Modern Greek Orthodox churches descend from churches founded in the Balkans and the Middle East during the first century. Many of the traditions practiced in these ancient churches are still practiced today. In an interview, Father Tsitsilianos explained that "It's not a simple faith. It's things that have developed through how many thousands of years from Christ to today." The church building is central to the Greek Orthodox faith, for they believe that Christianity and the church are inseparable because the church is where a person's faith is nurtured and maintained.