why convert to orthodox christianity

I hope so. Through the centuries, theological, geopolitical, cultural, and linguistic factors have combined to differentiate the Orthodox ethos from Western patterns of Christianity. Then C" The strengths of a group draws them but after a while the weaknesses bubble up. There is an organic quality here, and the thing itself is inexpressibly alive. The Orthodox Churches share with the other Christian Churches the belief that God revealed himself in Jesus Christ, and a belief in the incarnation of Christ, his crucifixion and resurrection. 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. I assumed this would somehow convince me not to continue on my discovery of the Orthodox Church, but it has more solidified it! Thank you for this post! Different Orthodox theories exist as to what, exactly, this means. But the little guy is not going through a phase. We think the fundamental Christian schism occurred when Luther nailed his 95 theses to the door of the Wittenberg church, October 31, 1517. I think people just dont believe me, and I hardly provide a good personal example. Your email address will not be published. At the beginning, I thought I knew what I was getting into. 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. She stands firm on her dogmatic and moral teachings. For example, on the Feast of the Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council, the chanter launches into this: Of the Father before the morning star Thou wast begotten from the womb without mother before all ages, even though Arius did believe Thee to be created, not God, classing Thee in ignorance and impudence with creatures. I do not wish to antagonize anyone and if there is a place online where I might go to better have my questions answered, please. The Mission of The Orthodox Church in America, the local autocephalous Orthodox Christian Church, is to be faithful in fulfilling the commandment of Christ to Go into all the world and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Home / In contrast, Orthodoxy offers a view of theological authority that is internal and pneumatic rather than external and dogmatic. Rather, Orthodoxy affirms a single source of revelation, holy tradition, of which Scripture is the preeminent among several forms. A wedding set o, Wedding Icon of Christ the Pantocrator (in Oklad /, A Handmade Bookcover For The Gospel. Those friends benefit, no doubt, from this opportunity to practice patience and long-suffering. Before you start the process of converting, you will want to speak with a priest in the Greek Orthodox Church. 0. One who would claim that he or she wishes to embrace the faith but doesnt want to get involved with other people and their lives falls short in his or her understanding of the Church as the People of God and, as such, has yet to make that internal conversion that must take place before one is received into the Church. In the end, they concocted a list of reasons for not converting. It is not a religion but rather a way of life. Others charge complicity with the state, both past and present. But only lately has it dawned on me that I must have strained friendships over the years due to my vocal enthusiasm for my adopted church. Any vestiges of hope for unity after the estrangement of 1054 were dashed with the pillage of 1204. According to The Saga of Erik the Red, there were Christians among the people whom Erik the Red brought to Greenland to settle it in the late tenth century. But perhaps our theology of the church is too "low," much lower than our Protestant forebears would have it. Spiritual enlightenment changes everything. I had been to the east and discovered something wondrous that I assumed all Christians crave. 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.". Also, while evangelicals wholeheartedly embrace the full-orbed New Testament descriptions of the work of Christ (reconciliation, ransom, redemption, forgiveness, adoption, etc. Those who were clergy in a former denomination have no guarantees they will become clergy in the Orthodox Church. At the beginning, I thought I knew what I was getting into. After that, Orthodoxy is by far the best possible choice of religion for Russia because of Byzantium. Here is an overview of the steps you can take to convert to Orthodox Christianity: Talk With an Orthodox Priest. This icon, Wedding Icon of The Mother Of God Baptism is the primary and fundamental basis of the entire Orthodox Christian life. Poland, 1 million Conversion involves a change or transformation in vision, direction and heart, one rooted in repentance and the acknowledgement of Our Lord as the One Who is truly the Christ, the Son of the Living God, Who came into the world to save sinners. Why did Kievan Rus convert to Orthodox Christianity? Vladimir I, a great prince of Kiev, reigned from 980 till 1015 and succeeded in the mass conversion of the Eastern Slavs.1 Throughout his reign Vladimir's agenda had . It is precisely this view that elevates Scripture above the church and actually encourages private interpretation that the Orthodox theologian Georges Florovsky once called "the sin of the Reformation.". As with liturgy, conversion to Orthodoxy is hardly a prerequisite for a renewed engagement with apostolic tradition. Its just that Orthodoxy still passes on the early churchs knowledge of how to tune in to the presence of Christ. He shares his witness of it. 