By “Athenagoras”
Many Orthodox Christians have watched with dismay as the Episcopal Church and the Church of England declined in numbers and embraced bizarre doctrines. The Church of England’s recent move to embrace same-sex marriage and transgenderism, which mark a break from historic Christian morality, has further compounded their grief. It looks as though Christianity in England has moved irreversibly from its historic Christian roots, but there is a bright spot in the present situation.
The YouTube channel “Ready to Harvest” uploaded a video with the foreboding title: “The End of the Church of England [11:05].” Much of what the video has to say about the troubles of the Church of England is not new to those who follow conservative Anglican websites like VirtueOnline and AnglicanInk. But what is new and what we wish to bring to our readers’ attention is the fact that Orthodoxy in England is alive and well. As a matter of fact, it is doing very well! At the 4:40 mark, a chart is displayed showing that the Orthodox Church in a three-decade span from 1990 to 2019 has grown from 185,000 to 475,000. It has more than doubled! Orthodoxy is doing much better than Pentecostalism, Methodism, and Presbyterianism. It may be that the future of Christianity in England lies in Orthodoxy.
The explanation for this growth has been attributed to the Orthodox Church’s not adapting theology to contemporary culture, but instead offering a “full-fat” faith that embraces the supernatural. Orthodoxy’s theological conservatism and its so-called “ultra-liturgical” worship is not rooted in cultural conservatism but rather in its adherence to Apostolic Tradition. We are mindful of the Apostle Paul’s admonition to the Christians in Thessalonica to hold tight to Tradition whether “by word of mouth or by letter,” i.e., Oral Tradition or Written Tradition (Scripture). (2 Thessalonians 2:15)
The present-day Church of England is like the “unsinkable” Titanic which is listing and slowly slipping into the cold ocean waters. Many passengers are getting nervous and worried, despite the soothing words of the dignified and smiling captain. As this venerable religious institution slide into apostasy, it is time for Orthodox Christians to let their Episcopal and Anglican friends and family members know about the Ark of Salvation (the Orthodox Church).
In light of the Church of England’s and The Episcopal Church’s slide into apostasy, it looks as though ecumenical engagement by Patriarch Bartholomew and Archbishop Elpidophoros is futile. We humbly suggest that our Orthodox hierarchs instead engage in ecumenical dialogue with ACNA (Anglican Church in North America) and GAFCON (Global Anglican Future Conference). These Anglican bodies still hold to many of the historic Christian doctrines; and among its members and clergy, there is growing interest in the early Church and the Orthodox Church. These two factors form the basis for potentially fruitful ecumenical engagement.
Not all ecumenical dialogue is bad, but such dialogue must be grounded in the Ancient Faith as defined by the Seven Ecumenical Councils. This is the kind of ecumenism that Orthodox Christians should encourage. The Orthodox Church is not sectarian but Catholic—universal and embracing the fullness of Tradition. Apostolic Tradition is a precious heritage that links us to the Apostles. Tradition is not something to be hoarded but presented to all who seeking the true Faith and right worship of the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Icon of the Church as the Ark of Salvation. Source: Uncut Mountain Supply. Support this ministry by ordering a copy of this icon.
[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Me_wTLmr3bQ
[2] https://www.uncutmountainsupply.com/other-images/miscellaneous/the-ark-of-salvation-gml11/
Handwritings on the Wall 
It’s encouraging to see healthy numerical growth among the Orthodox in the U.K.. Thanks for the article with all of the links.
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