Unlike the many denominations of other churches, in Orthodoxy, we have none. This is because we recognize there is and has only been one true apostolic church.
Our faith is not based on man-made concepts (such as theories/philosophy/social expectations/emotionalism/political correctness); it follows only the truth – the teachings of Jesus Christ and his disciples.
It is the path to holiness – the life mission of every Christian soul. We are here to evince God’s will. We are here to be channels of His love to all. We are called to be saints.
Spiritual experience and the teaching of the Saints inform our faith and open us to receipt of Divine wisdom. As Saint Justin Popovich of Serbia wrote, “Orthodoxy is not a library, which you can study, but an experience that you are called to live empirically.”
I strongly recommend those with an interest in Orthodoxy seek righteousness, read the Bible and the writings of the Saints/Desert Fathers, pray and seek counsel from a local Orthodox priest or monastery. Although for many in the United States, your parish may be hours away, remember you also have the blessing of remote online liturgy (which when attended wholeheartedly as one would in-person can feed the soul.) Fellowship and worship with Orthodox Christians is a blessing. It is, however, sometimes few and far between in the United States unless one lives in a major city. Seek, pray, and God will provide.
The path of Orthodoxy is of the heart, the soul, not humanism which places man\’s understanding above that of God.
As we are warned in Scripture, “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” (Proverbs 14:12, KJV). Sadly, this describes many of the false teachings and ideologies of American “Christians” and their churches. They have conformed to the world – to Satan’s deception. This is why they debate amongst themselves, changing to accommodate the popular opinion of the corrupt society in which they are based.
“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever,” (Hebrews 13:8, KJV). Likewise, the Orthodox Church and the holy traditions we practice remain unchanged from the time of the apostles. We focus upon our heart in relation to God’s will in all matters.
If you are reading this, perhaps you are experiencing the desire to be part of not just a church – you are called to be part of THE Church. You may find yourself at odds with the teachings of the church you attend. You are discerning the wrongness of man-made doctrines and ever-changing tolerances of evils you know are anti-God. You may yearn and experience God in ways those around you do not look to do. You seek truth…and in the Orthodox Church, you will find it.
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