Introductions from 2006

[Douglas Eckhoff]

Dear Friends,

I am so happy to have found this group. Although I was raised Roman Catholic, my dear departed maternal grandmother was Russian Orthodox and I am now prayerfully making a serious inquiry into the Faith. I am a high school teacher, married and have three children. I thank God that at 43 years of age it's still not too late to learn something!

I look foreward to sharing in your wisdom and insights.

Warm regards,
Douglas
New York

[Richard Leigh]

Dear Douglas,

Welcome to the forum! Very welcome indeed!!!

My first introduction to Orthodoxy was my high-shcool English Lit. Teacher (sophomore year), Mr. Xalis. He was Greek as you might guess.

This is just to let you know the impact you teachers have on the life of the world, and the world to come.

Again welcome.

Richard

[Fr Averky]

Dear In Christ Douglas,

Along with Richard I warmly welcome you to Monachos. Like so very many converts to Orthodoxy, I too was raised Roman Catholic, but have been Orthodox for more than half my life.

We look forward to your input, and hope that you will learn from Monachos as we members do, almost every day. may God bless and help you on your journey.

In our Lord,

Fr. A.

[Melissa]

Hello, new friends. I'm new to this discussion community, and fairly new to orthodoxy - my husband (a former Episcopal priest) and I converted 3 years ago. It was a wonderful and sometimes agonizing conversion process which has led us deeper into our faith.
I look forward to learning and growing in faith with you all as God guides our communications.
Melissa

[M.C. Steenberg]

Dear Melissa,

It is good to have you here, and I welcome you to the community. I hope you will enjoy your time in these discussions.

INXC, Matthew

[Fr Averky]

Dear Melissa,

God bless you and your husband; we all look forward to your contributions to our forum. We will be interested to learn how you came to Holy Orthodoxy, and will be happy to support you when questions or doubts might arise. A warm and prayerful welcome to both of you!

In Christ,

Fr. Averky

[Melissa]

Dear M.C. Steenburg and Fr. A --
Thank you for your welcomes. I'm following several of the threads here, and find them interesting and a little intimidating! I'm going to basically sit out for a bit, to get my bearings, and then I'm sure I'll have some questions.
I did want to mention of how we came to Orthodoxy, as you invited, Father. My husband was an Episcopal priest for 18 years, and as many have, he felt the call to Orthodoxy, in his case soon after we got married. I had thought I was "marrying into" a settled life, and was faced with discussions about converting, his return to school, his upcoming career change (he was also a pastoral counselor and is augmenting that career)-- my pride, in short, was keeping me from letting go of prior expectations and freely accepting what I now know is the joy God had in store for me "across the threshold" so to speak. When we decided to convert, we had the help of the priest at the church we joined, and did a lot of reading and talking with anyone we could find about Orthodoxy. I think one of the greatest benefits for me is that Orthodoxy expects things of Orthodox Christians. Expects us to struggle daily with 'living Orthodox', in order to experience the faith and not fall back on intellect only to make sense of those days. I may not have the right language, but I believe that since my conversion, the love that God has for me has become palpable in my life, and the responsibility I have knowing that, has become a major part of how I understand my earthly 'purpose'. The source of my greatest grief, and greatest joy, rest in what I learn as I try to live up to that responsibility (as I see it now, to love God before all else; and live out all that that means).
I'll let it go with that. Sorry if it got too long. Melissa

[Matthew Panchisin]

About the Author: As the son of an Evangelical pastor, the author was especially concerned about how his family's conversion to the Orthodox Christian Church would affect his parents. He soon found this issue to be common among converts and decided to share the above letter with all interested parties. He has chosen to remain anonymous for personal reasons.


Worthy of Honor

Dear Mom and Dad,

It isn't what you wanted. It is not what you expected. I have joined the Orthodox Christian Church. Long ago when I first made my profession of faith, and later, on the day when I was baptized, you could not have imagined this. Like all parents, you were afraid of my leaving the faith as I grew up. Would atheism overwhelm my beliefs in college? What about the first job? Could I withstand the pressures of a world that hates God? You prayed. I know you prayed. The pain of parenting is plain to me now as my own children grow. Just now, when growing up seemed safely over, your child appears to be making a wrong choice. It must seem unfair to you.

Despite my fumbling, sinful, stumbling ways, it must have appeared that your child was going to make it - against all odds. I am more sure than ever that the Bible is a true and precious gift of God, without error. I know that Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God. His atoning work on the Cross is the most important fact of my spiritual life. There is all of that, yet in some areas, we no longer agree. Some of our theological disagreements are very serious. Have you lost me? Am I still a Christian? There is, it seems, a gulf that has grown between us. Why did it have to happen? What made me become Orthodox?

I am not writing to "convert" you. This is not a theological argument. We have had those, of course, and probably will have them again. This is not the time for that. This is a "cry from the heart." Remain my father and mother, not just in flesh, but in spiritual things. Do not cut me off. If I have said foolish and arrogant things while becoming Orthodox, forgive me for them. You taught me better than I have been able to act.

But you also taught me--and I thank God for it--to follow Jesus with all my heart, mind, and body. You told me that to take a stand for Him was worth any cost. This is a lesson that you burned into me, which all those Sunday School classes, every youth group meeting, and every Christian song reinforced. Follow Jesus. That is all that matters.

Becoming Orthodox is my best attempt to do that very thing. This is the Church where I see Him most clearly. In the chanting of the liturgy, in the prayers, in the icons, in the incense, and in the bells, I hear His Voice and see His Face. It is the same Jesus that was so dear to me and so clearly seen in the church of my childhood. It is not a different God, it is not a new Christ. It is the same Jesus, the same God. If it were a different gospel from the precious one of my conversion and baptism, then I would reject it. I know it is not. It is, for me at least, simply a deeper, older, fuller expression of the Old Story. You gave me the Faith, you taught it to me, prayed over it, nurtured it.

The Orthodox Christian Church is bringing all of your work to full blossom. If some of my views have changed, it is only because the deepest things you taught me are bearing fruit. You taught me to love the fellowship of Believers. Is it any wonder that the schisms and divisions of our own tradition would begin to disturb me? You taught me to love the Book and not to measure an idea by where it occurs in history. How could I fail to find the Church Fathers? You taught me that ideas matter, that right doctrine is important. What could keep me back from reading about the Creeds and the Councils for myself? You stood at every major turning point of my spiritual life, urging me on to pursue Jesus and His Truth. God help me, I did my best to follow His Spirit. If we do not always agree, at least see that my quest is part of the heritage you gave me.

How painful to you even this must be! Saying all of this amounts to an insult, at least by implication. I am "in the Church." You are not. But if that is what you hear, then I have messed up our conversation again. The cradle Orthodox, so wise and patient with the immaturity you sometimes have seen in me, have taught me a saying: "We know where God is, but we do not know where he isn't." There is nothing in the teachings of the Orthodox Church which changes my love for you or my admiration of your faith. I am often more sure of your standing before God than my own!

God is so clearly at work in your lives. He has brought you so far even in my living memory. His work has been good and continues to be good. Your faith in His mercy and trust in His atonement for salvation are so Orthodox! On the big issues of life, my priest would probably find you better "spiritual children" than he finds me. He may have gotten the bad end of the bargain by getting me in his Church rather than you! You have so much to teach me in so many ways. My duty to listen, to honor, and when possible, to obey has not been lessened by my "conversion." To the contrary, my patriarchal Orthodox Faith demands that I honor my father and mother for their great gifts to me. I need you more than ever!

Of course, there can be none of the silly, half-sincere, "Can't we all just get along" kind of compromise between us. Our relationship as a parent and child goes too deep for that. You may think that I am in serious error about many things: Icons. Asking for the prayers of the Saints. Formal liturgy. It may all seem rot to you. At leastyou have done me the dignity of listening to my views, and I have tried to do you the same honor. Your concerns about Orthodoxy are serious, but after examining my views your course has not changed. Of course, the disagreement goes both ways. You believe some things that I cannot now accept. The truth of Orthodoxy seems so obvious to me from the "inside." It was hard for me to become Orthodox, but now here I can not leave it for anything. Truly, it is the Church that Christ left on Earth to carry out His work.

How I long to kneel beside you in morning prayers! How much it would mean to me to see your at our Vesper service. Mom and Dad, it would be sweet to hear your voices chanting the liturgy with your grandchildren! It is my deepest abiding belief and conviction that coming into fellowship inside the Church would deepen your spiritual life and fire your already profound passion for those outside the Faith. But even though that does not seem likely at this point, I will never give up praying for you. I hope you will never stop praying for me.

Some of your friends may indeed feel that your child has entered a "cult." You might wonder, with all our disagreements, what remains that we have in common. We share so much! Believing evangelicals and practicing Orthodox share the same passion for the Lord who is Truth. Orthodoxy is the faith of the Creeds. Every word of Holy Scripture is upheld within the liturgy. I hear more Bible in church than ever before! I believe every Word to be God-breathed. There is no creeping liberalism in Orthodoxy. We have no half-measures, no women priests, no homosexuals demanding marriage, and no doctrinal wavering. Christ is risen! We proclaim that joyful news in every service. The incarnate Son of God, born of the Virgin Mary, is coming again. Jesus is Lord! Orthodoxy is Christ centered, Bible based, and honors the Holy Spirit. It is not so "rational" that it forgets that theology is best seen in a life of prayer and in service to Christ. In short, it is in many ways just like our home church.

The Orthodox are not Protestants, of course. The Orthodox also are not Roman Catholics. We have no infallible pope as a vicar of Christ on Earth. We are simply Christians, followers of the ancient and honored ways. If we honor tradition, it is only because Holy Tradition was delivered to us by the same Holy Spirit that gave us the canon of the Holy Bible. Nothing contrary to Scripture can be contemplated within Orthodoxy. If the Orthodox Church is wrong, she does not wish to be. She earnestly listens to her Lord for correction and diligently searches Scripture for the proper way. The Orthodox Church is the Church of millions of martyrs, from the Roman persecutions and Islamic conquests to facing down Communism. It is the Church that gave the world the Creeds that every Protestant believes.

Of course, there are nominal Orthodox. You send me newspaper clippings of the foolish actions of patriarchs and bishops in our midst. Too often in the United States, the Church is seen as an ethnic enclave. You might believe, by looking at us, that the goal of going to Church is to eat exotic food and celebrate the ways of the old country. There is truth to many of these complaints. The Orthodox themselves are aware of this and thunder against it.

It is not "news" when the Orthodox quietly keep the Faith. You won't hear about it when a bishop retires, having faithfully served his flock for decades. The evening news will not report the quiet service of Orthodox charitable organizations. Evangelicals face the same sort of problem, don't they? The only religious news worth reporting, it seems, is bad news. Please remember this the next time you hear negative media on us.

Orthodoxy is old. From the day of Pentecost to the present, it has attracted many types of people. She has had her own shameful moments. On the other hand, that very history teaches me caution in judgement. Many so-called "nominal" Orthodox Christians of Russia died rather than renounce the name of Christ. Twenty million Orthodox believers refused compromise to the point of death. Millions, perhaps a billion more, have lost careers, family ties, and all earthly glory for the Gospel. Who are we to judge such faith? Communists made it a great goal to infiltrate the Church, to break and sully her. Yet she came through the fire! It was Orthodoxy that checked the ravages of Islam. It is the Orthodox that have borne one thousand years of martyrdom at the hands of the fanatical servants of the Prophet. The black smudges you and I can see on her white robes are not always the signs of sin; sometimes they are the marks of the stake. If we look up, we shall see that the Orthodox Church wears the crown of martyrdom. Nominalism? Surely for some, but this is the Church of missionaries who converted one third of the world. This is the Church that created order and culture wherever she went. Be careful about listening to her detractors. How many of the critics' own churches have endured such persecution?

You know all of this, of course. I appreciate the way you have studied Orthodoxy. So many parents would fly off in all directions, being critical without reflection or investigation. It is your careful, Godly, and thoughtful spirit that gives me hope. As my parents, you remain my first and greatest teachers. I need and want to keep fellowship with you. It will not be Orthodoxy that comes between us. May we walk in the agreement that our common faith gives us? May each of us be open to the appeals of the other. May we never cut off communication. In talking, may we respect but never paper over or compromise our important differences.

I honor you, Mom and Dad. Your faith and the splendor of your radical commitment to Jesus Christ are your greatest gifts to me. It was that which drove me into the Orthodox Church. If God does not call you to Orthodoxy, then I trust His Spirit and your discernment. You have raised me. You know me. I ask that you trust what Christ through you has placed in my life. Rejoice with me in the pearl of great price that I have found: The One Holy, Apostolic, and Universal Church.

I have been and always will be your child. Orthodoxy is the place where God wants me to serve Him and His Church. Can you see our common goal? We shall together bow before the Lord of the Church on that last and final Day when all Truth will be revealed. Then we shall know. Until then, pray for me.

[alice]

Dear Matthew,

That letter was truly beautiful. The author is full of Christ like love. He honors and gives testament to his religious/spiritual foundation without judging it, and he extols the graces of the fullness of Christian faith he has found in Holy Orthodoxy.

Thank you for sharing it. http://www.monachos.net/mb/clipart/happy.gif

May our Lord God bless us all with the humility and commitment of this author, and may God bless him, his family, and his wonderful parents.}

In Christ,
Alice

[Baroness]

Hi everyone,

Does anyone have an icon of Saint Olympiada? I can't really find one on the Internet.

Also, does anyone know if the letters that St John Chrysostom wrote to Saint Olympiada are in a book format (preferably English)?

Thanks.
Joy in the Resurrected Christ!

[Ana Maria]

God bless you my dear brother in Christ.

I've just read your message and it happens that at the moment I am reading Saint John's letters wrote to Saint Olympiada,cause I have to write an essay for The History of Byzant.The book I am reading includes all the letters Saint Olympiada received not only from Saint John Chrysostom ,but as well as from Sain Gregory of Nysse and Saint Gregory of Nazianz(please forgive me ,I don't know how to write their names in English ).It is a very interesting book,cause it makes the spiritual profile of two of the most remarkable historical figure of the patristical age.I only regret that it is written in romanian,but I can write you some titles in english that I found as a bibliography for this subject.I hope you will find them.

