At a minimum, Protestants need to move beyond ignorance of these neighbors. Hello all, forgive me if I am posting to the wrong forum. Many times, inquirers approach the Orthodox Church as a safe haven from controversy and scandal, believing that the Orthodox Churchas the one, true Churchis immune to such things. On June 16, 1054, Pope Leo IX's legate, Cardinal Humbert, delivered a Bull of Excommunication to the Orthodox Patriarch Michael Cerularius on the altar of the Church of the Holy Wisdom at Constantinople while the patriarch prepared to celebrate the Divine Liturgy, condemning him and his court. She rightly claims the wholeness of the truth. But the impulse is to exaggerate the differences when you fear being hugged to death. In the East the local parish priest could administer the sacrament of confirmation; in the West only the bishop could. Orthodox worship can be overwhelmingly beautiful and attractiveon multiple, deeply-felt levelsbut this should not be the only reason why a person converts. Your firstand subsequent visitswill help you to discern that to which the Lord is calling you. Her name is right belief. The true details behind her If someone is approaching the Orthodox Church from a purely rationalistic standpoint, they will almost surely find it wanting. Our digital archives are a work in progress. All Rights ReservedDesigned by Fr. Georgia, 3 million One of the problems the Orthodox Church currently suffers in this country is a lack of converts. The last reason Orthodox converts are obnoxious resembles the reason adolescents are obnoxious. "The Orthodox Church of Christ never lost the 'unity of faith and the communion of the Holy Spirit' and does not accept the theory of the restoration of the unity of those "who believe in Christ," because it believes that the unity of those who believe in Christ already exists in the unity of all of Her baptized children, between themselves and Overall, is the Orthodox church growing in America or is it slowly dying, as the older cradle Orthodox are dying and fewer cradle Orthodox either convert to other churches [primarily Protestant churches] or morph into Deists or worse?. Conversion is not only a matter of the intellect, but also of the heart. Protestant theologian Adolf von Harnack once described the Orthodox church as "in her entire structure alien to the Gospel and a perversion of the Christian religion, its reduction to the level of pagan antiquity." Like baptism, the Eucharist is administered to infants. It must sound like vague, fluffy religious talk (though in my experience it is anything but). But they all came together in worship, and were shaped by the same hymns and prayers, the appointed Scripture readings, preaching, and the picture Bible of iconography. Thats surely a factor, but I think theres something else going on, more specific to Orthodox converts. Those who were clergy in a former denomination have no guarantees they will become clergy in the Orthodox Church. Thumb through Calvin's Institutes or a volume of John Wesley's Works and you will see our Protestant forebears thoroughly engaged with patristic tradition. We should expect nothing less of ourselves than total respect for and even love of the history, theology, and culture of Orthodoxy; still, two things ought to be said about Orthodox complaints about Protestant proselytizing. That is, Orthodoxy's commitment to "right belief" provides a natural link to evangelical concerns. When Martin Luther burned the books of Catholic canon law at Wittenberg's Elster Gate on December 10, 1520, he symbolized an important Protestant distinctive. Then B. So, you have decided to convert to the Greek Orthodox Christian religion. "It was a calling of the soul," Devorah Guilah Koren, who converted from Catholicism with her husband and two children, told me. Administered to infants who are fully immersed three times, baptism effects the "bath of regeneration" by which a person is born again, wholly cleansed from both original and actual sins, and, consequently, saved from guilt and punishment. Instead, Orthodoxy believes that the church stands above the Scriptures, which is why, as noted, Orthodox believers agree to "accept and understand Holy Scripture in accordance with the interpretation that was and is held by the Holy Orthodox Catholic Church of the East, our Mother." If only they would realise that they are rotting corpses trapped in worshipping themselves. It was electrifying. Whether you decided to do so because you are marrying someone who is a member of the church, or you simply decide to convert on your own, you might be overwhelmed as to where to start. Four important areas deserve ongoing dialogue. Karmiris writes, "Scripture and Tradition are equally valid, possess equal dogmatic authority, and