[rushiddink]

This is an open question to all converts and catechumens: what was the catalyst that first set you consciously on the path to Orthodoxy? Was it a person, an experience, a train of thought, a book? Were you aware of "looking for something" or did it happen unexpectedly?

[Dwencejed]

For me it was a person. I was talking to a fellow student in a hall of Southern Seminary one day explaining to him my interest in the spirit filled life, as written of by the holiness writers. When I was finished, he said "that sounds like the Eastern Orthodox doctrine of theosis." After hearing this from him I was off to find out about this doctrine of theosis. This was clearly the catalyst for me.

[DrJonson]

There wasn't a "first" moment, but there was a period of about a month where I had really been on a constant intellectual and emotional hard boil over a number of Calvinist/Lutheran weblogs. The debates were ugly, loud and often incomprehensible.

Every once in a while an Orthodox person would comment and offer (to steal a phrase) a "third" way. They seemed to always do so in a tone that was kind and a knowledge that was deep. They seemed to "get" the scriptures.

Anyway, it was like the pressure valve being released. There's much more to tell, but essentially I was chased into the arms of the Church by angry Calvinists.

[Gaxiciverfere]

Roughly about the time I was made aware of its existence. By a workout buddy, no less.

[WoCTrt0X]

This is an open question to all converts and catechumens: what was the catalyst that first set you consciously on the path to Orthodoxy? Was it a person, an experience, a train of thought, a book? Were you aware of "looking for something" or did it happen unexpectedly?

This might be a good place to continue the discussion as one is currently underway, well sort of. It seems as all social groups do to stall out.

Paul

[viagradiscounttt]

This might be a good place to continue the discussion as one is currently underway, well sort of. It seems as all social groups do to stall out.

Paul

I wonder why groups fizzle out. I've seen it happen in other forums as well. I wonder if it's because a small group, separated from the rest is like a branch cut off from the tree, and it only lives for so long...

As to the original question - I was never really interested in Orthodoxy. I first became aware of it when a friend became orthodox. But once I was satisfied that he hadn't joined a cult (which took all of 3 minutes, or 3 questions, whichever was shorter), I was satisfied, and went my happy way, until one day, I found myself pursued and cornered by the Head of the Orthodox Church.

in Christ,
Mary

[iodillalm]

There's a story told of a London cabbie who related how he once had Bertrand Russell in his taxi: 'greatest philosopher in the western world, right? So, I says to 'im, "so now then, Bertie, what's it all about, then?" And d'yer know? Daft b****r couldn't tell me!'

I asked myself constantly what 'the meaning of life' was and like the cabbie (though in a different manner!) came to know that philosophy didn't have the answer. I was once chatting with an acquaintance who happened to be Cypriot, and as is often the case late at night, the conversation turned to this theme. He said he didn't know about such matters and I ought to meet Bishop Eirenaios. I knew nothing about Christianity but we met and after talking with the Bishop, I realised that the Orthodox Church had the fulness of the truth and so had all the answers to my questions about 'the meaning of life'. What I later realised was that I wouldn't be given all the answers!