Clark,E.A.,Ascetic Piety and Women's Faith.Essay on Late Ancient Christianity(Studies in Women and Religion 20)Lewinston-Queenston,1986. ID.,Jerome,Chrysostom and Friends.Essays and Translations,New York,1979

If you could read in French ,I could give you a title where you could find the letters and the life of Saint Olympiada.: Malingrey,A.-M.,Jean Chrysostom:Lettres a Olympias.Vie Anonyme d'Olympias(SC13 bis)Paris,1968

I know is not much,but I pray to God that He helps you to find what you search for,cause this letters are so beautiful,real lesson for the contemporary man.

With love in Christ, Ana Maria

[Olympiada]

Hi I have three icons of Saint Olympiada and the letters from Saint John Chrysostom to her. Here is the web site of Holy Apostles Convent: http://www.holyapostlesconvent.org/

I also was given an icon and purchased another icon from my former mission's bookstore. I will try to locate the website for you. Here are the letters to Saint Olympias:
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/npnf109.xvii.i.html

[Olympiada]

Here is the link to the bookstore I was telling you about yesterday:
http://www.archangelbookstore.com/

[Baroness]

Thank you all so much for your help! I'm going to go and read those letters now.

Joy in Christ!

[Olympiada]

You are welcome. May I ask what your interest in them is?

[Baroness]

Sure ... I was listening to a talk (on CD) that M. Evfrosinia (from Lesna Convent) gave at a conference and the topic of the talk was Depression. She was talking about how St John Chrysostom wrote St Olypiada letters to encourage her faith, and I wondered what the letters consisted of and if they were still available today. To my delight, thanks to your link, I've just been reading through some of them now online. I really appreciate your help :-)

[Olympiada]

Dear Baroness,

Is Lesna Convent associated with Saint Seraphim of Sarov in any way?

Also what is the connection between St Olympiada's discouragement and depression? Was Saint Olympiada battling depression? This could mean she and Saint John Chrysostom could be intercessors for depression. Interesting. What was causing Saint Olympiada to feel so discouraged by chance?

INXC
Olympiada

[Baroness]

Hi there, Olympiada. Forgive me for my ignorance, as there's still so much that I'm learning. I really don't know much about Lesna Convent myself, so found some more information on the website at:

http://www.roca.org/OA/41/41e.htm

Unfortunately, I really don't know much about St Olympiada's life either :-( I must go and read about her life again. From memory, I think her discouragement was caused by not only persecution, but also because she was close friends with St John Chrysostom, and he had been captured and sent away (in my layman's terms). But, as I read through the letters he sent to her, and they are beautifully written, I would say they both would be good intercessors for discouragement and depression. I'm sorry I can't be of more help to you at the moment ... I'll go and do some more homework, and see what else I can read up on.

[Baroness]

More information on Lesna Convent:

Lesna Convent of the Most-Holy Mother of God
Provemont, France

The Convent was established in 1885 at the behest of Archbishop Leontii of Warsaw. The first abbess came to Lesna from Moscow along with five nuns. In 1889 the monastic community was reorganized into a general monastery and had town churches in St. Petersburg, Kholma, Warsaw and Yalta. The nuns taught children and the Convent became a center of Orthodoxy outside of Russia. The Royal Family visited the Convent twice. St. Amvrosii of Optina and St. John of Kronstadt were supporters of the Convent. In 1915, the Convent was evacuated into the depths of Russia—all 500 nunsand over 600 others. In 1917, at the invitation of then-Bishop Anastassy (Gribanovsky), the Convent moved to the Kishinev Diocese, and then to Yugoslavia, to Khopovo. From Khopovo, in 1950, the nuns of the Convent left for France (first to Fourquet, then to Provemont), where they remain to this day. In France, the Convent was frequently visited by St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco the Miracle-worker. The Mother Superior of the convent is Abbess Makrina. The main holy object of the convent is the Lesna Icon of the Mother of God. There also are the relics of St. Afanasii of Brest. The nuns bear a multitude of obediences: singing, cleaning, gardening, candle-making, icon-painting, a bookstore, and also warmly greet many visiting pilgrims.

COUVENT DE LESNA
1, rue du Moulin
Provemont, 27150 Etrepagny, FRANCE
Tel: 33 (2) 32 55 82 66; fax: 33 (2) 32 27 31 75

[LINK] (http://www.russianorthodoxchurch.ws/english/pages/firsttier/monasteries.html)

[Olympiada]

Dear Baroness,

Is this the same Leushino convent of Abbess Thaisia, a spiritual daughter of Saint John of Kronstadt?

In Christ
Olympiada

[Baroness]

Hi Olympiada,

Lesna Convent is in France. Leushino Convent of Abbess Thaisia was in Russia. You can see photos at:

[link] (http://www.prokudin-gorsky.ru/English/database.php3?first=180&sAlbum=&sText=&nAlbum=)

I don't know if these are recent photos or not, as I read this church / convent is now inundated by the Volga River Dam, at the bottom of which lie the relics of Abbess Thaisia!? How sad if it's true!

By the way, Abbess Thaisia's books are some of my favourites, and have helped me a lot.

Pray for me!
Baroness

[Charalambos Andrew Geo]

Just wanted to say a couple of things
Happy Christmas to everyone and Glory to our God
pray for me to be simple and well pleasing to God
with love in Christ

[Photini]

Have a blessed Nativity.

With love in Christ,
~photini

[Theopesta]

REV.DR.Matthew and all fora venerable members

And the angel said to them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a sign to you; You shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

IN ONE CHRIST, Theopestahttp://www.monachos.net/mb/messages/6555/28535.jpg

[Theopesta]

www.orthodox.net/nativity/on-night-of-nativity-ephraim-syrian (http://www.orthodox.net/nativity/on-night-of-nativity-ephraim-syrian).
http://www.monachos.net/mb/clipart/triangle_right.gifOn the Night of Nativity St. Ephraim the Syrian

Pure is the present night, in which the Pure One appeared, Who came to purify us! Let our hearing be pure, and the sight of our eyes chaste, and the feeling of the heart holy, and the speech of the mouth sincere!

This is the night of the Humble One; let no one be proud!

The present day has opened the door of heaven to our prayers; let us also open our door to those who ask of us forgiveness!

[Theopesta]

Dear All:
I would like to condense what st. Ephraim said in the above treatise:

On the Night of Nativity St. Ephraim the Syrian

1- it is night of purification of our internal and external senses
2- it is night of reconciliation.
3- it is night of peace.
4- it is night of meekness.
5- it is night of humility.
6- day of joy
7- day of every good will .
8- day of tranquaility.
9- today is the hope for every sinner want to repent.
10- today is for all deeds and thoughts of generosity, hospitality and gratuities of every sort.
11- in nativity day the door of heaven opens to our prayers, to keep it open continously and for ever:
forgive forgive forgive

I wish every day and night and today is nativity

[Fr Aaron Warwick]

I plan to be in the San Francisco area briefly next week for business. I hope to have some spare time to visit the Cathedral of the Mother of God "Joy of All who Sorrow." However, I have been unable to find an address and telephone number for the cathedral to see when it is open for veneration of St. John Maximovitch. If anyone could help provide me details, it would be much appreciated. Feel free to e-mail me privately or to respond to the list. Thank you.

Aaron

[Alexis L. Williams]

Dear Aaron,

The address is:
6210 Geary Blvd.
San Francisco, CA 94121

And the Phone No:
(415) 221-3255

However, you'll have a better chance of actaully talking to someone if you call the bookstore at:
(415) 668-5218

Usually the cathedral is only open during services. As I recall Liturgy is at 8AM and Vespers is at 6PM. You'll want to call to make sure that's correct though.

Oh, if you look up directions to the cathedral online, don't use Mapquest. They're missing a turn somewhere in their directions and I always end up lost if I use them.

Hope that helps.
Alexis

[Acácio]

Dearest and beloved Father Seraphim,

Glory to God! I am very glad to hear you again!

Pray for all of us

In XC

[Fr Seraphim (Black)]

By the prayers of SO many God has brought me through. The operation was to be only two and a half hours, but when surgeon saw the actual situation it was a four and one half hour operation.

I have been heavily sedated since then, and only posted today due to Matthew's magnificent 'Preview' section.

The number of 'typos' I have made have even me amazed!

Again, by the prayers of so many people, even as Acacio, with whom I have corresponded but never met, Christ has kept me in this life.

That is now my 10th time in hospital. Perhaps one day I will be in the Guiness Book of World Records!

[Rafael Resende Daher]

Dearest Father Seraphim,

Im very glad too. Thanks to God and His Saints!

Pray for all of us!

IC XC NIKA

[Fr Raphael Vereshack]

Dear Fr Seraphim,

It is wonderful to see you back on your feet again.

In Christ- Fr Raphael

[Trudy]

Glory to God!!!!!!!! Glory to Jesus Christ!!!!!!! Ah Fr. Seraphim, there are tears of joy in my eyes and heart to know that you are back and recovering!!!!

Yippeeeeeee!

In Christ, Athanasia

[Theopesta]

our father seraphem
welcome back:
He heals the broken in heart, and binds up their wounds.

[Fr Seraphim (Black)]

Deep illness, which has been my daily companion since the day I entered monasticism has been a wonderful but deeply bewildering instructor.

When I found my monastic days passing more and more under its dominion, I said simply to Father Sophrony: 'I came to your monastery to be a monk, but I do not understand, why am I always in London, in a hospital bed?'

His reply was multiform, but he used many former ascetics, now reposed, in his explanation.

I found as the time passed a very indisputable sensation take root in my heart.

The closer Christ enclosed me in agonizing pain, the closer he brought me to the final moment (it was several times), the deeper my personal suffering, the more profound became my ontological connection to every living entity. The greater it deepened.

On one hand I saw clearly the futility of holding on. Yet at in the same breath I experienced love for others as never before.

Due to my intense pain I touched upon the mystery of the preciousness of each breath of another's life. Especially if they were suffering more than I was at the time.
Once again, this time, I was in the cancer ward - could I dare say 'oh, blessed place!' Would you understand? Or run from me in abject horror?

In these precious moments of dying, I see life in glorious, radiant beauty.
Thus, I am truly grateful to all of you for your deep concern and deep prayers.
Yet, in passing, did you know, I glimpsed, a light, a glory upon earth, I have seen only in deep illness?

[Byron Jack Gaist]

Dear Fr Seraphim,

Many thanks for your edifying postings, which give hope to those who read them. Welcome back.

In Christ
Byron

[Fr Seraphim (Black)]

Dear Byron et al.,

May God bless all who prayed for me and who have been so generous in their responses regarding my return to posting.

Before my operation I was in deep peace and equally great joy, to the point of joking with all the staff.

Whether I came back or not was not something I dwelt upon before the surgery. But I am grateful to God that He has brought me back, because to echo the words of my beloved Saint Silouan, 'I have not learnt humility.'

Now, as my 'strength' returns, Byron, we can walk the beautiful paths of Mount Athos and visit with Blessed Father Paisios and get to the issue of the relation between carrying the sins of all humankind (to paraphrase Blessed Paisios) and Christ's words in Luke 14:26.

"Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is humble love for enemies and prayer for the whole world."
St. Silouan, pg. 163.

[Kira]

Hey everyone. I'm a newby here. http://www.monachos.net/mb/clipart/happy.gif *waves hello*

[Kira]

I am thinking of visiting a Coptic church and I would like ot know more what to expect and such before visiting. I'm not Orthodox and the closest thing to it that I'm familiar with is Catholicism.

[Eugenia]

Dear Fr. Seraphim,
I thank God for His mercy and love and your wonderful words of encouragement for US! God bless you..Eugenia}

[Mina Monir]

HI kira , I'm a coptic orthodox
first, i shall say welcome

secondly , if u will visit egypt I can accompany u to the monasteries and the places where the holy family escaped to. and if u wont , i will be pleased to answer to your questions

this is my e-mail :
adolf_mina@hotmail.com
and : eng.dioscorus@gmail.com

all what i can say now is that u will find the egyptian and pharaonic people (copts) welcoming u in a very holy place blessed by the christ himself in his escape from Herod . and a poor and persecuted people described by god as : (blessed my people egypt (isaiah 19))

welcome and Aghapy khen ebshoys (welcome in old egyptian)

[Baroness]

Welcome :-) Hope you find this place a great place to visit, make new friends and strengthen your walk with God.

[Byron Jack Gaist]

Dear Kira,

Welcome to monachos. It's nice to have new forum members!

In Christ
Byron

[Byron Jack Gaist]

Dear Fr Seraphim,

Regarding Fr Paisios, you write


Now, as my 'strength' returns, Byron, we can walk the beautiful paths of Mount Athos and visit with Blessed Father Paisios and get to the issue of the relation between carrying the sins of all humankind (to paraphrase Blessed Paisios) and Christ's words in Luke 14:26.

Thank you for remembering this unfinished discussion and bringing the topic back. I would like to hear more about what Fr Paisios attitude towards sin had to do with Luke 14:26 ( "If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple."). To bear the sins of others, of the whole world, is what our Lord did - but how can we imitate Him in this? How did Fr Paisios go about this awesome task?

In Christ,
Byron

[Kira]

Thank you. http://www.monachos.net/mb/clipart/happy.gif I will email you shortly.

(Message edited by admin on 01 February, 2006)

[Marques Benjamin]

I probably have met some of you on other Orthodox sites, just wanted to give greetings. Give thanks to the Most High for the gathering.

One Love
Marques Benjamin

[James Aubuchon]

Hello all.

My name is James Aubuchon. I have been an Orthodox Christian for 2 years (and an evangelical for 18 years before that).

I have always had an attraction to the monastic life, and while I am not a monk, and cannot live as a monk, I try to live the ascetic life as best I can, with discrimination and humility, according to the grace that God has given to me.

I am hoping that I can meet some others on this forum that are on similar journeys to my own. I am also looking for a spiritual father. We live 100 miles from the closest Orthodox church, and so we can only attend liturgy about once a month. This has made it hard to connect with anyone that could act as a spiritual father to me.

I am currently reading through the fourth volume of the Philokalia. It is part of what brought me to Orthodoxy in the first place.

God Bless all of you.

James

[Dimitris Aslanidis]

Hi James. I am Demetrios. I am from Greece. I assure you that you did the right thing. Besides you know it yourself.

