Quests for Eastern Orthodox Understanding

[LeeMills]

Hello,

I was directed over here after joining Christian Form about half an hour ago.

Basically, I'm not fan of Catholicism. I've been an atheist for over ten years and after reading and listening to podcasts about Christianity, I've decided to become a Christian - my heritage going back over many, many generations.

I want to educate myself on Eastern Orthdoxy. Can somebody point me to some good books on it? How I can begin living as one?

I've already seen some good books on Amazon. Can you somebody give good advice please? Also, does anybody know good Eastern Orthodoxy music too?

Thank you!

Lee.

 

[Second Coming]

How I can begin living as one?

I would imagine that this will probably be a process that will involve baptism and confirmation.

 

[Anhelyna]

LeeMills - the best way of answering your questions is

Come and see Sorry - but that's true.

 

[ArmyMatt]

first thing is what Orthodox parish is closest to you?

a good starter book I would say is Becoming Orthodox by Fr Peter Gilquist.

 

[All4Christ]

Check out Ancient Faith Radio for good podcasts and Orthodox music....and I concur with others - come and see!

 

[LeeMills]

LeeMills - the best way of answering your questions is

Come and see Sorry - but that's true.

Hello,

I'm a tad confused when I see things like 'Greek Orthodoxy' or 'Russian Orthodoxy.' I live in Manchester, UK and there are a few churches like this, but where do I go? I need a beginner's education methinks.

Shall I turn up at some places and see what's it like?

Lee.

 

[Anhelyna]

You got it Just go and see

If you have the opportunity I would check with the nearest parishes/communities and see in which language they Serve - for you it would be much easier if they use English.

 

[~Anastasia~]

Hello and welcome to CF and to TAW!

Essentially all of the ethnic tags might tell you who started a particular parish and some of what we call "little-t-traditions" might vary. For example, in some parishes they cross their arms over their chest when they receive Communion, while in others arms crossed over the chest might mean you are approaching only to receive a blessing and not Communion.

But the actual beliefs of all the Orthodox Churches are the same. The particular makeup of that community will affect things like what language is used (and they may well use English even if it says "Russian Orthodox" ... or they may use Russian in an "Orthodox Church of America" so you would have to check that particular parish).

There are lots of good books to read, lots of good questions to ask. But nothing beats experiencing the Church itself. Ideally these things can all work together.

We look forward to hearing more from you.

 

[“Paisios”]

Hello,

I was directed over here after joining Christian Form about half an hour ago.

Basically, I'm not fan of Catholicism. I've been an atheist for over ten years and after reading and listening to podcasts about Christianity, I've decided to become a Christian - my heritage going back over many, many generations.

I want to educate myself on Eastern Orthdoxy. Can somebody point me to some good books on it? How I can begin living as one?

I've already seen some good books on Amazon. Can you somebody give good advice please? Also, does anybody know good Eastern Orthodoxy music too?

Thank you!

Lee.

The ones that helped me most I think were:

The Orthodox Way and The Orthodox Church by Metroplitan Kallistos Ware
A Night in the Desert of the Holy Mountain by Metropolitan Hieratheos Vlachos
Surprised by Christ by Father James Bernstein

And the video series The Way: Introductory Course to the Orthodox Faith
The Way: Introductory Course to the Orthodox Faith - YouTube

And, of course, asking many many questions here, which led me to attending a Divine Liturgy, and on my continuing road to become Orthodox.

 

[Jude1:3Contendforthefaith]

I’m currently going over this book with an Eastern Orthodox priest called,
Introducing the Orthodox Church: Its Faith and Life by:
Anthony M. Coniaris

https://www.amazon.com/Introducing-...dox+church&dpPl=1&dpID=51bp-1GMAGL&ref=plSrch

 

[Jude1:3Contendforthefaith]

This is The Divine Liturgy in English :

Here are some videos of The Cherubic Hymn :

 

[Jude1:3Contendforthefaith]

More Orthodox Music :

 

[~Anastasia~]

This is one of the most beautiful choral arrangements I think. We sometimes use it for Communion around Pascha.

 

[~Anastasia~]

I also really love this - Agni Parthene by the monks at Simonopetra. This is one of the chants that plays on a loop during our Greek Festival and when I hear it - I smell the incense, I feel the Church, and I don't want to be anywhere else.

 

[Jude1:3Contendforthefaith]

More music: