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Conclusion
The Orthodox Church has a rich tradition which is well worth investigating. Having experienced the divine liturgy, one is struck with the deep reverence and mysticism. There are over 260 million Orthodox Christians worldwide and the church is especially strong in Russia and Greece. The church also has significant numbers in the USA. The Russian church suffered much persecution in the 20th Century, but is once more taking its place in society.
Recent developments include meetings between the Pope and the Ecumenical Patriarch, followed by a further meeting between Pope Francis and Patriarch Kirill of the Russian Orthodox Church. The latter resulted in a common declaration.
Pope Francis meeting with Patriarch Bartholomew I in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre during his 2014 pilgrimage to the Holy Land
For further reading, two books are recommended as shown below, both are written by a British convert to Orthodoxy (Timothy Ware, now known as Bishop ‘Kallistos’).
The challenge for Western Christians outside of Orthodoxy is to engage with it, and to learn and appreciate this strand of Christian tradition that is alive and well and contributing much to Christendom.
More Information:
The Orthodox Church | The Orthodox Way |
Wise words:
“Accquire the spirit of peace and a thousand souls around you will be saved.”
St. Seraphim of Sarov
(1759-1833)