A few words of advice for anyone searching for Orthodox Christian resources on the Internet

As I am sure you are aware the Internet contains everything under the sun and more. If one were to view the contents of the Internet without filters they would soon realize that a large portion of the content is of a prurient nature, intended to stir the dishonorable passions and lusts. That this content requires filtering is a fact that would only be argued against by the most libertarian of individuals.

It is also a fact that the religious content requires some sort of filter. When searching for any subject that falls within the realm of the Orthodox faith one will come upon bizarre and blatantly heretical material, but also material that is only slightly skewed. A slightly skewed truth can be as dangerous as blatant error, for its final end can be far astray from the path that Christ our Savior described as "a narrow gate, and a straight path."

What sort of filters should you use when looking for Orthodox resources on the Internet?

My first advice to anyone seeking out resources would be, that whatever you study, and wherever you find the resources, the more important thing is sitting at the feet of the Master and hearing his voice. This can be done quite nicely in the silence of a monastic cell, or a closet of prayer. No amount of study and research can replace this necessary work of prayer. So consider making time to regularly turn off your computer, or radio, put away your books, and pray.

As important, is attending the services of the Church. Our priest, Father Alban, has often said that someone can get a thorough theological education by attended Great Vespers and Matins regularly over the course of a few years.

There is so much good Orthodox information on the Internet that it would be a shame to waste time with a website that is tainted, mixing some good in with a large dollop of political or pharisaical nastiness. So stick with the "safe Orthodox search method" I am about to describe.

1. If someone's behavior on the Internet is the kind of behavior that you would be uncomfortable with in your own home-if they are rude, if they bring accusations against other Orthodox Christians, especially leaders, if the tone of the writing is hateful, then it is a very good idea to avoid such a website.
2. If "dirty laundry" is on display, go somewhere else.
3. Avoid sites put online by individuals with individual axes to grind. Orthodoxy is not about individual political views and prejudices.
4. Since there is a lifetime of information in websites sponsored by (or work in cooperation with) what are "canonical" Orthodox Churches, and the vast majority of the information on these sites is good and worthwhile, stick with these. For instance, Ancient Faith Radio has enough material in itself to answer nearly any question, and the songs of worship can create a prayerful atmosphere in one's home.
5. All of the official websites of the "canonical" Orthodox Churches, including those in Greece and Russia have excellent English language materials.
6. Any patristic source material is good, although some of it--being quite ancient and scholarly--may need some explanation. I suggest starting with current writers and preachers, such as Thomas Hopko, and letting them lead you into the rich world of patristic learning.
7. In a nutshell, stick to the well lighted paths and steer clear of the slums and you won't get mugged.
8. The name "Orthodox" means many things to many people, and you can assume that anyone calling themselves by that name is convinced that they are a purveyor of true faith, whether it is true or not. Remember also that there are many counterfeits in the world. If something is of value there will be a counterfeit. Hold it up to the light. Some of these counterfeits are quite extensive, and seem authoritative. But if you run into some of the unhealthy material I have described--speaking evil of others, bad mouthing authorities, extolling superstitions and folk religion--you have come to the wrong place. Make a note of the website and steer clear in the future.

The site that I go to the most, and find very helpful in all things concerning our faith and our Liturgy is the website of Antiochian Diocese of Los Angeles and the West, a site under the careful and loving guidance of our beloved Bishop Joseph.


www.antiochianladiocese.org/

Here are some more links to some authentic Orthodox Christian resources:

• Ancient Faith Radio: http://ancientfaith.com/
• The Antiochian North American Archdiocese site http://www.antiochian.org/di scoverorthodoxchristianity
• The Greek Orthodox North American sitehttp://www.goarch.org/
• The Orthodox Church in America http://www.oca.org/
• The Orthodox Christian Network http://www.myocn.net/index.php/
• The Russian Church (in English) http://www.pravoslavie.ru/english/
• A Canadian OCA site http://orthodoxcanada.org/

Remember, Google or Bing, or any other search engine can't discern which websites are reflecting the light of Christ and which are counterfeit. Each time you search for anything Orthodox you will receive results that are from questionable sources. If you find this confusing read Parable of the Tares, (Matthew 13: 24-30, 36-43). The Internet is not a safe place, so be careful, and when in doubt ask your priest.

Athanasius (Uncle Natius) Blalock