The topic of Ecumenism has been presented in several forums. I hope we can begin a dialogue in this forum as to why it is important. Below are my thoughts based on my education and experiences.
On one level if we do not participate in ecumenical dialogue again, ecumenical dialogue then we run the chance of being mistaken for pagans when they see our icon screens. Or they mistake us for Muslims when they see our priests and monastics dressed in black robes. And when we discuss missionary efforts- the Baptist and Protestants rush into Orthodox countries thinking they are non-Christian and in need of saving because they don\'t know what the Orthodox Church is.
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Am I the only one who got lost trying to follow the train of thought with that last post?
I heartily agree.
What about all the American saints??
True true. Although for a year I lived behind two Orthodox parishes here in Seattle :cool:
There have been Orthodox monasteries in the United States ever since Alaska was purchased from Russia.
I\'ve never encountered Orthodoxy as an ethnic thing.....Orthodoxy is for the glory of God through our Lord in the Spirit!
I want to offer another quote from Father George Florovsky:
\"True ecumenism is when everyone converts to Orthodoxy.\"