I know a spiritual father who is Greek and is occupied with internet. But i don't know if he can speak English. His name is Antony Stilianakis and his e-mail is "styliant@otenet.gr" You can send him an e-mail and see if he replies. If he replies that means that he knows English.

Explain to him your thought and then wait for a replay. He is a very nice man and except being a priest he is also and a psychologist. If you find any trouble contacting with him say it to me and I will try to communicate with him.http://www.monachos.net/mb/clipart/happy.gif

[Dimitris Aslanidis]

Excuse me, I don't know if you were looking for a spiritual father on the internet. And I don't know if that that I suggested to you is good...Explain to me what you are looking for. Do you simply want to find one priest who is near you?

[James Aubuchon]

I was just saying in general that I am looking for a spiritual father. So far, I have been unsuccessful with priests that are local to me. Please pray for me that I would find a spiritual father.

[Fr Seraphim (Black)]

Pray to God for a Spiritual Father, it may very well be your parish priest, after all humility is a wonderful tool to have in your toolbox.

We are burdened with far too many fantasies about Spiritual Fathers/Mothers.

God will give you, be assured, exactly what you need right now. What you are seeking for can well be right under your nose.

[James Aubuchon]

I completely agree with you Father Seraphim. I have just been unable to enter into that sort of relationship with any priest so far. It is not that I reject them or anything. It's just that we live so far away, and therefore establishing that sort of relationship has been impossible up to now. We did have a priest in California who was like a spiritual father, but now we live in New Mexico, and it has been hard to stay in contact with him. He is just so busy, and we are out of sight, out of mind so to speak. We try to contact him, but he does not contact us back. Perhaps I do have too much expectations for the relationship. I don't know. But I would expect that if someone were my spiritual father, he would keep in touch, answer my e-mails, etc. That is not happening. So what do I do?

Please pray for me.

James

[Father David Moser]

This discussion of spiritual fathers brings up some thoughts that I expressed not to long ago in an email to another person who was asking about this. Here are those thoughts:

Let me say a few words about this idea of a "spiritual father". This is a term that is bandied about very carelessly these days and we all have in our minds the picture of the spiritual elder ala Optina or Mt Athos. Such "spiritual fathers" are extremely rare these days and in this culture. I know of maybe one or two monastics who could take on that role - and one of those speaks only Russian - and no parish priests at all. I do know of a lot of monastics and priests who *think* they are spiritual fathers/elders in this mold - but they aren't and I would avoid them. You are likely not going to find a spirit bearing elder/spiritual father in this culture. The best thing to do is to find a good confessor who will take your confession and give sound spiritual advice (not direction) and then make friends with like minded people (who are interested in/committed to the spiritual life) and draw support from one another. Get together for a meal, for spiritual discussions, whatver, on a regular basis (once or twice a month) and in between chat on the phone or over coffee one on one.

The saints all are very clear that the number of such spiritual guides will continue to decrease as we get nearer the end times and they all recommend that if we cannot find such a guide that we should read the writings of those from days gone by. That is what your group of friends should do together. You can say a molieben or sing an akathist together - even without a priest (there are standard accomodations for this situation) and then spend the evening discussing the writings of the fathers together.

Fr David Moser

[James Aubuchon]

Thank you Father David. I agree with what you are saying. I told one lady that if we read the philokalia, we can pray to the saints whose writings we are reading, and ask them to intercede for us. In this way, they can become like a spiritual father, and we can be guided through both their writings and their prayers. I wish I could find a group of Orthodox Christians near me that have an interest in the ascetic struggle, and would be willing to meet and discuss the writings of the fathers, but alas, we don't really have any Orthodox Christians near us (perhaps there are some at the local air force base, but I have never met them). I do think its risky for me to venture out into the deep waters of the spiritual life without any guidance. I would welcome just some timely advice from some experienced travellers. They don't need to be a deified saint.

On the other hand, I am reminded of some of our fathers who went out to the desert, like St. Anthony, without spiritual fathers, and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, were able to achieve theosis. I think if we approach all of this humbly and with discretion, being aware of our shortcomings and our sins, and do everything we can to seek for guidance and fellowship, we can be directed by God into what is necessary for our growth in holiness. I can't believe that God would make such a thing impossible just because we lack access to a spiritual father.

In Christ,

James

[Kosmas Damianides]

Hi - Long time no see,

I feel like I am new to the group again, since I've been away so long. Anyway hi again and welcome James; greetings and salutations to everyone else.

I am quite busy and stressed out these days so if I don't have anything urgent to say, I may still pop in sometimes to say hi or to just read some of your very interesting conversations about our faith.

Bye for now

[M.C. Steenberg]

Dear Mr Aubuchon,

A belated welcome to the Community. It is good to have you here, and already engaged in the discussion.

To Kosmas, welcome back.

INXC, Matthew

[Robert Hegwood]

Dear James,

I certainly can identify with your desire. To find spiritual counsel from someone graced by the Spirit who knows our hearts to the core, who can give wise counsel and correction, and who loves us dearly despite our wretchedness is a compelling consumation, devoutly to be wished...but as other posters have said, less and less likely as the age draws to a close. And truth be told those who do remain would better spend their time with those spiritual children actually capable of receiving their way of life and prayer rather than most of us who ask after such spiritual guides.

In my initial meeting with Orthodoxy I was in a far more despirate situation than you find yourself now. My closest Orthodox priestly contact was 1600 miles away. One hundred miles would have been such a gift to me then. I used to wonder if I would ever find a way to be catechized and baptized, and taught how to live and worship as an Orthodox Christian.

It took three years before a door opened for me and a friend who in the interim also desired to convert...and even that was a great economy. My sponsor told me that for 25 years he had been praying for a spiritual father, but he never found one other than his parish priest before he passed away.

We live in the age that we live in and must find a way to live where we are. It seems to me more and more we are in a time where there is a kind of famine for deep spiritual life and one or two here and there have bread, and they are flocked to by everyone who is otherwise starving.

Perhaps most of us cannot expect a bone fide staretz of the best Optina and Athonite traditions, but we might be able to find what we need in less concentrated form elsewhere. It seems to me that more and more those Orthodox in America who desire a more deeply rooted spiritual life have taken to visiting monasteries for short periods of time each year. And connections and advice may be found there that while not the perhaps the living saint Athonite standard can still be very good and serve to suppliment and compliment what you are able to recieve week to week from your priest.

Anyway, it is something to think about. A wise monastic friend, or just a monastic connection may sufficient for your needs right now.

[John Lam]

JohnC saying hi to all. I have just joined the boards.

I am an Orthodox convert doing my PhD at a Protestant institution and my advisor is a catholic nun (Oh yeah, it can get interesting sometimes). Anyway, hello all.

[Alex Haig]

Welcome!

With love in the Risen Christ

Alex

[Michelle M.]

Hello all. My name is Michelle. I grew up in a Greek Orthodox Church until I was 17. It was then that I found Christ and I started to question where I came from. I have been bouncing around between a few different Churches and studying my Bible. The more I study the more I find myself agreeing with the Orthodox Church. I am planning on going back to attending Church with my family soon. Basically i've joined so I can ask questions and get knowledgeable answers. I hope you all can provide that for me and I enjoy the time I spend here!

[Alex Haig]

Welcome to the forum. There are many knowledgable people on the forum who'll be able to help you with queries.

With love in the Risen Christ

Alex

[James Aubuchon]

Welcome!

Are there any specific questions that you might have? I am a former evangelical minister who became Orthodox about 2 years ago. I spent about 18 years in the evangelical movement, and recieved a Master of Divinity from Nazarene Theological Seminary (Church of the Nazarene). I have also done ministry in the Evangelical Presbyterian Church and the Evangelical Free Church, as well as spending a number of years wandering from church to church in everything from Reformed to Pentecostal.

If I can be of any assistance (sinner that I am), please let me know.

In Christ,

Jim

[Olga]

Welcome, Michelle!

We're a pretty friendly and helpful lot here, feel free to ask questions.

[Raphael]

After a couple of posts, I thought I'd introduce myself. I was Chrismated in Sept. 2001. My wife and daughter attned church with me but have shown little interest in converting. My son, Praise God, was baptized last year.
My own journey into The Church is characterized less by theology and more by yearning for "One Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church."

I am the owner and moderator, along with my friend Athanasia, of a yahoo group called OXWOMS (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/oxwoms/) (OrhtodoX WithOut My Spouse).

I am a member of St Anne Orthodox Church in Oak Ridge TN, OCA Diocese of the South.

[Shakes hands all around.]

[Herman Blaydoe]

Welcome. You are not alone. Patience and prayer counts for much, but you probably already know that. Have you read any of Khouri Frederica's books? She was also once a reluctant spouse.

[M.C. Steenberg]

Dear Raphael: welcome to the Community. It is good to have you here, and I hope you enjoy your interactions with all the members.

XB, Matthew

[John Nelligan]

Thanks so much for sharng this-as a convert it I was touched by this,
John

[James F.]

Hey, I'm James. I've been Baptist all my life and recently have been looking into Orthodoxy. I love studying it and this Sunday I'm going to an Orthodox Church; the Holy Trinity-Holy Cross Cathedral. Anyway, I would like to ask how one becomes a member of the Orthodox Church? I was baptised as a Baptist. I was baptised once when I was 8 or 9, and rededicated my life to Him and was Baptised again not too long ago. Will I have to be baptised again if I decide to join the Historic Church? Chrismation is when one is anointed and receives the Holy Spirit, right? Will I just have to do that?
Thanks in advance for the answers.

[Herman Blaydoe]

Glory to Jesus Christ! Welcome to the forum.

To become a member of the Church you will need to discuss with the priest. Generally there will be some sort of formal catechism that may last anywhere from, say, 3 months to 3 years, depending on resources available, your current spiritual maturity/knowledge, and the priest's ability to meet your educational and spiritual needs.

We believe in ONE BAPTISM for the remission of sins. It may well be likely that your former baptism, if it was done in a Trinitarian manner, will simply need to be "completed" with Chrismation, but I would not presume to speak for the priest in question and his bishop, who will decide the most efficacious manner to receive you into the Church.

[Elzabet]

I'm Beth, I'm new, I've lurked long enough.

[Amy]

Hi Beth; I'm new too. Looks like a great community to share in.

[Alex Haig]

Welcome to you both

With love in Christ

Alex

[Elzabet]

Thank you both! :)

[Justin Frank]

Hello,

I was raised Protestant, but am now convinced that the Orthodox Church is the Church the Holy Spirit has guided into all truth, and where I need to be.

I've joined in order to learn more about the beliefs, practices,and Traditions of Orthodoxy, and I hope that occasional questions from an inquirer will be tolerated.

Thank you so much for having me :)

Peace in Christ,
Justin

[Herman Blaydoe]

Glory to Jesus Christ and welcome!

Many questions have been answered here, this is a very "tolerable" place! There are many informative Orthodox resources here and elsewhere on the Net.

[Ken McRae]

hi there Justin ~ welcome to Monachos. We'd like to hear a little about your journey so far, and how you came to your present convictions. What was the first thing, you can remember, that attracted you to Orthodoxy? Or what was it that led you to think that maybe Protestantism was tangential, or a straying away from the narrow path of salvation? Enquiring minds want to know! :) Theophilus

[Justin Frank]

Thank you for the welcomes!

Growing up Protestant, I was always troubled by the countless denominations, sub-denominations, doctrinal differences, disputes, and etcetera. I thought that surely these disputes didn’t date to the earliest days of the Church, and I wondered if there was a church that could trace its history back to the beginnings. I became curious about Roman Catholicism and did some research, but I just couldn’t dig it, suffice it to say. I resigned my self to the idea that Protestantism was my only choice.

That was 12 or 13 years ago.

Close to a year ago I heard a conversation on Hank Hanegraaff’s Bible Answer Man radio program. A caller told Hank that an Orthodox co-worker of his said that he could find his relationship with Christ deepened, more fulfilling, or something to that effect, in Orthodoxy. I had a tremendous amount of respect for Hank, and when he told the caller that Orthodoxy doesn’t fall outside the pale of orthodoxy, I decided to look into it.

I started researching the Eastern Church online and was blown away by the things I found. I think the thing that hit me the hardest was the idea of Holy Tradition, as opposed to Sola Scriptura. I realized that personal interpretation was the reason for the endless proliferation of differing doctrines and denominations in Protestantism, and St. Paul’s words that the Church is the Pillar and Ground of the truth, and Christ’s promise that the Holy Spirit would lead the Church into all truth, began to hold new meaning for me.

I read “The Orthodox Way” and “The Orthodox Church” by Bishop Kallistos, “Becoming Orthodox” By Father Gilquist, I began downloading and devouring the “Our Life in Christ” radio program, I got my hands on the Orthodox Study Bible (now my bible of choice)…somewhere along the way I realized I want to convert.

Another very attractive aspect of Orthodoxy is the…I don’t really know how to say this…the prescriptions for obtaining the Holy Spirit, the concrete methods, directions and tools the Church offers for living in Christ. Protestantism is such a do-your-own thing, nebulous way of life - very ineffective for a wretched sinner such as myself.

I drive a truck all over the country and am rarely home to attend services, but I was fortunate enough to be able to attend the Pascha service at my local OCA parish. It was my first Orthodox service, and I was awe-struck. I’m making plans to get a local job so that I can attend regularly. I hope to talk to the Priest when I get back home again at the end of this month to discuss with him my interest in becoming a catechumen.

Meanwhile, I’m studying as much as I can about the Church, praying as much as I can, practicing the Jesus prayer, and looking forward to the day when I’m ready to commune.

Peace in Christ -

[Antonios]

Welcome Justin to Monachos.net! It is always refreshing to hear about the way our God works in bringing His children to His Church. Glory to God for all things and may your journey in Orthodoxy bring you closer to the Truth, that is, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, by the Grace of the Father and of the Life-giving Holy Spirit!

[Fr Aaron Warwick]

Dear Justin,

Very interesting story. It just so happens that my father-in-law is an Orthodox truck driver. He has visited churches all over the country and is a member of the OCA. There are several Orthodox truck drivers scattered across America. If you are interested, you can e-mail me privately and I can put you in contact with my father-in-law. He would love to discuss Orthodoxy and truck driving and how the two can mix with you!