are equal in value as sources of dogmatic truth . It is not about rules and regulations but rather guide posts to make choices to transition to what we were designed to become. It took awhile because I grasped it through hearing the hymns of the church year, week in and week out. There are two accounts of Constantine's conversion to Christianity. Failing to remember (or be taught) this, we are scandalized and even lose our faith in the Church, not distinguishing between the divine and human natures, or confusing them. "Whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away." Turning to Jesus brings you to God, and you begin to understand His plan of salvation. Orthodox Sep 9, 2019 #1 For those who converted like myself, why did you? It is why I think a number of people have a list of groups they have been in here. Any objective historian can discover that the permanence of Orthodoxy is due to the preservation and the passing on of the apostolic faith unadulterated, pure. Thatwould be interesting. I cant be the only one to have done this. Another danger is converting to Orthodoxy simply because it is beautiful. What are we to make, for example, of the Orthodox liturgy in Russia today, which is recited in ninth-century Slavonic, a language very few Russians even understand? And such a journey can only be spoken of from experience. I assumed this would somehow convince me not to continue on my discovery of the Orthodox Church, but it has more solidified it! He has no good option for dealing with that affection, so he's either sullen or angry. Almost everyone around me was a Baptist. Ignatius's followers, however, refused to acknowledge the transition, and eventually both Ignatius and Photius appealed to Pope Nicholas (858-67) in Rome. Perhaps this unanticipated experience of encountering something unknown and marvelously organic accounts for the distinctive lapel-grabbing impulse among converts to Orthodoxy. The so-called Eastern Orthodox Church is actually not one but thirteen "autocephalous" or independent, self-governing churches. Orthodoxy knows where she stands, and she is in no need to re-define herself. This is not just an explanation but an apology, and even an appreciation for the perseverance of friendship in the face of truly annoying behaviour. Upon joining the Orthodox Church, converts vow to "accept and understand Holy Scripture in accordance with the interpretation which was and is held by the Holy Orthodox Catholic Church of the East, our Mother." But the Church is not dependent upon any one convert or their family, nor will the Church reward people (beyond the mysteries and salvation) for converting. Orthodox believers see things very differently. There most certainly will never be a "Southern" or "Confederate" Orthodoxy".And yet another reason not to join is the hopes of having a base of operations for a goofy political ideology. This conception lessens the validity and value of the Holy Scriptures as the primary source of Christian dogma." It is not always easy to advance strong arguments for these conversions. You can make an appointment to talk to our parish priest Fr Athanasios by contacting him at (03) 9387 7693. Their new group who were so "excited" to have them isn't interested/has no role for them as clergy. On these points evangelical and Orthodox thinking diverge in significant ways. Wow, like it very much. This is not just an explanation but an apology, and even an appreciation for the perseverance of friendship in the face of truly annoying behavior. No doubt, I felt at home when first attending the Divine Liturgy, but this was after months of study and discussion with other Orthodox people. Wynona is a Catholic planning to marry an Orthodox man, but as she tells us, "my Catholic parish priest is not giving his consent for this marriage, so it will be held in an Orthodox church.". Further, they identify themselves by reference to Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul), the "new Rome" of Emperor Constantine, and to the first seven ecumenical councils of the church. It is a good question, one I will answer in due course. Affectionate attempts to obscure this quest feel suffocating. Disclaimers, Amon Sl Tolkien & Orthodox Christianity, 5 Differences: Orthodoxy & Roman Catholicism, 5 Differences: Orthodoxy & Evangelicalism, The Equal of Martyrdom: Fr. Its just that Orthodoxy still passes on the early churchs knowledge of how to tune in to the presence of Christ. It must sound like vague, fluffy religious talk (though in my experience it is anything but). In fact, what Orthodox converts "vow to accept" diverges significantly from important, basic tenets of evangelical Protestantism. As with liturgy, conversion to Orthodoxy is hardly a prerequisite for a renewed