A few questions...(fasting before communion/hats/lack of evangelism)

[izzysky]

Hi

My name is Israel and I'm a non-denominational Christian. Recently I have been drawn to Orthodox Christianity by its beauty and claims of being the direct descendants of the apostles (which so many different sects claim). But I would really like to know the answer to these questions that I can't seem to find:

1. I see that Orthodox Christians fast before communion. How is this not a direct contradiction in scripture (1 Corinth 11:34) where Paul says if you're hungry to eat something first?

2. A very controversial issue, but nonetheless, for sake of it being so highly esteemed, I must ask:Why do so many priests/bishops wear hats? I understand that females cover their heads during church, but Paul says in 1 Corinth 11:4 that a man who prays with his head covered dishonors his head because man is made in the image of God. And these bishops/monks or whatever seem to constantly wear things that cover their heads!

3. Why is it so uncommon for Orthodox Christians to evangelize if they do believe in hell? The church was started by evangelism and if you guys really are the true church, I don't see why your voice is practically silent in this horrific world we live in today.

4.What do you guys think about the souls of other (heterodoxy) Christians? Do you think that everyone outside of the Orthodox faith goes to hell? Do you think only Orthodox Christians have the Holy Spirit?


I don't live that close to any Orthodox church by the way. Thank you.

 

[ArmyMatt]

Hi

My name is Israel and I'm a non-denominational Christian. Recently I have been drawn to Orthodox Christianity by its beauty and claims of being the direct descendants of the apostles (which so many different sects claim). But I would really like to know the answer to these questions that I can't seem to find:

hello, and welcome to TAW!

1. I see that Orthodox Christians fast before communion. How is this not a direct contradiction in scripture (1 Corinth 11:34) where Paul says if you're hungry to eat something first?

that verse is actually supports fasting. eat at home if hungry, lest they come for Judgment. read the earlier verses concerning preparation for the Eucharist. don't come to the Lord's supper having already eaten and being ill prepared.

2. A very controversial issue, but nonetheless, for sake of it being so highly esteemed, I must ask:Why do so many priests/bishops wear hats? I understand that females cover their heads during church, but Paul says in 1 Corinth 11:4 that a man who prays with his head covered dishonors his head because man is made in the image of God. And these bishops/monks or whatever seem to constantly wear things that cover their heads!

watch them when they come in for services. often the hats come off, especially at important times during the Liturgy.

3. Why is it so uncommon for Orthodox Christians to evangelize if they do believe in hell?

it's really not. groups like OCMC and GTAN are out to evangelize, and we do have a long history of it. heck, some of us on here became Orthodox through an Orthodox street preacher. we can always do more.

The church was started by evangelism and if you guys really are the true church, I don't see why your voice is practically silent in this horrific world we live in today.

again, it's really not. the American media could care less, and we don't brag about it like the televangelists do. the jurisdictions in America usually have a department for evangelism, and Orthodoxy is exploding in places like Africa and Guatemala.

4.What do you guys think about the souls of other (heterodoxy) Christians? Do you think that everyone outside of the Orthodox faith goes to hell?

only God knows where they will end up, Godwilling they will be in heaven. something like this is not our call, so we trust God to deal with those outside of the Church. and He loves them.

Do you think only Orthodox Christians have the Holy Spirit?

only in the fullness that the Spirit is given. the Spirit can do what He wants since He is God. Christ, however, only promised the fullness of His grace and truth (and the Spirit the leads people into all Truth) to the Body that He started, ie the Orthodox Church.

I don't live that close to any Orthodox church by the way. Thank you.

you sure? often they are right under our nose and we don't know. there could be one closer than you think.

 

[izzysky]

Thank you for the reply, very insightful. I do live within driving distance of an Orthodox church btw, I just have a confusing transportation situation at home. Anyway, so about fasting before communion, I dont understand how that verse is in support of it. To me it sounds like you should be full so that you arent just partaking of it just for your appetite. Perhaps you can explain what Im misunderstanding. Thanks.

 

[ArmyMatt]

Anyway, so about fasting before communion, I dont understand how that verse is in support of it. To me it sounds like you should be full so that you arent just partaking of it just for your appetite. Perhaps you can explain what Im misunderstanding.

well, the verse following says to eat at home lest you come to judgment, so one way to look at it is NOT to come to the Chalice if you have already eaten. the earlier verses exhort to come to the chalice prepared, and fasting is a part of that preparation.