Being Recieved into Orthodoxy

[Tom]

Yes, the Jerusalem Patriarchate is very traditional.

That is of course if you consider communing with heretics "traditional", in other words, this is the example set by the Saints and Holy Fathers.

Oh, come on! Give me a break!

Do you think that the holy light would come down to ecumenists/heretics???
look: www.holyfire.org

The Patriarcate of Jerusalem is 100% Orthodox.
Probably the only Orthodox Church, which proves it every year at pascha.

Please, think before speaking. It is not nice accusing Churches....

Your Brother, Tom.

[Justin Kissel]

Tom,

There's a reason that Jesus rebuked his generation for seeking signs. They prove nothing. Satan is also capable of great wonders--so great that they can fool even those most pious Orthodox Christians. This is not to say that I am claiming that this satanic trickery is what is at work in the JP situation... I'm merely pointing out that a "sign" or "wonder" proves absolutely nothing if taken by itself (apart from the confession of faith and other such things). If we are going to take signs and wonders as a proof, why not believe those Eastern Mystics who have done miraculous healings and levitate and read minds? But that which is done apart from the true faith is dead--or at least dying and incomplete; even if a miracle raised a million people from the dead, it would mean nothing of eternal importance unless real contact with God was a result. Insofar as the holy fire produces such contact, to that extent it is a truly wonderful and awe-filling thing! I'm interested in the JP's faith.