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Conversion
I normally don't post very personal info on here but I've gone through a lot of changes in life recently, some that people may have noticed and some they may have not. What follows below is a short testimony on what is going on in my life.
After almost 30 years on this planet and studying various religions/philosophies I have finally found what I believe to be the true faith, Orthodox Christianity. As a former atheist it is a bit of a turn-around from what I used to think but when I look back on it atheism left me feeling empty and full of despair, life had no purpose. My atheist behavior also was a bit selfish as everything comes down to what I think, what *I* want instead of what God wants. Service to others is a very important concept in Christianity that I wish more people practiced.
As I started studying and researching religion and Christianity in particular something drew me to the Orthodox faith, almost like a magnet. To an outsider or non-believer a lot of the traditions seem silly or antiquated but there is a profound spiritual effect from making the sign of the cross, from participating in Divine Liturgy, and from taking of the antideron (bread).
The entire experience is a lot more involved and active compared to churches that have the congregation just sitting and watching, almost like they're watching TV. I have been to those types of services and it leaves me feeling cold and empty inside, unfulfilled. Without the sacraments and without the liturgy our vocation is not being fulfilled, our job is to come together and worship God together as part of the Royal Priesthood.
As we are created in God's image our purpose in life is to obtain theosis, that is to be like God. The fruits of this are kindness, patience, mercifulness, and joyfulness. Belief in God is not a burden, rather it brings joy to my life and I pray that God allows me to share that joy. I pray that God gives me wisdom to answer questions in a better way, to plant the seeds of faith which will one day bear fruit.
This coming Forgiveness Sunday (March 1st) I will officially become a Catachumen. This is the traditional time for the ceremoney and I'm a bit nervous but at the same time I'm looking forward to it. I will also be baptized in about two months so there's still time to prepare myself. The journey is a life long process as we work to become closer to God (theosis), it has brought me peace and a foundation to my life that I never had before.