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Hello! I'm Roman Catholic and I'm very interested in Eastern Orthodoxy and Oriental Orthodoxy. I've already learned so much about Church history, theology and liturgy. I'm particularly very interested in the age of the Fathers and the period of the undivided, universal and apostolic Church. As I learn more and more about medieval Catholicism, the more and more I am dissatisfied with modern Catholicism - not only has the institution of the Roman papacy grown and changed so much, but our liturgy has changed so drastically and we've developed practices and devotions that are nowhere to be found in the Scriptures or the Fathers or in any of the Traditions that we've inherited.

Lately, I've been thinking a lot about Orthodoxy. I'm a Latin through and through, in both culture, language, theological framework and especially liturgy. I love to pray the rosary, I am most comfortable with Thomistic theology, I like singing Gregorian chant and the hymns of our Fathers (like St. Ambrose) and their prayers. Therefore, to admit that I am seriously considering moving East is a very serious and big thing. Don't get me wrong, I really admire the veneration of icons, the Jesus prayer, Eastern mysticism, etc. - but it's just that I am leaving things that I've treasured for so long and have been so instrumental in falling deeper in love with Christ and in growing more holy.

I'd like to know what the first steps to conversion would be in the Coptic Orthodox Church? And I've already been Baptised and Confirmed/Chrysmated in the Catholic Church.. would I have to go through that again? To convert to the Catholic Church, one needs to undergo the RCIA program which takes about a year, minimum. Is there a catechism program like that in Coptic Orthodoxy? If so, how long does it take?

Any thoughts and opinions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you all.

ICXC NIKA

John

Quote from: iohanne on February 22, 2012, 09:37:58 PM

Hello! I'm Roman Catholic and I'm very interested in Eastern Orthodoxy and Oriental Orthodoxy. I've already learned so much about Church history, theology and liturgy. I'm particularly very interested in the age of the Fathers and the period of the undivided, universal and apostolic Church. As I learn more and more about medieval Catholicism, the more and more I am dissatisfied with modern Catholicism - not only has the institution of the Roman papacy grown and changed so much, but our liturgy has changed so drastically and we've developed practices and devotions that are nowhere to be found in the Scriptures or the Fathers or in any of the Traditions that we've inherited.

Lately, I've been thinking a lot about Orthodoxy. I'm a Latin through and through, in both culture, language, theological framework and especially liturgy. I love to pray the rosary, I am most comfortable with Thomistic theology, I like singing Gregorian chant and the hymns of our Fathers (like St. Ambrose) and their prayers. Therefore, to admit that I am seriously considering moving East is a very serious and big thing. Don't get me wrong, I really admire the veneration of icons, the Jesus prayer, Eastern mysticism, etc. - but it's just that I am leaving things that I've treasured for so long and have been so instrumental in falling deeper in love with Christ and in growing more holy.

I'd like to know what the first steps to conversion would be in the Coptic Orthodox Church? And I've already been Baptised and Confirmed/Chrysmated in the Catholic Church.. would I have to go through that again? To convert to the Catholic Church, one needs to undergo the RCIA program which takes about a year, minimum. Is there a catechism program like that in Coptic Orthodoxy? If so, how long does it take?

Any thoughts and opinions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you all.

ICXC NIKA

John

I'm probably not qualified to talk about your concerns about leaving things you have treasured, etc...

However, I know the process for conversion is, if (and only if) you refuse to be baptised by full immersion, then you can be baptised (I'm not sure if that term is still used in this case) by simply sprinkling you with water.
I believe there is no "course" for conversion.
God be with you on this journey.

qawe,

I do not know where you are getting your sources, but there is no such thing as baptism without FULL immersion in our church. Period.

Quote from: Pharaoh714 on February 23, 2012, 09:57:53 PM

Not really  in the Didache it says : 

Ch 7:  baptism, which is to be conferred "in the Name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" in “living water” (that is, natural flowing water), if it can be had — if not, in cold or even warm water. The baptized and the baptizer, and, if possible, anyone else attending the ritual should fast for one or two days beforehand. If the water is insufficient for immersion, it may be poured three times on the head.

I highlighted some key words that you quoted. If, for some odd reason, you are in a desert say, and there is not enough water to baptize the soon to be baptized; then and only then can this be permitted. Since you seem to be well read, I'm sure you are well aware of why all the fathers insist on baptism by immersion. Again, this is not an ideal situation. The original rites say by immersion. I am pretty sure the church in Canada can supply him with more than enough water.