It is no small thing for us to hold in common all the early, Christian creeds. While Rome stumbled toward destruction in 476, Constantinople enjoyed relative theological and political stability for another 1,000 years, until it was sacked by the Turks in 1453. If a richer liturgical life is what a believer wants, converting to Orthodoxy is hardly necessary. The West used unleavened bread, the East did not. 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. Jerusalem, 260,000 But every church must have its distinctiveness, or wed all be in the same church. Before trying to discern how evangelicals should respond to these many issues involving Eastern Orthodoxy, a brief history is in order. Further, Protestants have long enjoyed rich liturgical traditions of their own (see, for example, Bard Thompson's classic Liturgies of the Western Church). Constantine had once controlled the entire Mediterranean perimeter, and as a result, Christianity flourished. . Why had a group of conservative American Christians converted to Russian Orthodoxy? In this video, Fr. Why did Kievan Rus convert to Orthodox Christianity? Sdn Tim Grace unveils the surprising message of Christmas. 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/. It takes awhile to get it, because its gotten by a process of immersion, by soaking in a context of worship. 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. At the time I was so occupied with comprehending this strange thing called Orthodoxy that I emphasized the differences, and was impatient with kindly big-tent suggestions. Thank you for this post! Shortly after the beginning of our own catechumenate as a family, we saw friendsand their familiesbegin journeys towards the East. All Rights ReservedDesigned by Fr. Karmiris writes, "Scripture and Tradition are equally valid, possess equal dogmatic authority, and are equal in value as sources of dogmatic truth . The reason Orthodoxy is stable is because she is grounded in the truth. Russian Baptists, Adventists, and Pentecostals feel persecuted. Thats surely a factor, but I think theres something else going on, more specific to Orthodox converts. 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. 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. Another danger is converting to Orthodoxy simply because it is beautiful. Missiological concerns surface here, too. Those friends benefit, no doubt, from this opportunity to practice patience and long-suffering. 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. July 26, 2019 By Fr. Orthodoxy, in contrast, is a thoroughly aesthetic tradition, as attested by the central role played by icons. But the "little guy" is not going through a phase. Rather, they are a source of revelation. My husband had been an Episcopal priest for 16 years, and we had gradually moved from an evangelical-style low church to the more liturgically-fancy high church. Orthodoxy looked like taking that escalator up one more floor. Sara Villate, 10, by a menorah during Hanukkah. The East allowed some priests to marry, while the West required celibacy. If only you could get them to form two lines.). Why did Vladimir convert to Orthodox Christianity? In fact, what Orthodox converts "vow to accept" diverges significantly from important, basic tenets of evangelical Protestantism. Copyright 19962023. Rich worship taught the faith to literate and illiterate, peasant and emperor, and its essentially the same as our worship today. On another front, under the leadership of founder Bradley Nassif, the Society for the Study of Eastern Orthodoxy and Evangelicalism (SSEOE) holds meetings each fall at Wheaton College's Billy Graham Center for the sake of the two traditions learning from one another. It is precisely this exclusivistic assertion that some Protestant converts, in search of the "true, New Testament Church" have found so beguiling. Two theological controversies drove the final wedge between Catholic and Orthodox Christians: papal supremacy and the so-called filioque controversy. 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." T he Orthodox Church in the United States has problems. Orthodox Christianity has a rich tradition of being mindful. Your email address will not be published. Its that Orthodoxy still passes on the early churchs knowledge of how to tune in to the presence of Christ. 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. Orthodox Christians were more inclined to appeal to the ecumenical councils than to a single bishop to settle theological matters. Because their focus for years was on their theological education (which they may still be paying for) often they end up in a low wage job that they don't love. Step Two: Repentance There is no salvation without repentance. Pray for the Lords mercy, and you can find the strength to endure to the end. 