What do think of Eastern Orthodoxy?

[stevehut]

greekchristian,

Not sure that I understand all of your post.

But in general: I live in Los Angeles, where hundreds of of ethnic/nationalist churches exist, and almost everyone there speaks English.

I have no interest in creating (or supporting) an artificial barrier to fellowship in this way. Sounds like racism to me. Something that was directly addressed in Acts 6.

[greekchristian]

greekchristian,

Not sure that I understand all of your post.

But in general: I live in Los Angeles, where hundreds of of ethnic/nationalist churches exist, and almost everyone there speaks English.

I have no interest in creating (or supporting) an artificial barrier to fellowship in this way.  Sounds like racism to me.  Something that was directly addressed in Acts 6.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

OK in Orthodoxy, the reason why the churches are divided along ethnic lines is that there IS no central control only regional control such a patriarch for Bulgeria and NOT in the WHOLE Orthodox Church! Also During the Dark Ages when pagan kings would convert to Christianity they would want have their own Church Hierarchy that would not be subject to a foreign Pope or Patriarch. That is some of the reasons why Orthodoxy is split along national and ethnic lines. It is NOT racism sir! ANYONE can be Orthodox. In my church, St Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church in San Diego, CA you have Ethiopian Alter-Boys along side Greek and American Alter-boys. We have Mexicans, Philipinos, Africans, and Americans members Along with Greeks in our parish. St. Gregory of Nyssa over in El Clajon, CA. is made up of mostly Americans and Mexicans who have either converted or married Greeks. It is just that these churchs falls under the juristication of the Patriarch in Constantinople who is the head of the Greek church outside of Greece. I have celebrated the Resurrection of Christ ie. (Holy Pascha or Easter) with Ukranian, Serbian, and Russian parishes at my Church in the past. We heard and embraced our languages along with English during those services. I think that is celebrating diversity in Christ and not racism.

[Leonard]

The word 'liturgy' literally means 'work of the people.' It has always been understood this way, rather than the 'work of the Priest.' When the Priest is hidden behind the iconastasis during the (lengthy') consecration, it gives the impression that the people have absolutely nothing to do with the 'magic spell' the Priest works behind the curtain.........

Of course once in a while a Deacon comes out and tells the folks how the recipe is progressing!!!

To me it's reflective of an even worse theology of worship than was the old Roman 'High Altar.'

Please don't get me wrong, I love the Orthodox Church, and really enjoy listening to Kalistos Ware.

[WayneB]

I have celebrated the Resurrection of Christ ie. (Holy Pascha or Easter) with Ukranian, Serbian, and Russian parishes at my Church in the past. We heard and embraced our languages along with English during those services. I think that is celebrating diversity in Christ and not racism.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Bless you brother. That's more than I can say for my Church! The Churches in the rural South tend to be divided along racial and ethnic lines. It is sad.

[greekchristian]

The word 'liturgy' literally means 'work of the people.'  It has always been understood this way, rather than the 'work of the Priest.'  When the Priest is hidden behind the iconastasis during the (lengthy') consecration, it gives the impression that the people have absolutely nothing to do with the 'magic spell' the Priest works behind the curtain.........

Of course once in a while a Deacon comes out and tells the folks how the recipe is progressing!!!

To me it's reflective of an even worse theology of worship than was the old Roman 'High Altar.'

Please don't get me wrong, I love the Orthodox Church, and really enjoy listening to Kalistos Ware.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Is is ok I am NOT offended not all people will identify with Orthodoxy. I personally have been to a Pentacost Church and was freaked out by how the parish was raising their hands in the air praising Christ. I am NOT ment to be a Pentacostal Christian. I do know that the Patriarch of Constantinople Bartholomew I has promoted UNITY with all the Christian Churchs in Europe. Which I totally Believe in the Unity with in our Churchs.

[stevehut]

1- in Orthodoxy, the reason why the churches are divided along ethnic lines is that there IS no central control

2- During the Dark Ages when pagan kings would convert to Christianity they would want have their own Church Hierarchy

1- Lack of central control means you have to be divided ethnically? I don't follow that reasoning.

2- Yes, I'm aware of that. Jesus wanted his church to change the world, but instead the world has changed the church. And the people have accepted the outcome. This is sad.

