The Beginning of a New Understanding of Life.

The answers below are just a hint of what lies within the True Orthodox Faith.  They will show you the importance of your beliefs to living your life in accord with God’s design.

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Are you seeking the peace of knowing you are living in accord with this world’s design?

We believe this world was created by God.  We do not presume to explain how or when.  We believe the world was created for a purpose and living in accord with that purpose will bring us peace in this life.

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Are you seeking a way to handle the physical pace of modern life without upsetting your spiritual peace?

We have little control over the pace of modern life.  Our work environments and entertainment facilities are geared to an unrelenting pace.  Even the News consists of a fast paced rhetoric that gives a perspective but not the whole picture.  We believe the news should consist of facts and the perspective should be drawn by the recipient.  The human soul needs introspection and that cannot be rushed.  The comfort of a faith that encourages introspection and spiritual growth is most conducive to peace.

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Are you seeking a truth that does not change with the point of view?

Many today believe that “truth” is a perspective totally dependent on the point of view.  Jesus Christ said, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life.”  Real truth is unchanging.  It is God’s intent for this world and will not vary with changing circumstances.

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Are you seeking a better understanding of life and your part in it?

The economic environment today demands an incredible degree of competition just to survive.  On the other hand, we are designed for long lasting relationships both with God and each other.  The greatest thing this world has to offer is the love of one person for another.  A better understanding of God’s will and His truth will enable you to balance the demands of this world with the comfort of your faith.

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Are you seeking Orthodoxy in a world that doesn’t remember what it means?

Marketing in today’s world demands a key phrase or identifier for each product.  It is often seen in denominational distinctions as well.  Orthodoxy is not just a description of the Eastern Orthodox Church.  It means “right belief” and that by definition requires that we align our efforts with the design of the Creator.

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Are you seeking a distinction between “Conservative” and “Traditional”?

These labels are used indiscriminately and often interchanged as approximate equals.  They are not.  Conservative is a relative term.  You can only be conservative when compared to someone who is not or is less so.  There are many degrees of “conservative”, some much more so than others.  Traditional, on the other hand means “in keeping with the traditional teachings and practices.”  It is always compared to the same standard – the teachings and practices of the historic church.  Traditional does not change.  Conservative never means the same thing twice.

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Are you seeking a clear understanding of “Christian”, “Catholic”, “Orthodox” and “Anglican”?

Christian means belief that Jesus is the Son of God and came to earth to save sinners.  This includes many expression of faith in today’s world and cannot be exclusively claimed by anyone.  Catholic means both universal and whole.  It is simply an adjective meaning the “complete” offering of the universal Christian faith.  No expression of the Christian faith can hold exclusive rights to that title.  Orthodox means “right belief.”  Any true expression of the Christian faith must pursue orthodoxy.  Anglican refers to the English expression of the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic church.  A church can be Christian, Catholic and Orthodox.  A church can be Christian and not Catholic.  A church can be Christian and not Orthodox.  A church can even call itself and none of the above.  Check us out for all four adjectives.

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Are you seeking the true meaning of Christ’s teachings?

Christ taught about the Kingdom of God.  It is so different from the world in which we live, there are no direct correlations.  It requires detailed scholarly study of Jesus’ time to ascertain the real meaning.  The condition of religion in the world at that time is a critical part of the whole picture.  It is not sufficient to take a sentimental view of Christ’s teachings and reduce them to the grade school level.  We require a more sophisticated view of such vital teachings and they only come through continued effort.  We will never stop plumbing the depths of Christ’s teachings.  We constantly look for new ways to apply them to our lives today.

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Are you seeking a faith that holds God’s Word as unchangeable in spite of cultural shifts?

We accept that God created the world with a purpose in mind.  We believe He has repeated revealed glimpses of his intent to mankind over time.  While culture and social structure has changed immensely just in the last few decades, we believe God’s Word has never changed.  We believe our understanding improves as we pay more attention to those revelations.  We must change to suit God’s design as opposed to changing God’s Word to suit our personal preferences and cultural fads.

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Are you seeking a Christian Community that does not re-invent themselves to suit the cultural norms?

We believe that change can be good.  We believe that change for the sake of change alone is a waste of time.  We follow the ancient, time-proven practices of the early church and the unchanging Word of God.  We seek to update physical facilities and educational means as they further God’s Great Commission of spreading the Gospel and baptizing all nations in His name.  We work to preserve God’s revelations in their original and true meaning.

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Are you seeking a place to practice the timeless faith for which we were created?

We use the 1928 Book of Common Prayer because its formularies express and support the faith of the Early Church.  It provides a peaceful, reverent opportunity for everyone to make their peace with God as often as necessary.  Individuality has always had a place in the Anglican expression of the faith but it is subordinated to a corporate worship conducted decently and in good order.  It always allows the faithful to express themselves fully as God desires.  We resist the idea that man can ever duplicate what God has given us.