How can the True Orthodox grow missions?

[joasia]

We need to know what draws converts and what turns them off.

This would require a list of thousands of situations. How we all came to Orthodoxy was based on the specific situations of each one of us. God guided us in His subtle way because He knows our souls. We all came for different reasons. And we can't control a person to make them avoid something that may turn them off. We can't predict that.

I think what would be more beneficial would be to know the common denominator that draws people to convert to Orthodoxy. Underneath the reason, there is the main concept.

And I will give my view on what that concept is. Please feel free to comment. It is the concept of truth. I wanted to know the truth of God's existence. How many converts here have at one time asked God: Show me the truth of Your existence. Even if it wasn't a direct question, but a deep down feeling which is why we searched so many spiritual ways.

I believe that the ones who really want to know the answer are led, by God, to Orthodoxy. The ones that felt it a little got caught up in worldly concerns and abandoned the search. And then there are the rest that totally ignore the question in their hearts.

Show me the truth.

[Maria]

This is an excellent parish website.

According to studies, having a good website is very important in this information age.

http://www.saint-spyridon.com/note_index.htm

Look at all the articles that a prospective inquirer/catechumen can download.

[Matthew]

I think what would be more beneficial would be to know the common denominator that draws people to convert to Orthodoxy. Underneath the reason, there is the main concept.

And I will give my view on what that concept is. Please feel free to comment. It is the concept of truth. ..... I believe that the ones who really want to know the answer are led, by God, to Orthodoxy. The ones that felt it a little got caught up in worldly concerns and abandoned the search. And then there are the rest that totally ignore the question in their hearts.

Show me the truth.

Yes, at least in my own case, that sums up my journey to Orthodoxy. I have seen so many people who allow other things take greater priority in their lives. I discovered a great many people who converted from total unbelief to, say, Protestant Evangelicalism, talk about the truth and seeking the Truth and living separate from the world. They used to reject the idea of God and now they pray daily and go to church and even "witness" Christ to their family and neighbours. But when faced with the Holy Church and the Faith, they insist on their own opinions. I have had such Christians look me in the face, after admitting their denomination was wrong and that the Orthodox teaching was more correct, and said they would not change. No explanation. Just, I refuse to change, was their response. So Truth and the Bible is NOT what they really seek, even though that is what they tell themselves and each other. How sad. But following the Truth to its logical inescapable conclusion does not come cheaply. It has a heavy price. Mine was to have no friends among my former friends, to have to worship at home instead of a big church with lots of retreats, happy clappy meetings, etc. But I would never go back to those "beggarly elements" as the Apostle calls it. The Pearl of Great Price is alone to be found in the True Orthodox Church. Thanks be to God for His mercy on my unworthy soul. Seek and ye shall find. The converse is likely to be as true: Seek not, and ye shall find not. Joanna is right.

Symeon