When most people in North America first step into an Orthodox Christian church, they enter a different and unfamiliar world. It is unlike most church experiences. There is acapella singing, chanting, oil lampadas, candles, icons, and incense. This is a world where the heavenly is experienced here on earth. 

A growing number of persons from various backgrounds are becoming interested in the Orthodox Christian Church. These individuals are discovering the ancient faith and rich traditions of the Orthodox Christian Church. They are attracted by her mystical vision of God, His Kingdom, the beauty of her worship, true community, and her continuity with the past. These are only some of the treasures of the Church, which has a history reaching back to the time of the Apostles.

So, what is Orthodox Christianity all about? According to Fr. George Metallinos, "For us Orthodox, the unique and absolute goal of life in Christ is theosis, our union with God, so that man – through his participation in God's uncreated energy – may become "by the Grace of God" that which God is by nature (without beginning and without end). This is what "salvation" means, in Christianity."

Therefore, Orthodoxy is a way of life. It is intended to be lived and practiced at the deepest levels of existence and not simply known.

Because Christ united human and divine natures in His person, it is now possible for us to experience close communion with God, more intimate than Adam and Eve experienced in the Garden of Eden. Through our celebration of the Divine Liturgy, together we ascend to heaven and join the saints and angels in their worship. We become one with the Ecclesia (the Assembly) of all Saints. We are indeed surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses cheering us on.

This way of life was initiated by Jesus Christ in the commissioning of His Apostles, as recorded in the Gospels, the Acts of the Apostles, and the Epistles. We have lived this same way for almost two thousand years now.

Because Orthodox Christianity is ancient, the worship may seem foreign to most. Don't worry if it all looks a little different. Just watch and soak it in. You can read more about Orthodox worship by clicking here. 

While our website and other websites can be useful to find out more about Orthodox Christianity and the Greek Orthodox Christian Mission of Central Oregon, the BEST way to find out is to talk with our people.

Talk to Fr. Jason. Talk to our fellow parishioners. Ask questions. Show up. Participate as you want.

Come, taste, and see. You are welcome to join us on our journey as fellow pilgrims.