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. Is it wrong for Western missionaries to seek to convert the Orthodox in lands like Russia, Romania, or Greece? Thus Luther once wrote, "What else do I contend for but to bring everyone to an understanding of the difference between the divine Scripture and human teaching or custom?" Second, Christian theology perfectly explained why Jesus, who was also called a prophet, was worthy of worship. A second theory is that converts of any sort have a tendency to exuberance that is wearying to outsiders. During those years of discovery I labored to absorb new ideas and excise stubborn old ones. As historians mostly suppose, Vladimir's turn to Orthodox Christianity was more about the improvement of Russians' connections with Christian states than about sentiments: for Rus, Byzantium. And these prayers are jam-packed. July 26, 2019 By Fr. already I have lost many people I thought were friends but so be it! Yes, because clearly a Christian is the most honest person to talk about the inner thoughts of atheists . Why Converts to Christian Orthodoxy can be Obnoxious, People who've found their way back to Orthodoxy, Theophan the Recluse on Spiritual Practice. Clearly this stability is found in no other church. In chrismation, performed immediately after rising from the baptismal waters, the priest anoints the infant with a special ointment, making the sign of the cross on various parts of the body, thus acknowledging the gift and seal of the Holy Spirit. Unfortunately the Eastern organization is founded on control and power. Nicola Yanney, Holy Man of Nebraska, Out of Appalachia: Orthodox Christianity and the Old Regular Baptists, What Do You Believe In? All Rights ReservedDesigned by Fr. Orthodoxy insists tenaciously on the role of tradition which is her very life and builds upon its past, without revisions. Moreover, evangelicals have some important lessons to learn from Orthodoxy. It must sound like vague, fluffy religious talk (though in my experience it is anything but). 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." 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. Preeminent among the sacraments are baptism and the Eucharist. Why had a group of conservative American Christians converted to Russian Orthodoxy? This book cover is made to order i, Hand-painted Icon of Christ the Pantocrator (acryl. Around 2-3 months ago I decided that I wanted to convert to Christianity. I hope so. 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. Her admirable heritage of perseverance amid terrible fires of persecution has been noted even by non-Orthodox admirers, as one of her strongest attractions and sources of strength. I've chosen Oriental Orthodoxy over the Byzantine Church because I believe that ours is closer in doctrine and liturgy to the earliest Christians. Not that every churchgoer is following that path, not that the church administration is perfect, but that the path still existed thats what amazed me. For me it was due to the fact that papal supremacy is a later doctrine, yet I could not become a Protestant because the writings of the Fathers do not agree with Protestantism. These thirteen churches are united in their understanding of the sacraments, discipline, doctrine, faith, government, and worship, but they administer their internal affairs separately. The Orthodox Church has suffered throughout her history. Geoff. It depends on where you put the emphasis. These Protestant movements, important in their own right, are liturgical light years from Orthodoxy. From Islam to Indonesian Orthodox Priest In "Clergy" 97% of Moldovans Identify as Orthodox Christians In "Latest Stories" Orthodox Christianity has a rich tradition of meditation, of fasting, of praying, of giving alms. Why Convert to Orthodox Christianity? Like baptism, the Eucharist is administered to infants. But every church must have its distinctives, or wed all be in the same church. Learn About the Religion. Linguistic factors posed other, very practical problems. This period of instruction, discernment and spiritual formation also affords you with the opportunity to develop and strengthen your relationship with the parishs clergy and faithfulthose with whom you will worship in Spirit and truth and with whom you will share in fellowship as a member of the Body of Christ, the Church. In this video, Fr. Thus, when an Orthodox believer once asked why his church did not do more doctrinal teaching, his priest responded, "Icons teach us all that we need to know." Teachings of Orthodoxy. An Orthodox priest who lectured to standing-room-only crowds at Moscow State once described Orthodox theology to me as "music made in the conservatory," whereas he described Protestant theology as "music made in the honkytonk bars. Forgetting early on that Orthodox worship is liturgical and cyclical (i.e. 