Welcome to... "Orthodox Christian Outreach"
Please take a moment to consider what is set out here. Hopefully, you will find our web-site helpful.
Through this site, we wish to take the opportunity to introduce the Orthodox Church and Faith...and to speak of our Lord and Savior JESUS CHRIST...especially, if you may not be familiar with the Church and Christianity, or might wish to know more of the Orthodox Christian faith.
You may be visiting because you received an invitation card from a friend or acquaintance providing information about this web-site; and hopefully, by your visit you will be inspired, not only to seek and to learn more of Jesus Christ (His peace and Joy), but also the manner and way of the Orthodox Christian Church and Tradition, unchanged for more than 2000 years (as established by Jesus through His Apostles).
Orthodoxy also remains unchanged by worldly influences or the creativity of men. Importantly, the Orthodox faith safeguards and continues to embrace the heritage of Christianity witnessed by the many saints of the Church, and the Church Fathers (including St Chrysostom, St Basil, and others)... miracles and encounters with God still occurring today.
For the purposes of this web-site, we use the following biblical text::
Luke 12:32-34, 37-40 [New King James Version (NKJV)]
32 “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell what you have and give alms; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also...
...37 Blessed are those servants whom the master, when he comes, will find watching. Assuredly, I say to you that he will gird himself and have them sit down to eat, and will come and serve them. 38 And if he should come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants. 39 But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. 40 Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect."
Useful Information
On this site you will find links to several Orthodox web sites, through which you can more fully experience the Orthodox faith. There are also many books available, which provide information and insight into the faith, and especially the “practice” of the faith. A listing of books for introductory reading can be found on this site.
We also encourage, the visitor to follow the daily Orthodox readings found at the link provided; which readings embrace Christian teaching, if in some instances the message may require interpretation or explanation for a fuller or more complete understanding (which is usually best provided by an Orthodox Priest or Spiritual Father). Scripture should not be taken out of context, the extent of the bible necessary and purposed.
You are also encouraged to call or contact this site using the “contact information” provided, with any questions. [The web-site “owners” desiring to serve the Lord as good stewards.] Visitors who are not practicing Christians, are encouraged to seek out an Orthodox Church to learn more of the faith and Christian practice. Where an Orthodox parish is not available, please contact us so that guidance might be given concerning the Christian faiths and churches that may be in your area. Orthodox services are also available on-line. [ Please visit: www.goarch.org/chapel OR for online services: www.goarch.org/chapel/live ]
But there are many religions to choose from - why Christianity?
It is said of Christianity, that it is not a “religion” (and therefore is unlike “other religions”) but is the “way of life”.... God's love for mankind the very center of the Christian message. Furthermore, the visitor is reminded, that unlike “other religions”, the foundation of the Christian faith and Church is not of this world (but brought about by God), and is a fact of recorded history including the history of Judaism, and is the only instance of “miracles” and fulfilled prophecy [Christ foretold, including His birth, life, and death; Christ's death, His suffering on the cross and resurrection, with the coinciding events of darkness, earthquake, and more, and the appearance of many raised from the dead (Hades) following Christ's resurrection, all witnessed by many men and women.] Since that day, more than 2000 years ago, nothing has influenced life on earth more, or in a more lasting and wholesome way. The bible the most read book of all time. All this however, requires a personal response... by each and every individual!
Wishing God's blessing upon you.
It is noteworthy, that Christianity requires repentance of sin; baptism; and is a source of caring, patience, forgiveness, long-suffering, and self control, (read Galatians 5:22,23; there are many similar biblical references). Of course, we encourage the visitor to attend one of the many Orthodox Churches (the practice and discipline of the Orthodox faith leading to a full spiritual life). Protestant churches can often provide a foundation for inquiry and christian fellowship, as might the Roman Catholic Church...gathering with other believers essential to sustaining a walk with Christ. It is also essential for the faithful to walk in prayer (praying always); constant prayer important for both new and experienced Christians alike, in seeking the help and guidance of Christ (who never fails).
"Prayer is the breathing of the soul; prayer is our spiritual food and drink"