Through the Eastern Gate: Nilus Stryker

“One afternoon in late January of l999 I went to my altar for my regular daily practice. Usually I began with yogic song and mantra and then did silent sitting. I lit the candles on my altar and after finishing my song and mantras began my silent practice. I can’t say exactly how long I had been sitting when I hear my voice say in my own words aloud, “I miss Jesus.” I said this aloud. It seemed like it came through me rather than me saying it but there were no external voices. Clearly I was saying it.  … [more]

(this is one of many great articles found at Orthodox Advices – photo shown here of Elder Ioanichie Balan of Silhastria Monastery, Romania, is from this site, as well.  FYI, Archimandrite Ioanichie Balan wrote the book on Elder Cleopa later translated by Mother Cassiana)

 

Evangelicals Turn Toward the Orthodox Church!

“… ever since the rise of the Moral Majority, American evangelicals have arguably been the most politically powerful religious group in the country. But perhaps the most telling revelation of the Orthodox conversion trend is that this political power has not translated into a sense of spiritual power–or belonging …

The New Republic looks at the ”growing number of Southern Baptists and Presbyterians and Assemblies of God members [who] have left the evangelical fold, turning to a religion that is not only not American, but not even Western.”

(the pic?  a Ukrainian postage stamp)

 

Orthodox Christianity: Convert Testimonies

 

The Orthodox Christian Information Center has a nice lineup of convert testimonies. 

(photo credit to izarbeltza)

 

Sarah Wagner’s Guidelines for Visiting an Orthodox Church

Published by the Syriac Orthodox Christian Digest, here is Sarah Wagner’s brilliant FAQ for the newbie to the Orthodox Church. 

(the saint?  yes, that’s Saint John the Baptist)

 

Another Protestant Congregation Joins the Orthodox Church

“People want consistency. They want tradition. They want the sacraments. Through the Internet they have discovered the Mother Church and for many reasons are deciding to come back home to the ancient faith.”

The former Holy Trinity Charismatic Episcopal Church, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

(photo credit to Taivasalla)