Becoming an Orthodox Christian
The Life of the Orthodox Church: United with Christ
The life of the Orthodox Church is not just about tradition, rituals, or organization—it is about perpetuating and fulfilling the ministry of Jesus Christ. The deep connection between Christ and His Church is highlighted in Scripture, where we are told that Christ is the Head and the Church is His Body (Ephesians 1:22-23), and that Christ is the Bridegroom and the Church is His Bride (Revelation 21:9). These powerful images underscore the truth that the Church is not separate from Christ, but inseparably linked to Him.
The Lord and Savior known, loved, and followed by His first disciples in Galilee nearly two thousand years ago is the same Lord and Savior whom we continue to know, love, and follow today through His Church. As Jesus revealed the Holy Trinity, the Church continues to reveal and glorify the Triune God in her worship. As Jesus reconciled humanity to the Father through His death and resurrection, His Church continues to be the instrument of reconciliation in the world. As Christ showed us what authentic human life looks like, His Church continues to guide each believer toward becoming more fully the image of God.
In the Orthodox Church, the faithful are united with Christ in Baptism, nourished by Him in the Eucharist, and transformed by the Holy Spirit, who works through the Church to bring Christ’s mission to fulfillment.
The Church as More Than an Institution
The Orthodox Church is not just one religious institution among many, nor is it merely a social service agency, an ethnic group, or a cultural organization. While it does have human aspects, as any institution does, the Church has a divine dimension. The Greek word for Church, ekklesia, means “called out” or “gathered together,” signifying that the Church is God’s chosen people, called for a unique purpose. This means that the Church is much more than a human institution—it is the meeting place where God and His people come together.
Orthodox Christianity teaches that the Church is the Body of Christ and the Temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:27, 1 Peter 2:5). These biblical images emphasize that the Church is not simply a place where people gather, but a living organism where Christ Himself is present, working in and through her to bring salvation to the world.
Experiencing Orthodoxy: A Personal Journey
To truly appreciate the Orthodox Faith, one must experience it from within. From the outside, Orthodoxy can sometimes seem like just another worldview, a cultural tradition, or a ceremonial religion. But when you enter into the life of the Church, you experience firsthand that Orthodoxy is the revelation of divine life—a life that transforms the believer, leading them closer to God.
Becoming an Orthodox Christian is not just about adopting a set of beliefs—it’s about entering into a living relationship with Jesus Christ through His Church. The Orthodox Church has a universal vocation—she is not limited to any specific culture, race, or ethnicity. While she treasures the diversity of cultures and peoples, her call is open to all.
In the United States, Orthodoxy is no longer just an “immigrant” church; it has become one of the major Christian traditions in the country, with over five million members from all walks of life. Many of these members were born in the U.S. or converted from other Christian denominations, and their stories reflect the vibrant, diverse life of the Church in the modern world.
As Archbishop Iakovos once said, “Orthodoxy is not exclusively the religion of the Hellenes (Greeks), but the religion of all those who, through mixed marriages, study, or exposure to Orthodoxy, have come to know and relate to it. Orthodoxy has found its place and mission in the Western Hemisphere.”
Steps to Becoming an Orthodox Christian
If you feel called to explore Orthodoxy further, the first step is to meet with a local Orthodox priest. The priest will introduce you to the community, provide guidance, and offer opportunities to learn more about the Faith. Many parishes have adult education programs for those interested in joining the Church, where you can deepen your understanding of Orthodox Christianity.
After a period of instruction, those who are ready to join the Church will participate in a Service of Reception. If you are coming from a non-Christian background, you will make a profession of faith and be baptized and chrismated (anointed with holy oil). If you are coming from another Christian tradition that shares a similar faith with Orthodoxy and you have already been properly baptized, you will be received into the Church through Chrismation (anointing with oil), which symbolizes your reconciliation with the Orthodox faith.
The reception of Holy Communion is the final step in this process, marking the full union with Christ and His Church. Through Communion, you become part of the Body of Christ, nourished by His Body and Blood for the journey of faith.
Commitment to Christ: Living the Orthodox Faith
The ultimate goal of the Orthodox Christian life is a total commitment to Christ. This commitment is expressed daily through worship, prayer, and a life of service to others. Each individual Christian has a unique path to follow, but the central focus of all Orthodox life is to love God and to love neighbor.
In the Orthodox tradition, we affirm that worship is at the heart of Christian life. We express this commitment in the beautiful litanies of the Church, such as, “Let us commit ourselves, one another, and our whole life unto Christ our God.” Before receiving Holy Communion, we pray, “O Master who loves mankind, unto You we commit our whole life and our hope.” This reflects the deep truth that worship and service are inseparable. As we grow in our relationship with God, we are called to serve others in Christ’s name.
In Orthodoxy, worship is not just an individual experience but a communal act. The Divine Liturgy—the heart of Orthodox worship—reminds us that our faith is lived out in the context of a community. The words “Let us love one another, that with one mind we may confess…” invite us to love and serve each other, just as Christ has loved us.
Conclusion
Orthodoxy calls each of us to a life of deep commitment to Christ, nurtured through the sacraments of the Church, especially the Eucharist. Through her worship, teachings, and community life, the Orthodox Church offers a path of holiness and service to God and others. Whether you are exploring the faith or considering a deeper commitment, the Orthodox Church welcomes all who seek to know Christ and to be part of His Body.