Aaron

[David Perry]

Dear Justin,

Very interesting story. It just so happens that my father-in-law is an Orthodox truck driver. He has visited churches all over the country and is a member of the OCA. There are several Orthodox truck drivers scattered across America. If you are interested, you can e-mail me privately and I can put you in contact with my father-in-law. He would love to discuss Orthodoxy and truck driving and how the two can mix with you!

Aaron

By any chance did he pass through VA during Lent

[Timothy Farrell]

When I was on the road I worked to find the an Orthodox church where I could take time on Sunday morning for Liturgy. Most Sunday's I could find a place to park and a church to attend. It might take some working out of your planned route but I met many wonderful Orthodox people in my travels.

[Justin Frank]

I wish I had more oppurtunity to do that, the company that I'm with is real harsh on us about out-of-route miles. I'm really looking forward to working locally :)

[Fr Raphael Vereshack]

I wish I had more oppurtunity to do that, the company that I'm with is real harsh on us about out-of-route miles. I'm really looking forward to working locally :)

Our parish in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada has so many driving truck that I sometimes joke that this is "the parish of the truck drivers".

Last week I was being driven from our convent in Alberta where I had been visiting into Edmonton by someone who helps out at the convent. While going north on Rte 2 a large Bison truck pulled up beside us in the other lane and the driver began waving at us. I almost fell off my seat when I saw it was one if my parishioner truck drivers! The distance from our parish in Winnipeg where we both live and the spot on Rte 2 where we met is about the distance from Grand Forks, ND to Rte 89 in northern Montana! What's the chance of that happening plus all of us being Orthodox! This 'chance meeting' still amazes me.

In Christ- Fr Raphael

[Trinitarian God]

In Christ!

Here is a good and populer site for Orthodox

using the New King James Version!

http://www.goarch.org/

[Coptic Phoenix]

Dear all...Just wanted to say a quick hello and thank you to all that have posted their messages of welcome. I really do appreciate it...

I look forward to meeting all of you on this forum, answering questions, raising more discussions, but more importantly, I look forward to receiving your interesting answers to some of my silly questions.

In Christ our Lord, I humbley ask you to remeber me in your prayers.

:)

[Ryan]

Hi, I'm Ryan and I've just joined. I'm currently a catechumen at my local Greek Orthodox parish. I was never raised in any Christian denomination. I'm currently a student double majoring in Asian Studies (Chinese stuff, mainly) and History. In the past years I've explored various philosophies and religions, but I now feel strongly drawn to the Orthodox Church.

[Antonios]

Welcome Ryan to the community! Feel free to add any comments or ask any questions. Glory to God for leading you towards the the Light of the world in Jesus Christ!

[Chrissi]

Hi, I'm Ryan and I've just joined. I'm currently a catechumen at my local Greek Orthodox parish. I was never raised in any Christian denomination. I'm currently a student double majoring in Asian Studies (Chinese stuff, mainly) and History. In the past years I've explored various philosophies and religions, but I now feel strongly drawn to the Orthodox Church.

Hi Ryan, welcome to the community :D

You'll learn the longer you're here, the posts on this group are so interesting to read, I learn something new every day :) I too am relatively new, and I'm finding that I'm able to post my thoughts, whereas elsewhere I feel like my ideas would fall upon deaf ears.

I'm glad that you're drawn to the Orthodox Church. I have always believed it is the most beautiful part of my life, and I hope that one day you too will feel this way :)

In Christ,
Christina

[Trudy]

Hi, I'm Ryan and I've just joined.

Welcome Ryan! Glad you are here.

I am a history major as well, though I am a non-traditional student! My historical interest is in the development of the church up to 1500's. :eek:

Looking forward to reading your thoughts.

~Athanasia~

[Ryan]

Thanks everyone!

[John Charmley]

Dear Ryan,

As another newcomer to this site, can I add to the welcomes. I am not (yet) Orthodox, but am finding this community a great blessing, and I feel sure that you will also be blessed by it.

Unlike some other sites, this one really seems infused with a spirit of Christian fellowship, and if some of the exchanges can be a little robust, they are always courteous and usually thoughtful. We are all very much in the debt of Dr. Steenberg and the frequent posters.

I hope, Ryan, that you enjoy it here and find the enlightenment you seek.

Best wishes,

In Christ,

John

[Panagiotis]

I thought I would drop in the traditional(small t) hello and introduce myself to the neighborhood. I am a regular over on OC.net and I saw this place through a thread at St. Euphrosynos(sp?) Cafe and followed it through. So here I am and I hope to enjoy the gathering of the One True Fellowship of Our Holy, Cathoic and Apostolic Church!

Christ is in our midst,
Panagiotis

[Aaron Wake]

Hello all! I am new here. I am a new convert to Orthodoxy from the protestant world:) I am very appreciative for my upbringing in that church but have now come to cherish the fullness of the Christian faith in the Orthodox Church. Praise be to God!

Peace

[Aaron Wake]

Hi everyone,

Does anyone have an icon of Saint Olympiada? I can't really find one on the Internet.

Also, does anyone know if the letters that St John Chrysostom wrote to Saint Olympiada are in a book format (preferably English)?

Thanks.
Joy in the Resurrected Christ!

Here is a link to Archangels Bookstore. I hope this is the one you were looking for. Their display is pretty impressive and is getting ready to expand as I hear. http://www.archangelsbooks.com/products.asp?cat=25&pg=4

[Kris]

http://www.religiousmall.com/rqt_wst243.html

You can buy one here if you're still interested.

Please pray for me, a sinner.

[Herman Blaydoe]

Glory to Jesus Christ! Welcome home. I came home from Protestantism 31 years ago. I hope you find this forum helpful.

[Peter Farrington]

Hi. I have been reading this forum on and off for many months and though I will probably regret it from the point of view of getting sucked into hours of interesting reading, I have now subscribed properly.

I am a subdeacon in the British Orthodox Church within the Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate and I find myself involved in what is really pioneer mission work, which takes up most of my spare time.

I am responsible for the British Orthodox Church website at http://www.britishorthodox.org and the Orthodox Unity website at http://www.orthodoxunity.org, though it is hard to keep that one fresh since I don't have access to lots of the material I would like.

Over the last year I have developed the Oriental Orthodox Library as a new venture to publish and republish works of interest to Oriental Orthodox and those studying our Orthodox Faith. There is a website at http://www.orthodox-library.org.

I grew up in a Plymouth Brethren family, went to Bible College for three years, tested a vocation as an Evangelical missionary in Senegal, got married, developed an interest in Orthodoxy and found a home in what is now the British Orthodox Church. In fact I think I was the first baptism after the union with the Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate.

I did approach the Russians and Greeks but found their foreign culture difficult, even impenetrable, and I was told by the Archdiocesan Office that Anglicanism was the Orthodox Church for British people!!!!

I have spent the last 12 years studying my Oriental Orthodox Faith and have written quite a few fairly serious papers about our theology. I am very interested in making the effort to work for reconciliation though I am often easily frustrated and even depressed by the dismissive spirit I sometimes find. So be gentle with me. :)

I have a resonably good library of Oriental Orthodox theological works and I'm always working to improve my French since many of them have only been translated into French from Syriac and though I do have a 'Teach Yourself Syriac' book here at work on my desk I have not got very far.

I'm presently very busy with a new evangelistic ministry called The British Orthodox Fellowship, which is a dispersed community of enquirers, church members and interested folk, and is hoped to be a place where people can find out about Orthodoxy at their own pace and in their own environment. We hope that we will be able to use this ministry to form groups of praying and studying enquirers, some of which will develop into local Orthodox churches themselves.

That's probably enough for now, do ask questions and I'll be happy to share more.

In Christ Jesus

Peter Theodore Farrington

[Kris]

Dear Peter,

I would be very interested to hear more about the missionary efforts the British Orthodox Church is making to reach out to British people. Who is your main "target group" (if any)? Which group do you find most receptive? How do you approach them (literature, personal encounters, university campus work, etc.)? How does your worship (other than use of the English language) cater specifically for Brits? And, finally, which of these methods have you found to be most effective?

Thanks

In XC,
Kris

[John Charmley]

Dear Peter,

Welcome. I have found this to be a wonderful forum, and I suspect you won't get much of the frustration you may have experienced elsewhere here.

I have found the other Monochos members patient, helpful and full of real Christian spirit - rather, I cannot resist saying, like the BOC!:)

Mission is, I know, your great vocation, and I have found in this site, as in your's, great sources of enlightenment. In bringing the Word and the Orthodox faith to those who are looking, Monochos and the BOC do a great work.

We shall be blessed having your contributions.


Yours in Christ,

John

[Fr Raphael Vereshack]

Dear Peter,

Although we've already 'met' through the Unity thread welcome to the group! You've already offered quite a bit through your posts that is of great interest for us. Many thanks.

In Christ- Fr Raphael

[Fr Raphael Vereshack]

By the way I've taken a look at the websites and they're beautifully done.

[Ryan]

I did approach the Russians and Greeks but found their foreign culture difficult, even impenetrable, and I was told by the Archdiocesan Office that Anglicanism was the Orthodox Church for British people!!!!

That's really bad! Sorry, that's all I can say about it. I'm new here too, welcome.

[Peter Farrington]

I like to recount the incident with the Greeks as an amusing anecdote, but it did come from the period when the Archdiocese had a joint committee with the Anglicans to 'manage' conversions to Orthodoxy. So it was an odd period. I'm not sure what happens now. Although I did find a complete lack of comprehension elsewhere among UK lay Greeks who could not imagine HOW a non-Greek could become Orthodox.

I'll post more about the BOC 'missionary methods' later. Let's see if they work first. :)

Although in short the internet has been very important, trying to provide a rich experience of contact with us, and having a commitment to being British and Orthodox.

I don't usually believe in a negative contact, as an example. Someone (Protestant) emailed me saying that our website didin't seem to have much reference to Jesus. I replied saying that this had been on my own mind for some time (it has) and that we needed to make sure that we preached Christ as well as the Church. I asked if I could write some short pieces about who Christ is, what he has done and how we become Christians, and send them to him for his comments. He agreed. So now I have permission to write some Orthodox evangelistic materials and send them to a man who will read them carefully.

It has to be pretty entirely negative for me not to reply. In fact the last one I didn't reply to was a rather abuse email from an EO I'm afraid. I just didn't know what to reply except, 'You seem rather angry, God bless you'.

Anyhow I'll post more about our mission in a separate thread.

In Christ

Peter

[Chrissi]

Hello Peter,

I'd also like to add my welcome to you as a new member of this discussion community. :)

Also, your starting post was very interesting to read and it sounds like you've got a lot of projects on your plate! Thankyou for sharing it with us all.

In Christ,
Christina

[George Booth]

hello, my name is george, my wife, son and I converted to Orthodoxy, in 1968 by entering first into the Antiochian archdiocese, but after ten years of little insight into church tradition, history and the lives of the saints, we heard about the Rocor, and as they say, the rest is history, i have had no regrets, and love Vladyka Laurus as a father and hierarch and have put my hope of salvation in his hands, would like to be more of an observer, than a poster, if that's all right. thank you and i am a long time admirer of this website.

[Steve]

Big Hello to All :)

This is my first time to post, I have recently got interested in Christianity after reading a book called Silent Mountain about the Athonite tradition.

I am looking to study more and make friends and contacts, if anyone knows any Orthodox churches in Essex UK please drop me a line.

Thanks!!

[Alex Haig]

Parishes in Southend (very Greek) or English language one in Colchester.

Further, there is a monastery (both monks and nuns) in Tolleshunt Knights (near Maldon) whose founder was a monk on Athos.

For contact details for these please email me (via my profile).

There's also tonnes of Churches in London (although not many use English).

Welcome to the community on monachos.net

With love in Christ

Alex

[M.C. Steenberg]

Welcome, Steve. It's good to have you here in the Community, and I'm sure I'm not the only one who looks forward to getting to know you through your participation here.

INXC, Matthew

[M.C. Steenberg]

Dear Mr Booth,

Thank you for your intial post, and welcome to the Discussion Community!

INXC, Matthew

[Ty Pearson]

Greetings,
My name is Tyler. I am a graduate student of theology at a small Protestant Seminary in Northeast Tennessee. I stumbled upon monachos last week and haven't been able to stay away since. What a wonderful ministry! Thank you all very much and especially the moderator.
I chose Protestant on my profile but I was really looking for a "reluctant Protestant" option that unfortunately does not exist yet. I grew up in a very free-church, American-Evangelical Protestant enviroment. I am still connected to that church because I love the people but I have very deep problems with many of the basic tenets of Protestantism. Most members here seem to be from ancient traditions so I'm sure I don't need to explain these problems (sola scripture, lack of concern for the Christian tradition, etc...).
I have been very close to leaving the Protestant churches but at this time in my life feel it would be presumptuous to "place myself" somewhere other than the communities where God has seen fit in His wisdom to place me.
I am also involved in an ecumenical community with many Christians in my school and the surrounding area. We partake of the Eucharist every morning and utilize several ancient Anaphorae. This has been an amazing experience and I look forward to discussing it with those whom have lived and breathed the liturgy for longer than I have lived.
I am rather familiar with Roman Catholocism but have much less knowledge of the Orthodox Traditions so I look forward to learning much from all of you (indeed I already have).
Thanks for having me and God bless- Tyler

[Antonios]

Welcome Tyler to the forum. I hope you find all the answers you are looking for! I would suggest this website (http://www.ourlifeinchrist.com/archives.htm) for someone from the Protestant faith which has an excellent archive for you to listen to. God bless your journey!

[Kris]

I am looking to study more and make friends and contacts, if anyone knows any Orthodox churches in Essex UK please drop me a line.


Hi,

I guess one could call Essex the heart of Orthodoxy in the UK, by virtue of the Monastery of St. John the Baptist in Tolleshunt Knights that Alex mentioned.

The over-all atmosphere of the monastery is one of a very large family, and so if you are looking for friends and contacts this is a great place to visit.

In XC,
Kris

[John Charmley]

I stumbled upon monachos last week and haven't been able to stay away since. What a wonderful ministry! Thank you all very much and especially the moderator.
I chose Protestant on my profile but I was really looking for a "reluctant Protestant" option that unfortunately does not exist yet. I grew up in a very free-church, American-Evangelical Protestant enviroment. I am still connected to that church because I love the people but I have very deep problems with many of the basic tenets of Protestantism. Most members here seem to be from ancient traditions so I'm sure I don't need to explain these problems (sola scripture, lack of concern for the Christian tradition, etc...).
I have been very close to leaving the Protestant churches but at this time in my life feel it would be presumptuous to "place myself" somewhere other than the communities where God has seen fit in His wisdom to place me.


