Simply Orthodox ☦

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Welcome home!

During this blessed period, many of you were received in the Holy Orthodox Church! It’s such a blessing, where everything in my country collapses, the same moment where the greek youth turn their back to the Holy Church because they think it’s too old-fashioned, young people from all over the world, far away from Greece are becoming baptized daily. They are dedicating their life to God and to the protection of the unchanged teachings of the Orthodox Church. Besides the difficulties of being an Orthodox Christian in a non-Orthodox country, they carry their cross, following the example of our Lord.

I just wanted to say for another time that I am truly blessed and honored that I met you, even only online, and I hope I’ll do my best to follow your example, to worship God with the same enthusiasm and love as you do! Welcome home dear brothers and sisters!!! Don’t forget that even if everyone abandons you, the Holy Orthodox Church will always be your home, your shelter.

Christ is Risen! Χριστός Ανέστη!

#Orthodoxy #Christianity #Christian #Eastern Orthodoxy #convert

April 28th
7:51 AM

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There is a difference

It is true that there is a difference between joining the Orthodox Church and actually becoming Orthodox. Baptism may effect a mystical change but it is not a magic spell, and it is only over time, with perseverance, prayer, and ongoing sustenance by grace does this become a lived reality.

- Advice for Orthodox inquirers from Fr. John

#Orthodoxy #Christianity #church #convert

November 30th
11:39 AM

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A message from Anonymous

If a Catholic wants to convert to Russian Orthodoxy, what are the steps?

Hello,

First of all, you convert to the Eastern Orthodox Church, not Russian Orthodox, unless you live in Russia.

The best is first to be willing to spend the time to really understand the commonalities and differences between Catholicism and Orthodoxy.

In most cases, a person begins the process of conversion by speaking with a local Orthodox priest, who gives instructions (or catechism) on the teachings and beliefs of the Orthodox Church. These beliefs and doctrines have continued unchanged for over 2000 years, since the time of Jesus and the Twelve Apostles. This process of catechism could take many months. Once you have learned about the faith and teachings of the church, you would then be ready to be baptized as a member of the Orthodox Church, in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (ie. the Holy Trinity). Baptism is by triple immersion in water. At the same time, you would be Chrismated, which means receiving the Holy Oil and the Holy Spirit.

Thanks for your message! If you need anything, I am here :)

I thank God that the truth of the Orthodox Church is being revealed to all over the world!!!

PS. Two very useful sites are http://www.orthodoxanswers.org/ and http://journeytoorthodoxy.com/

#Orthodoxy #Catholic #Catholicism #Christian #convert

October 12th
12:09 PM

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What do the Converts Want?

On one level, many Orthodox converts are fleeing megachurch Christianity. They are coming because they want something on Sunday morning besides a rock band and a giant plasma TV screen.

At the same time, I believe that most of these converts are coming out of that core 20 percent of their former churches. They are active, highly motivated people. They read, they think, they sing, and they serve. That hunger for more, that hunger for sound doctrine, is sending them to Orthodoxy.

#Orthodoxy #Convert #Christianity #Jesus #Christian

August 26th
10:57 AM

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To Convert or Not To Convert?

jessicabeth:

simplyorthodox:

For those who converted to Orthodoxy: what was the biggest obstacle for you to overcome in converting?

What an excellent question. And I love the photo :)

What an excellent question. And I love the photo :)
When my parents first came to Orthodoxy, Lord have Mercy, because I did not want a bar of it. I had been brought up by my amazing parents (my father of whom had done a theology degree) as a Protestant Christian. I just didn’t understand any of it, and I didn’t understand why it was so different. Then I figured out, that it was so different because the world and its ways had not changed or corrupted it. My biggest issues were Saints and the Liturgy. But after researching and searching for the meanings behind these things, I grew to see how important they were to the life of the Church. I also loved the fact that what was taught and how Orthodox Christians worshipped was directly from the Tradition that was passed down from Christ to the Apostles, and has remained unchanged throughout the ages. After being Orthodox for 6 or 7 years now, I love it. I love it so much.

