why convert to orthodox christianity

* Questions & Answers / Almost everyone around me was a Baptist. Orthodoxy looks forward, to the age to come. Nicholas reversed the decision, reinstating Ignatius and deposing Photius. The pairing of both secular groups with the Orthodox in a religious freedom case is rare they have frequently been on opposite sides on church-state separation issues such as same-sex marriage . 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. Modern speculation is simply just that, speculation, and . 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. This conception lessens the validity and value of the Holy Scriptures as the primary source of Christian dogma." Those who approach Orthodoxy looking for all their questions to be answered in a neat-and-tidy manner will be deeply disappointed, left rejecting the faith to which theyve only been shortly exposed. 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. Take Russia as an example: First, the majority of Russians are non-Christian and unevangelized. 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. By the end of the sixth century, neither group could speak the other's language. Vladimir I and Christianization | Western Civilization - Lumen Learning In any event, feel free to introduce yourself to and speak with the priest and his parishioners. Included in this liturgy is an anathema on all those who reject icons. 2. Russian priest explains why westerners are converting to Orthodox If they are looking for an ethnic identity because they feel they have none. Why did Vladimir convert to Orthodox Christianity? But I slowly came to see that I cant communicate it. It is a good question, one I will answer in due course. See something we missed? Unfortunately the Eastern organization is founded on control and power. Its that Orthodoxy still passes on the early churchs knowledge of how to tune in to the presence of Christ. Orthodox Christians and some Eastern Catholics baptize by triple immersion upon invocation of the Trinity; the only time the Orthodox Church permits other forms of baptism is in the case of an emergency. 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. We think the fundamental Christian schism occurred when Luther nailed his 95 theses to the door of the Wittenberg church, October 31, 1517. Well, was it so? Orthodoxy generally affirms the same seven sacraments as Catholicism: baptism, chrismation or confirmation, the Eucharist, repentance or confession, holy orders or ordination, marriage, and holy unction or anointing of the sick. 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. Orthodox Christianity has a rich tradition of being mindful. Its not something you can figure out by studying the Church Fathers. The Spirit of God himself, realizing the sacramental presence of Christ in the church, speaks to us in tradition. John 6 Comments Cole Knight, a former Anglican, got Baptized in the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church. Writing a book on Eastern Orthodoxy and working through the manuscript with my Russian students helped me to compare Orthodoxy and Protestant evangelicalism. All Rights ReservedDesigned by Fr. Bulgaria, 8 million Converting to Judaism has defined my high school experience 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.". The Orthodox Church is indelibly marked by the One who is its origin and source. Your email address will not be published. It was like seeing a face emerge from a random pattern of dots, and then wink at you. Whatever honor Protestants bestow upon tradition, they deny that its authority is coequal with Scripture. A Christian representation of Vladimir I, who was the first Rus' leader to officially bring Christianity to the region. For such a question presupposes a particular person's journey of faith. Why should we welcome that? Another danger is converting to Orthodoxy simply because it is beautiful. In the year 311, Emperor Constantine moved the political capital of his empire from Rome to Constantinople. How to Convert to Greek Orthodox Christianity Converting to Orthodox Judaism Is a Lot. Here's How 3 Women Did It. - ELLE It is not surprising they become disaffected and leave. 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]. Copyright 1997 Christianity Today. For church membership? He made the decision to convert following his second marriage to actress Rita Wilson in. But perhaps our theology of the church is too "low," much lower than our Protestant forebears would have it. 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. The Puritan John Foxe, for example, insisted that "God conducted the Reformation by printing, writing, and reading." In 867, Patriarch Photius of Constantinople told other Christian patriarchs that the Rus' people were converting enthusiastically, but his efforts seem to have entailed no lasting consequences, since the Primary Chronicle and other Slavonic sources describe the tenth-century Rus' as still firmly entrenched in Slavic paganism. Applies to RCC too. The Orthodox Churches are united in faith and by a common approach to theology, tradition, and worship. Emmanuel Hatzidakis | January 19, 2013. Circumcision controversy in early Christianity - Wikipedia Suspicion and recrimination have often characterized relationships between Eastern Orthodoxy and Western Protestantism. So why should someone desire to join the Orthodox Church? 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. Have something to add about this? Clickhereto learn more about the deeds we are talking of and to learn how you can become a part of our social ministry and help those in need. This is a sufficiently serious reason for reproach: We are right to expect that the Church will point out a path toward God, independently of the jolts and shocks of the epoch; that it will remain,. It merits our attention for several reasons. As Philip said to Nathaniel, Come and see [John 1:46]. Luther urged that Christianity would stand or fall with this doctrine; Calvin called it "the hinge upon which all true religion turns.". 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. "More than a . 