Embracing the Ancient Faith: An Invitation to Join the World Federation of Orthodox and Apostolic Churches as an Individual Observer

1. Introduction

Christianity is a faith deeply rooted in history, tradition, and the continuous life of the Church. Across the centuries, various Christian denominations have emerged, each emphasizing different aspects of Christ’s Gospel through diverse cultural lenses. From the liturgical heritage of the Lutherans and Anglicans to the fervent zeal of Evangelicals and Baptists, every tradition represents a unique expression of the Christian faith. However, there remains a common yearning—a desire to reconnect with the foundational truths and practices of the Early Church, best preserved in the Ancient Churches that share a common culture and language with the earliest expressions of the Gospel.

The World Federation of Orthodox and Apostolic Churches invites individual Christians from various Protestant traditions to join us as observers. This invitation is not merely a call to dialogue but an opportunity to engage deeply with historic Christianity, explore the richness of liturgical worship, and commit to the doctrinal and moral clarity preserved in the Orthodox tradition.

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2. A Commitment to Apostolic Tradition

The continuity of the Apostolic witness and laying-on-of-hands is a hallmark of the Orthodox Church. It is through this unbroken line of succession that the Church maintains its doctrinal integrity and sacramental life.

For those from Lutheran and Anglican backgrounds, the concept of Apostolic succession is familiar, yet its expression may differ significantly from the earliest canonical standards. In Orthodoxy, this continuity is not simply a matter of historical lineage but a living reality that connects the Church of today with the unchanging teachings of Christ and His Apostles, expressed in the formal canonical practices of the Apostolic Canons.

For observers from Reformed, Evangelical, Baptist, and Non-Denominational backgrounds, the Orthodox understanding of Apostolic tradition may seem unfamiliar. However, this invitation encourages exploration of how the early Church understood authority, sacramental life, and the transmission of faith. Engaging with these ancient practices can enrich one’s own traditions, providing a deeper connection to the historic, visible Church.

This exploration is not about abandoning one’s identity but about grounding it more firmly in the shared history of Christianity. By understanding and appreciating the Orthodox commitment to Apostolic tradition, observers can gain a greater sense of continuity with the Church’s earliest days, fostering unity that is both historically grounded and theologically robust.

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3. The Depth of Ancient Prayers and Liturgies

The prayers and liturgies of the Ancient Church are not relics of the past; they are living expressions of faith that have shaped Christian worship and spiritual life for centuries. By joining the Federation as observers, individuals can immerse themselves in this rich liturgical tradition.

For those from liturgically inclined traditions, such as Lutherans and Anglicans, the Orthodox liturgy offers a profound continuity with the worship practices of the early Church. It is a direct connection to the prayers and hymns that have been offered to God by countless generations of Christians.

For those from informal or spontaneous traditions, including Evangelicals, Baptists, and Non-Denominational Christians, the structured prayers and liturgies of Orthodoxy might initially seem unfamiliar. However, these practices provide a disciplined and communal approach to worship, deeply rooted in the life of the early Church. This is not about replacing personal devotion but about connecting it to the broader, universal expression of the Church’s faith.

Engaging with these ancient liturgies fosters a greater appreciation for the unity and continuity of Christian worship, recognizing it as a vital link between past and present, individual and communal, temporal and eternal.

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4. Upholding Moral Clarity in a Complex World

The moral teachings of Christianity are increasingly challenged by contemporary culture, yet they remain central to the life of the Church. The World Federation of Orthodox and Apostolic Churches stands firmly on the moral clarity preserved in the Orthodox tradition concerning human sexuality, the centrality of family, the dignity and eternal value of human life, and the sacramental and unbreakable nature of marriage. Observers are expected to uphold these universal Christian teachings, affirming them through their lives and accountability within a greater Christian community.

For those from traditions with diverse views on these issues, such as Reformed, Lutheran, and Anglican communities affected by modernism and biblical criticism, this may require a reassessment of certain modern adaptations and a rejection of faddish views that have influenced contemporary Protestantism. Orthodox moral teachings are not merely relics of the past but are grounded in the unchanging truths of the Gospel and the consistent witness of the Early Church. These teachings are therefore non-negotiable for Christians of any denomination.

For observers from Evangelical, Baptist, and Non-Denominational backgrounds, this call to moral clarity aligns with the commitment to live out Christ’s teachings in a world that often strays from biblical principles. Orthodox moral vision provides a stable foundation against the relativism and moral ambiguity prevalent in modern culture. This makes Orthodoxy a strong ally to Bible-believing Christians who cherish the authority of Holy Scripture.

This commitment to moral clarity is not about exclusion but about fidelity—to Christ’s teachings, the witness of the Early Church, and the call to holiness. As Christ commanded, “Be holy, for I am holy.”

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5. Working Toward a Unity Rooted in Truth

In a world where ecumenical efforts often seek unity through compromise, the Federation offers a different path—one that seeks unity through truth. This is not a call to settle on the lowest common denominator but to strive together towards the fullness of the Christian faith as it has been handed down through the centuries.

For those from Protestant backgrounds, this may seem like a challenging proposition, particularly in traditions that have historically overlooked the contributions of the Christian East. Yet it is an invitation to engage deeply with the truths of the faith, explore how one’s traditions can be enriched by the wisdom and practices of the early Church, and seek unity that is grounded not in compromise but in shared conviction.

This approach allows for genuine dialogue and mutual respect, without the pressure to conform or dilute one’s beliefs. It is an opportunity to find common ground in the deep and fertile soil of the historic Christian faith—a faith rooted in the Incarnation, the Apostolic witness, and the unchanging truths of the Gospel.

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6. A Thoughtful Invitation

The World Federation of Orthodox and Apostolic Churches extends this invitation with a sincere hope that it will be received in the spirit of mutual respect and a shared desire for Christian unity through prayerful and appreciative dialogue. By joining as observers, individuals will find not only a deeper connection to the Ancient Church but also a renewed sense of purpose and direction in their own spiritual journey.

This is an invitation to engage thoughtfully and prayerfully with the rich heritage of Orthodoxy, explore the depths of Christian history, and strengthen one’s faith by connecting it to the visible fullness of the Christian Church. We welcome all who seek greater unity in truth, love, and faithfulness as we share the fullness of life in Christ with the world.