engagement with apostolic tradition. Surely there is enough evangelistic work for everyone. But why is our kind so characteristically obnoxious? Young teens go through a few years when they are trying to understand their own unique identity, and trying to establish it in the face of well, it would be one thing if they had to establish it in the face of hostility, because, even though that would be hard, it would be bracing and clarifying. For instance, John of Damascus (675-749), Orthodoxy's most famous systematic theologian, epitomized the Orthodox ethos when he wrote in his The Orthodox Faith, "we do not change the everlasting boundaries which our fathers have set, but we keep the traditions just as we have received them." These Protestant movements, important in their own right, are liturgical light years from Orthodoxy. The Orthodox Faith / Also, while evangelicals wholeheartedly embrace the full-orbed New Testament descriptions of the work of Christ (reconciliation, ransom, redemption, forgiveness, adoption, etc. For church membership? On the other hand, there are cases where a person rejects the Church for what I would consider to be erroneous reasons. Suspicion and recrimination have often characterized relationships between Eastern Orthodoxy and Western Protestantism. But dont do it for all the wrong reasons. Small bodies of Orthodox believers exist in other places as "autonomous" but not "autocephalous" churches (Finland, Japan, former Czechoslovakia, etc.). Lol. Before you start the process of converting, you will want to speak with a priest in the Greek Orthodox Church. Paganism was a mental mindset of the Eastern Slavs living in a world where a majority of the European countries surrounding them had already converted to a monastic religion. Believe in the Church as the true Body of Christ, and the Churchflawed people and allwill help lead you down the right path. Thank you for this! There are many basic beliefs that Orthodoxy and evangelicalism hold in common: the inspiration of Scripture; the two natures of Christ, the finality and uniqueness of Christ's death on the cross, the resurrection, and our future hope of eternal life. With Gossip of the Gospel, the Church Grows in Nepal, After Pushing for UMC Unity, Former Bishop Joins New Denomination, Christian Conservationists Sue to Protect Ghana Forest, Complete access to articles on ChristianityToday.com, Over 120 years of magazine archives plus full access to all of CTs online archives. At the beginning, I thought I knew what I was getting into. Other religions and faiths occupy themselves with this life, with this world. There are no doubt some ways that he is the same person he will always be, and there are ways Orthodoxy and every other church has significant points in common, not least that we love the same Lord. Most people like to be polite and get along, so they highlight what we hold in common. While evangelicals might be eager to argue there is no biblical warrant for icons, for the Orthodox it is enough that icons have always been a part of church tradition. The Orthodox Church is the ancient Church that Christ and the Apostles established. We have challenges here in Africa to find such information for, So glorious+++ Most Holy Theotokos save us, Pectoral Cross Pray for the Lords mercy, and you can find the strength to endure to the end. True, Luther and some other Protestants have not viewed baptismal regeneration and justification by faith as mutually exclusive. Many people believe the Church is a social group gathering or a place to network with other like minded people. Doing so will make much of what you have read come alive, in the sense of seeing how that about which you have read is actually lived. Think of it in the following way. The Puritan John Foxe, for example, insisted that "God conducted the Reformation by printing, writing, and reading." Originally the creed read that the Holy Spirit proceeded "from the Father"; a later Western interpolation (why, where, and by whom are not known), ratified at the Council of Toledo (589), added filioque to indicate that the Spirit proceeded from the Father "and the Son." Questions & Answers / In the words of contemporary Orthodox theologian Thomas Hopko, "everything in the church flows out of the waters of baptism: the remission of sins and life eternal." Conversion may be unnecessary if you're open to a Reform wedding: Reform Judaism permits interfaith marriages, though roughly half of all Reform rabbis still abjure officiating at them. And yet, not all of these journeys have worked out. Granny and Pops and Uncle Pete love the little guy, and theyre going to be kindly and patient with him because hes going through a phase. The basic theological impetus for the ever-virginity of Mary (besides the