LEAVE THE CHURCH, Pt. 2

[Psalti Boy]

If one was to leave the church and go to another christian denomination, or non-denomination church, can they return to the Orthodox Church??  What if they are ordained a minister in another church??

[Silouan]

Keep in mind the story of the prodigal son and the witness of many new martyrs that converted to Islam under Turkish pressures and later returned to the Father's embrace. 

[JoeS]

Keep in mind the story of the prodigal son and the witness of many new martyrs that converted to Islam under Turkish pressures and later returned to the Father's embrace.ÂÂ  

There is always true forgiveness for those who truly repent.

JoeS

[Justin Kissel]

I once asked a certain person why she never said much when someone she knew personally left her jurisdiction, even when it was obviously a painful situation (e.g., they joined a group that considered her own group to be graceless). She told me that the reason was that a bishop had once given her very good advice. Don't judge people when they leave, don't judge people when they come back. That is to say, don't make a big fuss about them leaving and condemn them for leaving your own group, and then if they ever come back don't try to make them feel guilty. I'm not so sure whether she would extend that to Protestantism, but it is certainly good advice! Having had similar difficulties, I guess I can sympathise. Just make sure that your decision is based on God's will; don't ask "can I stand to be around these people?" but ask "am I going to displease God by doing this?"ÂÂ  That's my own view, anyway; that's what I asked myself I mean.

[iustinos]

Keep in mind the story of the prodigal son and the witness of many new martyrs that converted to Islam under Turkish pressures and later returned to the Father's embrace.ÂÂ  

This of course presumes that one repents of having left.  If so, yes, but there will probably be canonical penalties such as not receiving Eucharist for quite some time.

[BasilCan]

If one belongs to a Greek liturgical church and then leaves and becomes a full member by initiation in another church (i.e. is confirmed in a Catholic church or baptized in a protestant church or becomes a moslem) they are supposed to be re-Chrismated. But, and this is what I like about the Greeks, if one reads the Synaxarion of the New Martyrs (Greeks who lived under the Turks betwen the 15th and 20th centuries) many of these baptized Orthodox Christans became muslims (by choice or by force) and were accepted back into the church by penance and confession (not re-Chrismation). It depends upon the circumstances and upon the priest/bishop that receives one back.

Going back to the analogy of the Church as hospital, several may have the same illness on the surface, but wise doctors will treat each individually based upon the facts of their circumstance.

Basil

[Psalti Boy]

Thank you Basil.

I'm still seeking what is right for me by prayer.

Psalti Boy

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