[Nidsstese]

As someone new to the Eastern Orthodox Church and one who is still very much finding his feet, I found this link extremely insightful. Perhaps other newcomers will also.

Perhaps some seasoned Orthodox members who frequent these boards can attest to the articles validity?

Regards,

D.

P.S. Again, I am new to the boards. I could not find a dedicated 'links' thread using the search function. I hope I have chosen an appropriate place to share this article.

[Clarissa]

Dear Mr Munro.

Firstly, welcome!! I am glad to see you have discovered the beauty of Orthodox Worship. I must warn you however that I too discovered Orthodoxy and its beauty 15 years ago and I am still finding my feet!!!

In response to your question, Presvetera Frederica's article is accurate. What you will find though is that in different jurisdictions there are minor differences. For instance Presvetera Frederica talks about Othros immediatly before the Liturgy. That is Greek practice. In the Russian practice it is usual to have either a Vigil (Matins and Vespers) on Saturday evening or just Vespers. Othros in the Greek practice is Sunday morning. But these are minor issues.

Are you yet a Catechumen? If not let me urge you to become one, that way, you will learn the basics of Orthodoxy-but let me warn you conversion takes a lifetime-and begin to get things in perspective. Talk to your local priest. Of course you can ask any question here, but your local Parish should be the first port of call. And a book list-if you are not sure where to buy Orthodox books I can put you into contact witha good supplier in the UK, and I would encourage a visit to the Monastery in Essex. Not that I want to over load you.........

God bless

Reader Paul

[astefecyAvevy]

Hi,

I am a reasonably recent convert, that which the artical says would have helped a bit when I first went to the local church. The relaxed altitude to arriving can take some getting used to, I was taken in my the English speakers in the church who have helped me understand the practices a bit better, but it is still a steep learning curve when you become a catacumin (I have been one for about a mouth).

Phoebe

[zenihan]

Forgive me for using this topic to repeat one of my pet peeves, but catechesis ought to focus almost exclusively on our moral and spiritual development to prepare our minds and perception for the theological truth contained in Orthodoxy once we are chrismated and/or baptized into the faith. I don't think proper catechesis ought to be: here is what you are supposed to believe to become Orthodox. We develop our theological understanding once we are Orthodox to the degree our minds and hearts are capable of understanding the mysteries. As for all of the liturgical ins and outs, most Greek Orthodox I know who were raised in the faith don't really know all that stuff. Not that it's not important but it's not important that you know it all or know it all right away. You can study it on your own if it's important to you, or ask the priest to spend some time with you to answer your specific questions, before and after you become Orthodox. What's more important is the attitude in worship, and what's more important still is how we practice Christian principles when we leave the Church doors behind, which, for Orthodox Christians, always involves a continuing process of approximation.