fact that it is presumably historically true and would have been passed down from the early days of the church) is the fact that Mary was profoundly sanctified by her role as the living sanctuary in which God dwelled (quite literally) for nine months and from whom he There are other problems as well: overlapping jurisdictions, lack of communication across jurisdictional lines, and a tendency to isolate ourselves from communities in which we live. We think the fundamental Christian schism occurred when Luther nailed his 95 theses to the door of the Wittenberg church, October 31, 1517. Becoming Orthodox is not a conversion but more so a transformation of self. It makes no appeal to a doctrine of transubstantiation and instead simply affirms the mystery. The rise of Islam after Muhammad (died 632) was likewise crucial. Most people like to be polite and get along, so they highlight our commonalities. Get the best from CT editors, delivered straight to your inbox! Well, was it so? In the dystopian film,Children of Mendirected by Alfonso Cuarn, a world is imagined in the future where no more children are born, and, as the decades pass, humanity is plunged into despair. Rather, Orthodoxy affirms a single source of revelation, holy tradition, of which Scripture is the preeminent among several forms. Worshipers prostrate themselves before them and kiss them. Despite its historical estrangement from Rome, from a Protestant theological perspective Orthodoxy is similar to Catholicism at several points. Constantine had once controlled the entire Mediterranean perimeter, and as a result, Christianity flourished. When I visit prisons where floors are shiny, morale is noticeably higher. Hymns like these offer quite a theological education to anyone who comes to services, and if you didnt catch it all, theres a good chance theyre going to sing it two more times. Several factors must be considered when converting to Greek Orthodox Christianity. Why did Vladimir convert to Orthodox Christianity? Why would a protestant convert to Eastern Orthodoxy? Christ is thus "the Offerer and the Offered, the Acceptor and the Distributed," all in such a way that nothing is added to his once-for-all sacrifice on the cross. The Orthodox Church is the only Church, originally founded by Christ and still retaining the apostolic succession and the undistorted teaching of the Lord and . Orthodoxy looked like taking that escalator up one more floor; plenty of ceremony and beauty, but without the mainline churches affection for keeping up-to-date. While some did come over by force, the Orthodox also forcibly converted large numbers of Eastern Catholics Orthodoxy. The other forms of tradition include the first seven ecumenical councils, which are acknowledged as normative and, by some, even infallible; patristic writings, especially those of the first four centuries; later councils; the Liturgy; canon law; and icons. But they all came together in worship, and were shaped by the same hymns and prayers, the appointed Scripture readings, preaching, and the "picture bible" of iconography. There are no doubt some ways that he is the same person he will always be, and there are ways Orthodoxy and every other church has significant points in common, not least that we love the same Lord. Unfortunately most "Orthodox Christian" are nominal even despite their active presence they are nominal because they extinguish the Holy Spirit and do not have a relationship with God, they outwardly seem to be praying but like the Pharisee praise themselves for being 'good with God'. John A. Peck, The Apostolic Mission of Journey To Orthodoxy, On the Path of Love: From Islam to Christianity, Madagascar: Church Opens Huge Complex with Church, Schools, Orphanage, Old Folks Home, Australia: Orthodoxy Fastest Growing Church amidst General Christian Decline. As I realized what the big difference is, I grew more insistent, Im afraid. A priest can provide guidance and support to help converts discern whether the religion is right for them. Teachings of Orthodoxy. Evangelicals focused on social ethics may also find little comradeship in Orthodoxy, as there is nothing in Orthodoxy comparable to the body of Catholic social teaching, for instance. Orthodoxy has always affirmed that Peter was the "first among equals" (primus inter pares) ; but unlike Roman Catholics, the Orthodox have always denied that he held any "primacy of power" (primatus potestatis). Along with Roman Catholicism and Protestantism, Orthodox Christianity is one of the world's three major Christian traditions. The thesis that Eastern Orthodoxy is the true religion was turning out to bear the practical corollary that, to share fully and fruitfully in the life of the Body of Christ, one would almost have. There is not going to