[jcm]

1- in Orthodoxy, the reason why the churches are divided along ethnic lines is that there IS no central control

2- During the Dark Ages when pagan kings would convert to Christianity they would want have their own Church Hierarchy

1- Lack of central control means you have to be divided ethnically? I don't follow that reasoning.

2- Yes, I'm aware of that. Jesus wanted his church to change the world, but instead the world has changed the church. And the people have accepted the outcome. This is sad.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I think what he meant was that since there was no central control at the time the churches developed along ethnic lines.

[greekchristian]

1- in Orthodoxy, the reason why the churches are divided along ethnic lines is that there IS no central control

2- During the Dark Ages when pagan kings would convert to Christianity they would want have their own Church Hierarchy

1- Lack of central control means you have to be divided ethnically? I don't follow that reasoning.

2- Yes, I'm aware of that. Jesus wanted his church to change the world, but instead the world has changed the church. And the people have accepted the outcome. This is sad.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Next time used they FULL quote NOT a cut up one to help your argument sir!

Here is my full message:

"the reason why the churches are divided along ethnic lines is that there IS no central control only regional control such a patriarch for Bulgeria and NOT in the WHOLE Orthodox Church! Also During the Dark Ages when pagan kings would convert to Christianity they would want have their own Church Hierarchy that would not be subject to a foreign Pope or Patriarch."

I hope you understand that during Dark Ages it was a violent time full of fear and xenophobia Western Roman Empire had fallen and there was no control throughout Europe. Regional fiefs and kindoms had been set by the Germanic, Slavic, and Bulger Pagan kings. Plus when most of the Eastern Church fell under the Muslim turks disunity was encouraged between the Catholic and the Occupied Orthodox churchs. We live in modern times now and people move to different countries. Those people want to bring with them their beliefs and views of their home nations. So that is why we have multinational Orthodox churchs outside their home nations. That does not mean that they are divided! On the contrary we are unified in our belief in Christ! It is just that our Liturgy is spoken in our native tongues! I pray that you understand that Orthodoxy is only divided by the language we speak. If I go to any other Orthodox Church I am excepted as a fellow Orthodox Christian. You don't have to agree with me BUT I pray that you honsetly do some research. You say that you live in LA? I say go to a Greek Church and then to a Serbian one. You will see we are only divided by the language spoken.

jcm I thank you for your understanding!

Edited October 29, 2004 by greekchristian

[stevehut]

1- I hope you understand that during Dark Ages it was a violent time full of fear and xenophobia

2- We live in modern times now and people move to different countries. Those people want to bring with them their beliefs and views of their home nations.

3- That does not mean that they are divided!

1- Again, I am fully aware of the historical development. I have been a student of church history for a long time. This acounts for the origins of the division, but it does not justify the modern continuation of that separation.

2- Yup. Understood. And the New Testament exemplifies the pattern of people of different nations worshipping together.

3- Huh? Of Course it does. In many neighborhoods around here, they have several different national orthodox churches within a 1-5 mile radius. They should be able to worship together, and not separate themselves this way.

[Guest Genxpastor]

Hello I came across this website and decided to register. I am a Greek-American who is also a Greek Orthodox Christian. I am curious to know what some or all of you think of this fellowship?? Please feel free to comment or ask questions.

Think you

Xristos Anesti.. Alethos Anesti !!!!!!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The first pastor I ever served under converted to Greek Orthodoxy. Basically, everything he said in the pulpit he changed his mind about, including that Jesus didn't drink fermented wine. I've always believed that Christ drank real wine, nevertheless, I still lovingly supported him. I'm in the process of study your beliefs. I do not see a connection that Greek Orthodoxy is the one true undivided church as claimed by my former pastor. I'm not too keen on the Septuagint either. You guys must be making inroads because I'm running into more and more Orthodox Christians around the South. I believe that you guys believe that sin distorts the image of God and that works help bring about that restoration...correct? Perhaps you could enlighten us all with the particulars of your Faith. I really think that most of us don't have an opinion because we've never been around many Orthodox Christians. There is a web site that I know you wouldn't like but you might want to check it out for rebuttal purposes. it's something like exorthodoxforchrist.com (do a search please. the web address is to long for me to remember right now)

In conclusion, I know my pastor follows the Holy trinity..so welcome aboard brother. Welcome aboard.