Why Orthodox?

[Caedmon]

Why should someone choose the Orthodox Church rather than another church? What are your "selling points"? Thanks for your input.

[gzt]

The selling point is that it's the one holy catholic apostolic church established by Christ, that it has the faith once delivered to the saints and the mind of Christ. If you don't believe that, there's no reason to be an Orthodox Christian. Well, no good reason.

[Orthosdoxa]

LOL!!! That's the first time I've ever heard the words "selling points" in regards to Orthodoxy.

Well, I'll tell you what sold me.

It's the Truth. :)

And Orthodox don't try to "sell" others on their faith. No "worship bands", no guitar solos, no Starbucks in the foyer, no gimmicks to try to attract outsiders. Just the same worship in spirit and in truth that we've had for 2000 years. Which is exactly why so many people are flocking to Orthodoxy today (says this former Baptist). It's not shaped to meet people's desires or entertain them. Instead, She says, "Come and die". Die to yourself, to your passions.

Not much of a selling point. But for those of us who were fed up with McChristianity and wanted something that called us to holiness - it's just what the doctor - or rather, the Great Physician - ordered.

Oh yeah, and it's the Truth, too. That's the biggest part. :)

Welcome to TAW! Please feel free to ask us anything about Orthodoxy that you like.

LK

[Rilian]

Gee, how many characters can you put in a post. :)

Seriously, I could go on for a while. It's late though. I will say the first thing is what has been said, it is the church and not a church. That is the what I felt like was the most important thing. Beyond that I would say it's the nolts and bolts stuff, the day in day out praxis of being an Orthodox Christian that matters to me most.

[InnerPhyre]

Walk into an Orthodox church. The experience might just sell itself.

[MariaRegina]

Walk into an Orthodox church. The experience might just sell itself.

Taste and see how good the Lord is.

< Presanctified Liturgy

This is a must experience. The Presanctified Liturgy as celebrated in the OCA is awesome.

[gord96]

Walk into an Orthodox church. The experience might just sell itself.

ain't that the truth.....:amen:

[33ad]

Try finding another Christian Church that's been doing the same thing Right, for near on 2000 years since Pentecost 27ad (Some think 33ad). Through all the heresies and persecutions assailing the One True Church, She has remained True to Her duty till today. And will continue to do so till the Second Coming and the Resurection and Great and Terrible Judgement.

In IC XC

NIKA

Kolya

[NewToLife]

Orthodoxy demands much of the Orthodox Christian and delivers a whole lot more in return. Orthodoxy admits that there is a choice to make, it does not pretend that one can follow Christ and remain the same person as before. Once you encounter God in Orthodox prayer and worship you can run in fear from Him or move forwards in awe, the one thing you cannot do is remain as you are, man is simply to small to do that in God's presence.

So if Orthodoxy has one real selling point it's the opportunity to change, to become closer to what man was and is supposed to be. This is the place to work out your salvation 'in fear and trembling'. Not all are prepared for this and entering the Church is a step to be taken only after serious reflection.

[Dust and Ashes]

And Orthodox don't try to "sell" others on their faith. No "worship bands", no guitar solos, no Starbucks in the foyer, no gimmicks to try to attract outsiders. Just the same worship in spirit and in truth that we've had for 2000 years. Which is exactly why so many people are flocking to Orthodoxy today (says this former Baptist). It's not shaped to meet people's desires or entertain them. Instead, She says, "Come and die". Die to yourself, to your passions.

Not much of a selling point. But for those of us who were fed up with McChristianity and wanted something that called us to holiness - it's just what the doctor - or rather, the Great Physician - ordered.

Oh yeah, and it's the Truth, too. That's the biggest part. :)


That's what "sold" me on Orthodoxy. I was disillusioned with the whole "fire-insurance" salvation concept and on a deep, almost sub-concious level I had a real problem with the western view of sin, the Fall, the Atonement and salvation.

The best metaphor to describe it for me was captured by Matthew Gallatin in the name of his book, Thirsting for God in a Land of Shallow Wells. It is the most aptly named book on the subject I've found.

