Ancient Christian Witness

They must of just got a website. The story behind the EOC goes back to the 1970's. They started the convergence of the streams movement way back then too. And the people behind it were former Campus Crusade for Christ staff. In the process of the convergence, the EOC was created.

Their website:
http://www.evangelicalorthodox.org/eoc.html

And the wiki:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evangelical_Orthodox_Church

A site by former EOC members:
http://www.ogreatmystery.com/eoc/

This podcast is Ft. Peter Guilquest's story. He lead the majority of the EOC into communion back in the 1980's, but it wasn't easy, he was givin the run around before an actual jurisdiction stepped up to take his group in. Ft. Peter Guilquest is also the one behind the OSB's & OCF:
http://audio.ancientfaith.com/specials/me2007/seminar3_pc.mp3


In the 1980's most of them became Eastern Orthodox, and about some 13 or 14 years later another bunch became Orthodox, but a few parishes still held out and they kepted the name "EOC". Well......they have about 6 or 7 parishes left, mostly in the midwest region.

Right now the EOC is still uncanonical, and there is only a few of them left. How long they will hold out is unknown.



Most of the ones from the EOC, that became Orthodox were the ones behind the first and second Orthodox Study Bibles. They are also the ones behind the OCF (Orthodox Christian Fellowship) campus ministry as well as the Orthodox Prison ministry.

The main fear of those who refused to enter communion with Canonical Orthodoxy was the idea that the Orthodox Church wouldn't allow them to do what they did as Evangelicals.....like hold Bible studies, do campus ministry, prison ministry, evangelize........ect.

But unknown to them, that was the very thing the Eastern Orthodox wanted them to do. their bishops had to step down in order to enter communion. but within 20 years those who came from the EOC did alot of stuff. They started campus ministries, prison ministries, they published two Orthodox Study Bibles. They published alot of books and Bible study material. Mission work has increased...both in and outside of the United States. So I would say that they did alot, and those who held out were wrong.


Well there is only 6 parishes left, and only time will tell if they too will some day enter in full communion. The split of the EOC was very painfull, but I hope that they find it in their hearts to forgive and overcome any negative feelings. Those who stayed behind felt that they were doing the right thing, and those that went forward thought they were doing the right thing.

Hopefully the remaining 6 or 7 parishes will find it in their hearts to forgive their brethern and come forward as well.



JNORM888