Dear Tyler,

As they say in Ireland, a thousand thousand welcomes! I heartily concur in your comments about this site; for those of us who are (and what a wonderful phrase) 'reluctant protestants' and who have little contact with an actual Orthodox community, Monachos is indeed a great blessing.

You'll see from my 'religion' that I am an Anglican, and for the best part of thirty years I have wrestled with many of the problems you mention, but I can totally identify with your feeling that one ought not to leave the place where one has been 'planted'. Finally, however, I have had to acknowledge that my Church has gone to places where I just cannot go, and this seems a sign that it is time for me to acknowledge what my heart knows, that the Orthodox faith I have always thought I professed can be found in its fulness only in Orthodoxy.

However, that has taken me about 35 years in total:o so I would not worry about being in any hurry. When the time is right, you will know what it is you should do.

I am certain that in being here you will be blessed, as I have, by the wisdom, kindness, and forbearance to be found here. I hope you grow in Faith by being here.

In Christ


John

[Steve]

Thank you for all of your welcoms and reply's, I had read about the monastry at Maldon and if possible I would love to visit them :)

I will contact ahaig and take advange of his offer of the contact details

Thanks again

[Steve]

Hi all,

I sent a reply but I did not see it posted, so I am sending another one, apologies if both appear.

I wanted to thank you all for your kind welcome and advise.

I plan to E-mail Alex about the Maldon Monastery which I would love to visit.

:)

[Irene]

Welcome Tyler! :) I hope you continue to find a lot to interest you on this site. I come from a family made up of people who are either Presbyterian or Anglican.


You'll see from my 'religion' that I am an Anglican, and for the best part of thirty years I have wrestled with many of the problems you mention, but I can totally identify with your feeling that one ought not to leave the place where one has been 'planted'. Finally, however, I have had to acknowledge that my Church has gone to places where I just cannot go, and this seems a sign that it is time for me to acknowledge what my heart knows, that the Orthodox faith I have always thought I professed can be found in its fulness only in Orthodoxy.

However, that has taken me about 35 years in total:o so I would not worry about being in any hurry. When the time is right, you will know what it is you should do.

I am certain that in being here you will be blessed, as I have, by the wisdom, kindness, and forbearance to be found here. I hope you grow in Faith by being here.

In Christ

John

I admire people who thoroughly think out and fully understand their own faith and the Church, I think you'd have little room for doubting your choices.

I on the other hand just dived in, it felt right and I converted without knowledge. So if my family ever asked me why all I could have said to them is "It feels right".

Last year when my mum finally confronted me with the "why are you staying with the Orthodox, why aren't you going to Church with your own people" I finally had a lot of answers, in my poor way one of the things I explained was how it feels to have sins weighing you down so much so that it feels physical and then the joy of unburdening yourself of all those sins, the lightening of the load, the absolute gratitude and love and warmth you feel from that simple act.

I told her a whole lot more that I can't recall at the moment but I should have said to her "Mum, it was you who told me to always trust my feelings, and I trusted that what I felt in my heart was right."

When I was about 17, I thanked God for the lots of little things that were good in my life, "Thank you God for allowing me to have a seat on this crowded train" etc. One day when I walked home in the dark from shorthand classes I became endangered, a man was hiding the shadows and came out when he saw that I was alone." I started praying straight away over and over the Lord's Prayer the only thing I could remember and before long this person ran away. Later this person was charged and sent to jail for assaulting young women and threatening them with a knife. I was never harmed. I have had so many miracles, so much to thank God for, no excuse for doubts.

In Christ
irene

[Pater Romanus]

I would like to introduce myself, as I'm new on the Forum. I'm from Poland, a small country in the East-Middle Europe. I heve been Roman Catholic Priest since 13 years. I live and work in Warsaw. I hardly accept the Post-Conciliar Church, so similar to the Protestant denominations, I'm a conservatist who loves Orthodoxy, especially forthe liturgy. I'm 41, living in celibacy, of course and...welcome!

[John Charmley]

Dear Adam,

Since we are both Europeans of a conservative bent in our respective non-Orthodox churches, I feel a sense of commonality in welcoming you to this wonderful forum.

As a priest you carry heavy burdens and do a good work. Poland has borne a great Christian witness, but along with the good parts of being in the European Union, you are exposed to the bad parts - the secularism, the materialism and the godlessness of the west. Do you find these things, and if you do, how do you deal with them?

I am sure you will add much to this forum, and I hope we shall learn from your witness.

In Christ

John

[John Charmley]

Dear Steve,

Welcome! The Silent Mountain is a great book, full of wisdom.

I don't know whether you are interested exclusively in the Eastern Orthodox tradition, but there is a good site on British Orthodoxy, which is part of the Oriental Orthodox Church, at http://www.britishorthodox.org/ which has some references to other sites and to more reading. There is also a forum, the British Orthodox Fellowship, which anyone with an interest in Orthodoxy can join.

I have found them most friendly (and the services are in English) and eirenic, so you can contact them without expecting to receive anything except help and advice if you need it.

In Christ,

John

[Alex Haig]

Welcome to the Community.

With love in Christ

Alex

[Dionysios DiGregorio]

Hello everyone:
My name is Dionysios. I found this website while perusing the web so I thought I'd become a member and make an effort to be a part of this online community; I find the posts very informative, thought provoking, intelligent and edifying. It happens that I feel that I need the additional support of an Orthodox community now that I'm spending so much time at work and 'in the world' so to speak, and stumbling across this forum was a 'little miracle'
I look forward to my membership, and I thank God for the blessing: I've thoroughly enjoyed the posts I've read so far and I just wanted to take a moment to introduce myself and say hello. Glory to God.

In Christ,
Dionysios

[Chrissi]

Welcome to the community Dionysios.:) I'm glad that you happened across this site and that you decided to join. It is quite interesting for me (as I'm sure it is for everyone else) to be able to read the views of others, and I learn new things all the time. So I'm sure you'll find your membership worthwhile. ;)

In Christ,
Christina

[John Wood]

Hello to All.

I had no idea when I registered a little while ago that this community was attracting new members a such a rate as indicated by the entries under Introductions. I don't know how often I will post, but I will certainly be reading what others have to say whenever I am able.

By way of introduction, I live in Clinton, Mississippi, USA, I'm married and have 6 (mostly grown-up) children. I work as a computer systems analyst, but my training is in music (I used to play the cello professionally, but am retired now). I am a sub-deacon and the choir director at our church. I have no theological education, but have been reading about such things for 40 years or so. I am a convert from anglicanism and have been Orthodox for about 25 years now.

I have been very impressed with the quality of the posts I have read so far, and look forward to many more.

In Christ,
- John Wood

[Irene]

Hello to All.

I had no idea when I registered a little while ago that this community was attracting new members a such a rate as indicated by the entries under Introductions. I don't know how often I will post, but I will certainly be reading what others have to say whenever I am able.

By way of introduction, I live in Clinton, Mississippi, USA, I'm married and have 6 (mostly grown-up) children. I work as a computer systems analyst, but my training is in music (I used to play the cello professionally, but am retired now). I am a sub-deacon and the choir director at our church. I have no theological education, but have been reading about such things for 40 years or so. I am a convert from anglicanism and have been Orthodox for about 25 years now.

I have been very impressed with the quality of the posts I have read so far, and look forward to many more.

In Christ,
- John Wood

Hello John, :)

Welcome!

There does seem to be quite a few more people signing up. It is interesting that your training is in music but you work with computers, my youngest child is 16, sings in the Church choir, is a gifted guitarist but also so good at computers that a teacher is paying him to "write a web page" for the teacher's family business. (I am currently wondering what direction he is going to take in life.)

Did you convert before or after you met your wife, is she also a convert? It is always interesting finding out different convert's stories.

In Christ
irene

[John Wood]

Thank you, Irene, for your reply. There is actually a very high corollation between people who work with music and people who work with computers. I have no idea why. As for my family, my wife, myself, and our three oldest children all converted at the same time. The three younger children were born since then and were all baptised in the Orthodox Church. So I guess in a way, we are a *mixed* family.

In Christ,
- John

[Celinda Grace]

Hi,

I was browsing around the internet looking for an e-text of some of Maximus the Confessor's work when I happened acoss this site. After browsing the discussion board I thought I would join although I doubt I will have much time to contribute.

Does anyone one know if there is an e-text of Maximus's Four Hundred Chapters on Love? I have been doing a survey of the contemplative tradition both east and west over the last year and a half or so and have not found anyone quite so balanced and practical. He neither falls into the trap of exalting mystical knowledge at the expense of practical love, (a trap I find the Catholic mystical tradition falling into) nor scorning it as unnecessary or worse yet unchristain (an attitude I find a lot of Protestants falling into)

I really appreciate sites like this that are willing to make available texts that otherwise would be inaccessable to a private person pursuing a deeper understanding of the history of Christianity and the working out of God's kingdom on earth.

[Irene]

Hi Celinda Grace, I'm sorry I haven't noticed the e-text that you are looking for but I'll keep my eyes open. Welcome to Monachos though. ...Irene:)

[Sophia]

Hello All,

I wanted to introduce myself. I live in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, USA and I converted to Orthodoxy from a charismatic protestant church. I found this site a search online. The other day I simply typed "I want to be an Orthodox Nun" in the search because while at work I couldn't say it aloud and it was all I could think. The discussion that I found from a couple years ago started with a young lady who I instantly related to. The responses she received were very helpful to me and I joined.

I am very happy to be here and I hope that I can offer something to this wonderful community.

In Christ,
Sophia Bennett

[Irene]

Hi Sophia, :)

Welcome to Monachos, it is a very interesting site, I hope you keep finding a lot of useful information.

In Christ
irene

[Ann Margaret Lewis]

I'm glad I found you. I'm a traditional Roman Catholic and I'm doing research on the Coptic Church(es) for a story I'm writing. I'm a fiction writer. The story is a murder mystery and unlike Dan Brown (gag) I'm doing my best to be accurate and...well...happily biased in favor of the traditional church. ;)

I'm hoping you all don't mind if I ask a whole lot of questions.

Oh yes, and I live in New York City.

God bless you all!
--Ann

[Antonios]

Hi Celinda,

I dont believe you will find it as e-text, but the work you are looking for is in the Philokalia Volume 2. I hope this helps!

[Adrian]

I am an existing orthodox and I want to show you what I found about orthodoxy. I can say I am a convert from a warmer orthodox to a convinced orthodox. This is a good thing. One of my coworkers was doing taichi and it just happened to read some books about how dangerous such a thing is. One of the books I was reading is Orthodoxy and the religion of the future by Father Seraphim Rose, an american converted to orthodoxy. He writes so well, and you can say that he knows a lot. Well one of the books said that the idols of other people were actualy demons. Not a good thing I said and because I didn't want anything bad to happend I started to talk with him about christianity. He said well, in order to convince me I need to witness the power of prayer and to have proof about God. Now, how can I prove that God exists and how can I show the power of prayer? I started praying. However, after some time I found the miracles of orthodoxy.

1. The Holy Light from Jerusalem

Every year a light comes from the sky in Jerusalem , when ORTHODOX patriarch performs the Orthodox Easter ceremony. The light comes only to the orthodox Patriarch even if other christian denominations tried to enter the Church on the Orthodox Easter day. In one year when the orthodox Patriarch was outside the church , praying for the light, the light come outside where the orthodox people were. THe light is special and does not burn the first minutes. It goes from place to place and lights the candles.

http://www.orthodoxphotos.com/Orthodox_Miracles/Pascha_Holy_Light/index.shtml

2. The Jordan River going back

When Jesus entered the Jordan River , the water started to move backward, showing that Jesus is the Son of God. Yearly, when the ORTHODOX Patriach makes a celebration of this event , and when the crosses of orthodox christians go into the water, the water starts moving backward.

3. Mountain Tabor

When the Transfiguration happened, a cloud come on the top of Mount Tabor. Every year a cloud come to the top of Mountain Tabor, signifying that the way from Earth to Heaven is through Jesus.

4. Unaltered bodies

Many saints have unaltered bodies after death.

5. Angels show to the orthodox peoples

http://www.orthodoxphotos.com/Orthodox_Miracles/Various/index.shtml
6. Sanctified water

If for the normal water there is unordered Brownian movement of the molecules, for sanctified water there is a ordered molecules movement and because of that this water can be keeped unaltered for one year or more compared with 3 days.

7. Saints perform miracles even after death

Orthodox people report miracles of the saints even after death of the saints.

8. Time alteration, levitation, walking on water, healing, speaking on the phone after death

I found some accounts on this in the book: The mountain of silence, but this not the only account.

With those miracles I could have a good case for christianity and at one time, praying in front of him he got rid of something that bothered him

So the good part is that my friend started to go to a protestant church and didn't go anymore to taichi. This was beautiful but there was a thought that continued to bother me, what if the protestant way is not a good way? You see, there are many denominations and how do I know which one is good? How can I know that and how can I base this thing on the judgement of a fallen man, on my judgement? So I prayed again. Dear God, which christian denomination leads you to salvation? An thought came to me saying, the orthodox church and the catolic church have miracles but orthodox church has more. I was thinking then that the miracles are a way for God to show you which denomination leads you to salvation. If you think for yourself , you can give big grades to something God does not care about .

This is why I think that people that become Orthodox did a good thing.

[Chrissi]

I'm glad I found you. I'm a traditional Roman Catholic and I'm doing research on the Coptic Church(es) for a story I'm writing. I'm a fiction writer. The story is a murder mystery and unlike Dan Brown (gag) I'm doing my best to be accurate and...well...happily biased in favor of the traditional church. ;)

I'm hoping you all don't mind if I ask a whole lot of questions.

Oh yes, and I live in New York City.

God bless you all!
--Ann

Welcome Ann.

I'm sure everybody here will enjoy answering any questions you have to ask of us, and your book sounds interesting. :)

Christina

[Herman Blaydoe]

This is as good a place as you will find that will answer your questions without the rancor that you might find in other fora. Our moderator keeps a tight ship and does not let us get too rambuctious! And you will find an absolute wealth of resources.

Welcome.