Having finally come home to the Truth, I find that no matter how deeply I drink, the well is never diminished and in spite of the crystal clarity of the water and the wonderful, illuminating brightness, I can't see the bottom. ;)

[Khaleas]

Orthodoxy demands much of the Orthodox Christian and delivers a whole lot more in return. Orthodoxy admits that there is a choice to make, it does not pretend that one can follow Christ and remain the same person as before. Once you encounter God in Orthodox prayer and worship you can run in fear from Him or move forwards in awe, the one thing you cannot do is remain as you are, man is simply to small to do that in God's presence.

So if Orthodoxy has one real selling point it's the opportunity to change, to become closer to what man was and is supposed to be. This is the place to work out your salvation 'in fear and trembling'. Not all are prepared for this and entering the Church is a step to be taken only after serious reflection.

This was one of the main 'selling points' for me. I'm very impulsive and take interest in a million and one things. While the church was incredibly welcoming (more so than anywhere else) there was no pressure (other than some friendly banter :D ) about me becoming orthodox. I'm very glad for this, because I think that if I was immediately taken into the church I doubt I would have stuck with it like I have. I'm also a firm believer that although reading and praying at home is important to understanding some things, nothing moves you more than going to church and experiencing the service. I probably looked something like this: :eek: when I went the first time (esp the jaw part), but you can't experience it in books.
I was mighty surprised when our Father said he'd be happy to Christmate me at our Pasha if my trip to Finland didn't work out. We had barely met.
Also, I feel that the Church does indeed break you down, but not without building you back up! Especially now during Great Lent and Pasha... (starting to sound like BootCamp here... not really the intention). But the Church does not give you the goal without giving you the tools.

[Monica, child of God]

1)The Eucharist

2)Christianity with tools

3)Affirmation of the body in spiritual matters

4)Conciliar nature of the Church

5)breathtaking worship

Blessings!

[Theophorus]

I like the monks.

[Rilian]

2)Christianity with tools


I think that is a key point. The church sets out an ideal and gives you the tools to try and reach it. It also understands when you stumble on the way. It's built in to the system.

Oh, and the food. How could I forget that!

[Alexis OCA]

And the conversion fees are very inexpensive. All Father is asking me to give is my heart.:)

[Wiffey]

:liturgy: I agree with George Costanza...it's the cool hats!;)

[PandaBear]

Why should someone choose the Orthodox Church rather than another church? What are your "selling points"? Thanks for your input.

As a former Roman Catholic (with many sideroads and dry spells), my initial attraction was not intellectual, theological, or doctrinal. Perhaps it was traditional; but by that, I mean the Liturgy. My experience of the Liturgy was a friend who invited me to go to church with him, and walking in on the Hours (right before Liturgy started, to see all the Icons and candles lit, to hear the beautiful chanting of the prayers, to smell the incense. It was a greeting of the morning. I could feel the centuries in my pores. The selling point was not that I was sold! It was experiential. I could feel that I was worshipping in a way which was foreign to me, and ancient, and it all clicked. Of course, that was seven years ago and I finally have a Chrismation date set, but I'm a stubborn sort. Not big on commitment. ;)

Beyond that, I can't offer selling points. Orthodoxy rumbles in my feet and stirs my heart and makes me want to sing. God is great!

Peace and all good,
PB

[katherine2001]

LOL!!! That's the first time I've ever heard the words "selling points" in regards to Orthodoxy.

Well, I'll tell you what sold me.

It's the Truth. :)

And Orthodox don't try to "sell" others on their faith. No "worship bands", no guitar solos, no Starbucks in the foyer, no gimmicks to try to attract outsiders. Just the same worship in spirit and in truth that we've had for 2000 years. Which is exactly why so many people are flocking to Orthodoxy today (says this former Baptist). It's not shaped to meet people's desires or entertain them. Instead, She says, "Come and die". Die to yourself, to your passions.

Not much of a selling point. But for those of us who were fed up with McChristianity and wanted something that called us to holiness - it's just what the doctor - or rather, the Great Physician - ordered.

Oh yeah, and it's the Truth, too. That's the biggest part. :)

Welcome to TAW! Please feel free to ask us anything about Orthodoxy that you like.

LK

All of this and more for me. I was always so frustrated when I was a Baptist. I would often quit going to church for a long while. I always felt like I was in this all by myself and that I could never get a handle on my sins. Not to mention that I never felt I could tell anyone what sins I dealt with for fear that I would be rejected or that I would be told that I was going to hell. Nothing was changing. As an Orthodox, I have a spiritual father who knows me better than I know myself and loves me in spite of what I am. Not only that, he has treatments he can apply to help me to overcome my sins.

