How does one sift through True/Traditional Orthodox Churches?

[TedMann]

How does one sift through all the groups (and lies) in order to ascertain where the true Church is? There is no visible mark showing where the true Church is, so it is very difficult to find. Why would God allow this kind of confusing scenario in the first place? The answer to the question "where is the true Church" depends solely on who you ask, and what their level of knowledge and honesty is. It seems so subjective.

[Maria]

Your post has been split into its own thread so that it can get more answers.

Dear TedMann:

Actually, this is an excellent question as the challenge is unquestionably difficult. Most of us trust in the Lord to guide us. Finding the True Orthodox Church can be a very frustrating journey and takes a lot of patience as there is so much to learn.

How did you find the ROAC?

[joasia]

How does one sift through all the groups (and lies) in order to ascertain where the true Church is? There is no visible mark showing where the true Church is, so it is very difficult to find. Why would God allow this kind of confusing scenario in the first place? The answer to the question "where is the true Church" depends solely on who you ask, and what their level of knowledge and honesty is. It seems so subjective.

Really? You are going to play it that way? So, where, pre tell, do YOU think the true Church is? I'd really like to hear that answer. If you have one.

[jgress]

How does one sift through all the groups (and lies) in order to ascertain where the true Church is? There is no visible mark showing where the true Church is, so it is very difficult to find. Why would God allow this kind of confusing scenario in the first place? The answer to the question "where is the true Church" depends solely on who you ask, and what their level of knowledge and honesty is. It seems so subjective.

Really? You are going to play it that way? So, where, pre tell, do YOU think the true Church is? I'd really like to hear that answer. If you have one.

I don't think Ted was saying he knew where the True Church was, but that the division is confusing him. But aren't you in ROAC, Ted? Is there some reason you don't think it's the True Church?

If this topic gets polemical I'll just split the thread and we can move the discussion there.

[TedMann]

I believe I am in a true church. Another concern I've had recently, is that there are now seven billion people in the world, and so few true churches. When Orthodoxy started, there were not nearly so many people, so the concept of evangelizing the world seemed possible and realistic. But today, there are only a few true churches, and not enough to go around to meet the spiritual needs of everyone on earth. And one true church may be true today, but schismatic tomorrow.

I asked God why there are not enough true churches for everyone in the world today, and the thought (answer?)I received was that most of these seven billion people simply do not want or love the truth. God in his sovereignty and providence knew that they would never love truth enough to find it. But true Orthodoxy will be revealed to anyone who honestly and sincerely loves the truth. God's flock is small. His elect are few.

[Maria]

Christ also said that during these End Times (in which we are living since the Holy Ascension), that the faith of many would grow cold.

It is my perception that indeed the faith of many has grown cold.

For example, some church musicians (even clergy) in World Orthodoxy are more concerned with the proper way of chanting than the words they use in chanting. For example, there is a church musician in Arizona who has produced music that sounds Lutheran as he uses the phrase: "For that faith has saved us," when the actual phrase in Greek refers to the Trinity who has saved us.

[joasia]

I believe I am in a true church. Another concern I've had recently, is that there are now seven billion people in the world, and so few true churches. When Orthodoxy started, there were not nearly so many people, so the concept of evangelizing the world seemed possible and realistic. But today, there are only a few true churches, and not enough to go around to meet the spiritual needs of everyone on earth. And one true church may be true today, but schismatic tomorrow.

I asked God why there are not enough true churches for everyone in the world today, and the thought (answer?)I received was that most of these seven billion people simply do not want or love the truth. God in his sovereignty and providence knew that they would never love truth enough to find it. But true Orthodoxy will be revealed to anyone who honestly and sincerely loves the truth. God's flock is small. His elect are few.

Which church is that?