[Adrian]

First of all welcome to the orthodox faith. Since you are new I am trying to show you some customs and some particularities of orthodox faith.

Mindset. The orthodox have a mindset of keeping everything unchanged at least until Jesus will come again. I as an orthodox I didn't considered as a good thing the so called modernization of some churches and that is because even if I don't belong to those churches I love the people that belong to them. The change in orthodoxy is possible but is improbable and I hope that you will help us to resist to the unwelcome change. Sometime I wonder how the church survived on so many bad times but our priest told us that it happened because the Holy Spirit helps the church and everything that gets destroyed is put back.

Holy Communion. The main reason Orthodox people come to the church is to take the Holy Communion, that is the flesh and blood of Jesus Christ. Once I was praying and I said, God, how easy is for man to fall , just by eating a fruit, and how good will be if the man can go back also by eating a fruit. A thougth just came into my mind saying, but the people can go back to Heaven by tacking the Holy Communion which is the fruit of the Mother of God.
Thinking about it I made the following comparison:
In Heaven the man was good trying to do good deeds but on the Earth the man is fallen and compelled to sin. In Heaven the woman brought to the man the fruit of the sin, the apple, on Earth the woman brougth to man the Holly Communion, the blood and flesh of Jesus, the fruit of salvation. People went from Heaven to Earth by eating a fruit, an apple, and people can go back to Heaven by eating a fruit, the Holy Communion. Eating the fruit of the fall is done by sinning, eating the Holy Communion is done
by doing good deeds. The man knew the good and the snake told him that by eating the apple he will know good and bad, but since the man was knowing the good the snake show him the bad and destruction. Jesus come to the fallen man that knew good and bad and tougth him to forget the bad and keep the good. In heaven there was small possibility to eat the fruit of the Fall and to fall on Earth, and on Earth there is a small possibility to eat Holy Communion and to go to Heaven.
" 50But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which a man may eat and not die. 51I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world."
52Then the Jews began to argue sharply among themselves, "How can this man give us his flesh to eat?"
53Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. 54Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. 55For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. 56Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him. 57Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me. 58This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your forefathers ate manna and died, but he who feeds on this bread will live forever."
"
Orthodox people don't give scientific interpretation of how the bread and wine goes to blood and flesh and we say this is a mistery. However, some people prayed to be convinced and the saw blood and flesh. Holy Communion can be taken weekly and the monks take it daily I think. Children that have under 7 years have no personal sins and this is why they can take Holy Communion without Confession.

On taking Holy Communion: Holy Communion is the flesh and blood of Jesus Christ and is very holy.

So when taking Holy Communion try not to eat since midnight to the actual taking of the Holy Communion.
When taking Holy Communion make sure that no part falls down .
Once you took the Holy Communion you can eat anything, but try not to spit for the rest of the day.

Sign of the cross: At the end of the Holy Liturghy the priests makes a sign of the cross on your head. Try not to make a bath for the rest of the day so that this sign is not washed up.

Cross: The orthodox people give a special treatment to the cross sign. This is not without reason. On cross Jesus died for the people, giving them the entrance to Heaven. The cross is considered an altar. Also, when the mother of Emperor Constantine found the cross, she found actually 3 crosses and started thinking which one is the Cross of the Savior. An ill women was brougth and she was asked to touch every cross, and when she touched the cross of the Savior she felt good and the ilness was gone. Also , there are numerous stories about crosses keeping demons out and casting them out.
I think that there is a process that sanctify a cross.
As a conclusion, you can have a cross on your house, on your car, with you, etc....

Confession: In orthodox faith priests can forgive you sins through confesion. Jesus gave the power to forgive sins to the apostols and the apostols gave this to the priests. At the end of confession , if you confessed al your sins you can think of and didn't kept anything untold your sins are forgiven. Usually the priests give you a small task which you shoul obey as much as possible. For example fast for 4 days after the confession. I think that after you did the Confession and did the task assigned you can take the Holy Communion but you can ask the priest when you can take Holy Communion.When you do the confession the priest will invite you in the most holy part of the church that simbolise the heaven . Actually the angels go in this part of the church when Liturgy is performed. When you do confession an angel is hearing you and your sins get deleted . This is a very powerfull way to get clean into afterlife beside Baptisal. Don't lose the ocasion and don't forget that the angel expects from you to not keep away any sin . You are expected to do confesions at least 4 times a year. Before confession you are expected to afst for 4 days, and this is why most of confessions are done on the fasting period, but this is not a requirement. Speak with the priest if you cannot confess everything. There are also guides to confessions that will help you.

Fasting. There are 4 fasting periods with their specifics. Ask the priest. Usually the meat , milk and everything that cames from the animals is forbiden unless there is special allowance like for fish and wine. If you are not in the fasting period, you can eat everything is good for you. However, if you are ill then there is no need for fasting but for specifics ask your priest. You can fast also every Wednesday and Friday and the monks fast also on Mondays.

Sanctified water. Every time you want the priest can come to your home and do the ceremony that will sanctify the water and then he can throw a little of sanctified water on your house, etc... so that the evil don't come.You can keep some sanctified water in your house. You can drink from the sanctified water on an empty stomach - not eating anything from midnight - and this is good against ilness. You can put the fingers in holy water and made the cross sign on you and other family members. When the priest makes the ceremony special prayers are done so the evil will not harm the house and people living inside. There is a special day when Jesus was baptised, and in tjis special day the priest is invited to sanctify the house and the water. Depending on people, some do this ceremony every month and others do it once a year on the day Jesus was baptised. Usually people make a small donation for this ceremony.

Holy Liturghy: On the time the Holy Liturghy is performed, you can go to the priest and ask for the name of the departed ones and the living ones to be mentioned in the Liturghy. It is the most powerfull prayer somebody cand do . I think that there is no more powerfull prayer than this. This is good for ilnesses and other problems . However, a small donation can be made. You can do this at a church or at a monastery. The people that know se signification of the holy Liturgy can tell you why this is so powerfull. When you attend the holy Liturghy it is said that the angels will be inside the church.

Mission. The country I am caming from, Romania was under a communist goverment. This is why the mission activity was greatly discouraged along with the Sunday schools. This is not to say that the mission didn't exists but was not very powerfull. So people like me don't have a lot of experince in doing the mission work and I know that protestant churches do a good job on this. By any means, take the lead of the mission work and don't stand back. For every people turned to God your sins are forgiven, so big is the happiness in the Heaven. However, even you turned back people to the right way, you are expected to have confession too. Speak with a priest for more information on this. Father Seraphim Rose , an american beloved in orthodox world did just that, a great mission work through his books.

Conversion. Conversions are realized by the Holy Spirit by change of hearth. So if you want that somebody will become orthodox , pray to God for this, and only after prayer show him the orthodox way. God will be with you and he will speak through you. Also if you want to write material for conversion, pray before writing it or before publicizing it. We christians don't convert people by war or other means but by presenting them the TRUTH . Jesus could join the zealots, he could easily convert the emperors, he could do everything, however he choosed to present the Gospel to the people. Romania was converted peacefully by Apostle Andrew through misionary work and things that are done peacefully resist the test of time. God will help you to make conversions so even if don't see a result right away keep praying. If in your conversion saw things that could be done differently to assure a better understanding of Orthodox faith, let the priest know that .

Baptisal. In orthodoxy the baptism of the child is very similar with the baptism in the early church. The baptism is done at an early age, around 4-5 months. The child is immersed three times in water. There is a ceremony to be performed and you can ask the priest about this.

Tradition. The orthodox place a great emphasis on tradition and this keeps bad change low. A lot of words have many meanings and sometime you don't know which meaning is the right one. This is the reason for the existence of so many protestant churches. However, the orthodox people make councils when problems of interpretation arises and with the help of the Holy Spirit they get a conclusion and the decison is expected to be followed by everybody. If what I write contradicts the tradition, the tradition is above what I am writting. At this time, things are settled and I don't expect to see a lot of things that needs to be discussed.

Ecumenism. The orthodox Church considers itself of being the Mother Church and expects the other churches to follow the Early Church doctrine preserved by the Orthodox Church. There are the miracles I was talking about that show that the Orthodox Church is the way BLESSED by God. Everyone that does not believe this can pray to God for confirmation. Also four of five original Patriarchates are today in the Orthodox Church. Orthodox Church has a lot of Saints even today and they can speak through prayer with God and they can find the will of God. I dodn't think that it is a good idea to move the church in a direction people want and not in a direction wanted by God. Christians consider the idols as being demons. This is why the orthodox christians are not expected to perform yoga, budhism, taichi, reiki and others. You can read Ortodoxy and the religion of the future by Seraphim Rose.You can not pray to God on sundays and to demons on the weekdays. Some churches went too far with the ecumenist movement performing yoga services and christian services in the same place, but this is like worshipping God and demons in the same place and this is wrong.I did ask God How will look like the optimal church. A thougth come and said, The optimal church will have Orthodox Doctrine and Liturgy, Catholic Organizations and Protestant Mission. With the Catolic organization I think that this is not based on ethnic churches.

Prayer. Prayer is the best way of communicating with GOD. You can pray any time you want, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It does not matter how many sins you do since the prayer is a tool for the sinnful. You are expected to pray at least daily in the evening at least Our Father. Whenever a need arises, pray with your words in your mind, kneeling or not. If bad thougths arrive don't bother with them and continue the praying process. There are prayer books with prayers for diverse ocasions. I found were usefull the prayer of Ephrem the Syrian, and the following prayers.
We are expected to love God with all our hearth and to leve our neighbor like ourselves. Since we are fallen we can not do this. So we can pray.

God, plase make me love you the way I shoul love you, because I am too weak to do so.
God please make me love my neighbour like myself , because I am too weak to do this by myself.

God enter into my life and conduct my life the way you want.

And the most important prayer is:

God please don't let me go out of this world, unsaved.

There is a good book: The way of the pilgrim where a very powerfull prayer is presented. People are encouraged to repeat this prayer as many time they want, every time
they are alone or even when working. The monks usually repeat this pryer 1000 to 6000 times and in 4 weeks to months, the hearth prays itself to God and everything they do they are in continuous prayer.
The paryer is:

Jesus Christ, the Son of God, have mercy on me , the sinner.

The reasons to do prayer:
-to ask something from God
-to sanctify your mind, your hearth and body. Every time you pray the evil is rejected, and even evil thoughts start disapearing.
-to be saved
-to be protected

Since I am neither priest nor monk, please take my sayings with a bit of salt and if your priest say to you another way, consider what your priest is saying.


Again welcome into the Orthodox world and God bless you.

[Buffie]

You are seeing that I am new to this community. It will take me a while to get up the courage to ask some questions I have. Maybe later. But I am encouraged by the level of courtesy & charity shown in these postings.
Yours in Christ -- Buffie

[Ann Margaret Lewis]

Where do you think it's best to post my questions. Should I start a thread called "book research" somewhere so all my questions are in one place?

Thanks for the welcome. I really does mean a lot. :)
--Ann

[Irene]

Hi Buffie,

Welcome to Monachos! :)

Don't be afraid to ask questions you can only learn. Other than that, I like to search for my questions on old posts first, a question may have been asked and discussed before, Monachos has been going a few years now.

All the best
In Christ
Irene

[Irene]

Where do you think it's best to post my questions. Should I start a thread called "book research" somewhere so all my questions are in one place?

Thanks for the welcome. I really does mean a lot. :)
--Ann

Hi Ann and Welcome,

Unless you are really going to go into depth on a particular subject you probably could do a book research thread under the "I don't know where else to put this" Forum.
(http://www.monachos.net/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=341) Discussions that are put in the wrong place or that start off as quite casual and then start to go into some depth on a particular subject will get moved by the moderators anyway, if this happens you will get an email letting you know.

In Christ
Irene

[Irene]

Hi Ioan/Adrian,

You are certainly right, with all the miracles that happen in the Orthodox Church why would anyone leave the Orthodox Christian Church to join some other religion.

The thing is we look at each other in the Church and have no idea of the miracles that happen in each others lives, little miracles, big life and death miracles, happening all around us and I guess if you are Orthodox you don't get the cold shivers down your neck at the amazement of what happens in each and every one of our lives because we have faith and believe and so nothing is a surprise.

Some examples of everyday miracles I can think of straight away amongst people I know....

*A little old lady from Church once asked me to drive her home and she had photo of a miracle working icon that many of us at Church were given, every one's icon photo is renewing slowly but this very pious old lady's was positively glowing like a newly painted icon. How many Orthodox people have renewing Icons in their homes - quite a lot, just about everyone I know.

*Our newly repossed Abbess Ephraxia, a pious, sweet, well... a nun exactly as you would expect her to be, she was visited in her cell by the Mother of God and one of the Saints, something others could have known but I didn't hear about until now.

*While trying to remove an offensive symbol of the dark side, two Orthodox women found it impossible to budge until sprinkling the area with holy water and praying for help from the Archangel Michael they felt like someone else was with them, helping, as the metal pole just snapped and they were able to destroy the symbol.

*A nine year old child standing through the entire length of a seven hour lenten monastic service....imagine that.

*A person who has escaped death and serious injuries getting only minor cuts and scratches in 3 different car accidents where the cars were so badly damaged they were "write offs". One of the accidents involving another car coming straight through a stop sign right at the drivers door and another the car rolling over and ending up upside down on the opposite side of the road.

*An expectant mother, in the middle of the night putting her hand up to turn on a light switch in a partially renovated home when her hand touched the live wires and the electrical current caused her hand to clasp the wall around the light switch and she couldn't let go, somehow managing to rip a section of wall off and fall heavily against another wall and yet get no injuries to her or her twin babies and yet two months later another expectant mother dies from electrocution with the news media saying that pregnant women are more vulnerable to death by electrocution.

I could go on and on.

In Christ
irene

There are accounts of recent miracles through the prayers of St John Maximovitch here (http://www.saintjohnwonderworker.org/visitors_book_2006.htm).

*Orthodox Christian
*Protestant Christian

[John Charmley]

Dear Buffie,

Welcome :)

It is a wonderful work that Matthew and others are doing here, and like you, I was attracted by the courtesy and charity of the posters here. There is much wisdom to be found reading through the various threads - as well as a great deal of community spirit.

