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. 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." Vladimir agreed, in exchange for a marital tie; he also agreed to accept Christianity as his religion and bring his people to the new faith. Orthodox worship can be overwhelmingly beautiful and attractiveon multiple, deeply-felt levelsbut this should not be the only reason why a person converts. I can remember, after Id been Orthodox a few years, developing an increasing sense of tension or frustration. This is no archaic, dusty doctrine, either. Preeminent among the sacraments are baptism and the Eucharist. Underneath were written the Greek words en toutoi nika, "In this sign, conquer." Liberalism is not a word in the Orthodox vocabulary. Submitted by Fr. It was like seeing a face emerge from a random pattern of dots, and then wink at you. 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. It takes a while to get it, because its received by a process of immersion, by soaking in a context of worship. Theological disputes combined with these geopolitical and cultural factors to divide the Christian East and West. Believe in the Church as the true Body of Christ, and the Churchflawed people and allwill help lead you down the right path. In this video, Fr. A wooden pectoral cros, Pectoral Cross for Clergy The first is by Lactantius, a tutor to Constantine's son and a good authority. The Puritan John Foxe, for example, insisted that "God conducted the Reformation by printing, writing, and reading." In the year 311, Emperor Constantine moved the political capital of his empire from Rome to Constantinople. In Orthodoxy one encounters the eternal, unchangeable God. Even more obnoxious, though, must be the tendency to reject hospitality. 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. 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. Romania, 19.8 million 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. There is a certain chemistry involved, which one cannot so easily verbalize. However, I do think that there are certain factors that influence and even cause these abandonments and apostasies from the one, true Church. Why have so many Evangelical ministers embraced the Orthodox faith? Sad, very sad. But that cant be the case with me, so lets press on. In the history and theology of Orthodoxy it is startling to observe the nearly complete absence of any mention of the doctrine of justification by faith. One need not travel overseas to encounter Eastern Orthodoxy. The Actual Conversion to Judaism: Conversion to Judaism has a few components, which are undertaken under the supervision of an established beit din: Accepting the yoke of the commandments. Her name is "right belief". You may wish to call the parish priest in advance to introduce yourself and explain that you will be joining him and the faithful of his parish for the first time, although this is not absolutely essential. For such a question presupposes a particular person's journey of faith. 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. 2. 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.". . True, Luther and some other Protestants have not viewed baptismal regeneration and justification by faith as mutually exclusive. Orthodox Christianity may be the o. Christians in the West variously trace their roots to Rome (Catholics), Wittenberg (Lutherans), Geneva (Calvinists), Canterbury (Anglicans), or Oxford (Wesleyans). Reaching for the Transcendent on the Streets of New York, http://www.firstthings.com/web-exclusives/2007/12/icons-will-save-the-world, cool blog entry by Fr Andrew Damick - Christian Forums, http://www.orthodoxresearchinstitute.org/articles/liturgics/athenagoras_remarriage.htm, http://www.oodegr.co/english/ekklisia/marriage_divorce.htm, http://www.oodegr.com/english/ekklisia/marriage_divorce.htm, http://www.patheos.com/blogs/justandsinner/the-church-fathers-interpretation-of-the-rock-of-matthew-1618-an-historical-refutation-of-the-claims-of-roman-catholicism-by-william-webster/. A person can read a dozen books on swimming, but that which he or she has read will not come alive until he or she actually gets into a pool. Praise for Surprised by Christ "Surprised by Christ is an autobiography, an intellectual history, and a conversion story, and more than these, conveys a spiritual and theological vision in a message that touches people from many different backgrounds. As I realized what the big difference is, I grew more insistent, Im afraid. It is not a religion but rather a way of life. It depends on where you put the emphasis. 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 You were begotten from the womb without mother before all ages, even though Arius did believe You to be created, not God, classing You in ignorance and impudence with creatures Thats just a fraction of a thorough march through what happened at the first Council of Nicaea, and why it was important (including Arius unpleasant death from digestive indisposition: his bowels were torn by a divine hookin a repulsive manner his soul came out). Persons wishing to become Orthodox of their own free volition, without any direct or indirect pressure from anyone, should firstly meet with a Priest of the Church. July 2012 edited December 1969 in Coptic Orthodox Church As an Eastern Orthodox Christian, I am interested in finding out why all of you converts out there converted to the Coptic Orthodox Church, and not any one of the Eastern Orthodox Churches readily available in so many parts of the world. What was the foreign policy of Yaroslav the Wise? And to share why I am not Orthodox. Assuming that, after subsequent visits, you grow into the conviction that Orthodox Christianity is the fullness of Truth as revealed by Jesus Christ and discern your desire to embrace faith in Our Lord in its fullness, make your desire known to the parish priest, who will initiate the period of instruction and spiritual formation that eventually would lead to your reception into the Church. Well, was it so? Orthodoxy, in contrast, is a thoroughly aesthetic tradition, as attested by the central role played by icons. Orthodox churches are full of them. John Meyendorff writes that "the Christian faith can in no way be compatible with the notion of sola scriptura." He senses that its something much more profound than that, as he is turning into a different person, the adult he is destined to be. The