I.D., please............

[DavidHawthorne]

How do the members of the forum identify themselves when asked, "What is your religion?" What responce leads to the most favorable witnessing opportunities? For example, my possible reponses would be: Christian, Orthodox, Eastern Orthodox, Russian Orthodox, Russian Church Abroad..............

[尼古拉前执事]

I say "Orthodox Christian" and usually I get back, "Like Greek Orthodox?" and I say, "Yeah, but I am Russian Orthodox" which often starts a conversation on the differences, which I explain are generally just vestments, language & music.

[Mykael]

I generally reply "Russian Orthodox". Sometimes "Eastern Orthodox, and a member of the Russian Church Abroad." It would depend on to whom I was speaking, and what I thought would be more easily understood.

Lowly Mykael

[spiridon]

If I say Orthodox, they respond with "oh is that like catholicism" and then they remember and say "oh Greek Orthodox,huh?" and they ask are you greek? and I respond with no and no...and then I change the subject, because Im in no position to talk about something a grown adult has any idea of, especially a Christian...come on its Tradition and has been around for almost 2000 years, But if I try and explain they arent interested, they want me to go to there Church(protestant) and leave what they think is a false Church full of idol worshipping...
and that is exactly what some Bishops and Priests find themselves going thru at WCC, only a much harder hit...I always feel as if Im compromising the only path to salvation by briefly touching on Orthodox for a minute or two, because the Fullness and Truth that is ORTHODOX should be taught by teaching and studying with them for the rest of our lives about Orthodox, as teaching Orthodox would take a life long situation and not a weekend retreat of comprimising God, as is seen in WCC, So from now on Im a Christian who signs himself the RIGHT way

[jacqueline]

When I was in high school (a catholic one), I would say "Russian Orthodox" to my classmates, but for some reason people thought that meant Jewish... and then I would have to explain... then tell them why I didn't go to their school masses.

Now, on the rare occasion that I get asked, I usually smile and say "I'm an Orthodox Christian".... people usually smile back and say oh...cool Even though most that ask are usually protestants, they just change the subject after asking. I wonder why I don't get the chance to elaborate though... I kind of wish more people would ask.

[spiridon]

"Jaqueline-I wonder why I don't get the chance to elaborate though..." probally Because your guardian angel is keeping you away from idle talk ...

[DavidHawthorne]

"Jaqueline-I wonder why I don't get the chance to elaborate though..." probally Because your guardian angel is keeping you away from idle talk ...

Or a malevolent angel keeping them from profitable talk........
As I grow older my peers seem to find less time for discussing anything that isn't "idle talk". Like Jaqueline, I find that though high school (and college) were full of witnessing opportunities, the busyness of adult life keeps many from wanting to discuss important issues like God in depth. Instead what catches everyones' attention is titillating foolishness like the Da Vinci Code. Still, I find that whenever I pray for more opportunities to share and put greater effort in trying to live a life that backs up those beliefs, I get asked more questions.......
Rdr. David