Orthodoxy isn't for wimps, it is a tough road, but I wouldn't trade it for anything. Even though Orthodoxy is totally different than anything I've ever known, I knew I was home from the first time I entered. By my third typica service, I knew I wanted to convert. I've never been sorry that I did, and Holy Saturday will be the 4th anniversary of my Chrismation. On August 6, it will be the 5th anniversary since I first attended a service.

[katherine2001]

Also, the Orthodox Church has been in the business of making people holy for the last 2,000 years. They know how to do it. The Church is a hospital for sick people, and they know the methods that will help in your healing from sin.

Holy Week is another reason to be Orthodox. Attend the services of Holy Week, especially the services from Thursday night through Sunday morning. You experience that and you will want to be Orthodox. No other Church has services like these.

[Verushka]

^I can relate to all above. And what really touched me was the fact that Orthodox church celebrates Easter as a Joyfull thing, giving righteous emphasisis on the resurrection part!
Verushka

[Alexis OCA]

As a former Roman Catholic (with many sideroads and dry spells), my initial attraction was not intellectual, theological, or doctrinal. Perhaps it was traditional; but by that, I mean the Liturgy. My experience of the Liturgy was a friend who invited me to go to church with him, and walking in on the Hours (right before Liturgy started, to see all the Icons and candles lit, to hear the beautiful chanting of the prayers, to smell the incense. It was a greeting of the morning. I could feel the centuries in my pores. The selling point was not that I was sold! It was experiential. I could feel that I was worshipping in a way which was foreign to me, and ancient, and it all clicked. Of course, that was seven years ago and I finally have a Chrismation date set, but I'm a stubborn sort. Not big on commitment. ;)

Beyond that, I can't offer selling points. Orthodoxy rumbles in my feet and stirs my heart and makes me want to sing. God is great!

Peace and all good,
PB

Awesome personal reflection that echos my own experience to some extent.

[gord96]

wow....you guys are so right.....this Sunday I felt like shouting out "God is great" and "Thank you Lord Jesus"...I have never felt like that in my walk before but those services really go deep into my soul....

[rhyddid_rose]

To Life Immortal

What attracted me to Orthodoxy was the beauty and mystery of the Divine Liturgy. Orthodoxy is the original church, is apostolic, does not use emotional extortion to keep people in it and it makes sense. Orthodoxy is not for the fluffy and I love it!


Le gunna scréach faoi lámhach na bpiléar
Seo libh canaidh Amhrán na bhFiann.
~*~ бабочка ~*~
'Mid cannon's roar and rifle's peal
We'll chant a soldier's song.

[Caedmon]

I want a Russian name! :D

I bet an Orthodox service would be cool. I like the Novus Ordo Mass, and I accept it as completely valid, but I wouldn't mind attending a more traditional Tridentine Mass every now and then. Unfortunately, my parish does not offer one.

[countrymouse33ad]

I want a Russian name! :D But "Caedmon" is so cool!


I bet an Orthodox service would be cool. The first time I walked into the parish I now belong to, I knew that it was a holy place, and when Divine Liturgy began, I knew that this was truly worship. And I ditto what the others have said, especially about finally having the tools to appropriate the salvation God has offered us.

[Oblio]

I want a Russian name!



[Bluto voice]

From now on your Tau Alpha Omega name is ...


Vsevolod (http://ocafs.oca.org/FeastSaintsViewer.asp?SID=4&ID=1&FSID=100503)

[/voice]

[Orthosdoxa]

Oblio, fix your link! :D There's a j in front of it!

[Oblio]

Oblio, fix your link! :D There's a j in front of it!


:D

Already I am mentally weak from fasting ^_^

[Vasya Davidovich]

Why should someone choose the Orthodox Church rather than another church? What are your "selling points"? Thanks for your input.

How do you sell water to the thirsty?
How do you sell food to the starving?
How do you sell light to the blind?
How do you sell hope to the hopeless?
How do you sell comfort to the destitute?
How do you sell joy to the despairing?
How do you sell song to the de-spirited?
How do you sell Jesus to those in need of a Saviour?


