Eastern Orthodoxy?

[Celeborn Skywalker]

Hi, I was just wondering if we have any Eastern Orthodox Christians here? I ask because I was thinking of converting but I wanted to get people's impressions of the Church.

I am a Roman Catholic, but I have always questioned the legitimacy of the papacy as well as some other issues with the Church. Also, it seems like the Catholic church is overstepping it's bounds by getting involved in political campaigns and denying communion to people of certain political persuasions. Now, I know the Orthodox church is very conservative, but, as far as I know, they don't issue former statements on social issues (gay marriage,etc.) or political candidates.

I like creed-based churches with a lot of pageantry but I don't think I can stay in a church led by Ratzinger or any other "supreme" leader.

Thoughts?

[Critters2]

1. For some reason, the DU Group that's mostly Catholics

is called the Catholic/ Orthodox Christian Group. Or words to that effect. So, if there are any, they'd probably be there.

My ex-husband, with whom I've begun some reconciliation, was UU when we were married, but has since become Orthodox. They don't allow gay marriage, but don't make pronouncements as to political candidates. I've known some politically progressive Orthodox Christians. They have a fairly active peace fellowship, with membership in Fellowship of Reconciliation. When I was a VORP director I had two Orthodox volunteer mediators, including the local Greek Orthodox priest.

The thing to keep in mind about Orthodoxy is that the Orthodox church will not change. That's what makes it Orthodox. They function as they did at the time of the last of the seven Ecumenical Councils. The role of the church hierarchy is to make sure the truth of the 7 Councils is maintained. So, there will be no reform, no change. They didn't do gay weddings then, they won't in the future. They didn't ordain women then, they won't in the future. For those of us from a "Reformed Church is always reforming" tradition, that could be hard to get used to.

Otoh, they're good people. They treat the rest of us as kindred, not as condemned to hell. And yes, the liturgy is beautiful as are the worship spaces. If you're interested, you should contact a priest. They're always willing to educate you about their tradition. Their liturgy, and their attitude toward it, is very different from the West. Take for instance that Orthodox Christians feel no need to be at worship when the service begins. They wander in and out at various times, trying to be there for the most important moments, but maybe leaving in the middle, too. Very different than coming in, sitting down, and staying until the benediction. So, I'd recommend getting some orientation from a priest before going to worship. Different Orthodox traditions deal differently with non-Orthodox visitors at Eucharist, stuff like that.

I've sometimes thought I'd like Orthodoxy if they ordained women. But I'm sure of my vocation, so Orthodoxy is not an option for me. But they have the best claim to being the direct descendent of the early church. So, I have nothing but the utmost respect.

Let us know how your exploration goes! :hi:

[Celeborn Skywalker]

2. Thanks for the info!

Your post touched upon my primary concern about the Orthodox Church and that is the fact that it is unchanging, and therefore will never ordain women or gay people.

Basically what I want in a church is orthodox theology (Virgin birth, Resurrection, sacraments, icons, traditional music, etc.) with a hands-off attitude as far as politics goes. For example, I would hate to go to a church where the priest bases the homily on abortion or gay marriage.

Another idea for a good church might be Anglican/Episcopalian. I'll have to look into those.

Again, I appreciate the reply!

[Critters2]

3. I'd look into the Episcopal Church or ELCA Lutherans. Some UCC

congregations will offer what you're looking for, too, while others will not. So, do some looking around.

[murielm99]

4. What do you think about the Missouri Synod Lutherans? n/.t

[Rabrrrrrr]

5. Missouri Synod is about the most conservative, hate-based churches there is.

Anti-gay, anti-woman (not just anti women clergy, but women can't even vote), anti-fun (basically). They believe that no one but Missouri Synod Lutherans get to Heaven. Their communion is utterly closed to outsiders.

And so on.

[RevCheesehead]

6. Wisconsin Synod is worse.

They make LCMS look positively moderate.

[Rabrrrrrr]

7. Yes, indeedy!

[Celeborn Skywalker]

8. Well fuck, there goes one option.

I was planning to attend a Lutheran Church this Sunday, but the only one in town is from the Missouri Synod.

[Kajsa]

10. I attended a Missouri Synod Lutheran school

for one semester of fifth grade.
It was the only Lutheran school near our area.

It was VERY strict and excluded other Christians, especially Catholics
from their circle of "chosen people".

When I told my mom what was going on with corporal punishment
( paddling by the principal) and spitting at nuns from a nearby
Catholic church by some of my classmates, she pulled me out
and put me back into a public school.

[Celeborn Skywalker]

9. I just found out

that my local UCC has an openly gay pastor with a partner of 20 years. I'm going to give them a try this Sunday and see how I like the service. At the very least I know they're open and affirming.