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TechnoratiDespite the theological diversity and increase in American membership, Krindatch stressed that Orthodox Christians have not compromised their beliefs and traditions.
"They do not adjust to mainstream society," he commented.
One indicator of their conviction, Krindatch pointed out, is their consistent view against the ordination of women. Only three in ten parishioners would support women being altar servers or deacons, and only one in ten think that women should be eligible to the Orthodox priesthood, the study showed. Male and female respondents expressed the same opinions on the ordination of women, the study noted.
Furthermore, more than two-thirds of parishioners say they prefer a parish that requires uniformity of belief and practice. Only one in four favor parishes that tolerate diversity of beliefs and practices, where people hold different views and openly discuss their disagreements.
A majority in both GOA and OCA churches are satisfied with where they are now, with nearly half saying they are "faithfully maintaining" their traditions and should continue to do so.
Meanwhile, 17 percent of GOA members and 25 percent of OCA members feel they are "too strongly tied" to their past and need to rethink where they are now and decide about new directions.
