Coverting to Orthodoxy? (kinda..)

[Jacqueline9423]

Hi, I'm interested in converting to Orthodoxy when I turn 18. I'm 16 at the moment (17 in June) and I'd like to know what steps I can take till I can convert? Here's a few important things you'll have to keep in mind..

1; My parents are Baptist, and will not let me convert till I'm 18 (my dad said I could do whatever as long as it makes me happy.. but my mother, not so much)

2; I cannot order any books or attend any other churches besides the one I go to now.

3; Strangely enough about the book thing, my mother let me order an Orthodox Study Bible, but nothing more.

4; I've established a prayer rule- read a few pre-written Orthodox prayers morning, night, and say the Jesus Prayer whenever I can remember to.

and 5; I'm afraid of what people from my current church will think of me when I take my first steps into Orthodoxy. (my best friend said she'd support me no matter what, but I'm not sure about anyone else)

Thank you in advance for taking the time to answer my questions and give me tips.

 

[E.C.]

Welcome to TAW!

The only thing that I can really say at this point is to get to an Orthodox church in your area and speak with the priest afterward ASAP.

To find a church, this site helps: Orthodoxy in America - Home

Lucky for you there are plenty of regulars here who are ex-Baptists

 

[Mary of Bethany]

Hi, Jacqueline!

Well, you definitely want to honor your parents by being obedient to them at this point. Do they mean that you can't attend Orthodox services at all, or just not when you would normally attend your Baptist services? If you can, attending Great Vespers or Vigil on Saturday evening would be a wonderful service to attend. It's a very beautiful prayer service with lots of Psalm readings and hymns.

Another possibility would be if you could establish contact with an Orthodox priest online via email, for guidance. Otherwise, I would just keep doing what you are doing - reading your OSB with the study notes in order to get an understanding of the Scriptures with an Orthodox mindset; and praying your little prayer rule. Those are really good things, and may be all you need to do for now.

I grew up in the SBC, but I stayed there until I was 37, so my circumstances were much different.

May God bless your journey!

Mary

 

[Knee V]

I second what MaryofBethany said about emailing a priest. His advice would be much better than any of ours for how to handle this situation. Let us know if you can't find a church in your area. If you don't know where to start, Standing Conference of the Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas | Parish Directory is often helpful.

 

[Jacqueline9423]

Thanks so much for the help. MaryofBethany, no, my mom said I can't attend an Orthodox church whatsoever. She'd let me go to a Methodist one, but not an Orthodox one. And I'll be sure to try and get in contact with a priest.

 

[ArmyMatt]

Hi, I'm interested in converting to Orthodoxy when I turn 18. I'm 16 at the moment (17 in June) and I'd like to know what steps I can take till I can convert? Here's a few important things you'll have to keep in mind..

Welcome! that's great news to hear.

1; My parents are Baptist, and will not let me convert till I'm 18 (my dad said I could do whatever as long as it makes me happy.. but my mother, not so much)

yeah, that can happen. I would keep peace in your family and wait til you are 18 if that's when they say you are fine.

2; I cannot order any books or attend any other churches besides the one I go to now.

3; Strangely enough about the book thing, my mother let me order an Orthodox Study Bible, but nothing more.

that's good, there are great quotes in there and if your folks are cool with you having that book, that's fine.

4; I've established a prayer rule- read a few pre-written Orthodox prayers morning, night, and say the Jesus Prayer whenever I can remember to.

always good, but when it comes to stuff like the Jesus Prayer, I would talk to a priest about your rule if you can.

and 5; I'm afraid of what people from my current church will think of me when I take my first steps into Orthodoxy. (my best friend said she'd support me no matter what, but I'm not sure about anyone else)

I wouldn't worry about that. remember it is about you placing Christ first and following Him. might be hard, but it is always worth it.

plus you are always welcome to ask questions here!

 

[choirfiend]

It is very important to respect your parents. It is a form of asceticism, and is commanded by God, too. So,make sure your parents know you are in contact with a priest via email, and make sure the priest knows your situation, too!

Also, there are some books that are online---obviously, the Bible is the most important one to be reading. However, here are links to two others:

Orthodox Church - Table of Contents - IntraText CT
OCA - The Orthodox Faith

 

[Jacqueline9423]

Alright, thank you. Those links will be very helpful.

 

[buzuxi02]

Hello Jacqueline,

The OSB is a good start. If your parents will allow you to order an Orthodox icon for use with prayer will probably be the best you can do for now.

In Orthodoxy we tend to face east when we pray (although not a major rule) St. Basil explained we face east because we look towards our old country in yearning to return. Our old country is that garden planted in the east (Gen 2.8) called Eden. Orthodox tradition says Christ's return will be from the east as well.

 

[Ortho_Cat]

Hello Jacqueline,

Perhaps these live feed of Divine Liturgy services from around the country may be of some edification for you. May God bless you and keep you during your journey to Holy Orthodoxy.

Live Internet Broadcasts of Church Services — Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America

 

[.Iona.]

i come from an eastern orthodox background and if i do ever go back to christianity i would choose to go back to the eastern orthodox church.

good luck

 

[Gregorios]

My mother started out with a similar attitude as yours, Jacquline. My mother will be brought into the Church on Lazarus Saturday this year so, there is always hope