Orthodox Christianity

So You Want to Be Orthodox?

If you are considering becoming Orthodox, we welcome your interest.

Becoming Orthodox is not simply a matter of learning a set of beliefs or completing a course of study. It is a journey of faith, prayer, worship and participation in the life of the Church.

If you are seriously considering becoming Orthodox, we encourage you to attend the Divine Liturgy regularly, learn about the faith and speak with the parish priest.

You do not need to understand everything immediately. Orthodox Christian life is a lifelong journey.

Personal Faith and Prayer

The Orthodox Christian life involves a growing awareness of God and His presence in our lives.

It includes:

• Daily personal prayer

• A commitment to Christ Jesus as Saviour

• Openness to the guidance of the Holy Spirit

• A desire to live according to the commandments of God

• Regular examination of our lives

• Repentance and spiritual growth

Participation in the Eucharist

The Divine Liturgy is at the heart of Orthodox Christian life.

Those preparing to become Orthodox are encouraged to attend regularly, to listen and pray, and to learn how the Church worships.

Life in the Parish

Becoming Orthodox means becoming part of the life of the Church.

This includes developing a sense of belonging in the parish community, participating in prayer and fellowship, and being willing to use our God-given talents, time and resources in the service of the Church.

Service to Others

Christian life includes service to others.

We are called to be attentive to the needs of our families and neighbours and to develop a concern for the poor, the lonely, the elderly and those in need.

Growing in Knowledge

Orthodox Christians continue to grow throughout their lives.

This includes learning about:

• Holy Scripture

• The Tradition of the Church

• The Creed

• Church history

• Orthodox worship

• The Divine Liturgy

• The Holy Mysteries

• Prayer

• The lives of the saints

This is a lifelong process.

A Brief History of the Orthodox Church

The Orthodox Church understands herself to be the Church founded by Jesus Christ and the Apostles and to have preserved the apostolic faith through the centuries.

The history of Christianity is complex, and the relationship between the Christian East and West developed over many centuries.

The Great Schism

The separation between the Christian East and West was the result of a long historical process involving theological, ecclesiastical, cultural and political differences.

The events traditionally associated with the Great Schism of 1054 were part of this wider process rather than a single moment that can fully explain the separation.

Orthodoxy and Other Christian Traditions

Orthodox Christians share the central Christian proclamation of the Holy Trinity, the Incarnation, death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ with other Christian traditions.

There are nevertheless significant theological and ecclesiastical differences between Orthodox Christianity, Roman Catholicism and Protestant traditions. The Orthodox Church understands these differences in the context of the history and development of Christianity and continues to bear witness to the faith and worship it has received from the Apostles and the Fathers of the Church.

We approach these differences with respect for all who seek to follow Jesus Christ, while remaining faithful to the teachings and traditions of the Orthodox Church.

Conclusion

If you are considering becoming Orthodox, the best place to begin is by attending services regularly and speaking with the parish priest. He can help you understand the process of becoming Orthodox and answer any questions you may have.

Come, listen, pray and ask questions.