Is Orthodoxy losing ground?

[Prokomenos]

From what I see here in the USA people my age and younger are losing touch with the Church. Besides Easter I dont see many going to church anymore. Could it be that people are losing their faith, starting to believe more in science for instance Darwins theory?

[Megale]

I don't think its because of science or Darwin. People went to church (from my observations) because it was a place for a community that was outside of the mainstream. Its an extension of our culture. Thats why there are youth groups, Greek schools, athletics, etc. Up until someone was 18 years old they can be would've been born, raised, educated and socialized into their group/culture.

As the community grows weaker and even breaks up other factors outside the community begins to influence a person. That could be materialism, different types friends, pop culture, etc.

[Greece4Ever]

I think it has a lot to do with what both of you said. Its a problem and it should be fixed.

[Ellinas]

Originally Posted by Megale
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I don't think its because of science or Darwin. People went to church (from my observations) because it was a place for a community that was outside of the mainstream. Its an extension of our culture. Thats why there are youth groups, Greek schools, athletics, etc. Up until someone was 18 years old they can be would've been born, raised, educated and socialized into their group/culture.

As the community grows weaker and even breaks up other factors outside the community begins to influence a person. That could be materialism, different types friends, pop culture, etc.

I agree. I am not the most informed about this, but I think the young diaspora Greeks are losing touch with Hellenism in general, not just with Orthodoxy.

Unfortunately the Greek state is not doing any actions to keep the diaspora Greeks in touch with us, and the Greek church is the only strong link between them and Hellenism.

[Megale]

Diaspora Greeks seem to have diiferent ways of identifying themselves. The ones who go to church a lot, tend to identify themselves as "Greek Orthodox" rather than just Greek. Those people don't have strong ethnic identification, but rather religious. I can't speak for all diaspora churches, but Greek is disappearing from the liturgy.

[Prokomenos]

Yes the same can be said here in NY. I call myself Greek when asked of my ethniticity. But I must say that people in my generation atleast and the next are proud Greeks atleast most. That is the bright side to this.

[Megale]

Proud of being Greek is the easy part for most. The less ethnic ones is due to not having much of a Greek upbringing. And of course there are stylistic differences. Whether they are street, yuppie, cafe-type, etc. they say they are Greek without an ounce of regret.

Now the Greek gov't was mentioned on how they don't encourage diaspora Greeks their ethnos. Did they really??? Immigration is a fraction of what it was even 20 years ago. I can't speak for all, but there are many Greeks in Greece who, even if the person is 100% Greek, enai akoma Amerikanos.

[Prokomenos]

Many Greeks from Greece are actually anti Greek American and consider us fake Greeks. That is a shame that they think like that.

[Psaltis]

Prokomenos is correct. I know Greeks from the mother land are very against Greek from America but it does not bother me. I have many friends in Greece and go once a year.

I think what Megale is true and what Prokomenos said. You must put both those comments together and you will see the connection. Come on guys think about it good.

[Ellinida2006]

Οι νεολαία έχει αλλάξει πολύ. Πολλά έχει να κάνει με τα προγράμματα που παίζουν στην τελιορασι, τα σχολεια και φυσικά οι γονείς.