Why?

[Reader Antonius]

That is a open world assumption

I would say that it is an assumption from my own experience and from what I have learned in the time I studied Eastern Orthodoxy. Granted, there are many EO who disagree with Bp. Kallistos, however I doubt the akriveia wing of Holy Orthodoxy is as strong as it may appear on internet forums.

 

[Chocolatesa]

Neither Catholicism nor Protestantism teach the practice of Theosis ( http://orthodoxwiki.org/Theosis ) as fully as Orthodoxy. But I wasn't thinking about that when I converted, all I knew was that I wanted to figure out which Christian group to belong to, and when I learned about all the church history starting at Pentecost, it just made sense to me. I had never even heard of the concept of apostolic succession before, and that was really important to me. But as my priest explained, apostolic succession is nothing without right doctrine. You should really read the conversion stories here http://christianforums.com/showthread.php?t=3005537 , I learned so much from them, they're just amazing. Mine's in there as well if you want to know more.
Orthodoxy just feels like home to me, it makes a lot of sense. It took a bit of time and prayer for me to get past my first impression of it being old-fasioned and strict (my mom had converted a few years before), but once I learned the reasons behind all the things Orthodox do, it made a lot of sense and encouraged me to live the Orthodox life myself.

 

[Michael G]

I would say that it is an assumption from my own experience and from what I have learned in the time I studied Eastern Orthodoxy. Granted, there are many EO who disagree with Bp. Kallistos, however I doubt the akriveia wing of Holy Orthodoxy is as strong as it may appear on internet forums.

I doubt I would be able to post about my experiences in Roman Catholicism for the first 25 years of my life, 1 of which was spent in a major seminary in OBOB with the liberality you are granted here.

You may have read about Orthodoxy quite a bit, but until you live Orthodoxy you do not know what Orthodoxy is.

 

[Michael G]

Neither Catholicism nor Protestantism teach the practice of Theosis ( http://orthodoxwiki.org/Theosis ) as fully as Orthodoxy. But I wasn't thinking about that when I converted, all I knew was that I wanted to figure out which Christian group to belong to, and when I learned about all the church history starting at Pentecost, it just made sense to me. I had never even heard of the concept of apostolic succession before, and that was really important to me. But as my priest explained, apostolic succession is nothing without right doctrine. You should really read the conversion stories here http://christianforums.com/showthread.php?t=3005537 , I learned so much from them, they're just amazing. Mine's in there as well if you want to know more.
Orthodoxy just feels like home to me, it makes a lot of sense. It took a bit of time and prayer for me to get past my first impression of it being old-fasioned and strict (my mom had converted a few years before), but once I learned the reasons behind all the things Orthodox do, it made a lot of sense and encouraged me to live the Orthodox life myself.

My experience is that most Byzantine Catholics, including their priests, don't even know what Theosis is. And yes, I spent 2 years as a Byzantine Catholic prior to my embracing Orthodoxy.

 

[Mary of Bethany]

You can read my story in the Conversion thread, but what I can tell you now is that after being in the Church for 7 years, I'm realizing that Orthodoxy has the power to change people like no "denomination" can. Orthodoxy understands that our salvation is not just for the "hereafter" but for now! And *only* Orthodoxy gives us the way to be saved, to grow towards full communion in Christ in this life.

That's not to say that others aren't saved. I grew up Baptist. I work with mostly Bible-believing protestants. My own family is not Orthodox. I'm not worried about their salvation because I know that they love God and are living for Him in the way they believe.

But it would be better if they were in the Ark of Salvation - Christ's Church, through which He gives us *everything* we need to become the fully human persons we were created to be. I converted to Orthodoxy because I had become convinced that it was the Church that Christ founded, still existing and still teaching the Apostolic Faith. But I had no idea then that the Church had power to change us as no other "church" can.

Mary

 

[Julina]

I'm sorry, but when one visits any non-RC parish and reveals that they are/were from Rome, one typically does not like to be bombarded with accusations of being the cause of all evil in the world and a follower of the Antichrist, etc etc. If anything, all that it did was strengthen my zeal as a Roman Catholic and my distaste for Protestantism.

i only recently started realizing this, and it drives me crazy.

 

[Damaris]

Hello everyone!

Don't know if many of you remember me, but I've asked honest questions before and I'm back for more.