Thanks dear for sharing all these thoughts :)

#question #Orthodox #Orthodoxy #Christian #Eastern Orthodox #Convert

August 23rd
4:18 AM

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The article about salvation

brandb replied to your post: This is a reply to your “Obstacle to Orthodoxy” question since I didn’t have much space to write:Well, I haven’t converted to Orthodoxy, but I considered myself Orthodox at the time of my born-again experience. However, studying the bible more and more I have come to realize certain things that are not biblical in Orthodoxy (Please don’t take offense to this). For example: Are we saved by faith? Or faith and works? Infant Baptism? I have little space to write here too, so check out my blog :)

That [first] link was the soundest piece of information I have ever read about salvation. And I still can’t believe the guy who wrote it is 17… amazing.

I agree with you, this is the greatest article I’ve seen! It’s a pitty that he has reconsidered his views in Orthodoxy, but it’s his opinion and anyone has the right to decide what is the truth and what isn’t. Thank you for your message, God bless you! :)

#Salvation #Orthodoxy #Christianity #Religion #Christian #Convert

August 22nd
10:40 AM

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Ramblings of an average human.: A long way to go.

jamesfromta:

Well, from the past couple of conversations with my parents that I’ve had I think I have persuaded them about converting to Orthodoxy which is brilliant- its good because its taken of pressure off. As I said the other week, the next step (I think) is going to require more reading (which is cool because I have about 6-7 books I need to get through) and start to live as an Orthodox Christian.

The books I can get read quickly here, however the living bit I can’t really begin until I get back to University- its when I will have full control of how I spend my time, full control of what I eat and its a lot easier for me to get to a church back at University.

For me, the most difficult is going to be the spiritual fast- a.k.a not receiving the Eucharist until after I have converted (which is something I was told by the deacon at the church I attend that I would have to do though I’m not too sure how Universal this is). However it will be worth it!

Its weird- through just reading stuff in the past few months my idea of theology, all my beliefs have completely shifted from Western Christianity to Eastern Christianity. To be honest, its different but in a good way- I feel less confused about things.

It’s so nice to hear all this info about your Journey to Orthodoxy! I am living in an Orthodox country, a country that in every corner you can find a church or a chappel so it’s strange (in a good way) to read about convert stories. Thank you so much for sharing all these things about you!

#Orthodoxy #Orthodox #Convert #Religion #Christian #Christianity #Western #Anglican #Catholic #Thoughts

August 21st
1:18 PM

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To Convert or Not To Convert?

I found this question at Elizabeth’s blog (cuppboard) and I think it is very interesting.

For those who converted to Orthodoxy: what was the biggest obstacle for you to overcome in converting?

#question #Orthodox #Orthodoxy #Christian #Eastern Orthodox #Convert

July 21st
6:19 AM

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Dear Catholic & Orthodox Christians,

cuppboard:

I’m just curious why you believe what you do? In other words, Catholics: why are you not Orthodox? Orthodox, why are you not Catholic?

First of all, I have to mention that my country is Orthodox so I was baptized Orthodox. But there are several reasons I strongly believe that Orthodoxy is the truth.

Let me start with the fact of the Schism in 1054. Firstly Christians are all united, then they divided. Pope added in Catholic religion some new things like “Filioque”. Orthodoxy is the only one who hasn’t changed since Jesus was on earth.

Secondly, Infalibility of Pope is not correct according to Orthodoxy.

Also, something that I mention too often is the miracle of Holy Fire. I know that miracles is not the base of our religion but they just help people to believe but this miracle testifies for Orthodoxy.

But as I have heard from some Catholics, they feel that something is missing… Something does not go well.. I never feel like this!

I am so sorry for my bad use of english, propably because of it I can’t explain more. But I can propose you some links :

http://www.ocf.org/OrthodoxPage/reading/ortho_cath.html

http://journeytoorthodoxy.com/category/convert-stories/non-orthodox-christians/roman-catholics/#axzz1Siho0l4f

#Reblog #Orthodox #Catholic #Discuss #Opinion #Convert #Christians

July 20th
11:06 AM

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Why I Became an Orthodox Christian

A brief overview of why I, Fr. Anastasios Hudson, presently an Orthodox priest living in Raleigh, North Carolina, converted to the Orthodox Christian Church.

#Christian #Orthodox #Convert #Videos

5:13 AM

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A quote from Peter E. Gillquist

“People are not being reached in the context of the body of Christ—they’re like newborn babies being left on a doorstep somewhere to feed and care for themselves.”

— Peter E. Gillquist (Becoming Orthodox: A Journey to the Ancient Christian Faith)

#Peter E. Gillquist #Becoming Orthodox #Convert #Quotes #Inspiration #God #Orthodoxy #Christian #Jesus #Protection