What's the deal with Orthodoxy?

[James F.]

Tomorrow morning I am FINALLY going to a Greek Orthodox Church. I've been looking foward to it all week. Anyway, to the questions. If this Church is for me, how should I join? I mean, will they let me join when I've just been there once? What kind of Orthodox training do I have to undergo? Will this training be before or after I join the Church? All the things you do in Orthodox Baptism, I have never done. Should I be rebaptised? I know I've already asked this question elsewhere once, but, take the exorcism for example. I have some things that I am addicted to that I cannot overcome. For this reason, or others, do you think I should be rebaptised in the Orthodox Church?
Thanks for the answers in advance.

[Jennifer]

Dear James,

You seem to have lots of questions about Orthodoxy! This is a good thing! I hope that you have a very nice visit to the Orthodox Cathedral tomorrow. There is an Orthodox writer named Fredrica Matthewes-Greene who has written an essay entitled "12 things I wish I'd known ... :First Visit to an Orthodox Church (http://www.frederica.com/12-things/)" You may find this very helpful.

I recommend that you take your time joining the Orthodox Church. Allow yourself to experience the various services and to ask questions. As Herman said in another post, one usually becomes a catechumen for a period of time before being received into the Church by baptism or chrismation alone. As a catechumen, one usually goes through some kind of formal instruction about Orthodoxy. During this time you will be able to ask even more questions. Also you will be able to discuss with your priest your concerns about re-baptism.

Jennifer

[James F.]

Thanks, that was very helpful. I went to Holy Trinity- Holy Cross today. I was 45 minutes late because it is way down town and I had a hard time finding it and finding a parking place. What I did see though, was that people were not too friendly. I will continue to check it out though because I do believe alot of the same things the Orthodox believe. Next week I will probably try out the Antiochian Church, I think it's called. Or, what do you think of this one?

www.stsymeon.com

[Herman Blaydoe]

Unfortunately, the Greeks tend to be a bit clannish and some of their parishes are not noted for their welcoming attitude. Sorry about that. Don't give up though. The Antiochians do tend to do evangelization much better and I would not be at all surprised if you get a friendlier reception. Remember the parable of the unjust judge and keep persisting!

So, you live in or near the Magic City! I have lots of family in Birmingham. They aren't Orthodox more's the pity. I think you will enjoy your next visit much more.

[Jennifer]

Dear James,

St. Symeon's Orthodox Church is of the same diocese as the church I attend - the OCA Diocese of the South. In my experience, the Antiochian and OCA churches have very similar evangelization practices. Both tend to use the local language for most of the services. I expect that the main difference between the Antiochian and the OCA parishes you are considering would be the style of music, with the Antiochian sounding more Eastern and the OCA sounding more Western.

By the way, I am glad that you found the essay helpful. :)

Jennifer