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). And yet, not all of these journeys have worked out. And during those years of discovery, my mind was constantly cranking away as I laboured to absorb new ideas and excise stubborn old ones. Harakas asked. In addition, a new convert must undergo a formal process of initiation. Despite its historical estrangement from Rome, from a Protestant theological perspective Orthodoxy is similar to Catholicism at several points. But the impulse is to exaggerate the differences when you fear being hugged to death. The priest censes them and elevates them in processions. Speaking out against a government that is massively exterminating believers, would only lead to greater persecution. Then bear your cross,, Please, include documents that can be downloaded or printed. Thus, while the Protestant principle of sola scriptura places Scripture above tradition, for Orthodoxy the two are complementary means of one organic whole through which the Spirit of God speaks. How to Convert to Greek Orthodox Christianity My Conversion from Islam to Orthodoxy - ORTHODOX CHEYENNE Her name is "right belief". But Islam's conquest of this same area eventually isolated the Eastern Christians centered in Constantinople from their counterparts in the West centered in Rome. While some did come over by force, the Orthodox also forcibly converted large numbers of Eastern Catholics Orthodoxy. In Protestantism there arose the doctrine of sola scriptura. But that cant be the case with me, so lets press on. Liberalism is not a word in the Orthodox vocabulary. Its not something you can figure out by studying the Church Fathers. Is the church made up of those who have been "regenerated" by infant baptism in an Orthodox church institution, or by those who have experienced new birth and been justified by grace through faith? When you are the only Norse guy and most of your lands are Slovianskian, it makes more sense to convert yourself than to convert them. Why are Russian people (mostly) Orthodox Christians? 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. ", Icons are not merely sacred art. At the beginning, I thought I knew what I was getting into. But the impulse is to exaggerate the differences when you fear being hugged to death. Converting to Orthodoxy | St Vasilios Greek Orthodox Church Put another way, we must invoke the spirit of irenic disagreement in the formula: "In essentials, unity; in nonessentials, liberty; in all things, charity." How do you convert to Greek Orthodox Christianity? - Short-Fact She rightly claims the wholeness of the truth. It had ramifications for the ecclesiastical status of both cities and further exacerbated the strained relations between the two regions. Are you sure you heard the Meaning of Christmas? He sailed to Greenland with a priest to convert the people. They have not given up the idea of being clergy. We are looking forward to our journey in the church. Each of them had his idiosyncrasies, and they regularly disagreed. They become clergy in their group. Roman Emperor Constantine's Conversion to Christianity - Classic History its the same every year, year after year), it soon becomes familiar, and perhaps even boring for some. 12 Reasons Why I Became and/or Remain an Orthodox Christian Site Map | After five years or so in the Orthodox Church, Ive seen a lot of friends and acquaintances come home to the apostolic faith. Most notable are its beliefs about baptism and the Eucharist. And to share why I am not Orthodox. 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. Circumcision controversy in early Christianity - Wikipedia The last reason Orthodox converts are obnoxious resembles the reason adolescents are obnoxious. Why would a protestant convert to Eastern Orthodoxy? A person (who is searching within) goes through clerical education to explore questions. These Protestant movements, important in their own right, are liturgical light years from Orthodoxy. Scripture and tradition. Twitter | 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? 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. Hope this helps, and hope that your journey to Orthodoxy is filled with every blessing. Why Are There So Many Curses and Cruelties In The Psalms? People are attracted by the permanence of Orthodoxy. Geoff. Affectionate attempts to obscure this quest feel suffocating. Orthodoxy looked like taking that escalator up one more floor. Converts to Orthodox Christianity in America in the Russian Church 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. There is another reason someone should not join Our Church. This should trouble evangelicals (as well as other Protestants), especially when it is combined with the Orthodox idea of who constitutes the church and how one enters the church. John 17:14.16). Our digital archives are a work in progress. Different from forms of western Christianity, there is no rationalization or theorization of dogma because its focus is on symbology rather than the literal. Why do Orthodox Christians keep a vigil at the Tomb of Christ? The Orthodox Church has existed since the day of Pentecost and when we truly believe and become truly attached, not merely by baptism or chrismation, not merely by our presence but by our actions and our inner convictions, then and only then do we truly become connected to the Church, to Jesus Christ the Saviour and therefore to the Trinitarian God, the Father the Son and the Holy Spirit. Then C" The strengths of a group draws them but after a while the weaknesses bubble up. That vision is of the Living God revealed in Jesus Christ, who is the fulfillment of the Old Covenant, the life of the Faithful, the hope of the . Converting to Orthodoxy : r/OrthodoxChristianity 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. For employment at a seminary? I can remember, after Id been Orthodox a few years, developing an increasing sense of tension or frustration. Modern speculation is simply just that, speculation, and . In his homily, Father Vladimir explained the history and theology of icons, adding that the heresy of iconoclasm was alive and well: "Just look around us at all the Protestants. Why Would a Protestant Convert to Eastern Orthodox Christianity? 