A few more questions from a very young inquirer

[LuxPerpetua]

Greetings and blessings all!

Just a recap here: As I've posted before I feel myself very much drawn to Orthodoxy--primarily out of the confusion that I've come to see in Protestantism. I don't think that God intended such division but that we humans have created it . . . but I digress . . . Getting back to my point, now that I am seriously considering Orthodoxy (just so you know, I'm also considering Lutheranism) I have some more questions, if you don't mind. Don't feel like you need to give long answers or anything, as I'm still in the stage of just trying to understand how Orthodoxy works (if that makes any sense whatsoever):

1. Does the Orthodox church baptize infants?

2. Does the Orthodox church recognize the possibility of salvation outside of the church (more pointedly, does the Orthodox church teach the possibility that sincere Protestants and Catholics may be saved)?

3. How does confession work in the Orthodox church (Is it done in a confessional? Do you have to say specific prayers afterwards to compensate for your sins? How often do you confess? Etc.)?

4. Does the Orthodox church have a particular Bible that it recommends (for instance, Protestants have the King James' Bible, the New International Version, etc., and there are also study Bibles that have exegetical footnotes for a clearer understanding of how verses should be interpreted)?

Thanks! You all are always so helpful and sweet.

 

[Michael G]

Greetings and blessings all!

Just a recap here: As I've posted before I feel myself very much drawn to Orthodoxy--primarily out of the confusion that I've come to see in Protestantism. I don't think that God intended such division but that we humans have created it . . . but I digress . . . Getting back to my point, now that I am seriously considering Orthodoxy (just so you know, I'm also considering Lutheranism) I have some more questions, if you don't mind. Don't feel like you need to give long answers or anything, as I'm still in the stage of just trying to understand how Orthodoxy works (if that makes any sense whatsoever):

1. Does the Orthodox church baptize infants?

2. Does the Orthodox church recognize the possibility of salvation outside of the church (more pointedly, does the Orthodox church teach the possibility that sincere Protestants and Catholics may be saved)?

3. How does confession work in the Orthodox church (Is it done in a confessional? Do you have to say specific prayers afterwards to compensate for your sins? How often do you confess? Etc.)?

4. Does the Orthodox church have a particular Bible that it recommends (for instance, Protestants have the King James' Bible, the New International Version, etc., and there are also study Bibles that have exegetical footnotes for a clearer understanding of how verses should be interpreted)?

Thanks! You all are always so helpful and sweet.

Christ is Risen! Indeed he is Risen!

Thank you for your inquiry, I hope I can help elucidate a few points:

1. Not only do we baptize infants, but we seal them with Chrismation, and give them Holy Eucharist, all in the same ceremony! Orthodox infants are full members of the Holy Orthodox Church.

2. Only God can determine who will be in Heaven and who will not be. We recognize that some people's lives are worthy of public veneration (saints), but only God in the end knows who is and is not in Heaven.

3. Confession in Orthodoxy is not about compensation for our sins, for we can't "make it up to God" when we sin. It is rather much like going to the Physician when you have a wound that needs healed. Sin in Orthodoxy is seen as "missing the mark" and in such it is a wound that needs healed by God, the Great Physician. The point of Orthodox confession is not to take the score card to the priest to discuss before God, but to tell God where you are missing the mark of perfection in your life and for the priest to help give you guidance as to how to better live a Christian life. Because of this, pennance is not always given after confession, and when it is it almost never is as simple as "saying 10 Our Father's and 10 Hail Mary's." Pennance when given is designed to help heal the wound between a person and Christ.

4. The Orthodox Study Bible New Testament is in print, and The Orthodox Study Bible Old Testament is currently being worked on. My priest recommends the RSV with Deutero Cannonicals, but not the NRSV. There are some Orthodox priests who recommend the King James.

I hope I have helped you, if you have any further questions, please feel free to ask.
Peace,
Michael

 

[Rilian]

LuxPerpetua, just to fill in a bit on your last question. I believe the only "official" Bible used by the Orthodox Church is the Greek Septaugint (Old Testament) and New Testament. I don't think there is an English translation at this time, so I think for the most part it's left up to individual discretion as to which Bible to use (althought the NRSV would be a problem as Iconographer stated because of the gender neutral language among other errors, IMHO of course!).

The readings in the church I attend for the most part are either drawn from the KJV or RSV. I don't know why, but the little corner of the Antiochian Jurisdiction I'm in seems to like the archaic English prose. Many people seem to use the Oxford Annotated RSV for study, and I think it's a good translation. It also has all of the deuterocanonicals. The notes don't strike me as slanted to any one faith tradition. There is an Orthodox Study Bible based on the NKJV text put out by Conciliar Press, although it's just the NT and the Psalms. I don't really care for it though to be honest (I hope that doesn't get me in trouble with someone), I'm not a fan of the NKJV and I think the notes are a little shallow. Occasionally I'll crack open my NIV, but not often.

 

[countrymousenc]

Hi Lux

Christ is Risen; Indeed He is Risen!