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. Further, the Orthodox reject the idea of inherited guilt; we are guilty only for our own sins rather than for the inborn consequences of Adam's fall. Conversely, evangelicals argue that this forensic framework for sin and salvation is not merely a historical and unduly negative carryover from Augustine and Anselm, but rather is the clear teaching of Paul in his Letters to the Romans and Galatians. Thats surely a factor, but I think theres something else going on, more specific to Orthodox converts. When celebrating the Eucharist, Catholics mixed the wine with water, while the Orthodox did not. In an encyclical letter of 1848, the Eastern patriarchs stated this most emphatically: "Infallibility resides solely in the ecumenicity of the church bound together by mutual love. There is a distinct set of conservative converts to Eastern Orthodoxy, which depending on your perspective either left, or was left by, Roman Catholicism in the Great Schism of 1054. It took me a few years to sense that there was a whole other something going on. During my project I gained. Shortly after the beginning of our own catechumenate as a family, we saw friendsand their familiesbegin journeys towards the East. Put more starkly, Orthodoxy explicitly rejects the historic Protestant idea of sola scriptura. Alexandria, 350,000 Orthodox believers see things very differently. Why do people convert to Orthodoxy? It is not a surprise that many Catholics adhering to traditional values are converting to conservative Orthodoxy. 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. Emmanuel Hatzidakis | January 19, 2013. Why Are Protestants Converting To Orthodox Christianity? Most Protestants would experience an Orthodox liturgy as something strange, even exotic. In some places in the world, Orthodoxy is the primary Christian game in town (as in Russia and Serbia), and it is inextricably wedded to the local ethnic culture. Her allegiance to the perennial truths of Christianity is appreciated by sincere seekers. There is world of difference between going Orthodoxy vs staying pagan. Legislation pending in Russia, for example, could, if implemented, curtail Western missionary enterprises. I have read many things on the internet, as well as a number of books about the Churchs faith, worship and history. We knew not whether we were in heaven or on earth, for surely there is no such splendor or beauty anywhere upon earth. 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'. In the Orthodox calendar, the first Sunday of Lent celebrates the Triumph of Orthodoxy, a commemoration of the final triumph of icons in the long and bitter battle with the iconoclasts (literally, "image-smashers") on March 11, 843. All Rights ReservedDesigned by Fr. If anyone is unwilling or not ready to submit to the Church in all areas of life, they should stay awayuntil or unless they are ready to do so. Beliefnet is a lifestyle website providing feature editorial content around the topics of inspiration, spirituality, health, wellness, love and family, news and entertainment. 3:15). Liberalism is not a word in the Orthodox vocabulary. For me, the one and only valid, core reason is because a person desires to be part of the one, true Body of Christ. In the year 311, Emperor Constantine moved the political capital of his empire from Rome to Constantinople. 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 During my four years as a visiting professor at Moscow State University (1991-95) I often felt schizophrenic. His response: "I don't know.". Other religions and faiths occupy themselves with this life, with this world. He made the decision to convert following his second marriage to actress Rita Wilson in. Those friends benefit, no doubt, from this opportunity to practice patience and long-suffering. Orthodox Sep 9, 2019 #1 For those who converted like myself, why did you? The so-called Photian Schism brought this matter to a head. The move was far more than geographic. Sign up to receive a regular email newsletter from Fr. Not a few evangelicals in the last decade have forsaken Protestantism to join an Eastern Orthodox church. Andrey brings us the news about Orthodox Christianity (the form of Christianity practiced by Russians). As Saint Paul reminds us, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another [Romans 12:5; see also Ephesians 4:25]. He has no good option for dealing with that affection, so he's either sullen or angry. This statement cannot be challenged. The stability that the Orthodox Church provides for the seeker consists in the assurance of the truth she possesses, her other-worldly and mysterious character, the beauty of her liturgical celebrations and her crucified lifethey all attest to what she is for those who have eyes to see and ears to hear: the unique, beloved Bride of Christ. These sacraments are not mere signs, symbols, or reminders. Luther urged that Christianity would stand or fall with this doctrine; Calvin called it "the hinge upon which all true religion turns.". Anxious to avoid the siege of his capital, Basil II turned to the Rus' for assistance, even though they were considered enemies at that time. John 6 Comments Cole Knight, a former Anglican, got Baptized in the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church. This simple change of dress symbolized a radical shift that has characterized the Protestant West ever since: that the knowledge of God is mediated primarily through the written Word. 