why convert to orthodox christianity

At each point in their conversions, from initial religious seeking to settling into life as Orthodox Christians, Orthodox converts in Pittsburgh consistently relate a kind of on-going negotiation between self and other, as they research religious differences and experiment with practices and dogmas. The sum of all parts wont add to the total. For good and ill, it is a classic "cultural religion," and comprehending Orthodoxy is an indispensable key to understanding those countries, cultures, and people. Also, people should not join the Church in the hopes of solidifying an identity they have in the first place. Conversion is not only a matter of the intellect, but also of the heart. It is not a surprise that many Catholics adhering to traditional values are converting to conservative Orthodoxy. In the security of the Orthodox Church one finds peace, reassurance. Perhaps this unanticipated experience of encountering something unknown and marvellously organic accounts for the distinctive lapel-grabbing impulse among converts to Orthodoxy. But perhaps our theology of the church is too "low," much lower than our Protestant forebears would have it. Fr. What they objected to was the elevation of tradition to the status of Scripture. Holy Orders are a mystery (sacrament) of the Church, and the Spirit blows where it will. Are you sure you heard the Meaning of Christmas? This statement cannot be challenged. Shortly after the beginning of our own catechumenate as a family, we saw friendsand their familiesbegin journeys towards the East. An evangelical explores the ancient and alien world of the Eastern church. They saw this as a perception skill, something anyone could (with diligent practice) hone; it has nothing to do with emotion. In Catholicism this external dogmatic authority resides in the teaching magisterium of the church as expressed in the primacy and infallibility of the papacy. Why did Kievan Rus convert to Orthodox Christianity? For example, on the Feast of the Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council, the chanter launches into this: Of the Father before the morning star Thou wast begotten from the womb without mother before all ages, even though Arius did believe Thee to be created, not God, classing Thee in ignorance and impudence with creatures. The sacraments of the Church have helped fill countless young people's lives with meaning in ways that are difficult to find elsewhere. Ignatius's followers, however, refused to acknowledge the transition, and eventually both Ignatius and Photius appealed to Pope Nicholas (858-67) in Rome. Disclaimers, Amon Sl Tolkien & Orthodox Christianity, 5 Differences: Orthodoxy & Roman Catholicism, 5 Differences: Orthodoxy & Evangelicalism, The Equal of Martyrdom: Fr. Why Would A Protestant Christian Convert to Eastern Orthodox - YouTube 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. He states that in Gaul, before setting out towards Rome, Constantine and his army saw a great cross in the sky. In 999, Leif, the son of Erik, was converted to Christianity by Olaf Tryggvason. I will always remember my first visit to an Orthodox church in Russia. The blog includes recent news and ministry updates of the Convent, as well as other information about Orthodox Christianity that may be useful to those who are either making their first steps in church or want to learn something new about our faith. If a richer liturgical life is what a believer wants, converting to Orthodoxy is hardly necessary. The collapse of the Roman Empire created a power vacuum that was increasingly filled by the growing power of the Roman papacy. All Rights ReservedDesigned by Fr. 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.

Nas Pensacola Building 3933, Professional Responsibilities: Nursing Action For A Client Who Has Chlamydia, Articles W