WretchedSinner,
My entrance into the church was somewhat "unorthodox". I became interested in studying Orthodoxy when a deacon told me it was the one, true church. As a Protestant pastor, I didn't really like what I was hearing, so I went home and began trying to 'make sure' that I was in the right path. (Part of my search may have also been motivated by a desire to find a deeper, richer faith--I cannot really remember all of my thoughts and feelings at the time.) So, I began to study, ask questions and drop by a local Greek Orthodox church just to pray. I even attended catechumen classes there, although they allowed me to attend only as an inquirer. Little by little, bit by bit I found out, however, that I had been wrong my whole life (for lack of knowledge) and the deacon had been right. Later, I found a ROCOR church and began to have conversations with the priest. He was very intrumental in helping me to understand the faith and the difference between traditionalist churches and more 'modern' (for lack of a better term) ones. After about a year and a half of searching, I began attending the ROCOR church on a regular basis. Not long after, the priest agreed that I was ready for baptism. I had not even been made an official catechumen, but the priest made me a catechumen and baptised me in the same service.
By the way, my church is an English speaking one. Our priest is a former United Methodist pastor. The majority of our congregation are converts, like myself.
I cannot advise you on whether or not you should go to the OCA church or not. I wish I was wise enough to do so. I would be happy to give you his telephone number if you wanted to talk with him. I am sure that he could give you some good advise. He is an outstanding man and has much wisdom.
With Christian love,
Gregory