You might find answers to some of your questions here: http://www.oca.org/pages/orth_chri/Q-and-A/index.html

And also here:
http://www.oca.org/pages/orth_chri/Orthodox-Faith/index.htm

 

[Nickolai]

Greetings and blessings all!

Just a recap here: As I've posted before I feel myself very much drawn to Orthodoxy--primarily out of the confusion that I've come to see in Protestantism. I don't think that God intended such division but that we humans have created it . . . but I digress . . . Getting back to my point, now that I am seriously considering Orthodoxy (just so you know, I'm also considering Lutheranism) I have some more questions, if you don't mind. Don't feel like you need to give long answers or anything, as I'm still in the stage of just trying to understand how Orthodoxy works (if that makes any sense whatsoever):

1. Does the Orthodox church baptize infants?

As Iconographer said, Orthodox do baptize infants

2. Does the Orthodox church recognize the possibility of salvation outside of the church (more pointedly, does the Orthodox church teach the possibility that sincere Protestants and Catholics may be saved)?

a great quote is "We know where Christ's Church is, But we can't say where it isn't" I can't remember who said this

3. How does confession work in the Orthodox church (Is it done in a confessional? Do you have to say specific prayers afterwards to compensate for your sins? How often do you confess? Etc.)?

There is an Icon of Christ who you look upon as you confess. The preist put's his stole over your head and you confess to Christ. Then the Preist grant's absolution, and helps you to stop that sin.

4. Does the Orthodox church have a particular Bible that it recommends (for instance, Protestants have the King James' Bible, the New International Version, etc., and there are also study Bibles that have exegetical footnotes for a clearer understanding of how verses should be interpreted)?

There is a translation done by Orthodox nuns in Colorodo. It's called the Orthodox New Testament, They even have it on CD-ROM as a research program

http://www.buenavistaco.com/GOC/

For the Old Testament we are told to use either the RSV or KJV, Although I believe that the NKJV is OK as well, I'm not sure. I think all the rest of the english translations are considered heretical for mistranslation.

 

[Nikolas222]

If you are considering conversion, I suggest you attend the Divine Liturgy this Sunday if you can to get a better grasp of the religion. Also attend a Lutharen service as well. To see the best of the Orthodox church, you should go to church during Holy Week (mainly wednesday, thursday, friday, and saturday).

 

[Photini]

How often do you confess?

Not as often as I should!!!

This will vary from person to person according to their situation. It is strongly suggested to confess weekly, or whenever you are going to be receiving Communion...or as often as your conscience tells you to.
This is something that will be worked out with you and your priest.

 

[Eusebios]

L I believe the only "official" Bible used by the Orthodox Church is the Greek Septaugint (Old Testament) and New Testament. I don't think there is an English translation at this time, .

Lux, Rillian,et.al.
Just a heads up. There is an English spetuigant available for download here . It is the version that is currently being revised by a group of Orthodox scholrs. You can find more info on the LXX project here
Christ is risen!
Eusebios.

 

[Philip]

a great quote is "We know where Christ's Church is, But we can't say where it isn't" I can't remember who said this

I believe it was the Metropolitian of Moscow.

For the Old Testament we are told to use either the RSV or KJV, Although I believe that the NKJV is OK as well, I'm not sure. I think all the rest of the english translations are considered heretical for mistranslation.

'Heretical' may be a bit strong. They are frowned upon, especially for their lack of the Deuterocanon.

 

[Philip]

2. Does the Orthodox church recognize the possibility of salvation outside of the church (more pointedly, does the Orthodox church teach the possibility that sincere Protestants and Catholics may be saved)?

Yes. The walls we build here on earth do not extend to heaven.

3. How does confession work in the Orthodox church (Is it done in a confessional?

It is done face to face with a priest. The priest, whom we usually call a Father-Confessor or Spiritual Father, is deeply involved with your spiritual growth. You confess to the same priest each time, and he helps you learn to avoid sin in the future.

There is a table with an icon of Christ, a copy of the Holy Gospels, and a cross (this may vary a bit between parishes/cultures/jurisdictions.) The priest begins by saying something like, "Look, child. Here is the Christ. Confess your sins and receive forgiveness." You state your sins. The priest places his stole over your head and absolves you. After that, it is something like a councilling session. We discuss the problems I have had -- my weaknesses, tempations, etc. He offers help on avoiding repeating these sins.

Do you have to say specific prayers afterwards to compensate for your sins?

It is not possible to compensate for your sins. However, you can learn from them. The priest usually assigns a penance. This is not a punishment or a way of paying for your sins. It is spiritual exercise. Usually, the penance will focus on helping understanding the consequence of your sins and help you to avoid repeating them. It may also include 'righting the wrong' or 'making up for the sin' in a purely earthly way. Again, it in no way merits forgiveness.

How often do you confess?

I go about once a month. At my parish, confession is regularly scheduled every Saturday. You can always make an appointment with the priest if you need to speak with him.