Local Orthodox church follows national growth

Altar boy Jonathan Davis stands at the altar with a candle during Sunday morning service at St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Shreveport. (Shane Bevel/The Times)



September 6, 2007
By Diane Haag
dhaag@gannett.com



As many ministers do, Jason Foster was constantly reading and digging into his faith.

One particular pursuit into his Southern Baptist faith started a six-year journey that culminated in him and his family becoming full members of St. George Greek Orthodox Church.

"We felt fulfilled," Ashley Foster said. "It's complete. Everything led us to where we are.

"The Fosters' theological about-face is part of a national trend bringing more converts to Orthodox Christianity.

St. George Greek Orthodox, in Shreveport, has more than doubled its congregation in the past three years — to about 150 families. It has grown so much that it will hold special ceremonies this weekend to begin expanding its sanctuary.

Some new members have moved to town from Slavic countries where Orthodoxy is the predominant faith. Others have married into the church.

And a substantial number are converts from other Christian traditions. A number of cultural and theological issues contribute...Read the rest here