Translation guide
The Eastern Orthodox Church is a major branch of Christianity. In Japanese, it is most commonly referred to as 東方正教会, but other terms exist depending on context.
Referring to the Eastern Orthodox Church as a whole, as a religious body or denomination.
The standard, formal term for the Eastern Orthodox Church. Used in academic, official, and general contexts.
東方正教会はキリスト教の三大宗派の一つです。
The Eastern Orthodox Church is one of the three major branches of Christianity.
A shorter, common term for the Orthodox Church. Often used when the context makes 'Eastern' clear, or when referring to the Orthodox Church in general.
彼は正教会の信者です。
He is a member of the Orthodox Church.
Literally 'Greek Orthodox Church'. Used specifically when referring to the Greek tradition, but sometimes used loosely by Japanese speakers to mean the Eastern Orthodox Church in general, due to historical associations.
Use only when the Greek tradition is specifically meant, or be aware that it may not accurately represent all Eastern Orthodox churches.
ギリシャ正教会の復活祭は有名です。
The Greek Orthodox Easter is famous.
Referring to a specific Eastern Orthodox church building or local congregation.
Literally 'a church of the Eastern Orthodox Church'. Used to specify the denomination of a particular church building.
この町には東方正教会の教会があります。
There is an Eastern Orthodox church in this town.
Uses 聖堂 (seidou), a term often used for Orthodox church buildings, emphasizing the sacred space.
正教会の聖堂を見学しました。
We visited an Orthodox church (building).
When distinguishing from other Orthodox churches (e.g., Oriental Orthodox), 東方正教会 is preferred. 正教会 alone can sometimes be ambiguous.