I recently decided to take “the plunge.” Thus, I am beginning my first week as a catechumen in the Orthodox church. It’s only taken me 2 years & 3 months to do it, but who’s counting?
Why so long? Because I am not one to rush into things. I do things in my own time, at my own pace. I will not often be rushed, but I do not often wish to wait either. (insert childhood story here.) I’m ready when I’m ready and very few will rush or hinder me.
Why now? Because it’s time. Because over the past year I’ve become increasingly aware that I do not wish to leave the Orthodox church (particularly my parish, whom I have grown quite fond of). Not only do I not wish to leave, but I can’t imagine myself feeling fully at home (theologically) anywhere else. I kept putting off the decision until I had time to think, time to process, and time to devote to plunging the depths of the Orthodox faith. But I realized that ultimately, a decision must be made. A step must be taken. There is much more to this whole Orthodox thing, but there comes a point where it is hard to go any further without first making a commitment.
However, I realize, perhaps now more than ever how this decision affects and confuses those I love. To many, Orthodoxy is a complete mystery. To others, it’s another type of Catholicism. And to many, it is full of practices that border on idolatry and heresy. While I do not profess to have the answers to everything, I have decided to take the time over the coming weeks to answer some of the salient questions I have been asked recently. I realized long ago that I could not make a proper decision about Orthodoxy unless I felt confident that I could explain what I believed to those who love me enough to ask questions. After 2 years of prayer–individual and corporate, in addition to reading and seeking to understand the Orthodox faith, I am finally at that place.
Over the course of the next few weeks/months, I will attempt to address a few of the questions that have come from those close to me.
