Posted by:
Tanqueray & Tonic
(
)
Date: June 01, 2012 11:21AM
I converted to Orthodoxy 20 years ago. (A nevermo, raised fundamentalist Christian.) It works for me, but I know it is not for everyone.
My advice would be to just go to a divine liturgy on a Sunday morning, preferably at a church that uses mostly English. Don't try to follow along in the prayer book. Just enjoy the music and the prayers. (If the church has orthros beforehand, I would recommend that as well. It is a very quiet and peaceful hour-long service, the lights dimmed, quite a bit of incense, not a lot of people.)
If the contemplative style of service resonates with you, then keep going. No one will ask you to join. In fact, there is no official greeting in the service. If the service is too long or off-putting, just leave!
If you have questions, by all means call or email the priest. Nearly every priest I have had has been pastoral and understanding of the individual spiritual journey.
At the end of the service, they will dismiss by row and walk to the front to venerate the cross, exchange a greeting with the priest, and receive a piece of the leftover blessed bread (antidoron). Don't feel you have to venerate the cross. You can just go up, greet the priest, take the bread, and leave. Or just leave without going up to the front. Whatever you do, no one will be offended.
After the dismissal, there is usually coffee hour in the social hall, where you can mix and mingle, have some coffee. If you're lucky, there will be homemade ethnic breads or desserts.
On Sunday the dress is mostly casual. However, be sure to wear comfortable shoes. You might be standing for a bit. Don't worry about doing the right thing (crossing yourself, knowing when to stand, reciting the creed, etc.) Parishioners are used to having visitors from different traditions. They do not expect you to know the service.
Oh, and don't forget to take a couple bucks in case you want to light a candle or two.
Best of luck.
T&T