Orthodox Church has been, for me, the ultimate revelation of what it means to be "in Christ"; my upbringing in Evangelical Protestantism has not only helped me appreciate this now, but was very much preparing me for this all along [1]. There is another reason someone should not join Our Church. Other times it is a youth group or Bible study group inspiring and educating. Each of them had his idiosyncrasies, and they regularly disagreed. In 1993 I was chrismated and joined the Eastern Orthodox Church, 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. As we said, conversion is a love affair. The Eucharist is a true, propitiatory sacrifice. She stands firm on her dogmatic and moral teachings. Kate Forbes is young, smart, a woman (in the actual sense of the word), but fatally, an orthodox Christian seeking the top office in the land. Perhaps this unanticipated experience of encountering something unknown and marvellously organic accounts for the distinctive lapel-grabbing impulse among converts to Orthodoxy. that freedom of practice for faith groups should be "defended" in Holyrood's proposed ban on conversion practices and that she believes a trans woman is a "biological male who identifies as a . In fact, what Orthodox converts "vow to accept" diverges significantly from important, basic tenets of evangelical Protestantism. The Search for Authority and the Fear of Difference, Nostalgia Without Memory: A Case Study of American Converts to Eastern Orthodoxy in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, The Eastern Church in the Spiritual Marketplace: American Conversions to Orthodox Christianity, New York Times Article on Calvinist Revival., If Not Sola Scriptura, Then What? Or again, it is one thing to guard the doctrine of sola scriptura, but quite another to ignore or disdain two thousand years of tradition; surely there is a dangerous arrogance in imagining that we do not need to listen to the wealth of biblical wisdom from the patristic writers. Because of my interest for eastern culture, negative views on catholicism (I live in a mostly catholic country) and protestantism and my fascisnation for the Orthodox Church, i decided to convert to just that. Albania, 160,000. we'll be happy to answer it! For we cannot forget that beauty (Envoys of the Russian Prince Vladimir, after experiencing the Divine Liturgy at the Church of the Holy Wisdom in Constantinople in the year 987). Put another way, we must invoke the spirit of irenic disagreement in the formula: "In essentials, unity; in nonessentials, liberty; in all things, charity." While discovering the truth of Orthodoxy is exciting, we need to learn a gracious balance when dealing with our friends, family, workmates and others with whom we have contact. The independent Orthodox Church in America (OCA) desires to function as a fully "autocephalous" church, although as yet the oca has not been officially recognized by most of the thirteen patriarchates. Those who were clergy in a former denomination have no guarantees they will become clergy in the Orthodox Church. Discussion online about converts to Orthodoxy in America includes papers and blogging by writers in venues such as Public Orthodoxy of the Fordham Orthodox Christian Studies Center, the allied Orthodox Theological Society of America, and various blogs and social media. Second, Christian theology perfectly explained why Jesus, who was also called a prophet, was worthy of worship. Why Convert to Orthodox Christianity? Most notable are its beliefs about baptism and the Eucharist. Suspicion and recrimination have often characterized relationships between Eastern Orthodoxy and Western Protestantism. At one level, I was close in heart and mind to my Orthodox sisters and brothers in Christ; but on another level, I agreed with many of my atheist friends' criticisms of Russian Orthodoxy. Becoming an Orthodox Christian is not easy, nor does it promise great happiness or success in this life. What was the impact of Vladimir I converting to Greek Orthodox Christianity in the region of Byzantium? Your email address will not be published. Now, the question stands: If one is convinced that Orthodox Christianity possess the fullness of truth and is God . Yeah, I think Ive gotten it out of my system. Is it wrong for Western missionaries to seek to convert the Orthodox in lands like Russia, Romania, or Greece? Alister McGrath, an intellectual historian and proponent of paleo-orthodoxy, claims that many of the . Buddhists are called to meditate. 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. Converts from Protestantism claim that Orthodoxy is strongest where evangelicals tend to be weak-its robust liturgical celebration of the majesty and mystery of God, its unyielding insistence on the indispensable role of tradition in theology, and its admirable heritage of perseverance amid terrible fires of persecution. One can find people who interpret this ecclesiological exclusivity more leniently; in fact, some would argue that the best Orthodox scholarsGeorge Florovsky and John Meyendorff, to name twowould allow for such leniency. But every church must have its distinctives, or wed all be in the same church. 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. In the end, they concocted a list of reasons for not converting. Second, whatever failings Western missionaries might bring to their work, and whether Orthodoxy likes to admit it, many Russians are responding very positively to a clear, contemporary presentation of the gospel by Protestant missionaries. As if this were not quite enough, during the Fourth Crusade, Western forces stormed Constantinople in 1204 and ransacked the Church of the Holy Wisdom, an unimaginable act of desecration from the viewpoint of Orthodoxy. Your email address will not be published. Your email address will not be published. During my four years as a visiting professor at Moscow State University (1991-95) I often felt schizophrenic. One finds that the Orthodox Church is indeed "the pillar and foundation of the truth" ( 1 Tim. * What steps would I take to become an Orthodox Christian? In Protestantism there arose the doctrine of sola scriptura. Catholicism and Orthodoxy are not alike in their views on the nature of theological authority; it is nevertheless correct to say that Orthodoxy, like Catholicism, views Protestantism in a similar negative manner. Required fields are marked *. It is not always easy to advance strong arguments for these conversions. 