I do plan on visiting my local Eastern Orthodox Congregation sometime soon!

Personal question for those who want to open up:

Why do you choose the Eastern Orthodox belief versus other Protestant Congregations?

Those who have grown up in this Church and those who have found their pilgrimage of faith into this church please do answer!!

I look forward to all of your answers.

First, and this is important, I'm afraid we're not "Protestants". We didn't form, or separate ourselves from anything, by protesting anything. We consider ourselves to be nothing more or less than what was founded on Pentecost. You don't have to believe that, but it's necessary to understand what we believe about that in order to understand our identity within Christianity.

Second, it's also important to understand most of us wouldn't see our embracing of Orthodoxy as a choice. No, it's not like anyone held a gun to our heads it's just that when most of us were faced with becoming Orthodox, it wasn't like choosing pepperoni over cheese, or ice cream over cake, as if it didn't really matter what we did, Jesus would love us anyway. It was more like a choice between life and death - I can either continue in a blatantly false way of thinking and doing (e.g. Roman Catholicism, Non-Chalcedonianism, Protestantism, Buddhism, etc.), or turn my life around and accept that this (Orthodoxy) is the way to eternal life and perfection in Christ.

 

[LogosRhema]

Thank you for all of your answers. I'm reading up on some of your conversions and this new concept of theoism. I do see Orthodoxy as the first "gatherings" of the Apostles. Don't know the wording, but I do see and recognize that Orthodox came first, which is why I'm studying it. I'm curious.

The thing that scares me away the most (haven't been to a parish yet), but tradition scares the crap out of me. I love to love the Lord and I personally see that everyone has different ways of pleasing Christ. Hence different body parts metaphor. I think I asked this before, don't remember, but what book out there will help guide me into understanding what I will see at a parish service. I want to understand before I go. To avoid confusion of course.

Also, does the Orthodox Church have their own compilation of scripture? And can someone explain some of the basic differences between RC and Orthodox? I can gather some differences, but at face value can someone explain them to me?

Thank you all so far, I am enjoying your responses and they all have been helpful.

 

[choirfiend]

These are four short books, assembled into useful short articles, that walk you through the Liturgy (Worship), explain the role of Scriptures (Bible and Church History), and might touch on some of the differences between the RCC and the Orthodox Church (Bible and Church History/Doctrine/Spirituality.)

http://www.oca.org/OCorthfaith.asp?SID=2

 

[Chocolatesa]

My experience is that most Byzantine Catholics, including their priests, don't even know what Theosis is. And yes, I spent 2 years as a Byzantine Catholic prior to my embracing Orthodoxy.

I had never even heard of Theosis myself before inquiring into Orthodoxy, but I figured I'd err on the side of caution just in case there are some out there who know about it and teach it.

 

[Andrew21091]

You are young. Why and how is orthodoxy Truth?

Because it is the faith that the Apostles founded; we have been around since 33 A.D. and the Roman Catholic church came around in 1054 A.D. and Protestantism came in the 1400's or 1500's (I don’t really know). The reason why I have never looked into Protestantism is that they have abandoned all Holy Tradition. They got rid of many of the things we need for our salvation. I also realize Orthodoxy is the truth by reading the lives of the holy Saints (especially monastics) of our Church and seeing the lives they lived which is a great source of inspiration.

The reason why I'm not Roman Catholic is because that they teach wrong doctrines and other canonical errors such as the filioque, papal supremacy, papal infallibility, transubstantiation, Immaculate Conception, purgatory, indulgences, and many other things. Protestantism on the other hand, I never even considered because they twisted everything around, they do not have the Fathers, the Sacraments, or Tradition. They teach people not to pray for the departed, they don't venerate the Saints or the Holy Theotokos, many are iconoclasts, and they teach sola scriptura, "once saved, always saved", faith alone, and a lot of other stuff that I don't agree with at all. I know some of the things that I've listed you might not follow yourself because I know that the Protestants differ in some areas.

Am I too doomed even though I am active in my Faith...

That is not for us to decide. God is the only person who can judge.

 

[Gwenyfur]

Thank you for all of your answers. I'm reading up on some of your conversions and this new concept of theoism. I do see Orthodoxy as the first "gatherings" of the Apostles. Don't know the wording, but I do see and recognize that Orthodox came first, which is why I'm studying it. I'm curious.

