions; avoid in casual conversations unless the topic is explicitly religious. When choosing between translations, opt for "православие" for historical or doctrinal references, as it is the most precise. Grammatically, it functions as a neuter noun, so ensure agreement in gender, number, and case with accompanying words (e.g., adjectives must be neuter). In modern usage, it's often paired with phrases involving national identity, like in Russian literature or media.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing "православие" with "католицизм" (Catholicism) due to similarities in Abrahamic traditions. Incorrect: "Православие имеет папу" (Orthodoxy has a pope). Correct: "Католицизм имеет папу" (Catholicism has a pope). Explanation: Orthodoxy does not have a pope; this mix-up stems from overlooking key doctrinal differences.

• Error: Incorrect declension, such as using the nominative form in all cases. Incorrect: "О православия" (instead of "О православии"). Correct: "О православии" (prepositional case). Explanation: Russian requires proper case agreement, and learners often forget this for neuter nouns.

• Error: Overgeneralizing to mean any traditional belief. Incorrect: Using "православие" for secular traditions. Correct: Use "традиционализм" for non-religious contexts. Explanation: "Православие" is specifically tied to Christianity, so misapplying it can lead to cultural insensitivity.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "православие" is deeply intertwined with national identity, often symbolizing resilience and spiritual heritage, especially post-Soviet era. It reflects historical ties to the Byzantine Empire and the Russian Orthodox Church's role in events like the defense against invasions. Understanding this helps English speakers grasp why it's more than a religious term—it's a cornerstone of Russian art, literature, and festivals like Easter celebrations.

Related Concepts:

• церковь (church)
• икона (icon)
• вероисповедание (confession of faith)
• святой (saint)