Dear in Christ _________,
I am often asked about Orthodox attending other religious gatherings, whether this follows from an invitation, a visit, or finding oneself in a place without an Orthodox church. And while it is difficult for those outside of Orthodoxy to understand, we simply cannot bless this for children or adults.
From the earliest days, the Canons of the Church have forbidden Orthodox Christians from attending services of other religious groups. The historical reasons are a discussion in themselves, but what I hope people can understand is that this is not a personal condemnation of anyone who participates in those groups. While we certainly pray that all who profess faith in Christ find their way to His One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church, I am reminded of the wisdom of St. Theophan the Recluse who urged the Orthodox to entrust the care of those outside the Church to Christ, while keeping ourselves firmly grounded in the Orthodox faith.
However, for any Orthodox believer, but especially for children, there is an important reason why we do not attend services of other religious sects. The instruction of Orthodox Christians occurs primarily in the liturgy, through our prayers, our confession of faith, and the receipt of the Holy Communion. Thus, what is confessed and believed is conveyed in our worship. There are marked differences in belief between Orthodox and protestant/non-denominational groups. One of the most obvious is the belief in the Eucharist as the culmination of our worship and its very nature as the True Body and True Blood of Christ. Other differences include the understanding that, as Paul instructed the Thessalonians, it is not just the written scriptures that are contained in the deposit of faith, but also the oral teaching of the Apostles that binds us. And if we were to worship with another group, proclaiming “AMEN” (which means our agreement) to teachings that the Orthodox do not hold, we would be essentially betraying the faith we have received, if not far worse. To avoid confusion or false assent, Orthodox Christians are instructed not to attend services or worship in other temples.
So this admonition is not simply a matter of following rules. It is a safeguard for our souls, that we not accidentally join ourselves to understandings that are foreign to Orthodoxy. By the same token, I urge you that while always offering hospitality to friends and family outside the Church, to give the same respect to their wishes should they or their children stay with you. Remember, we are guided by the Holy Spirit, who always invites, but never compels, those who seek to know and worship the One True God.
In Christ,
the unworthy Abp. Irineos
