People join the Orthodox Church for a variety of deeply personal and often interconnected reasons. Here are some of the most common motivations:
1. Theological and Historical Continuity:
* Apostolic Succession: Orthodox Christians believe their church is the direct continuation of the Church founded by Jesus Christ and His Apostles. They value the unbroken line of bishops tracing back to the apostles.
* Unchanged Doctrine: They believe the Orthodox Church has preserved the original Christian teachings (doctrine, dogma) intact, without deviation or corruption, as expressed in the Bible, the writings of the Church Fathers, and the decisions of the Seven Ecumenical Councils.
* Rejection of Innovations: Many are drawn to Orthodoxy because they see it as a bulwark against what they perceive as modern theological innovations or departures from traditional Christian beliefs in other denominations.
2. Worship and Liturgy:
* Ancient and Reverent Liturgy: The Divine Liturgy (the Orthodox worship service) is seen as a beautiful and profound experience that connects worshippers to the early Church. It emphasizes prayer, chanting, incense, icons, and a sense of the sacred.
* Experiential Worship: Orthodox worship is not just about intellectual assent to doctrines, but also about engaging the senses and participating in a communal experience of God. It is often described as "heaven on earth."
* Emphasis on Tradition: The unchanging nature of the liturgical practices provides a sense of stability and timelessness.
3. Spiritual Depth and Practice:
* Focus on Theosis (Deification): Orthodoxy emphasizes the possibility of union with God through grace, a process called theosis, where individuals become more like Christ. This involves prayer, fasting, repentance, and participation in the sacraments.
* Emphasis on Prayer and Fasting: Orthodoxy provides a structured spiritual life with specific prayer rules, fasting periods (Lent, Nativity Fast, etc.), and emphasis on personal piety.
* Spiritual Guidance: Many seek guidance from a spiritual father or mother (a priest or experienced layperson) for spiritual direction and accountability.
4. Community and Belonging:
* Strong Sense of Community: Orthodox parishes often foster a strong sense of community and belonging, where members support each other in their faith and in life.
* Welcoming Environment: Many converts report feeling welcomed and accepted into the Orthodox community.
* Shared Culture and Tradition: For some, particularly those with roots in traditionally Orthodox countries (Greece, Russia, Serbia, etc.), joining the Orthodox Church is a way to connect with their cultural heritage.
5. Disillusionment with other Denominations:
* Dissatisfaction with Liberal Theology: Some people leave other denominations due to dissatisfaction with what they perceive as liberal or relativistic theology.
* Desire for Meaning and Authenticity: Others may feel that their previous religious experiences lacked depth or authenticity and seek something more meaningful in Orthodoxy.
* Moral Concerns: Some are drawn to Orthodoxy's traditional moral teachings on issues such as marriage, sexuality, and the sanctity of life.
6. Iconography and Beauty:
* Theology in Color: Orthodox iconography is not just decoration, but a visual expression of Orthodox theology. Icons are seen as windows into heaven and aids to prayer.
* Aesthetic Appeal: Many are simply drawn to the beauty of Orthodox churches, icons, and music.
7. Intellectual Curiosity:
* Studying Church History and Theology: Some are drawn to Orthodoxy through academic study of church history, patristics (the study of the Church Fathers), and Orthodox theology. They may find that Orthodox theology provides compelling answers to their questions about God, humanity, and the world.
In summary, people join the Orthodox Church seeking:
* The fullness of the Christian faith as they understand it.
* A connection to the early Church and its traditions.
* A deeper spiritual life.
* A strong sense of community.
* A more meaningful and authentic religious experience.
It's important to note that these are just some of the common reasons, and each person's journey to Orthodoxy is unique. Exploring the Orthodox faith typically involves visiting services, reading Orthodox literature, talking to Orthodox Christians, and praying for guidance.