Orthodox Questions

Some questions about Orthoxy
*Ever-virgin Mary... so Jesus' brother James is just from a previous marriage of
Joseph or something?
*Eastern Christians believe both the Spirit and the Son have their origin in the
Father – so what is their view on the trinity- are the persons of God unequal?
*Does one have to be a member of the orthodox church to go to heaven?
*What is the significance of the priest and sacraments?
*Where does saving grace come from?
*Is “holy tradition” really of equal importance as the word of God?
*Veneration of icons- where did the apostles (since Orthodoxy supposedly didn't
change anything and are the most original church) kiss icons or have them at all?
*Also the icons are not accurate representations of what Jesus wore or looked like-
so where did they originate?
*one thing I like a little, maybe, I think: gradual life-long salvation- however,
what about the thief on the cross? or verses like "believe on the name of the lord
and thou shalt be saved?"

Two Questions

1) What do you really want to get out of life?


2) What can you offer the world that no one else can?