What's wrong with Antioch?

[James the chief]

Hello, all, this is my first post after many weeks as an avid reader.

I am a Catechumen at a parish in the Antiochian Archdiocese, and have learned here that there are many who disparage this Church. Some have even used terms such as "ecumenist", which is, to me akin to a swear word, and even "heretic", which is grounds for a fight. Most of these charges, from what I've gathered, are based on little or nothing.

For instance, some of our clergy shave. Is there a canon or Scripture you can cite to refute this practice? Or is it just a tradition of men?

Also: pews. Where are they forbidden?

My parish, by the way, features a bearded priest and no pews. We stand except for the homily, when we repose on chairs.

The 'ecumenist' charge is the most serious, and I would appreciate any honest argument that might convince me that I am erring in aligning myself with the Antiochians.

I consider myself a traditionalist, and so the above charges were news to me. As a former Baptist, this is not new, but if any of you can persuade me, I will consider jumping jurisdictions.

[George Australia]

sorry about the double entry

[George Australia]

Is there a canon or Scripture you can cite to refute this practice?

"And how may times must the canon balls fly;
before they're forever banned?...
The answer my friend
Is blowin' in the wind
The answer is blowin' in the wind."
Welcome to the forum James the chief from George the sinner.

I consider myself a traditionalist, and so the above charges were news to me. As a former Baptist, this is not new, but if any of you can persuade me, I will consider jumping jurisdictions.

Still a catechumen and already prepared to "jump juristictions"? Practice constancy before you practice preciseness. You will probably hear alot about 'Canons' ( apparently some sort of a weapon used to smite others), as well as "Communion with Monophysites". Talk to your spiritual father, this is not the place to base the deepest ground of your life in Christ on.
George

[James the chief]

Of course I wouldn't jump without sufficient reason, just I refrained from jumping out of Baptist/Protestantism without reason. I am simply seeking the clarification that comes from considering opposing views. Lacking this mindset, I would still be a Bible-thumping Independent Baptist fundamentalist.

I have infinite respect for my Spiritual Father, especially since he came from a similar background. I guess I'm just looking for a 'devil's advocate' that will prompt me to reconsider my views.

Thanks for your reply, my Australian Friend

[尼古拉前执事]

Dear James,

Let me be the first to welcome you. You have some valid questions and I hope you will forgive me if I point you to a couple threads for study rather than engaging in polemics myself. Again, welcome aboard, I hope you enjoy the ride!

http://www.euphrosynoscafe.com/forum/vi ... php?t=2427
http://www.euphrosynoscafe.com/forum/vi ... .php?t=867

[James the chief]

As a self-proclaimed Rewrite Specialist, I am especially embarrassed by my linguistic transgressions.
Just AS I refrained...

[OrthodoxyOrDeath]

James,

When the Latins departed from the Church, it was not long before they heaped to themselves all sorts of innovations, some important, some not so important: like crossing themselves from left to right.

Pews, clean-shaven priests, choirs, organs, abolition of confession, clergy collars, anti-monastic bishops, ect. - they are not in-and-of themselves "heresy" (although they some may be), they are rather symptoms of a much more sinister sickness.

Of all the groups calling themselves Orthodox, the Antiochians are among the most liberal and light-years ahead of most others in the area of ecumenism. For proof of this, please cast a glance at the Antiochian synods decree on communing and uniting with monophysite heretics. By this act alone, they have flung themselves far from the Church.