Orthodox Tent Revival

Back in 1997, in the Mountains of Western North Carolina, plans were in place for the first Appalachian Orthodox Tent Revival.

Kinda.

Here’s what was planned: BBQ, a bluegrass band and/or barbershop quartet, a guest Orthodox “preacher” …

… and a big ol’ tent.

The idea was to bring the locals into a familiar setting — even offer familiar old hymns — and mix in Orthodox hymnody with, of course, a spirited evangelical, but Orthodox, message.

It’s a long story, but the event never happened.

It’s my fault that it didn’t; but I now wish it had.

I wish SOMETHING similar would happen SOMEWHERE in the South.

Now, for those of you who are still reading this (after, perhaps, suffering a visceral reaction early on), let me expound …

There’s nothing that prevents we Orthodox from reaching out within the culture wherein we find ourselves in order to help bring people to the True Faith.

Believe me, a tent revival has never — EVER — been a draw for me. But, an Orthodox one would certainly be enough of a novelty to attract. Even me.

And, for those who like good Southern BBQ and down home hymns and tunes, why not introduce these people to Orthodoxy?