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. What was the impact of Vladimir I converting to Greek Orthodox Christianity in the region of Byzantium? Do we mean essential for salvation? Second, Christian theology perfectly explained why Jesus, who was also called a prophet, was worthy of worship. Q&A: A closer look at Orthodox Christians. 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. In 999, Leif, the son of Erik, was converted to Christianity by Olaf Tryggvason. Then B. This is no archaic, dusty doctrine, either. Since the World Council of Churches' Canberra Assembly in 1991, evangelical and Orthodox believers have joined in a series of wcc-sponsored dialogues on matters challenging historic Christian faith. It takes a while to get it, because its received by a process of immersion, by soaking in a context of worship. Underneath were written the Greek words en toutoi nika, "In this sign, conquer." Conversions gradually transforming Orthodox Christianity Why Converts to Christian Orthodoxy Are So Obnoxious by Frederica 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. Geoff Harvey on Thu, 20/11/2008 - 11:15am. The more familiar I became with Orthodoxy by serving in a local parish, on a parish council, and as an altar assistant, the more I saw others approach the Church, test the waters, and walk back out the narthex door. As former Campus Crusade staff member Gillquist put it, why have so many "Bible-believing, blood-bought, Gospel-preaching, Christ-centered, lifelong evangelical Protestants come to embrace this Orthodox faith so enthusiastically?" The Orthodox Church has suffered throughout her history. Vladimir I and Christianization | Western Civilization - Lumen Learning Although my parents intentionally raised my brother and me without a focus on . My husband and I were just Chrismated into the church on Christmas day. The genius of this principle is that it allows us to disagree with other believers, even vehemently so, yet in an edifying fashion with a degree of theological modesty and a perspective that seeks a deeper consensus within the bounds of true faith. Why not convert to Oriental Orthodoxy? - OrthodoxChristianity.net Conversion means belief and acceptance in Jesus Christ, the God-man, as the Savior of the world. Indeed, in a letter of 865, Pope Nicholas made it clear that he intended to extend the power of the papacy "over all the earth, that is, over every church." 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. Questions & Answers / Orthodoxy affirms the real, physical presence of the body and blood of Christ in the Eucharist (as do Catholics, Lutherans, and many Anglicans), yet unlike Catholicism it is content not to explain how this happens. For taking Communion together? Together they gathered an army with the intent to regain control of Rus' and establish Vladimir as the ruler. Oden, for example, who delights in referring to his theological method as "paleo-orthodox," is now working on a comprehensive patristic commentary on the whole Bible to be published by InterVarsity Press. Converting to Orthodoxy. But unlike the other two large branches of Christianity, which have spread throughout the developing world, Orthodoxy remains largely confined to Europe. Many would find themselves back in Rus with their new faith and establishing Churches (Spinka, 42-44). In this Orthodox view, Scripture stands within rather than above the church, and to distinguish its authority from that of the church is a mistake of method. Why Would I Need to Convert in Order to Get Married? Chrysostom's liturgy says of the Eucharistic sacrifice: "Your own, from your own, we offer you, in all and for all." Much like a divorce where numerous and complex problems fester for years and then coalesce around a single event, the defining moment for a distinctly Orthodox identity came with the Great Schism of 1054. 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. I assumed this would somehow convince me not to continue on my discovery of the Orthodox Church, but it has more solidified it! Similarly, a person can read a dozen books on Orthodox Christianity, but that which he or she has read will not come alive until he or she actually encounters the Church as the worshipping People of God. But why is our kind so characteristically obnoxious? "It's typically an immigrant faith, so I was really interested in that experience and why it spoke to.
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