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| Updated Sept 16, 2011
Welcome to a very special section of our parish website, especially for seekers and inquirers new to the Orthodox Christian Faith. This page continues to grow in its variety of offerings. Scroll down for a new website on Orthodoxy, links to articles, online books, and now a rich assortment of audio podcasts, all intended to help you learn a little more about our ancient, yet fresh and dynamically relevant faith.
Of course, reading can only take us so far. That is why we invite you to "come and see!" Join us on Saturday evenings at 6 o'clock for the holy stillness of Great Vespers (which, per the ancient custom, begins the Lord's Day with sundown), and on Sunday mornings at 9:30am for the Divine Liturgy, preceded by the Hours of Prayer at 9:10am.
|  Books for Inquirers | |
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| Added Sept 16, 2011
Depending on where we are coming from, Orthodoxy can seem difficult to approach and understand. Thankfully, we're not alone, and we're not the first to inquire into this ancient yet living faith. Seekers from all walks of life, from every spiritual background, have found Jesus Christ in the Orthodox Church. Listed below are some special books by authors from a wide range of backgrounds. Perhaps you'll find something here that speaks directly to where you are coming from.
These titles can also greatly help Orthodox Christians find words and examples to share our faith, and our conviction that the Orthodox Christian Church is the fullness of the Christian Faith, and the True Church founded by the Lord Jesus Christ.
|  New Edition of a Bestseller! | |
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|  For Anglicans | |
|  For Baptists | |
|  By a Jewish Convert | |
|  From Protestant Clergy | |
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|  Great Introduction | |
|  A Spiritual Odyssey | |
|  For Catholics | |
|  A Modern Classic | |
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|  General Catechism | |
|  Especially for Protestants | |
|  Especially for Catholics | |
|  What is Salvation? | |
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| We encourage you to read " 12 Things I Wish I'd Known..." a wonderful introduction to Orthodox Christian worship, by author and speaker Frederica Mathewes-Green. In her own words: Orthodoxy seems startlingly different at first, but as the weeks go by it gets to be less so. It will begin to feel more and more like home, and will gradually draw you into your true home, the Kingdom of God. I hope that your first visit to an Orthodox church will be enjoyable, and that it won’t be your last.
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The following links and articles are a fairly comprehensive introduction to the spirituality, history and teachings of Orthodox Christianity. However, Orthodoxy is not so much something that can be described or "summed up" in some neat and tidy intellectual package. Orthodoxy is life itself, and is therefore above all of the heart.
We invite you to come and join us in worship of the One True God in Three Persons: Father without beginning, together with His Only Begotten Son, and His All-Holy, Good and Life-Creating Spirit.
Amen, Amen, AMEN!
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From the JOURNEY TO ORTHODOXY site:The Mission of “Journey To Orthodoxy” is to provide a place for inquirers, converts and others to explore, share information and fellowship, in preparation for entrance into the Orthodox Christian faith.
If you are a non-Orthodox lay person interested in the Orthodox faith, our Network of current inquires and past converts will help you answer those pesky questions, and deprogram from the very issues that have troubled you.
If you are a non-Orthodox clergyman, professional, chaplain, missionary or person in a leadership position whose spiritual journey has led you to contemplate the Orthodox faith, JTO exists because we’ve been there! It is a well worn path to the Orthodox Church, and it requires reflection, fellowship, and a gut-wrenching search for the Truth.
No matter where you are on your spiritual journey, whether you are retracing the steps of the Ole’ Schism Trail, or newly introduced to the Orthodox faith, you can be sure that multitudes just like you have been on the same journey – with the same result.
Rejoice! You aren’t alone now, and you won’t be alone then.
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|  For many, Orthodoxy is a new and foreign brand of Christianity. Yet, Orthodox Christianity is the oldest expression of the Christian faith and has unbroken ties to the Apostles themselves. Ancient Faith Radio has established this special collection of podcasts to help you get a first audio glimpse of the Orthodox faith and will be adding more helpful files for you to listen to in the days and weeks ahead.
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| Fr. Steven's book, The Divine Liturgy: Meaning, Preparation and Practice, published by Synaxis Press, is a clear, concise look at the main worship service of the Orthodox Church. Ideal for inquirers and catechumens. Available through the parish bookstore, or contact Fr Steven to order.
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| OCIC is one of the largest and oldest sites on Orthodox Christianity. Think of it as a vast online article repository, with over 700 articles and 6,000 printed pages. This site has been online since 1996 and receives over 36,000 unique visitors per month.
Numerous topical sections especially suited for newcomers to Orthodoxy, including:
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| A solid introduction to the Orthodox Way...
The four volume series, The Orthodox Faith is intended to provide basic, comprehensive information on the faith and the life of the Orthodox Church for the average reader. The author is Fr. Thomas Hopko, Dean Emeritus of St. Vladimir's Seminary, Crestwood, NY. Often used for Orthodox catechism classes, the series (commonly known as the "Rainbow Series") covers Doctrine, Worship, Bible and Church History, and Spirituality. The online version features easy to follow links to navigate by topic or read straight through. Printer-friendly format available. If you have questions or are seeking further reading, please contact our pastor, Fr. Steven Kostoff. | 
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- Church History
- Feasts of the Church
- Orthodox Dogma and Doctrine
- Orthodox Icons
- Orthodox Monasticism
- Orthodox Prayer
- Orthodox Scripture
- Orthodox Symbolism
- Orthodox Worship
- Sacraments of the Church
- The Church Building and Its Servers
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