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. My ideas havent changed, and Im always glad for a good discussion, but maybe Im past the need to belabor them. Disclaimers, Amon Sl Tolkien & Orthodox Christianity, 5 Differences: Orthodoxy & Roman Catholicism, 5 Differences: Orthodoxy & Evangelicalism, The Equal of Martyrdom: Fr. After his marriage Vladimir I officially changed the state religion to Orthodox Christianity and destroyed pagan temples and icons. And I would try hard, no doubt to the point of rudeness, to convince them this was not so. Once inside, a Western Christian experiences sensory overload: the near absence of chairs or pews, dim lighting, head coverings for most women, icons and frescoes covering almost every inch of space on the walls and ceiling, a massive and ornate iconostasis separating the priest and the worshipers, the smoky smell of incense and hundreds of candles burning in memory of the dead, the priest resplendent in his ornate vestments and enormous beard, and worshipers repeatedly prostrating themselves, kissing the icons, and making the sign of the cross. Buddhists are called to meditate. This book cover is made to order i, Hand-painted Icon of Christ the Pantocrator (acryl. Here are a few reasons from this man's personal reflection. 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. 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. Icons. 7 Hollywood stars who adopted Orthodox Christianity There is an organic quality here, and the thing itself is inexpressibly alive. Worse, they considered the interpolation to be theologically untrue and a threat to the doctrine of the Trinity. Another issue is becoming Orthodox because one thinks the Church will reward them in some way for doing so. So You Want to Convert to Judaism? It's Not That Easy I assumed this would somehow convince me not to continue on my discovery of the Orthodox Church, but it has more solidified it! Christianity had, in fact, penetrated "Russia" by the early 900s, when at least one church had been built in the ancient city of Kiev. The essence of it was to evangelize younger aristocrats, future leaders of the land. The first, most obvious explanation is that some people simply are obnoxious to start with. ), since the Reformation, justification by faith and substitutionary atonement have enjoyed pride of place in our understanding of the doctrines of sin and salvation. 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. I kept finding myself in conversations with nice people who wanted to assure me that this very thing I was so excited about in Orthodoxy is something they have in their church as well. Four important areas deserve ongoing dialogue. Reasons Why You Should Not Convert to Orthodox Christianity Jerusalem, 260,000 This is no archaic, dusty doctrine, either. Together they gathered an army with the intent to regain control of Rus' and establish Vladimir as the ruler. In this video, Fr. Search, Learn more about the Orthodox Church in America, Orthodoxy and Cults and Non-Christian Groups. 1. Linguistic factors posed other, very practical problems. . In 999, Leif, the son of Erik, was converted to Christianity by Olaf Tryggvason. It must sound like vague, fluffy religious talk (though in my experience it is anything but). This may be to some extent true but it is much more than that. During my four years as a visiting professor at Moscow State University (1991-95) I often felt schizophrenic. In 858 Photius was appointed as Orthodoxy's new patriarch at Constantinople, replacing Ignatius, who had been exiled and later resigned his duties. 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? I had been to the east and discovered something wondrous that I assumed all Christians crave. For any convert, it's a spiritual, intense, and private process,. 1:4). Calvin objected to the "tyranny of human tradition which is haughtily thrust upon us under the title of the Church." 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. Why Converts to Christian Orthodoxy can be Obnoxious, People who've found their way back to Orthodoxy, Theophan the Recluse on Spiritual Practice. And while it's true that my involvement with Judaism began with a Jewish boyfriend now my husband of 28 years and the father of our two children as Reform Jews, I would not have had to convert to participate in Jewish life and raise Jewish children. The conversion of 2,000 evangelicals in 17 congregations "from Alaska to Atlanta" in 1987, recounted in Peter Gillquist's Becoming Orthodox, is only a small window into a larger phenomenon. Sad, very sad. That is, Orthodoxy's commitment to "right belief" provides a natural link to evangelical concerns. My husband and I were just Chrismated into the church on Christmas day. It takes awhile to get it, because its gotten by a process of immersion, by soaking in a context of worship. You haven't "arrived" in this life. Affectionate attempts to obscure this quest feel suffocating. No new dogmas of faith spring out of the blue in her life. All Rights ReservedDesigned by Fr. Thus Georges Florovsky once referred to tradition as "the witness of the Spirit.". True, Luther and some other Protestants have not viewed baptismal regeneration and justification by faith as mutually exclusive. 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). Your email address will not be published. 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?" Recently I worshiped at an Orthodox church in Palo Alto on this celebration of the Triumph of Orthodoxy. Greenland. 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. Theologically, just what is at stake in the differences between Protestant and Orthodox theology? Whereas Western Protestants want to hear the written Word spoken in the sermon, Orthodox believers want to see it in the visual images of iconsas well as hear it in the spoken word. Serbia, 8 million 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. From Islam to Indonesian Orthodox Priest In "Clergy" 97% of Moldovans Identify as Orthodox Christians In "Latest Stories" Why I Converted to Judaism | My Jewish Learning But unlike the other two large branches of Christianity, which have spread throughout the developing world, Orthodoxy remains largely confined to Europe. Thats surely a factor, but I think theres something else going on, more specific to Orthodox converts. We cannot describe it to you: only this we know, that God dwells there among men, and that their service surpasses the worship of all other places. 