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. Included in this liturgy is an anathema on all those who reject icons. According to the Second Ecumenical Council of Nicea in 787, icons are of equal benefit as Scripture in presenting the gospel message. Site Map | Have something to add about this? Each of them had his idiosyncrasies, and they regularly disagreed. Such a question cannot be answered through the use of dogmatic assertions or theoretical musings. Who can explain why one has fallen in love with a given person? Each of them had his idiosyncrasies, and they regularly disagree. But the impulse is to exaggerate the differences when you fear being hugged to death. Before long, in Reformation churches the sermon had replaced the Eucharist as the defining moment of the liturgy. Wynona doesn't indicate why the parish priest has done this, but it would appear from the context that the priest objects to her marrying an . 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." Has Orthodoxy in these lands obscured the gospel, becoming merely a "cultural" religion thoroughly assimilated to ethnic identity? A person (who is searching within) goes through clerical education to explore questions. Becoming an Orthodox Christian is not easy, nor does it promise great happiness or success in this life. What do they find so attractive? Why would a Protestant Christian convert to Eastern Orthodox Christianity? 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." Here, according to Ronald Roberson's 1993 book The Eastern Christian Churches, is a list of these churches and their approximate sizes: Constantinople, 3.5 million While reading about the Orthodox Christian tradition is certainly important, it is crucial to stepliterallyinto an Orthodox Christian parish church near you to witness/experience the Churchs worship and fellowship. 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. Needless to say, Rome was indignant; not until the Lateran Council of 1215 did it acknowledge the status of Constantinople. Even more obnoxious, though, must be the tendency to reject hospitality. Handcarved Geoff Harvey on Thu, 20/11/2008 - 11:15am. John A. Peck, The Apostolic Mission of Journey To Orthodoxy, Armenian Muslims Living in Turkey are Returning to Christianity, Devotion to Orthodox History leads Malaysian Priest to Mount Carmel. 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. Share your feedback here. 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. My ideas havent changed, and Im always glad for a good discussion, but maybe Im past the need to belabour them. A Aristocles Merarches Joined Apr 23, 2003 Messages 10,031 Reaction score 1 Points 0 Location Pittsburgh Aug 5, 2006 #4 Matthew777 said: The Eucharist is a true, propitiatory sacrifice. 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. Differences over clerical beards, the tonsure, and fasting also exacerbated the growing deterioration of East-West unity. If our only reason for converting is more somber, reverent, and beautiful worship, the newness of this experience soon wanes. She is committed to the same, unchanging, absolute truth. For taking Communion together? Before trying to discern how evangelicals should respond to these many issues involving Eastern Orthodoxy, a brief history is in order. My ideas havent changed, and Im always glad for a good discussion, but maybe Im past the need to belabor them. Greenland. They have not given up the idea of being clergy. For such a question presupposes a particular person's journey of faith. Writing a book on Eastern Orthodoxy and working through the manuscript with my Russian students helped me to compare Orthodoxy and Protestant evangelicalism. People often assume that most Jews by choice convert because they have a partner or spouse who is Jewish. 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. Your email address will not be published. Most people like to be polite and get along, so they highlight what we hold in common. Four important areas deserve ongoing dialogue. A Christian representation of Vladimir I, who was the first Rus' leader to officially bring Christianity to the region. "We are Orthodox because (we) follow the same laws like in other Orthodox communities in the world," explains Meyer Sanchez, assistant to a rabbi in Medelln. Many would find themselves back in Rus with their new faith and establishing Churches (Spinka, 42-44). You haven't "arrived" in this life. In addition, sizable Orthodox "diasporate" groups exist in Europe, North and South America, and Australia, typically under the jurisdiction of one of the thirteen patriarchates mentioned above. Orthodox Christians believe you must be converted every day- every day - and everyone must start with this step if they desire to make spiritual progress and be saved. One thinks, for example, of those committed to full ministerial status for women, the centrality of lay ministry and spiritual gifts, charismatically inclined groups, seeker-sensitive churches attempting to reach baby boomers or Generation X'ers with novel worship formats, and so on. * 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. 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.

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