Church
Archimandrite Nikifor’s Biblical Encyclopedia
—the community established by God and united in the Orthodox faith, God’s law, the sacred ministry, and the sacraments. The Church includes not only Christians living on earth but all who have departed in true faith and holiness. Hebrews 12:22-24 joins the worshiping faithful to the heavenly Jerusalem, the festal assembly, the Church of the firstborn, the spirits of the righteous made perfect, and Jesus the mediator of the new covenant.