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?. This statement cannot be challenged. Orthodoxy provides a full-bodied, full-souled spiritual life that assumes that everything you do as a Christian makes you either more like God or less like Him, and because becoming like God is what salvation consists of, that means that everything you do is critical. 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. 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 . 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. Join our newsletter to get the most interesting articles on spiritual issues and learn about the recent news from St. Elisabeth Convent. Even more obnoxious, though, must be the tendency to reject hospitality. It was electrifying. Not a few evangelicals in the last decade have forsaken Protestantism to join an Eastern Orthodox church. 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. 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. Such a question cannot be answered through the use of dogmatic assertions or theoretical musings. Buddhism and Conversion to Orthodoxy - Questions & Answers - Orthodox Rather, "theosis" (literally, "deification"), or the progressive transformation of people into full likeness to God, in soul and body, takes center stage. A wedding set o, Wedding Icon of Christ the Pantocrator (in Oklad /, A Handmade Bookcover For The Gospel. It also must be noted that embracing the faith involves a running to Christ and His Church as the Ark of Salvation, rather than a running away from somethingother than sin. This perspective presupposes a defective Christologyone that fails to account for the anthropos of the theanthropic (Divine-human) Church. The beauty and majesty of her liturgical services celebrating the majesty and mystery of God continue to be a major attraction to many seekers of a religious experience that transcends the mundane reality and elevates the spirit to the divine realm. An Orthodox Christian Perspective: Overcoming Difficulties in Life, Church Under Soviet Totalitarianism: Suppression, Resistance and Compliance, St Kassia and Her Creations, Still Heard at Todays Divine Services, The feast of the Most Holy Theotokos of the Inexhaustible Chalice, Why Our Catalogue Is More Than Just an Online Store Selling Church Supplies, The List of Musical Instruments Mentioned in the Bible, The First 40 Days after Death Explained by St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco, An Old Icon of the Mother of God of the Sign Has Started to Exude Myrrh in the Diocese of Tula, Complete List of Prohibited Marriages in the Orthodox Church. I sincerely wish to know everyone's reasons for converting to Orthodoxy. Georgia, 3 million If our only reason for converting is more somber, reverent, and beautiful worship, the newness of this experience soon wanes. What steps would I take to become an Orthodox Christian? Even before entering the church one is taken aback by the unusual architecture-the glittering gold onion domes that sparkle like diamonds on a sunny day. Believe in the Church as the true Body of Christ, and the Churchflawed people and allwill help lead you down the right path. 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. Not that every churchgoer is following that path, not that the church administration is perfect, but that the path still existedthats what amazed me. The late Orthodox theologian John Meyendorff once remarked that the ultimate conflict between the Orthodox East and the Latin West, both Catholic and Protestant, resided in two different ideas about tradition. Women and men who marry into the Orthodox Jewish faith are required to convertand both genders follow an identical process. How To Become An Orthodox Christian - Journey To Orthodoxy There is an organic quality here, and the thing itself is inexpressibly alive. From the Orthodox perspective, both Catholics and Protestants seek to ground theological authority in an external norm. In fact, it promises a Cross and joining with Christ in both suffering and humiliation. Share your feedback here. 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. 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. The Conversion of Russia - Catholicism.org The first is by Lactantius, a tutor to Constantine's son and a good authority. Who can explain why one has fallen in love with a given person? 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 another way, we must invoke the spirit of irenic disagreement in the formula: "In essentials, unity; in nonessentials, liberty; in all things, charity." But whether a non-Orthodox person can even be saved is an open question in Orthodox ecclesiology. Daniel B. Clendenin is a graduate staff member for InterVarsity at Stanford University and author of Eastern Orthodox Christianity: A Western Perspective and Eastern Orthodox Theology: A Contemporary Reader (both published by Baker). 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." We have challenges here in Africa to find such information for, So glorious+++ Most Holy Theotokos save us, Pectoral Cross Conversion means belief and acceptance in Jesus Christ, the God-man, as the Savior of the world. Learn About the Religion. 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. (Of course, for every person insisting that there were no differences, there was another person asking me to explain the differences. 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. Poland, 1 million "I was A. How to Become an Orthodox Christian? Can you explain why some former clergy (from non-orthodox backgrounds) can enter without formal orthodox seminary education, while other former clergy (again, from non-orthodox backgrounds) are kept away even after the bishop (he who has the control and power) makes a statement that none may come to the clergy with our formal orthodox seminary? The true details behind her Liturgically, the Orthodox ethos of a formal worship setting will attract some Christians, but to many other vibrant movements within evangelicalism it will have little if any appeal.

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