You don't. You can't. They sell themselves.

[Alexis OCA]

I want a Russian name! :D



That's funny so do I! Let's not pick the same one ok?
Oblio can you work on that please! I kind of like Tikhon (of Zadonsk) but I am open to other ideas.;)

[Photini]

My Russian name is....Svetlana. :)

[Alexis OCA]

My Russian name is....Svetlana. :)

That's really sexy....ooops....am I allowed to say that?;)

[Bulldog]

Can somone give me a Russian name? :D

[katherine2001]

My Russian name is Ekaterina! When I went to the Serbian church in July for their 100th anniversary, the Serbian bishop (who is native Serb) used that form of Katherine when giving me Communion. I have always loved that name. Maybe I should go by Katia.

[Alexis OCA]

Can somone give me a Russian name? :D

Hey, I asked first! ^_^

[Alexis OCA]

My Russian name is Ekaterina! When I went to the Serbian church in July for their 100th anniversary, the Serbian bishop (who is native Serb) used that form of Katherine when giving me Communion. I have always loved that name. Maybe I should go by Katia.

Great story. I love them both.

[Dust and Ashes]

Ok, so since St. Seraphim of Sarov is my patron, would that make my Russian name Prokhor? ;)

[Xpycoctomos]

i converted for the cool accents ;)

[Oblio]

Hey, I asked first! ^_^

Greg,

From now on your Tau Alpha Omega name is:

Grigoriy

[Oblio]

Can somone give me a Russian name? :D

Bulldog,

I've given this a lot of thought ;)
From now on, your Tau Alpha Omega name is:

Sabaka

[Bulldog]

I've given this a lot of thought ;)


Obviously. ;)

[Xpycoctomos]

Bulldog,

I've given this a lot of thought ;)
From now on, your Tau Alpha Omega name is:

Sabaka

Can I be Chubaka?

[Bulldog]

Can I be Chubaka?

I don't think thats even a Russian name. The closest to that I think is бабушка ;) Would you like that? ;)

[Prawnik]

I dunno, Bulldog, no offense, but "Sobachka" is sort of fitting.

[katherine2001]

Greg,

From now on your Tau Alpha Omega name is:

Grigoriy

We will call you Grisha. My priest's oldest son is named Gregory and is called Grisha (prn Greesha) or Grish. Matushka is half Russian and half Scottish, they use the Russian nicknames except for their daughter. Her nickname is Lizzie, though it should be Liza (prn Leeza) in Russian.

[katherine2001]

I love the Russian nicknames. Matushka's name is Maria, so she is called Masha.

[ExOrienteLux]

Well, I assume my nickname would be Filya, but what would my 'real' Russian name be? I can't seem to think of any Russians that I know who are named Phillip (in transliteration/translation, of course).

[Prawnik]

Filip is a perfectly legitimate Russian name. Not especially common, but not so uncommon as to raise eyebrows.

[The Virginian]

Why should someone choose the Orthodox Church rather than another church? What are your "selling points"? Thanks for your input.

Probably the biggest selling point for your average Protestant church-goer is, is it Biblical? This was my question, as one who had just changed from being Baptist to Methodist. I found out the answer, YES!!!

As I've stated elsewhere, in the mid '90's God began to change my emphasis, from the power of the Holy Spirti-filled life, to that of the power of a godly life. Imagine my surprised interest, when I found out about the lives of Orthodox saints. I honestly think that God set me up.

Neo-Pentecostals/Charismatics, Presbyterians, Baptists, and Methodists (all Protestant groups of which I've been a member), have in their Statements of Faith -the doctrines they opperate under- some measures of Truth. And, I firmly believe that God led me to be a member of each that I belonged to. However; no Christian group that I've ever heard of, or been a member of, has the expression of our faith as I've found in Holy Orthodoxy.

Choose the Church God leads you to, that's the biggest "selling point" of them all; and, it is why I'm here!


"...what doth the Lord reqire of thee, but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God...."

[Alexis OCA]

Greg,

From now on your Tau Alpha Omega name is:

Grigoriy


I love it! Kind of makes sense too.;)

[Alexis OCA]

We will call you Grisha. My priest's oldest son is named Gregory and is called Grisha (prn Greesha) or Grish....

