Orthodox Christian notes

Like the Catholic Church in the US in recent years, the Church of Greece is currently embroiled in scandal. Nevertheless, this has not stopped converts from joining the Orthodox Church elsewhere. Some do so for the sense of belonging that comes with being a member of a close-knit ethnic community. Others convert for confessional and ecclesiological reasons.

Here is a journal, Foma (Thomas), which styles itself "An Orthodox Journal for Doubting Thomases." It appears to be published in Russia and has a number of English-language articles about the Orthodox Christian experience around the world. Included is a short story, "Byzantium in a Gas Station," about a young Orthodox seminarian who successfully converts a young couple despite his own arrogance and pedantry. Another compelling article relates what it was like to be an ethnically Jewish parishioner of the late Fr. Alexander Men in the 1970s under the Soviet régime.

Those interested in liturgical matters might wish to explore the vast resources at Liturgia.ru.

While you're at it, check out Road to Emmaus, An Orthodox Journal of Faith and Culture. Orthodoxy, it seems, is alive and well, and it is even growing in some places, both in numbers and in depth of commitment.