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. Worse, they considered the interpolation to be theologically untrue and a threat to the doctrine of the Trinity. While Protestant evangelicals have never agreed on the precise meaning or mode of the sacraments, they have historically emphasized two related truths that diverge from the Orthodox understanding of the sacraments. Put more starkly, Orthodoxy explicitly rejects the historic Protestant idea of sola scriptura. But this really begs another question: "Essential" for what? Schisms had already occurred in the Christian church, and others would occur later, but the Great Schism was the first of such major consequence. Here is an overview of the steps you can take to convert to Orthodox Christianity: Frederica Matthewes-Green reflects on how new converts to Orthodoxy can sometimes be overzealous. This conception lessens the validity and value of the Holy Scriptures as the primary source of Christian dogma." Excellent comment Kosmas, I totally concur. 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? When we realize that every difference of opinion is not a difference of principle or a matter of conscience, then we are freed to engage fully people with whom we actually have profound differences without compromising our own theological commitments. The first, most obvious explanation is that some people simply are obnoxious to start with. 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?" The West used unleavened bread, the East did not. This doesnt mean we shun catechesis, but just that its not always done in the same way everywhereand where it exists, its likely different from what a catechumen might expect or even hope. 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 groups mostly came over willingly. Perhaps this unanticipated experience of encountering something unknown and marvelously organic accounts for the distinctive lapel-grabbing impulse among converts to Orthodoxy. However, because I've never been really exposed to . The sacraments of the Church have helped fill countless young people's lives with meaning in ways that are difficult to find elsewhere. Wow, like it very much. This gives strength and spiritual joy to her members, true to the Lords words, Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you (Mt. Christimates 1 day ago. Naturally, it is crucial to know what the Church teaches and acquire an Orthodox mindset on the intellectual level, so to speak, but it is equally crucial to grow in identifying with the People of God, the worshipping community, through fellowship. The Eucharist, according to the Divine Liturgy of Saint Chrysostom (the normal liturgy for Sundays and weekdays), is "for the purification of the soul, for the remission of sins, for the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, [and] for the Kingdom of Heaven.". I think people just dont believe me, and I hardly provide a good personal example. Is Orthodox different from Catholic? She is conscious of being the true Church founded by Christ. We must be willing to embrace mystery, to submit to other authorities, and to ultimately submit to the Church Herself. Andrey brings us the news about Orthodox Christianity (the form of Christianity practiced by Russians). 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. 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 Those who will guide you through your period of instruction and formation surely will help you in this regard. 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. Interesting comments. Harakas asked. Questions & Answers / Toggle signature Its that Orthodoxy still passes on the early churchs knowledge of how to tune in to the presence of Christ. They become clergy in their group. You can also subscribe without commenting. Orthodox spiritual life gives central prominence to the sacraments. People are attracted by the permanence of Orthodoxy. Its not something you can figure out by studying the Church Fathers. The so-called Eastern Orthodox Church is actually not one but thirteen "autocephalous" or independent, self-governing churches. Similar differences and disputes existed within early Christianity, but disputes within Christianity extended also to the place of Mosaic Law or Old Covenant in general in Christianity. Orthodoxy's size alone warrants our attention, despite its invisibility on the cultural radar screens of most Americans. As independent churches, they are not bound together by any unilateral or monarchical organization, nor do they owe allegiance to a single primacy, as Roman Catholics do to the pope. 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 whether a non-Orthodox person can even be saved is an open question in Orthodox ecclesiology. It is precisely this exclusivistic assertion that some Protestant converts, in search of the "true, New Testament Church" have found so beguiling. Serbia, 8 million On these points evangelical and Orthodox thinking diverge in significant ways. Another danger is converting to Orthodoxy simply because it is beautiful. 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. Conversion to Christianity is the religious conversion of a previously non-Christian person to Christianity. Why Are Protestants Converting To Orthodox Christianity? Spiritual enlightenment changes everything. Well, was it so? I hope so. Buddhists fast, pray, and give alms. I cant be the only one to have done this. Hope this helps, and hope that your journey to Orthodoxy is filled with every blessing. Cerularius condemned Humbert and entreated Orthodox believers to "flee the fellowship of those who have accepted the heretical Latins." But it's just fantasies, and they going to get themselves hopeless frustrated when it become clear that the fantasies can't become reality. I felt like Marco Polo. This book cover is mad, Worship Gospel Fr. The move was far more than geographic. I had been to the east and discovered something wondrous that I assumed all Christians crave. But the claim to be Christ's one, true church remains the clear Orthodox position. Although it is difficult to gather firm figures, worldwide Orthodox Christians number about 150 million, with 3 million in the U.S. alonemore than most evangelical denominations. He states that in Gaul, before setting out towards Rome, Constantine and his army saw a great cross in the sky.