Not bad...a Russian name AND nickname all in one day!

Warm regards,
Grigoriy

[Caedmon]

[Bluto voice]

From now on your Tau Alpha Omega name is ...


Vsevolod (http://ocafs.oca.org/FeastSaintsViewer.asp?SID=4&ID=1&FSID=100503)

[/voice]
That thing defies pronunciation, man! :D

[Caedmon]

That's really sexy....ooops....am I allowed to say that?;)
Holy... :eek:

[Emmanuel-A]

"There is a story in the Russian Primary Chronicle of how Vladimir, Prince of Kiev, while still a pagan, desired to know which was the true religion, and therefore sent his followers to visit the various countries of the world in turn. They went first to the Moslem Bulgars of the Volga, but observing that these when they prayed gazed around them like men possessed, the Russians continued on their way dissatisfied. ‘There is no joy among them,’ they reported to Vladimir, ‘but mournfulness and a great smell; and there is nothing good about their system.’ Traveling next to Germany and Rome, they found the worship more satisfactory, but complained that here too it was without beauty. Finally they journeyed to Constantinople, and here at last, as they attended the Divine Liturgy in the great Church of the Holy Wisdom, they discovered what they desired. ‘We knew not whether we were in heaven or on earth, for surely there is no such splendour or beauty anywhere upon earth. 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. For we cannot forget that beauty.’"

I love that excerpt from Kallistos Ware's "The Orthodox Church". I really felt like prince Vladimir's followers the first time I attended a DL and it seems after reading previous posts that a lot of converts had a similar experince.

But of course Truth is Orthodoxy's main point. A few years ago I attended hare krishna services where the singing was very beautiful and emotional, incense smelt so good, etc. But this had nothing to do with christian truth.

By the way, is there a russian equivalent to Emmanuel ?

[rhyddid_rose]

To Life Immortal

As some of you may know, learning languages is a hobby of mine. I can understand and /or learning about 8 or 9 currently.

I am learning Russian because long ago, I visited a Russian mission out of curiosity. I liked what I saw and the music was lovely. I started to learn about Russian people and culture and saw parallels with my own cultures.

When I became Orthodox, I went to a Greek church because it was convenient at the time. I didn't know Greek, but sssssslllllllloooooowwwwwlllly learned the basics and I can still read a little. I needed to hear the Divine Liturgy in English, so I went to an OCA church.

Today I'm a member of an Antiochian church which is close to my home, but occasionally I will visit an ROCOR church near the river train station.

I love the way Russian sounds, especially when sung and / or spoken by the opposite sex ;). Cyrillic looks hard, but really isn't. Just looks that way. Knowing a bit of Greek helps with learning to read Russian.

By the way, my online name is Russian for butterfly. I chose it because as an Orthodox Christian, I believe in theosis and a butterfly is a symbol of that. Well, really a chrysalis is a better symbol, but I dont know how to say chrysalis in Russian. :)

~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ba dhúthchas riamh d'ár gcine cháidh
Gan iompáil riar ó imirt áir,
'Siubhal mar iad i gcoinnibh rámhaid
Seo libh, canaidh amhrán na bhFiann.
~~***~~~***~~
We're children of a fighting race
That never yet has known disgrace,
And as we march the foe to face,.......
We'll chant a soldier's song.

[Caedmon]

As some of you may know, learning languages is a hobby of mine. I can understand and /or learning about 8 or 9 currently.

I am learning Russian because long ago, I visited a Russian mission out of curiosity. I liked what I saw and the music was lovely. I started to learn about Russian people and culture and saw parallels with my own cultures.

When I became Orthodox, I went to a Greek church because it was convenient at the time. I didn't know Greek, but sssssslllllllloooooowwwwwlllly learned the basics and I can still read a little. I needed to hear the Divine Liturgy in English, so I went to an OCA church.
I admire your effort. Greek is a difficult language. Its verb system is humongous, and the aorist mood is a mystery to me. I would also like to learn Russian, but being a German graduate student, I have little time, and I can't find a way that Russian would benefit my studies.

[Vasya Davidovich]

My Tau Alpha Omega name is:

[cue drum-roll]

.
.
.


Vasya.

Darn, that's the one I already have. ;) lol
Vasya is the Russian diminutive for Vasiliy, which is the Russian form of Basileios. English has rendered Basileios as Basil.