The thing that scares me away the most (haven't been to a parish yet), but tradition scares the crap out of me. I love to love the Lord and I personally see that everyone has different ways of pleasing Christ. Hence different body parts metaphor. I think I asked this before, don't remember, but what book out there will help guide me into understanding what I will see at a parish service. I want to understand before I go. To avoid confusion of course.

Also, does the Orthodox Church have their own compilation of scripture? And can someone explain some of the basic differences between RC and Orthodox? I can gather some differences, but at face value can someone explain them to me?

Thank you all so far, I am enjoying your responses and they all have been helpful.

Don't be scared...my recent visits to 2 Orthodox OCA and Serbian were both extremely friendly experiences! Both churches had copies of the Divine Liturgy so that I could follow along and understand what was going on

the rest I'll leave to the others to address

 

[Protoevangel]

The thing that scares me away the most (haven't been to a parish yet), but tradition scares the crap out of me.

"Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle."
- 2 Thessalonians 2:15

I love to love the Lord and I personally see that everyone has different ways of pleasing Christ. Hence different body parts metaphor.

Remember, when Paul wrote 1 Corinthians, there was one assembly of Christians under the Apostles. Not a bunch or groups running around teaching different and contradictory things. There were different parts, but only one Body. Just as there is still one Body; the Body of Christ is not divided.

Also, does the Orthodox Church have their own compilation of scripture? And can someone explain some of the basic differences between RC and Orthodox? I can gather some differences, but at face value can someone explain them to me?

We hold in common with the Protestants and Catholics, the 27 books of the New Testament.

In addition to the 39 books the The Orthodox, the Catholics, and the Protestants all recognize as Old Testament, and the books the Catholics call the Deuterocanon (which the Protestants call the Apocrypha), there are a couple of additional books the Orthodox recognize as belonging to the Old Testament canon. We basically accept the books that were in the Septuagint, which was the Greek translation that was in circulation at the time of Christ and the Apostles. It's the Scriptures the Jews of the Diaspora used, and the Early Church used when Paul wrote, "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." - 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Thank you all so far, I am enjoying your responses and they all have been helpful.

 

[Dewi Sant]

I am Orthodox because of the Church Catholic.
I believe in the stability that only time can offer, the soundness that only revolution can disturb and the glory that has been offered in the same such fashion since the Hebrews.

I adore the life of the Church, the protection she provides and the beautiful serenity that can be found within her doors.

In all truth, if it weren't for certain circumstances (and my realisation of a local Orthodox church), I would probably be Roman Catholic now [a former disgruntled Anglican].

Orthodoxy provides the beauty and ability to see life in the face, the life which makes the reality of our spiritual journey most profound, the life of Christ.

This reminds me of a quote from my favourite movie "The Hours":

To look life in the face. Always to look life in the face. And to know it for what it is. At last to know it is. To love it for what it is. And then to put it away. Leonard always the years between us, always the years. Always the love. Always the hours.

Only, not to "put it away" but rather, to be brought into it.


Something else I love about Orthodoxy is her kindness in heart for those who struggle also in their path. To pray for the sinner and not against the sin. To receive in love rather than disown in hate. In all, to receive rather than shun.


Lord have mercy!

Dewi Sant.

 

[ArmyMatt]

I think something to keep in mind as well, is that it does not matter whether the traditions are scary, but whether they are true. I was a little freaked out when I heard of all the orthodox traditions, and I could not ever believe that I would ever be Orthodox, and yet here I am.

the Truth of the True Church speaks for itself.

 

[Breaking Babylon]

Thank you for all of your answers. I'm reading up on some of your conversions and this new concept of theoism. I do see Orthodoxy as the first "gatherings" of the Apostles. Don't know the wording, but I do see and recognize that Orthodox came first, which is why I'm studying it. I'm curious.

The thing that scares me away the most (haven't been to a parish yet), but tradition scares the crap out of me. I love to love the Lord and I personally see that everyone has different ways of pleasing Christ. Hence different body parts metaphor. I think I asked this before, don't remember, but what book out there will help guide me into understanding what I will see at a parish service. I want to understand before I go. To avoid confusion of course.

