Do We Orthodox Know Orthodoxy?
A comment from a previous post had provided a link to an interesting blog entry, with the title 'Do Orthodox "Know The Gospel"?'
One paragraph was particularly thought-provoking, i.e.,
More and more Christians continue to leave the Indian Orthodox Church, and when questioned the response is a combination of one or more of the following - lack of understanding of the Faith, priests that can minister to those who grew up in the US, lack of leaders in the Church who are Christian role models, not being one of the 'connected' families in the Church, ...
One could argue that all of these contribute to someone feeling a spiritual thirst.
But what's frustrating and discouraging is that the failing is not in the Church leadership or any single issue. More so, is it not the Church members i.e., us?
A Church is a body of people, and although clearly priests and spiritual leaders are needed the environment, attitude and life of the Church is the people.
From the same article,
To "get down to business" might actually be quite simple - a priest who can be a shepherd and a father, a handful of families and place to worship. The Qurbana is the way to bring people together.
One paragraph was particularly thought-provoking, i.e.,
These people were hearing the Gospel as loud and clear as it can be proclaimed, and to a depth that they would never hear it in an evangelical church. Plus, there were all the catechumen classes and Bible studies. So why weren’t they being spiritually nourished?
More and more Christians continue to leave the Indian Orthodox Church, and when questioned the response is a combination of one or more of the following - lack of understanding of the Faith, priests that can minister to those who grew up in the US, lack of leaders in the Church who are Christian role models, not being one of the 'connected' families in the Church, ...
One could argue that all of these contribute to someone feeling a spiritual thirst.
But what's frustrating and discouraging is that the failing is not in the Church leadership or any single issue. More so, is it not the Church members i.e., us?
A Church is a body of people, and although clearly priests and spiritual leaders are needed the environment, attitude and life of the Church is the people.
From the same article,
The bottom line is that what they either didn’t understand, or were unwilling to shoulder, was the tremendous responsibility that comes with being Orthodox. To be an Orthodox Christian is to be immersed in a loving relationship with Christ. It’s a love that makes great demands on all parties. In short, it’s a lot of work. Sooner or later, you have to get down to business.
To "get down to business" might actually be quite simple - a priest who can be a shepherd and a father, a handful of families and place to worship. The Qurbana is the way to bring people together.
Comments
So what are people our age (and you know what that true age really is: 50) getting hungry for?
Do we want a well-spoken motivator that 'recharges our batteries' right after a long and boring Holy-Trinitarian service? Or how about an Incarnational liturgical cycle that is haphazardly done just to get service over while a few (not many) reflect on the forensic view of salvation repeating over and over again: Jesus Died for my Sins! as they receive communion out of frustration of a 'dead' church. Or worse opting out of their parish and visiting Joel Olsteen! Either way the conundrum of getting back Malayalees is a losing battle. Were better off bringing people in our communion from the South Asian denominations : Mar Thoma Christians, CSI and Pentecostal.
Though this has a price though, David Byran's comments ring true on how re-proselytizing our community isn't any better than those who are already participants of the Sacramental life. This is the sword that divides people :
http://ohtasteandsee.blogspot.com/2008/01/eucharist-embodiment-of-truth.html
I remember my moment of realization, when I realized that my assent to this Church of God made no difference. When I looked at an icon of the Theotokos and Child, the border of which was surrounded by saints that were (at that time) completely unknown to me, I realized that this Church has been what it's been for 2,000 years and has gotten along just fine without my approval -- or even my knowledge of its existence, for that matter. It was I who needed Her, not the other way around. I needed Her to give me the Bridegroom's Flesh and Blood, for it was to Her that such saving antidotes to the death that reigns in my members had been given.
Some more info on approaching the Eucharist:
http://ohtasteandsee.blogspot.com/2008/02/eucharist-again.html
I like his Podcast called Pilgrims from Paradise on AncientFaithRadio.com
The sad fact is in our Church is there are only a few with the gift of teaching. When life-changing moments occur, our Living Church is sadly one of the last places one can turn for guidance and comfort.
This again is not failure in our Faith, but rather in all of us