[Khaleas]

I admire your effort. Greek is a difficult language. Its verb system is humongous, and the aorist mood is a mystery to me. I would also like to learn Russian, but being a German graduate student, I have little time, and I can't find a way that Russian would benefit my studies.


How about a future job with the State Department LOL... they say it's the next language they'll need after Arabic/Farsi and such go out of fashion. I'm starting Russian classes this summer (just an intensive one week, but I'm hoping to keep it up). Mainly because I want to understand a bit what the Russians at church say and maybe communicate a bit in the future. I've taken about 6 months a long time ago but I don't really remember much.

[PandaBear]

I'm guessing my given name (Andrew) would be Andrei?

[Vasya Davidovich]

I'm guessing my given name (Andrew) would be Andrei?
Yep. The diminutive escapes me at the moment.

[Photini]

That's really sexy....ooops....am I allowed to say that?;)

^_^ Sveta for short.

[Matrona]

My Russian name is... Matrona! :)

There are saints named Matrona all over Christianity. My patron, St Matrona of Chios, is Greek, but there are Russians named Matrona, too. The little girl who found the Kazan icon of the Theotokos was named Matrona, and there is also a new martyr named Matrona (a.k.a. Matryona or "Matronushka").

[PandaBear]

Yep. The diminutive escapes me at the moment.

That's okay, Vasya! I don't even know what diminutive means!

[Prawnik]

The dimunutive of "Andrei" is "Andrusha".

[Vasya Davidovich]

I came across Andrushka. Does that work too?

[Vasya Davidovich]

That's okay, Vasya! I don't even know what diminutive means!
Oh, a diminutive is basically a familiar nickname derived from a name. It is what your mom might call you, or your wife, or your siblings, or your best friend.

Tommy is a diminutive of Thomas.
Willy and Billy are diminutives of William.
Lizzie is a diminutive of Elizabeth.

In English, our diminutives are sometimes used as substitutes for the full name, both with people in general and on our birth certificates.

Tom is a diminutive of Thomas, but many Thomases go by Tom all the time.
Will and Bill are diminutives of William. Ditto.
Eliza is a diminutive of Elizabeth. Used to be ditto.

On the other hand, a variant is a different spelling of a name (or sometimes another language's rendering of a name).

Tomas is a variant of Thomas.
Willem is a variant of William.
Elisabeth is a variant of Elizabeth.

... and I think that's overkill.

[Xpycoctomos]

... and I think that's overkill.

lol yes it was.. but I enjoyed it nonetheless :)

[ExOrienteLux]

Andrushka would work, but unless it's used by a close friend or family member, it could be taken as being insulting. And sometimes even then. Andrusha would be safer.

It's like the diminutives in The Brothers Karamazov:

Dmitri = Mitya/Mitka
Ivan= Vanya/Vanka
Alexei= Alyosha/Alyoshka

The former nicknames are used more often and by many people in the novel, while the latter ones are generally used insultingly or between the brothers themselves.

Feel free to correct me, anyone, especially prawnik or Sergei.

Just $0.02 worth from a guy who knows only a very little about Russian culture (and who needs to learn more, because he's going to Russia next spring).

[PandaBear]

... and I think that's overkill.

No! I appreciate the thoroughness very much!

Many thanks,
PB

[Matrona]

All I know is that the diminuitive for Anastasia is Nastya....

[Bulldog]

My Russian name is... Matrona! :)

There are saints named Matrona all over Christianity. My patron, St Matrona of Chios, is Greek, but there are Russians named Matrona, too. The little girl who found the Kazan icon of the Theotokos was named Matrona, and there is also a new martyr named Matrona (a.k.a. Matryona or "Matronushka").

Are there any "Saint Sabeka"s? ;)

[Julio]

Anybody know what would be the Russian diminutive for Юлий (Iulii)? I have come to find out that it is somewhat common around Moscow, so I figure there has got to be one.

Also, much like myself, the newly-named Grisha would do well to stay away from the Serbian form of his name! How do you like Гргур (Grgur)? :D I should stay away from it because Иулиjе (Iulije) is a common name among the Croats, and well, you know. ;)

[Prawnik]

Yulya.

