www.byzcath.org Forums How should we die?

Me neither.

CDL

There are many things that could be done to help us reach the desired goal of planting our life so that new evangelization can take place. I believe that some of the things that could be done can only be done by our hierarchy. Those things are in their hands, but what can we do?

1. Make sure that we make our home as much of a Church as the Temple in which we worship is.

2. Pray for our priests, religious, and bishops.

3. Invite your family, neighbors, friends, and co-workers to worship.

4. Join with some fellow parishioners and go door to door and invite people to worship. We're developing a model for that.

5. Support the radio broadcasts that exist now that tell our story.

6. Invite Roman Catholic and Orthodox friends to worship with you and explain to them the wonderful teachings of Orientale Lumen. A friend and I are preparing a six session training for RCs on the Orientale Lumen.

7. Learn as much about your faith as possible.

In these ways and in many more God can use us to march us toward the goal of death to ourselves and life in Christ Jesus in a Body that is whole.

CDL

Hello Carson,
This alone, if taken seriously by the readers of your post here, could make the church explode with activity and life.

Eastern Christians of all jurisdictions are very reluctant to do this. Most have their favorite corner, chair or pew and will get extremely animated if that entitlement becomes threatened. And the volunteerism within the temple itself is commendable: people join the choir and become ushers etc.

But, they are not typically aggressive evangelizors. Change that aspect of the culture and the prospects are considerably improved.

+T+
Michael

Michael,

I believe it is by far the most effective way to evangelize as well. Studies have shown that about 80% of all converts come by way of invitation of friends or family. So, learning to be and make friends is the key to evangelization. In a village setting that may not be too difficult. In a mobile society we have focus on it. The options are not only a shrinking Church but dying lonely.

CDL

I'm putting back together some thoughts I've had and practices I've undertaken over the years and am adding some ideas I've gained since called "Friendship Evangelism" which seems appropriate given Michael's observation. There nothing more desparately needed in our fractured sociaty that in recapturing and deveoloping friendships. Almost all evangelism at some point passes through the loving kindness expressed by one person toward another. Our liturgy must be excellent. Priests need to preach compelling messages. The Eucharist will attract many. But the single most important aspect of evangelization is sincere friendship.

I'll start a new thread in a few days.

Also, go to www.byzantineevangelization.com [byzantineevangelization.com] for more ideas on evangelization.

CDL