Also, does the Orthodox Church have their own compilation of scripture? And can someone explain some of the basic differences between RC and Orthodox? I can gather some differences, but at face value can someone explain them to me?

Thank you all so far, I am enjoying your responses and they all have been helpful.

Glory to Jesus Christ.

What about tradition is scary, exactly -- traditions in and of themselves? Or the fact that you would have to set aside personal feelings to embrace the teachings of Apostolic Christianity? A lot of Orthodox Christians will tell you that one of the hardest things to do in embracing the Church is leaving behind the "baggage" we're all so accustomed to.

The heart, my friend, is deceitful above all things, as the epistles read. A happy, joyous feeling does not constitute truth at all. I'm not saying that the only reasons you believe what you believe is because of how you feel, but I know that when I was a part of the charismatic "revival"/holiness type groups, my faith wasn't based on reason, only how emotionally-charged I was, how much my heart would leap for joy at the messages I heard. I figured that if this was how it felt to be "saved", the messages I heard were from the Bible, this is what I get from "worship", this must be what's right.

However, Tradition definitely shows that this was not the way, not two thousand years ago, not even two hundred years ago. Spontaneous worship is an entirely Protestant idea that started around the 1600's or so, and Word of Faith/Pentecostalism in the late 1900's.

That's the beauty of Tradition -- showing us what we should truly be afraid of, as opposed to what we feel is right or wrong(amongst many other things). What has been passed down since Pentecost? What has been innovated since that time?

Do I think you're doomed? I'd sooner fear for the souls here and anywhere who think you're doomed! Our God is a loving, merciful God, and I fear for my own salvation as one who knows the Truth and doesn't practice it with zeal before I would fear for any Protestant's salvation who puts all they have into faith, works, and practice. However, I would cease to hold onto any belief in Orthodoxy if I believed that Protestantism is the unaltered Truth. I believe that Protestants are, though loved by the Lord, in schism with the Church and it is a true tragedy.

You mentioned different ways of pleasing Christ. Where has it been taught? Where can I find commentary from the early Church on this? How can I know with certainty that these expressions or worship are legitimate... I want to give you food for thought and hope that I cause no offense:

Abel offered what he knew for certain was pleasing to God. Cain offered what he thought was pleasing to God. Who's sacrifice was acceptable in His sight? Were Cain's feelings applicable in this situation?

Good questions my friend. Just try to remember that Orthodoxy is not a faith that's found in the books, it's a faith that's practiced and learned in the heart and only there, with illumination from the Holy Spirit. You will learn more through attending Divine Liturgy and praying with the Church than you will reading books on the sidelines.

+ Peace be with your spirit,

Isaac

 

[mwboldt]

The thing that scares me away the most (haven't been to a parish yet), but tradition scares the crap out of me.

If you're interested in learning more about Orthodox Tradition, there are some good podcast episodes from Our Life In Christ--especially about Sola Scriptura and Tradition. Search for "Tradition" at ourlifeinchrist.com/archives.htm.

HTH

 

[Philothei]

Hi there! Welcome back to our Forum

Do not be scared about tradition. I have friends who were from the Nazarene Church and it was quite a "jump" but their heart was in the right place. They are now Orthodox Christians. What drove them to Orthodoxy was the consistency between Dogma and Praxis. The stability of the dogma through the centuries and the fact that lines are not in the sand... There is no shift. To them dogma and praxis was important especially in the missionary work aspect. They were both graduates of the Nazarene college and very much into praxis. So with their first chance they are planning to take on an orhrodox mission trip. personally I am a craddle Orthodox and I believe that EO offers a way of life that is consistant with what it proclaims... But others have already said it before me...


May the Lord bless you on your journey my friend.

 

[Michael G]

I had never even heard of Theosis myself before inquiring into Orthodoxy, but I figured I'd err on the side of caution just in case there are some out there who know about it and teach it.

I went to a Byzantine Church that was very, very Orthodox in their liturgical approach and no one ever talked about theosis until I began my inquiry into Orthodoxy.

 

[Chocolatesa]

I think something to keep in mind as well, is that it does not matter whether the traditions are scary, but whether they are true. I was a little freaked out when I heard of all the orthodox traditions, and I could not ever believe that I would ever be Orthodox, and yet here I am.

the Truth of the True Church speaks for itself.

What he said!