I was actually thinking this morning of writing a post which I’ve been pondering for a while, distilling some ideas into coherent statements. I was asked years ago to write about how I had come to Orthodoxy and never did. Plus, I’ve been thinking more deeply lately about the vast gulf between Orthodoxy and Catholicism* (my background is Roman Catholicism). I’ve been hesitant because there’s always the potential for such a post to turn polemical, but at the same time wishing to share with the goal of possibly helping others find the Church. In my reading this morning I came across this:
Our starting point is always wrong. Instead of beginning with ourselves, we always want to change others first and ourselves last. If everyone were to begin first with themselves, then there would be peace all around!
-Our Thoughts Determine Our Lives, Elder Thaddeus of Vitovnica, p. 64
So maybe this is the post that doesn’t get written. I’m not espousing relativism or ecumenism, hardly! But I’m not a spiritual father or theologian, and there’s always the danger of doing more harm than good.
I’ll limit it to this: if you’ve never been to an Orthodox service, go! Go and see! And if you do, consider coming back here and letting me know.
Praying With My Feet 
This Missouri Synod Lutheran has been to seven orthodox services over a couple of years. The first three (not in a row) I just stared at everyone and everything. I approached a kind looking lady before entering and told her I was visiting and hadn’t a clue what to do. She helped a lot. This particular parish has several different nations represented, i.e., Russian, Ethiopian, etc. The most fascinating part for me was the veneration of the icons and making the sign of the cross.
After attending the services, reading several Orthodox books (a couple of children’s books have become favs.), trying to listen to programs (they were boring), I realized that the LCMS is where I want to practice my Christian faith.
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Thanks for sharing! I’m glad you’ve had those opportunities.
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I understand the struggle of deciding that. Many have asked me to write of my own conversion (was also Roman Catholic) but there’s just too many things about it that are deeply personal and just shouldn’t be put into writing. And yes, I’m afraid it may do more harm than good and so it is that post that will not be written.
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You can always say something, but you can’t unsay it…
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