Orthodox Christian Outreach
Favorite Links - please click on the headings (below).
The Sites below include a variity of reference material, not intended to be comprehensive, but as a guide for further study.
This site provides information on the Church Fathers and more. This is a Roman based web-site, when it should be noted Rome and Orthodoxy have much in common, including being "one church" for the first 1000 years following Christ's death (what was the ONLY expression of Christianity with other factions coming later). For example Orthodoxy does not accept the supremacy of a "Pope" as all Bishops are equal; with other differences (so far unresolved) occurring between eastern and western practice. Orthodoxy seeks and supports the union of all peoples of faith and for all peoples to be incorporated into that which Christ first established for all time (His Church - The bride of Christ).
Wikipedia in its usual fashion providing much information. A distinct difference between Catholic/ Orthodox (the one universal church) and Protestant teaching, is a reliance on the early teachings and development of the Church faithfully guided by the Holy Spirit as was promised by Christ; and when many if not most interpretation issues (of faith and doctrine; and books of the "bible") was completed, including dealing with many heresies (wrong interpretation) that arose from time to time... the content of scripture for example (the bible) determined by the Ecumenical Council (a meeting of all Bishops) held in Carthage, Tunisia, in Africa in the year 397.
Each jurisdiction of the Orthodox Church has its own web site as do many regional jurisdictions and parishes. A general search will locate many of these. Major groups of Orthodoxy include the Russian Orthodox Church, The Antiochian Orthodox Church, The Greek Orthodox Church, and more. Importantly while local practice and tradition may vary (slightly) all Orthodox Churches agree on and follow the same doctrine. One occasional difference may be the use of the old or modern calendar for determining the dates of major Christian holy-days.
The Web-site "Stewardship Advocates" is provided here for broad reference, and may be helpful in learning about or understanding Orthodox organization(s); as also the "christianity in view" link below (please cut and paste) might be found helpful. It is recommended that questions regarding any aspect of the information found at these links be asked of an Orthodox Priest. Another useful Orthodox resource, is the official website of the "Orthodox Church in America" (one of several Orthodox jurisdictions in the USA). You will also need to cut and paste the following link to access: www.oca.org
The visitor will find that most Orthodox parishes are similar regardless of Orthodox jurisdiction. Typically, within a community all Orthodox parishes are in contact with each other sharing activities and events. As mentioned elsewhere Orthodox doctrine is in agreement across the various jurisdictions if respecting ethnic origins and customs. The example found at this link is St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Bethlehem, PA. Most parishes conduct services in English, or a combination of English with the ethnic language. In any event, the parish family will be the first to help if there are any language issues, and a visitor happens to attend a service conducted in the ethnic language.
This web-site (OrthodoxOutreach.net) provides many resources for reseach and information, including books and more.
An internet search for "Orthodox Bookstore", "Orthodox Music" or Ancient Faith" will identify many additional Orthodox resourses.
You may also like to cut and paste the link below.
A website that discusses the importance of the role of the Church in society, and raises real concern for our world absent a Christian influence.
www.stand4christ.net
It is important that the inquirer realize that despite strong ethnic ties in many Orthodox parishes, parishioners in the USA are "American" and welcome all who believe in Christ and who wish to follow the Orthodox faith.
There is little difference in a working Orthodox Church and any other Christian Church. Yes, the adherence to dogma may be more strict, but the organization typically is similar to any business or school. When first visiting, the visitor can simply attend a service, introducing themselves to the ushers or to the priest. Alternatively, a call might be made to the Church office to introduce yourself and to ask about the schedule of services. For those of non-orthodox or "catholic" tradition it may be easier to first attend a Saturday night vespers, or other supporting service before attending the liturgy. In any event as soon as possible speak with the local priest for guidance. Most parishes have prayer books available to follow the service.
Unlike some opinions, the Orthodox believe in the use of iconography. It is tragic that such beautiful art should have been lost in many instances in western culture...especially following the reformation. Even so many western churches display beautiful art work of their own using stained glass to depict Jesus and the Saints. Remember too, that Orthodoxy has been around since the beginning, and the eastern churches never lost or gave up their beautiful art work (iconography) depicting the Saints of the Church and portraying Heaven. It is a wonderful experience to allow the heart and soul to become enthralled by the heavenly scenes.
Communion should NOT be recieved or taken by the none-orthodox worshiper, and if intending to become Orthodox the parish priest must be consulted with for instruction and preparation for baptism. However, all worshipers may receive the "Antidoron" (bread) distributed at the end of the service.
Frequently, during Orthodox services special prayers are said for the departed.
An Orthodox church is, with a little understanding, no more intimidating than any sanctuary dedicated to Christian worship. The visitor will find Orthodox churches to be similar to each other, differing only in the amount of decoration...meaning the extent of iconography used. This art is expensive to construct and therefore smaller or newer churches may be less decorated. The alter is traditionally placed behind the "royal doors". This reflects the inner sanctuary of old where the priest alone would enter to be in God's presence. Today things are less formal if still respectful. The remainder of the church is set out like any other, with a narthex, front entrance or vestibule, and often times a small chapel attached for special occasions. Most Orthodox parishes hold an informal fellowship hour following services with coffee and snacks, offering a good opportunity to speak with the memebers of the parish.
Most Orthodox parishes will have Sunday School, usually following communion (note that, in the Orthodox Church baptized children receive communion). Also most parishes will have youth organizations including Joy (under 12 years) and GOYA for older kids. Within the typical parish there will also be numerous organizations for men and women, seniors, and in addition, opportunity for bible study meetings. And remember that in most Orthodox parishes cooking is a high priority as are their fund raising food festivals...so if you enjoy cooking or being in the kitchen this will be an added treat!