Orthodox churches trace there roots back to the earliest churches. The Great Schism in 1054 meant they had to see themselves as distinct churches in their own right over and against Western Christendom. They continued to be organised on a national basis and so the schism was between the church in Western Europe and various, mainly orthodox, churches in the east.
Orthodox Churches are organised along national lines. That is divisions are based not so much on theological lines (apart from the division between east and west) as between countries of origin. Maybe divisions is not the right word, as I think orthodox churches recognise it as right and proper that each nation has its own church and so there is no desire to proselytise on another church's territory.
This means there is a respect for national churches. So, in England, there is a recognition that the Church of England is the national church and so orthodox churches will belong to a Diocese in their own country. Usually, this happens when nationals emigrate to Britain and bring their church with them. British nationals do join these churches and so some Orthodox churches in Britain although they might belong to a far away diocese can be seen as English Churches. Others will comprise mainly immigrant worshipers. I am told the Russian Orthodox Church is the fastest growing in England, presumably if this is true it is a result of immigration as well as English people joining.
Another distinctive feature is that priests emerge from and tend to stay with their local church. This must lead to a congregational feel to Orthodox ecclesiology. Once a candidate (I think they must be married but may be mistaken) emerges locally, the training and ordination happens within the Diocese. In principle the priest stays with his local church, although there will be occasional exceptions.
Ecumenically as far as I can tell the Orthodox believe they are true and perfect churches. This could be seen as a barrier to ecumenism but there is a recognition that it is possible to be a Christian outside of the church. Indeed some orthodox saints were not members of an orthodox church.
Disclaimer: My aim in these accounts of ecclesiology is to paint a positive overall picture, although I may from time to time touch upon problems and issues. I am not an expert in this field and may make some mistakes. I welcome any comments that will help me present a clearer and more accurate picture. Please note I am not aiming for an in-depth analysis at this stage.
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