The Lure of the Liturgical

[TBC: We have noted in past articles how the materialism, emotionalism, neglect of Scripture, and embrace of error have prompted some to seek out liturgical churches whose seemingly unchanging practices appear to argue for stability.]

New converts flocking to an ancient church [Excerpts]

Like many of his parishioners, Father Richard Petranek came to the Orthodox church in search of the past.

After 30 years as an Episcopalian priest, Petranek converted to the Antiochian Orthodox Church and leads a new but growing parish in west Houston, filled almost entirely with converts to the ancient faith.

"Most people come for the stability," he said. "The same thing that is taught today in the Orthodox church was taught 500 years ago, was taught 1,000 years ago, was taught 1,500 years ago."

At a time when most mainline Christian churches are losing members, Eastern Orthodox churches — which trace their beliefs to the church described in the New Testament - are growing, both in Houston and across the United States.
 
To outsiders, the first hint of what lies within is often the architecture; many of the churches are built in a neo-Byzantine style, capped by gold domes and other flourishes, standing out in a city of sleek skyscrapers, strip shopping centers and ranch houses.

Traditions vary from church to church, but in many congregations, members stand for much of the service. The priest faces the altar for long stretches of time, with his back to the congregation. (All Orthodox priests are male.)

Members make the sign of the cross throughout the service, they kiss icons of Jesus and the saints and, sometimes, the Communion chalice and the priest's robes.

"It's pretty freaky for people from the nontraditional churches," said Father John Salem, pastor of St. George Antiochian Christian Church in West University. "If you come from a non-liturgical background, it can be pretty overwhelming." But to many converts, the traditions are the main attraction.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/7372688.html

[TBC: It is instructive that Petranek only goes back 1,500 years ago to show the consistency of Orthodox teaching. He has to. One may search long and in vain for scriptural support of their traditions and practice and certainly Christ never spoke of such things. Rather, in Matthew 15:9 He declared, "But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men."]