I would echo what Irene says, don't ever not ask questions. The Tradition of the Faith is so vast that none of us can know everything - and even if we did, God is not to be apprehended by knoweldge alone. So we are all ignorant, and all in need of help from others. One of the best features of this site is that there is a spirit of helpfulness here.

I am sure that when you do post, there will be many who will help you, as they have helped me in my journey.

In Christ,

John

[Andreas Moran]

I have just joined this site but I'm not yet sure how to use it! My motivation was partly because sharing information is helpful, and partly because anything which fosters fellowship between Christians is valuable at a time when the Christian faith in general and the Orthodox Church in particular are under assault.

Rather as another new member has said, the danger is that the site may prove to be so interesting that one spends more time here than one should!

[M.C. Steenberg]

Welcome to Buffy, and more generally to the whole group of new faces that have been joining up of late (quite the flood of new membership). We're all glad you've found the Community, and hope you enjoy your time here. It's become a very nice place over the years. For that I am happy to blame others. :)

INXC, Matthew

[M.C. Steenberg]

Rather as another new member has said, the danger is that the site may prove to be so interesting that one spends more time here than one should!

Indeed, a risk! And as the collection of posts grows closer to 21,000 messages, a notable one.

I highly recommend the large button marked 'off' which I find is still a trendy addition to most computers. Mine has it conveniently located on the front, just at exactly the height of the wheeled frame of my desk chair, which conveniently results in the computer being switched off if ever I move in just the wrong way. A built-in safety, as it were.

INXC, Matthew

[Celinda Grace]

I will try that thanks.

[Ann Margaret Lewis]

Thanks, I'll do that. Just have to figure out what I need to ask...:)
--Ann

[John Charmley]

I have just joined this site but I'm not yet sure how to use it! My motivation was partly because sharing information is helpful, and partly because anything which fosters fellowship between Christians is valuable at a time when the Christian faith in general and the Orthodox Church in particular are under assault.

Rather as another new member has said, the danger is that the site may prove to be so interesting that one spends more time here than one should!

Dear Andreas,

Welcome! Matthew's advice about the 'off button' would be more convincing if he hadn't made this site so interesting! But seriously, like most of us, you will use it as you need it. As on-line communities go, this one is very courteous and charitable, as well as being extremely knowledgeable. Your motivation for joining is, I suspect, shared by many of us.

May you find it, as I have, a source of information, inspiration and fellowship.

:)

In Christ,

John

[Chris]

Hi Guys, I'm a sculptor who is doing a thesis in Interior Architecture. I recently got a copy of a cd of Petros Gaitanos Byzantium liturgy. I want to use a track for the thesis I'm writing, but I dont know how I go about translating it. It is track seven, (which probably won't help as it could be part of a larger cd set) Can anyone enlighten me?

[John Charmley]

Hello All,

I wanted to introduce myself. I live in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, USA and I converted to Orthodoxy from a charismatic protestant church. I found this site a search online. The other day I simply typed "I want to be an Orthodox Nun" in the search because while at work I couldn't say it aloud and it was all I could think. The discussion that I found from a couple years ago started with a young lady who I instantly related to. The responses she received were very helpful to me and I joined.



Dear Sophia,
:)
Welcome here, I am sure you will add much to our discussions. You sound as though you have an interesting tale to tell. I have been reading Peter Gilquist's story of how he and other evangelicals came to Orthodoxy; would it be too great a request to ask you to tell us something of your journey? I am at a much earlier stage of mine.

In Christ,

John

[Kris]

Hi Guys, I'm a sculptor who is doing a thesis in Interior Architecture. I recently got a copy of a cd of Petros Gaitanos Byzantium liturgy. I want to use a track for the thesis I'm writing, but I dont know how I go about translating it. It is track seven, (which probably won't help as it could be part of a larger cd set) Can anyone enlighten me?

Well, if it's the Divine Liturgy, there are several translations already available in English. If you are looking for a particular hymn, please give the name and I'm sure someone here can help you.

I found this discography which gives the names of all the tracks in English:
http://www.gaitanospetros.gr/eng/en_discography.htm#

In XC,
Kris

[Andreas Moran]

Hello, Matthew and John,

Thanks indeed for your welcome. Already, one prayer has been answered - I have been told where to find the Akathist to St Sergius of Radonezh in English. My wife (Lydia) and I always visit the Holy Trinity St Sergius Lavra when in Russia, and to venerate the relics of St Sergius is always a most blessed experience. The fathers at the Lavra whom we know are always so welcoming and hospitable. Last summer, they let us stay for eight days in the Lavra, and they even organised a pilgrimage for us to Diveyevo. St Sergius means a lot to us,and when I get the English translation, we can follow our usual practice for saying Akathists together, reading the verses alternately in English and Slavonic.

The fathers we know have visited England (the monastery in Essex , where we met them) and have an interest in the English saints before the Schism. They commissioned Lydia to write a book about them which she has just completed, and which will be published by the Lavra's publishing house. It is interesting that the Russians are so attracted to the early English/British saints. Last Easter in Moscow, we tried to find a copy of Bede's Ecclesiastical History and every booshop we tried had sold out!

[Sophia]

Hi John,

I am happy to tell you how I got where I am now. I don't know if you are familiar with the area in which I live, but it will help you to know that we are blessed to have many Orthodox Churches, the Greek Metropolis and a multitude of wonderful clergy around us.

It all started several years ago when my older brother started searching for The Church of the Apostles. He realized that the church he was attending was not the one described in the bible. It's important to know that he works as an attendant in a parking garage and spends about 6 or his 8 hour work day reading. He was reading the writings of the early church fathers, calling random churches from the phone book with his questions and visiting all he could in the Denver Metro area.

After he found the Orthodox church and had made the decision to join, he invited me to attend the Pascha service with him in 2005. That was my first divine liturgy. We got there at 11pm and it concluded with a huge feast at 4am. It seemed very strange to me. I really wondered what he had gotten himself into, but I couldn't get the service out of my mind. Visions of the Cathedral, the icons, the priests and their vestments, the smell of the incense, the prayers, the peace and joy that seemed to emanate from everyone and everything there. I chalked it up to the fact that I was so tired and it was so different than anything I had ever experienced.

My daughter and I had been going to a protestant church for over 5 years that couldn't have been less personal. I was going through some struggles in my life and had been trying to talk with the pastor at the church. He had not been responding to my calls, emails or requests to meet, (in fact he never responded).

A couple months later my brother asked me to stop by St. George's, (a mission monastery in downtown that is kind of a house of prayer and hospitality) where Father Christodoulos resides. He really wanted us to meet him. I learned that night that every Friday night they have Paraklesis and a gathering afterwards. I agreed to stop for a moment.

My daughter (then 12) talked with Father Christodoulos for over an hour and we returned for liturgy the next morning. It was so intimate and amazing. At that moment it was clear to her that we had finally found The Church and she was wondering why I didn't see it too. You see, my daughter has always seen things very clearly.

I started attending divine liturgy every Sunday and began getting to know some of our other clergy. I laugh now because they all have told me that the moment we met they knew that I would become Orthodox. They were simply waiting for me to realize it.

Less than two months later a class started at the cathedral for those wanting to know more about Orthodoxy. My daughter and I enrolled. With the relationships I was developing with some of the clergy (especially Father Ambrose) and what I learned in the first few weeks of the class I knew that I wanted to be Orthodox.

The class went on for about 6 month and by the end was so anxious I could hardly contain myself. Father Ambrose and others had to remind me frequently to be patient. Through much prayer I was able to finally find peace and joy in knowing that the timing of my baptism and chrismation would be determined by God.

On Holy Saturday this year my daughter and I were baptised and chrismated. I have continued to grow under the guidance of Father Ambrose, (who is now my Spiritual Father) and the many other wonderful clergy that I am blessed to know.

And here I am today. I think that my desire to become a nun has been growing from my childhood, but I didn't understand what it was until my baptism. I hope and pray that I will be able to live my life in complete submission to Gods will.

I hope that this is helpful to you. Please let me know if you have any questions.

In Christ,

Sophia

[Chris]

Well thanks to Kris,I just found the track I want translated on Petros Gaitanos' Ninth Hour CD. It's track 7 and it's called "It is right to magnify you" Can anyone enlighten me on this? Even a brief description will do.
Thankyou
Chris.

[Olga]

Hello Chris

If you could post the name of this track as listed on the CD, I'd be glad to supply a translation for you.

[Trudy]

At that moment it was clear to her that we had finally found The Church and she was wondering why I didn't see it too. You see, my daughter has always seen things very clearly.


Welcome Sophia! Your sentence made me smile. There is more truth to the statement "And a child shall lead them." than we care to admit sometimes! :)

Love in Christ,
Athanasia

[Sophia]

Athanasia,

I have to tell you my daughters response to the divine liturgy. She said that "this is how church should be." I asked her why she said that (to find out her thoughts behind the statement). Here's what she explained to me:

"for years we had been going to church to listen to the bible studies, laugh, visit with friends and for the kids to play "bible" games. We did learn a lot about the bible, but God is more than that.

The divine liturgy is about God. The time is focused on Him, our worship is for Him, our prayers are to Him, and it is all done as the Holy Spirit acts through us. It is all focused on God as it should be.

Protestant church was very self centered. You would often hear people talk about what they got from church (or didn't get out of it). Isn't it bad enough that we spend most of our week focused on ourselves without God? Shouldn't church be only about God? Maybe if more people focused church on God, they would find it easier to remember Him the rest of the week too."

From the mouth of this precious one, God has taught me so much.

In Christ,
Sophia

[John Charmley]

On Holy Saturday this year my daughter and I were baptised and chrismated. I have continued to grow under the guidance of Father Ambrose, (who is now my Spiritual Father) and the many other wonderful clergy that I am blessed to know.

And here I am today. I think that my desire to become a nun has been growing from my childhood, but I didn't understand what it was until my baptism. I hope and pray that I will be able to live my life in complete submission to Gods will.

I hope that this is helpful to you. Please let me know if you have any questions.

In Christ,

Sophia

Dear Sophia,

What a very inspiring story - and I most grateful to you for sharing it with me and with the others on this site. How marvellous that your daughter had such an unerring instinct for what was right - last Holy Saturday must have been a wonderful day for you both.

From what you say, and from what I have read elsewhere, the journey from evangelical protestantism to Orthodoxy seems an interesting one. I am particulary struck by your description of the way in which it was the experience of Orthodox liturgy that seems to have moved you forward; this seems to be the case for quite a few people, and, of course, speaks to what you have written in another thread about the need to 'experience' Orthodoxy, not just to study it.

It sounds as though you have come home, spiritually.

You set an inspirational example.

In Christ

John

[Herman Blaydoe]

Well thanks to Kris,I just found the track I want translated on Petros Gaitanos' Ninth Hour CD. It's track 7 and it's called "It is right to magnify you" Can anyone enlighten me on this? Even a brief description will do.
Thankyou
Chris.
It is most likely the Hymn to the Mother of God. You will find it translated several different ways. The Carpatho-Russian version goes like this:

"You are truely deserving of glory, O Birth-giver of God, the ever blessed and most pure Mother of our God. More honorable than the Cherubim, and more glorious beyond compare than the Seraphim, who as a virgin, gave birth to God the Word, true Birth-giver of God, we magnify you!"

A Russian version:
"It is truely meet to bless you O Theotokos, ever-blessed and most pure and the Mother of our God. More honorable than the Cherubim, and more glorious beyond compare than the Seraphim. Without defilement you gave birth to God the Word. True Theotokos, we magnify you!"

[Owen Jones]

Miracles, physical miracles, healing miracles, are not exclusive to the Orthodox faith. So I am skeptical of an argument in favor of Orthodoxy that is limited to the demonstration of physical miracles, as powerful as that is. God reveals Himself to whomever and whenever He chooses, and does not limit His power only to the Orthodox faithful. Being Orthodox is not about being right. It is not even about being saved, in the conventional sense. It is about Beauty. Salvation is God's Beauty applied to ourselves. Orthodoxy is True because of its Beauty.

[Irene]

... I am skeptical of an argument in favor of Orthodoxy that is limited to the demonstration of physical miracles, as powerful as that is.

I have clarified my message for total honesty, not everything I have said happened to an Orthodox Christian. However everything I wrote about happened to a Christian because of prayer. The Orthodox Church does teach us to pray, that prayer is important. When you speak to a non-believer about miracles it increases their curiousity and their interest in reading about the Church. If interest is stimulated a little in can be stimulated a lot.

If there were no importance to miracles then why are there so many within our Church?

In Christ
irene

[Adrian]

Even if churches are under atack, there is a powerfull thing called prayer and we should be not shy to use it and we can pray so the church is preserved the way it should be.

[Sophia]

Hi John,

I most definitely have found home. I have had many difficulties in my life, (especially this last year), but God has given me more peace and joy through this than I have ever had in my life.

I find that when I am not at church, I long to be there. When I work to 'make a living' rather than to serve, my heart aches. Most everything else seems so futile and has become empty.

I have started some repair sewing for the two Fathers that I named who are our local monks and am hoping to progress to clerical robes and vestments soon. I sew and embroider and feel that this is a gift that I must give back to The Church. I really want all that I do to be a service to God and His Holy Church.

I know that many people cringe at the thought of getting up at 2 or 3 am daily to spend hours in prayer before divine liturgy, but I pray that God will allow me to join this holy, called group as I long to.

In Christ,
Sophia

[John Charmley]

Dear Sophia,


I most definitely have found home. I have had many difficulties in my life, (especially this last year), but God has given me more peace and joy through this than I have ever had in my life.

This is indeed inspiring. How marvellous that in the midst of, and out of, so many difficulties, this peace and joy should have been granted you:)

It is a reminder to us all of the wonderful things God can do with us, if we will only hear His words - and where better to do that than Church. It seems as though Holy Orthodoxy has brought you home spiritually.

Your example is an inspiration; God continue to bless you and to keep you in His care.

In Christ,

John

[Chris]

Thankyou for taking the time to do that Herman, that gives me a lot to work with.

Chris.

[Andrew Duncan Comb]

Well Hello, I'm new to this area. I'm a Baptist, with a keen interest in Roman Catholicism, Greek Orthodoxy, and Anglicanism. I hope to be able to contribute to forums, aswell as see forums.

[Irene]

Hi Andrew, :) Welcome to Monachos, it is a nice friendly place and your posts will be appreciated. I'm sure you'll find lots of interesting information here..Irene

[Peter Farrington]

Hi Andrew

I'm British Orthodox not Greek, but a warm welcome.

