Why the ROC?

When I was initially inquiring into the Roman Orthodox Church, I asked a number of questions to the Chancellor, then Bishop Thomas Murray. The following comprises a portion of his answers to those questions. (+Lee).

Some questions concerning the Roman Orthodox Church

What is the role of the ROC in the world today?

The ROC specifically reaches out to Americans.  In a world where most Orthodox are "Eastern", the average American has been neglected.  As Benedictines, we are Western Rite, which is very familiar to most Americans, offering them a sense of comfort. 

In addition, each of our clergy are asked to look into their own communities to determine if there are specific needs that they can meet.  In reaching out to our neighbors, we serve God and provide a witness of Orthodoxy to all. 

Is the Orthodox Church "the only church" and all others are merely "pretenders to the throne?"

Orthodoxy is the "fullness" of the Church.  It comprises the fullness of theology and sacraments. That being said, it must also be admitted that while we have been faithful in preserving the doctrines and theology of the Apostolic Church, some Orthodox churches have become dry bones.  Christ said we would know our brothers by their love for one another, yet brotherly love is something that is seldom found in Orthodoxy. Yet when we look to Protestant Churches (which God has blessed over the past three centuries), we see evidence of great love.  

The lack of sound theology among most protestant groups is disturbing, but they demonstrate the love that Jesus told us would be evident among the believers.  So, while I contend that Orthodoxy is the fullness of the Church, I acknowledge that other Christian bodies share in Christ's grace and forgiveness.  Even so, we should be examples of Orthodoxy at its best, loving and with sound doctrines.  The Orthodox Church is the historic Apostolic Church, but all who know Christ share in His Church, no matter what their denomination.   

What is on your heart concerning how you (as an individual or as representing Orthodoxy) see yourself  fellowshipping with other Christians?

It is perfectly acceptable within our jurisdiction to visit other Christian denominations, and to join them in community prayers and such. Where we draw the line is in our participation in non-sacramental communion.  We do not receive communion from non-liturgical sources.  Let me recommend however that one not become overly participatory, to the extent that you are suggesting by example that one's denomination is unimportant.  It would be a mistake to suggest that all denominations are equal.  Orthodoxy is the fullness of the Church, and it would be a dis-service to the community if they thought you were condoning doctrinal error.  A certain line has to be drawn, but we can still acknowledge our "brotherhood". 

What is so attractive about the ROC? Why would someone want to be a member of the ROC?

To be honest Fr. Lee, the ROC is not for everybody.  We are small, and close knit.  We do not pay our clergy.  We are traditional, and quite unwilling to depart from the Apostolic traditions. 

But what attracted me, was the sincere heart of its clergy. Compassion is abundant.  I am humbled by Metr. DAVID's heart.  (Metropolitan David was the Patriarch when I joined the ROC.) In addition, his knowledge of Orthodoxy and his high moral integrity is very rare. 

Metr DAVID was a full-time Methodist Pastor, before converting to Orthodoxy.  He had a big Church, which paid for his home and car.  But after spending some time in Greece, he knew that Orthodoxy was the fullness he had been looking for.  Eventually his path lead him to the same Church you are now considering joining.  He has told me many times, he is not looking for a lot of clergy, but rather a select group of kind, compassionate and stable clergy. 

We have three vows.  1) Stability 2) Obedience 3) Chastity.

These three vows refer to stability of mind and body (not fluttering about from jurisdiction to jurisdiction), Obedience to the hierarchy.  If you ever feel as if your bishop is being unfair, you may request a decision by the Synod, but in doing so you are bound to the synods decision.  Chastity relates to both Monastics and Canons (married clergy).  If one is unmarried, the vow of chastity holds them to celibacy.  If one is married, the vow of chastity binds one to loyalty with their spouse.  Whatever station of life, monk or canon, the vow of chastity holds you to proper behavior.

Who are we?

(The following is taken from an article from a number of years ago, presenting the original concept behind the ROC.)


The Holy Orthodox faith was considered limited almost entirely to the eastern world for nearly eight centuries. The apparent absence of Orthodoxy in the West fostered the belief that Orthodoxy was
completely "eastern", or limited to those immigrants and their descendants whose cultural heritage originates in countries where Orthodox Christianity is indigenous. This assumption however, denies a long and ancient history of Orthodoxy in the Western world. Albeit at times somewhat repressed, a history of more than 1900 years, beginning with the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul.

 "Orthodoxy over Ethnicity!"

 Throughout the church's first millennium Christians of the East and  West shared a common faith. Those who have continued to hold to those Apostolic doctrines, and reject the concept of a developing and evolving church are known as "Orthodox Catholics", (catholic meaning complete and universal), or simply "Orthodox". Now, by the grace of  Almighty God, Orthodoxy has emerged openly once again in the west.

 The Roman Orthodox Church is: "Catholic but not papal; Orthodox but not Eastern."

 The Roman Orthodox Church has a specific mission to reach out to the world in a Benedictine expression of Holy Orthodoxy according to the ancient Roman Rite. This approach has its origin with Saint Benedict of
 Nursia. Like all Christians who lived and died prior to the "Great> Schism" (i.e. the separation of the eastern and western churches), Saint Benedict was himself an Orthodox Christian.

 Saint Benedict epitomizes the ancient and Apostolic Roman traditions of Orthodoxy. His concept of balancing prayer and work has made him a role model for many Christians seeking balance in their lives. His concept and those traditions are continued today among the Clergy and Religious of the Roman Orthodox Church who are Orthodox Benedictine canons and monastics, belonging to the Roman Congregation of Orthodox Benedictines.
 The ancient tradition of the early Roman Church as it gathered in the catacombs, was to daily offer morning and evening prayers, culminating in the celebration of Divine Liturgy and the Holy Eucharist on Sundays and Holy Days. This same ancient and Apostolic pattern is still followed today by the Roman Orthodox Church.

 The word "Orthodox" stems from two Greek words - "Orthos" meaning "right" or "straight", and "Doxa" meaning "worship" or "glory". The Roman Orthodox Church is rooted in Orthodox "right" doctrine, and
 identifies with those ancient Christians who stood for Christ; faithful in the face of persecution and martyrdom.

 In a time of watered-down accommodating religion, the Roman Orthodox Church offers the alternative.

 True Christian fellowship; unadulterated, uncompromised Orthodox Doctrine.

 We are a Traditional, Sacramental and Liturgical Church rooted in Jesus Christ and the Apostolic Traditions. The Roman Orthodox Church offers you that same faith given by our Lord Jesus for all people, in all places, at all times.

 "As it was in the beginning it is now and ever shall be."

 Come. Worship with us in spirit and in truth. You can do so today just as those first Christians worshiped in the church's beginning.

 You Can Go Home Again.