[Paisley]

God seems to have all of this set and planned out for me ... as if it is already accomplished, and my mindset is all that needs "adjusting" (for lack of a better word). Does anyone know what I mean here? :confused:

May I be able to keep up! :bow:

[Orthosdoxa]

God seems to have all of this set and planned out for me ... as if it is already accomplished, and my mindset is all that needs "adjusting" (for lack of a better word). Does anyone know what I mean here? :confused:

May I be able to keep up! :bow:

I think I do, Rose! And it sounds incredible! :hug: Let us know whatever we can do to help. Are you attending a parish anywhere yet?

[Paisley]

I think I do, Rose! And it sounds incredible! :hug: Let us know whatever we can do to help. Are you attending a parish anywhere yet?

Three times I have set out to attend an Antiochian one, and something stopped me. I think it just isn't quite the time, until I do some studying. It feels very compelling to go there, and to check it out, so when this should be will probably be very soon. I'm not one that takes to change easily, and perhaps this is why it isn't quite time to do it. We do have a Greek Orthodox church here, too, but I do not feel drawn to go there, for some reason. I have been inside the Greek Orthodox sanctuary a few years ago, and it is very beautiful, and they have a yearly dinner with Greek food and entertainment. It is marvelous! I really cannot explain why it seems the Antiochian is what is the attraction for me. I have even studied some Greek several years ago, to read, not speak. You'd think that would be the one, but apparently not.

[prodromos]

As a former Protestant, one of the things that has really struck me is the praxis in Orthodoxy. In Protestantism it is like we are given tons of theory but very little in terms of how to put the theory into practice.

You need to pray - okay, how do I do that?
You need to be holy - sure, but how do I go about becoming that?
You must love your enemies - but how, I mean that is really tough to do.
You can probably think of plenty more examples. Certainly there are good books written by Protestant Christians that touch on these and other issues, but within the actual churches thamselves I have found precious little help. For example, I once finally gained control over some serious sin in my life through fasting while I was a Protestant, yet not one of the churches I had been to before becoming Orthodox even paid lip service to fasting.

I quickly found that Orthodoxy doesn't just give you the theory, but it also gives you the tools to help put the theory into practice. The regular fasting, the prayers that speak the words my own poor lips could have never come up with yet express exactly what my soul needs to express, the encouragement from reading in the lives of the saints how they persevered and overcame the same difficulties that I struggle with, the help that is on hand from those very saints just a prayer away. Though the list goes on, my simple mind fails me at the moment :P.

Within the ark of salvation which is the Orthodox Church, I am finding that I am making progress in putting to death the "old man" and putting on Christ. With all it's faults and flaws I can see that the Orthodox Church still gives us all that is necessary to restore the likeness of Christ to our frail and fallen humanity. The Church provides exactly what this poor sinner needs, and I ain't never leavin :)

John (a sinner, dependant on the mercy of God)

BTW, I always thought Caedmon was way cool as a name :D

[Caedmon]

As a former Protestant, one of the things that has really struck me is the praxis in Orthodoxy. In Protestantism it is like we are given tons of theory but very little in terms of how to put the theory into practice.

You need to pray - okay, how do I do that?
You need to be holy - sure, but how do I go about becoming that?
You must love your enemies - but how, I mean that is really tough to do.
You can probably think of plenty more examples.
...
The regular fasting, the prayers that speak the words my own poor lips could have never come up with yet express exactly what my soul needs to express, the encouragement from reading in the lives of the saints how they persevered and overcame the same difficulties that I struggle with, the help that is on hand from those very saints just a prayer away. Though the list goes on, my simple mind fails me at the moment :P.
That sounds like my conversion story. I was raised Protestant, and I appreciate being raised in a Christian church, but I've found one that works much better for me. There are prayers that I can pray, Sacraments, beautiful rituals, saints whose lives I can read about and imitate, etc. Church was 2-dimensional and black&white growing up. The saints weren't real to me. But now everything is colorful and real, and I've never had anything like this, and I enjoy it very much.
BTW, I always thought Caedmon was way cool as a name :D
I think it's cool because of the story. :D I like the story of Caedmon's Hymn in the Venerable Bede's Eccesiastical History of the English People. It's actually a Celtic name, which is ironic, since I study Germanics. But it's still cool cuz it's a part of English studies, which is what I got my BA in.