There is a lot of talk here on this forum about getting converts, but my question is how do we bring back our own people to the fold?
I don't have the answers.
But I do think about all the Ukrainian Orthodox from my parish, who have even married Ukrainian Orthodox, whom I only see at Easter. Not even Christmas any more. I am talking here about people who grew up in the church.
How do we re-evangelize?
Miller, this is the magic question that I think all jurisdictions and Churches would love to have an answer for. Perhaps one thing that our churches have not done well is social activity outside of liturgical services specifically for young people. Plast and Sum are still pretty popular, and somehow integrating that into the parish life is important. I think what Archpriest Roman Galadza has done with his Heritage School at St. Elias is another great way to keep the next generation involved and learns the history and culture of their parish:
http://www.saintelias.com/ca/school/Another thing is to try to involve them more directly with the liturgy, whether by trying to get some of the men to read or serve, and trying to get some of the ladies to sing in the choir.
Frankly this is one thing that the Protestants have had much greater success in, and I have even talked to some of the youth pastors in our area to get ideas. Z'Bohom.
