[Enalsebeerkawl]

http://www.americanchronicle.com/art...rticleID=18686

[freeprescriptionplanrrx]

Of course, if you are an Irish, Italian, French or German Catholic, you just can't pop into Serbian Orthodox Church and say "I'm a new convert!" unless you marry a Serb. It just doesn't work that way. The author should have researched his topic better that just isn't true in most cases. I've never met a person who has been persistent yet was still rejected. At times I think some priest make it a little hard just to test the persons intentions to see if they are serious about it. If one is politely stonewalled the first time just go back a second time and say something to the effect of " Please the Church is my only hope for salvation " and more then likely thats all it will take.. a little show of persistence and dedication. No one ever said living the Christian life was easy.

If that does happen (if they are outright rejected because of their nationality even if they are persistent) they need to talk to that priests bishop because he has no right being a priest if he will not spread Orthodoxy*.

* Can one imagine Saint Paul or the Apostles rejecting a enthusiastic convert because of their nationality?

[jeaccatty]

The author should have researched his topic better that just isn't true in most cases.

I agree - I would be surprised if this author had ever set foot in an Orthodox Church given his poor information. I have frequently "popped into" a Serbian Church and have always received the warmest of welcomes. Come to think of it, the same applies to most other national Orthodox Churches I have had the pleasure of visiting. Of course each local parish will vary in its "welcoming factor" but never have I been shut out because I am not Serbian, Russian, Greek, etc.

Fr David Moser

[Stengapsept]

Dear Scott, Dear Fr. David,

It seems clear that this chap has never been into an Orthodox Church - which would be up to par for the journalists I have known (many) - they never let a total ignorance of the facts stand in the way of a good story.

However, underneath this surface ignorance, there is an interesting story, which relates to so much that we discuss on this site - not least in the American Orthodoxy thread. Like many journalists, he may be a little wonky on his personal experience, but he has a good nose for trends, and the ones he describes do open opportunities for the future.

I do wonder, though, why he picked on the Serbs?

In Christ,

John