December 8 1997

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Orthodox Christianity is so old it is news. At first glance, Orthodoxy seems strange to Americans—with its gold, incense, and veneration of icons—but those who have converted to Orthodoxy often speak of "coming home."

While Orthodoxy is still a mystery to many, it is gaining credibility among Americans as well as increased visibility. While the majority of the 3 million Orthodox Christians in America today have strong ethnic ties to their churches, some new followers are drawn by its elaborate liturgy, creedal theology, and a family-friendly orientation.

In the past 20 years, hundreds of evangelicals, charismatics, and former Episcopalians have made their way into new Orthodox parishes.

This fall, American Orthodox turned out in force to welcome Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, "first among equals" of the heads of the 15 autocephalous Orthodox churches. Bartholomew toured 16 cities and was also honored by the White House and Congress.

GROWING PAINS: This visit marked the first U.S. tour since Bartholomew, 57, became ecumenical patriarch in 1991. Despite his honorary standing as leader of 300 million Orthodox, Bartholomew has administrative authority only over a small remnant in Muslim-majority Turkey and of Orthodox churches in the "diaspora" that includes the Americas, Western Europe, and Australia.

While mystic rites and theological stability have attracted Americans, growth has not improved relations between Constantinople and the other jurisdictions in North America. The largest group in the United States is the 1.5 million-member Greek Orthodox Church.

There is a concern among both clergy and laity that Orthodox leadership in Istanbul does not want to loosen its control of the American church. In the melting ...