This article explores the personal journey of converting to Orthodox Christianity in a secular society. It discusses the search for truth, the challenges of living in a secular Australia, the exploration of atheism, scientism, fitness, and money as substitutes for spiritual fulfillment, and ultimately finding truth and meaning in Orthodox Christianity.
One of the most common questions I receive when people learn that I converted to Orthodox Christianity is simple yet profound: Why? Why choose to follow Jesus Christ, and why Orthodox Christianity of all the Christian denominations?
My answer is straightforward and sometimes uncomfortable for others to hear: I became an Orthodox Christian because it is the truth.
In today’s Western world, especially in secular countries like Australia, the concept of truth has become elusive. Truth is often seen as subjective, something that varies from person to person. People have become the arbiters of their own truth, effectively placing themselves in the role of God.
Australia, in particular, is far more secular and non-religious than many realize. Visitors from more religious countries often remark on the pervasive secularism here. Religion and discussions about Jesus Christ are rarely part of public or even private conversations without risking social stigma or judgment.
The prevailing attitude is that religion is outdated and unnecessary. Yet, paradoxically, many who dismiss religion remain unhappy, searching for meaning and purpose in life.
Living in such a secular environment naturally leads to big existential questions: Where did I come from? Where am I going? What is the meaning of life? Is there life after death, or does everything end when we die?
Many people embark on a search for answers, but often they are hindered by the skepticism or indifference of those around them. For me, it was only by the grace of God that I was able to explore these questions deeply.
My spiritual journey did not begin with Christianity. It started with atheism and a strong belief in scientism — the idea that science is the ultimate authority on truth. I immersed myself in books and philosophies that treated science almost like a religion.
Alongside this, I became deeply involved in health and fitness, which I now see as a substitute for my yearning for God. I pursued extreme bodybuilding, meticulously tracking every calorie and spending six to seven days a week in the gym. Later, I shifted towards endurance sports like marathons, trail running, swimming, and cycling.
I even completed a half Ironman — a grueling event consisting of a 2 km swim, a 90 km bike ride, and a half marathon. This obsession with physical suffering and endurance mirrored, in some ways, the Orthodox Christian emphasis on suffering as a path to spiritual growth.
In addition to fitness, I also worshipped money for a long time, hoping to find something tangible and real to hold onto. I followed many self-improvement gurus, who, in hindsight, were merely lesser versions of Jesus Christ — the ultimate example of self-improvement and sacrifice.
Despite these pursuits, I felt an emptiness that none of these could fill. The superficial life left me yearning for something deeper and more meaningful.
One of the hardest parts of my journey was overcoming the embarrassment and social stigma associated with exploring Christianity. In a secular society, openly discussing faith can lead to ridicule or alienation from friends and family.
Yet, the questions about life, death, and purpose persisted, compelling me to seek answers beyond the secular narratives.
Ultimately, my search led me to Orthodox Christianity. It was not a sudden decision but the result of a long and often painful journey through doubt, secularism, and various substitutes for spiritual fulfillment.
Orthodox Christianity offered a concrete understanding of suffering, purpose, and truth that resonated deeply with my experiences and questions.
My conversion to Orthodox Christianity was born out of a profound search for truth in a world that often denies its existence. It was a journey through atheism, scientism, fitness obsession, and materialism, all of which failed to satisfy the deepest longings of my soul.
In embracing Orthodox Christianity, I found not only answers to my existential questions but also a path to authentic living and spiritual fulfillment.
This journey is deeply personal, yet I share it in the hope that others who struggle with similar questions might find encouragement to seek the truth, no matter how challenging the path may be.