be a restored "Celtic" Orthodoxy or "Anglo-Saxon" Orthodoxy. Different from forms of western Christianity, there is no rationalization or theorization of dogma because its focus is on symbology rather than the literal. It had ramifications for the ecclesiastical status of both cities and further exacerbated the strained relations between the two regions. Linguistic factors posed other, very practical problems. Fr. Learn About the Religion. That there are too many people joining the Church with a silly belief that they rebelling against the modern world, and hoping to instate absolute monarchy. For the past year or so I have been considering conversion to Orthodox Christianity. Russia, 50-85 million The basic framework of services like the Divine Liturgy or Vespers doesnt change much, but every day of the liturgical year provides prayers for saints and feasts that can be added to that framework. I can't be the only one who's observed a friend converting to Orthodox Christianity and noticed them instantly, literally overnight, losing their sense of . The numbers are staggering! Despite efforts at reunification, to this day the Catholic and Orthodox churches remain estranged. A person (who is searching within) goes through clerical education to explore questions. But if you are still intrigued and drawn to the Orthodox Church, considering all of these disclaimers, then do so with faith, reverence, and a healthy fear of God. When you convert, you must verbalize your commitment to live in accordance with all of the Torah 's commandments as they are explained in Torah law. Instead, an adolescent has to figure out and establish his adult persona in the face of affection. And these prayers are jam-packed. What was the impact of Vladimir I converting to Greek Orthodox Christianity in the region of Byzantium? In the year 311, Emperor Constantine moved the political capital of his empire from Rome to Constantinople. One is attracted to Orthodoxy in the same way one falls in love. At the beginning, I thought I knew what I was getting into. Maybe you have to soak in it for years, till the evidence becomes overwhelming. In 1523-24 the Reformers Ulrich Zwingli and Martin Luther donned the gown of the university scholar. In other words, one cannot embrace Orthodox Christianity without embracing Orthodox Christians. (Of course, for every person insisting that there were no differences, there was another person asking me to explain the differences. So it would be wise to visit a parish near you, perhaps for the celebration of Vespers on a Saturday evening or the Sunday morning Divine Liturgy. Early on in the life of the Christian church, the Greek-speaking East and the Latin-speaking West began to diverge. Shortly after the beginning of our own catechumenate as a family, we saw friendsand their familiesbegin journeys towards the East. One can find Orthodox statements that ascribe a unique authority to Scripture over tradition, but these are few and far between, and they speak of tradition in a narrower than usual sense. Whatever honor Protestants bestow upon tradition, they deny that its authority is coequal with Scripture. To my friend who asked why I had not converted to Orthodoxy, the answer was surprisingly easy. While this exclusivism is not unique to Orthodoxy, with this self-understanding it is easy to see why the Orthodox Church in countries such as Russia is extremely unhappy about Western, Protestant missionary incursions. This is no archaic, dusty doctrine, either. Before long, in Reformation churches the sermon had replaced the Eucharist as the defining moment of the liturgy. A wedding set o, Wedding Icon of Christ the Pantocrator (in Oklad /, A Handmade Bookcover For The Gospel. Nicola Yanney, Holy Man of Nebraska, Out of Appalachia: Orthodox Christianity and the Old Regular Baptists, What Do You Believe In? Frederica Matthewes-Green reflects on how new converts to Orthodoxy can sometimes be overzealous. 20). Orthodoxy insists tenaciously on the role of tradition which is her very life and builds upon its past, without revisions. Because we confess and believe in the one holy, catholic and apostolic Church, this means we are not looking for a Church that fits our own preferences and ideals, but rather one that teaches us what our preferences should be. The essence of it was to evangelize younger aristocrats, future leaders of the land. Liberalism is not a word in the Orthodox vocabulary. Telegram | As we move constantly between Unity and Trinity in God, so we must move between the parts and the whole in the Church, the whole being infinitely more than the sum of the parts. Take Russia as an example: First, the majority of Russians are non-Christian and unevangelized.
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