Question Number 1381:
I am considering conversion to Orthodoxy, the only local Church is a bit of a drive which I can only make every so often though I am transferring schools next semester and will be closer to Orthodox Churches and can attend more frequently. My question is if it is ok for me to attend a Pentecostal Church on wednesday nights? I am currently a Presbyterian, I worship with them on sunday but the Pentcostals on Wednesdays because they have a youth ministry whereas the Presbyterian Church really doesn't, the pastor approves. Can I still do this if I convert to Orthodoxy? The con is that if I cannot I will end up losing connection with many Christian friends seeing as I don't know anyone in my town who is Orthodox, I really don't believe there are any.
ANSWER:
Here is a personal opinion. It would seem better and closer to Orthodoxy to go to a Roman Catholic mass (except in some places) rather than to a Presbyterian services if one cannot go to an Orthodox parish and does not want to do reader services.
Some Orthodox would argue that in any instance, this is praying with those who do not hold to the Orthodox faith and therefore discouraged or prohibited by the canons. Praying with Pentecostals would seem especially unwise if the services involves praying in tongues in a clearly heterodox context. A more neutral evangelical "music - praise" service of the same kind would seem to be a better choice. In general, one should be well grounded in the Orthodox faith and able to defend it when seeking encounters where Orthodoxy is going to be challenged and contradicted.
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