I am from an evangelical background myself though I have been Orthodox for about 12 years now.

I hope you enjoy your membership.

Peter

[Herman Blaydoe]

Glory to Jesus Christ!

Although I am neither British nor Greek, I hope your time here is well-spent and fruitful. May our Lord Christ Jesus, reward all sincere seekers of His Truth.

Your servant,
Herman

[Irene]

There is something here (http://www.verujem.org/maksim_ispovednik/the_4_100_ch_on_love.htm) to have a look at 48 pages of text....

MAXIMUS
CONFESSOR
Selected Writings
TRANSLATION AND NOTES BY
GEORGE C. BERTHOLD
THE FOUR HUNDRED CHAPTERS ON LOVE

Starting with PROLOGUE

Here, Father Elpidius, 1 besides the discourse on the Ascetic Life, 2 I have sent this discourse on love to your Grace, arranged in four centuries 3 in equal number to the four Gospels. While it is perhaps not at all worthy of your expectation, it is yet the best I could do. Your Grace should know that these are not the fruit of my own meditation. Instead, I went through the writings of the holy Fathers and selected from them whatever had reference to my subject, summarizing many things in few words so that they can be seen at a glance to be easily memorized. These I have sent to your Grace requesting that you read them with indulgence and look for only what is of profit in them, overlooking a style which lacks charm, and to pray for my modest ability which is bereft of any spiritual profit. I further request that you not be annoyed by anything that is said; I have simply fulfilled an obligation. I say this because there are many of us who give annoyance today by words while those who instruct or receive instruction by deeds are very few.

Rather, please pay careful attention to each chapter. For not all, I believe, are easily understandable by everyone, but the majority will require much scrutiny by many people even though they appear to be very simply expressed. Perhaps it might happen that something useful to the soul will be revealed out of them. This will happen completely from God's grace to the one who reads with an uncomplicated mind, with the fear of God, and with love. But if someone reads this or any other book whatever not for the sake of spiritual profit but to hunt for phrases to reproach the author so that he might then set himself up in his own opinion as wiser than he, such a person will never receive any profit of any kind.

-35-

FIRST CENTURY

1. Love 4 is a good disposition of the soul by which one prefers no being to the knowledge 5 of God. It is impossible to reach the habit of this love if one has any attachment to earthly things.

2. Love is begotten of detachment, 6 detachment of hope in God, hope of patient endurance and long-suffering, these of general self-mastery, self-mastery of fear of God, and fear of faith in the Lord.

3. The one who believes the Lord fears punishment; the one who fears punishment becomes master of his passions; the one who becomes master of his passions patiently endures tribulations; the one who patiently endures tribulations will have hope in God; hope in God separates from every earthly attachment; and when the mind is separated from this it will have love for God. 7

4. The one who loves God prefers knowledge of him to all things made by him and is constantly devoted to it by desire.

5. If all things have been made by God and for his sake, then God is better than what has been made by him. The one who forsakes the better and is engrossed in inferior things shows that he prefers the things made by God to God himself.

6. The one who has his mind fixed on the love of God disdains all visible things and even his own body as alien. 8

[Mike Gridley]

My name is Mike. I'm married with two children. I live in the Metro Detroit area where we attend a church of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod.

I have become convinced that the government of the church, from the very earliest times was essentially that of the Eastern Orthodox Churches and continue to have doubts about Sola Fide (espe. as regards Paul's use of the expression "works of the Law", I am beginning to think they refer, in a pretty limited way, to OT Ritual acts, circumcision, animal sacrifice, etc. and not necessarily to "good works").

I have occasionally attended liturgy in a monastery church of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church which was, previously under the oversight of ROCOR.

I like and respect the hieromonk Pachomy there a great deal and have pften considered entering into catechesis with him.

I remain pretty solidly Augustinian though when it comes to the nature of Grace, monergism, etc.

I am a work in progress and I look forward to interacting with you all.

My pledge:

I am not here to fight. I will interact with anyone who remains respectful to me, my beliefs and where I am in regard to all this stuff. I will endeavor to remain respectful of others and of the rules of the board.

Thanks!

[John Charmley]

Dear Mike (if I may)

Welcome. I like your pledge, which is admirable. I suspect you will find this a fruitful place in which to pursue dialogue. Like you, I came here from a place that was outside the realms of Orthodoxy, either Eastern or Oriental, and I have found it a place where my questions get interesting questions back, and where we find our ways to answers that we didn't know we knew.

You remind us in what you say that we are all works in progress - and when we remember whose work we are, we know how much progress we all need to make, and how much we all need to help each other.

I am sure that our Orthodox brothers and sisters will look forward to engaging with you, as will I.:)

In Christ,

John

[Peter Farrington]

Hi John and Mike

And welcome from me too Mike. I used to be an evangelical, and still think I am where it matters!

I love the idea of 'work in progress' and the thought of provisionality in all that we do as humans. It keeps us humble, prevents us thinking that we ourselves are the measure of things.

I hope you enjoy the forum and look forward to your posts.

Best wishes

Peter

[Celinda Grace]

Irene,

Thank you so much. :) It is very thoughtful of you to go to the time and effort to find this for me. I greatly appreciate it.

Blessings in Christ,
Celinda

[Herman Blaydoe]

Welcome and Peace to you Mike.

May our Lord, God, and Savior, Christ Jesus, be with you and reward all sincere seekers of His Truth!

Your servant,
Herman

[Fr Seraphim (Black)]

Dear Mike,

May our Lord bless you on your pilgrimage, a pilgrimage we all share.

As for your statement: "I am a work in progress", permit me to say this of myself, I have been Orthodox for close to thirty-five years, and I am a work in progress! Sadly, I often find that I am a solid piece of concrete which is a stumbling block to my brethren and sisters.

I humbly ask for your prayers.

[Irene]

Irene,

Thank you so much. :) It is very thoughtful of you to go to the time and effort to find this for me. I greatly appreciate it.

Blessings in Christ,
Celinda

You're Welcome, Was it what you were looking for? I wasn't sure, is it just a small part of the text or all of it?...Irene

[Andrew Duncan Comb]

Thank you for welcoming me to the Monachos website, Peter, Herman, and Irene.

[Sophia]

Welcome Andrew!

I not Greek, but am a member of the Greek Orthodox church. My daughter and I were baptised and chrismated on Holy saturday last year.

I'd be happy to answer any questions that I can for you.

In Christ,
Sophia

[Ana Botez]

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

My name is Ana Elisabeta, but I'm usually called Ana.

I'm an Orthodox Christian from Romania, and now I live temporarily in Cincinnati, Ohio, where I'm working on a master's thesis at the University of Cincinnati.

I found this site while searching for resources for a confused British young man, who posted this question on Yahoo Answers:

http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20061016191333AAyrw7w&r=w&pa=FZptHWf.BGRX3OFMhzVUUOPNnQsC9CZXToSi3jcWFA1P0No y.A--#NbUvWjq1VjPHm2x6uXxM

I entered the site before the reorganization on yesterday and a very profiting thread was available to non-members, iniated by a young man named Scott and full of useful advice for those in a similar situation. Later on I could not retrieve it.

So please, if you have useful advice and information, help out this confused young man. If not, at least pray for him, and pray also for me the sinner.

Ana

[Celinda Grace]

Yes this is all of it. Thanks again

[Andrew Duncan Comb]

Thank you for your contact Sophie. Sophie comes from Sophia, meaning wise, how wonderful names are when they mean something! I've forgotten what my name means. What brought you into the Greek Orthodox church? I have a liturgy of St Chrysostom in my collection of other faith books. Hope to hear again from you soon, must go Andrew.

[Sophia]

My brother was baptised first and he first exposed me to The Church. We are blessed to have many Orthodox churches easily accessible to us and he had visited many before making his choice. He had chosen the Greek primarily because they were the most active in our community that he had found. I think that the relationship that he had developed with the clergy at the cathedral also influenced his decision.

My daughter and I hadn't visited many places before deciding, but became attached to the Greek church when we met the priest who became our Spiritual Father.

Father Ambrose was tonsured a monk (at 18 yrs of age, I think), in the Roman Catholic church and came to Orthodoxy many years ago through the Antiochian church. He has been with the Greek diocese for several years and is currently assigned to the Metropolis in Denver. He fills in at many parishes in the state and where ever they send him on a given Sunday, you will almost always find my brother, my daughter and me also. We have been referred to as his "groupies" as a joke at some of the places he fills in frequently.

If he were to tell me today that he was moving to another state or country, we would start packing to go also. The only thing that would keep me from following him would be if he, or the bishop, were to tell me not to.

If you are interested, you can find the story of how I came to Orthodoxy in
the introduction thread I posted introducing myself.

In Christ,
Sophia

[Olga]

I've forgotten what my name means.

Hello Andrew

Your name is Greek, and means manly or brave. The Greek form of the name is Andreas, the word andras means man, from which comes andreios, meaning brave.

[Mramieri]

Hello,
I am a new member and thank you for any potential help you can provide. Does anyone have any information about the Sacred Monastery of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross located in Thebes, Boeotias? I have a friend who became a nun there and have not been able to reach her for several years. Her letters stopped abruptly and I am very concerned.

Thank you for any assistance you can provide.
M. Ramieri

[Tanya Hoadley]

Greetings my brothers and sisters in Christ,
It is very good to be able to be here and learn and grow. Thank you all for sharing on this site. Tanya

[Andreas Moran]

Welcome, Tanya. I hope you will enjoy this site. I joined recently, and it is very useful for its informative and thought-provoking posts.
Best wishes, Andreas.

[Demetrios Galanidis]

Try this, please:

http://www.fhc.org/holycrossmonastery/upload/index.html

[Charles]

Hi my name is Charles Samuel, I am a recent convert from Roman Catholicism. I look forward to growing within the Orthodox Faith, and meeting fellow Orthodox Christians.

[Marielle]

Hello everyone,

i am from the Holy land, from a town called Beit Sahour.

in my home town we have the sheperds' field; it is the place where the Angel of the Lord visited the shepherds and informed them of Jesus' birth.

"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And the Angel said to them, Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people" (Luke 2:8-10).

my home town lies aprox. 2KM to the east of Bethlehem.

i am married and a mother of two children.
my son is 4 years old
and my daughter is 8 months old.

currently, i live in Amman - Jordan.

i am very happy to join this site and hope to gain as much knowladge as possible about my orthodox faith.

the peace of the Lord Jesus be with you always.

[Peter Farrington]

Welcome and best wishes Charles.

I hope that you are able to benefit from this forum and enjoy your membership.

Peter Theodore

[John Charmley]

Dear Charles,

Welcome. :) This is a wonderful place in which to explore the richness of Orthodoxy, and the posters are a friendly bunch - even to those who are not Orthodox.

I wonder if you might feel able to tell us a little about your journey to Orthodoxy?

In Christ,

John

[Mramieri]

Thank you for the link to the webpage. I have been there before, but greatly appreciate your reply.

Unfortunately, I have not been able to reach the monastery via email. Also, my friend, who is a Sister there, stopped returning letters abruptly in 2004. I heard that the monastery had to move to Israel for a couple of years, but have not been able to verify that or their return to Greece.

I am very concerned about Sister Jacovi (previously known as Sister Nikareti). If anyone has any information, has visited the monastery recently, or can give me any direction, I would be so grateful.

Thank you,
Mary

[Alexis Eckhoff]

Just wanted to say hello. My name is Douglas, but I go by my name in Orthodoxy which is Alexis as St Alexis Toth is my patron saint. I am a high school history teacher and I grew up surrounded by Orthodoxy but was raised Roman Catholic by my parents. I accepted the Orthodox Faith on Lazarus Saturday of 2005. I am happy to be among you. I know my great-grandparents and my grandmother guided me to Orthodoxy from heaven.

Warm regards to all!

[Charles]

My Christian Journey and Call to Chaplaincy

As a child, I was always enamored with the concept of God and his creations. Because of my devotion to God, church was a weekly meeting that I felt called to attend. I was raised Catholic in Savannah, Ga. I reveled in attending Mass and served as an altar boy. I served as an altar boy for 10 years from age nine to 19. I recognized early on that I received a sense of fulfillment of God’s call on my life when I served and helped others. This desire to help my fellow man led me to become a medic and later a cop in Atlanta, Ga. Little did I know this desire would lead me to an even greater calling.

Working as a cop in Atlanta temporarily took me from my first love of attending Mass. As time passed it did not take long before I realized that I could not adequately serve citizens of Metro-Atlanta without a personal relationship with the Lord. The stress of seeing death and destruction on a daily basis began taking a heavy toll on my health. Upon rededicating my life to the Lord, a major change occurred inside me. Living a life of God’s word allowed me to handle the stresses of law enforcement in a positive and healthy way.

As I grew in my faith, I felt a call on my life for ministry directed toward public safety workers. This call led to me taking church-sponsored Bible courses and ultimately led to my becoming a Protestant police chaplain in Atlanta. As a police chaplain, I dealt with fellow officers at their weakest moments. I remember receiving a call from a deputy who had killed a man in self-defense. Through sobs he kept saying, “I killed a man,” The incident was ruled a justifiable shooting but that did little to erase the pain and anguish of a deputy who took an oath to protect and serve mankind. I was able to bring this deputy comfort through prayer.

The sobering call from a deputy in distress made me realize I needed a formal education. I made a decision to resign my position as Corporal on the Sheriff’s Department and relocated my family to Tulsa, Oklahoma to attend School. I realized that acquiring a formal education in theology as well as counseling psychology was paramount to being in chaplaincy.
I set my goals on becoming properly equipped to minister as a police chaplain as well as a chaplain for the US Army. Recent events in the world have given me incentive to work diligently toward my calling of helping others as a chaplain. The current battle against terrorism is taking a toll on many men and women who serve in our military. Chaplains are needed in this time of war; I am ready to answer the call from God.

Many people can only imagine facing and seeing death on a daily basis. As a former medic and law-enforcement officer, I realize the personal toll that operating in a traumatic environment takes on lives. The difference I can make is that I can empathize with the men and women in uniform as I have walked in their shoes. I have seen unbelievable tragedies in life. That is why I am compelled to achieve my calling of helping others. My compassion for life, justice, and morality compels me to accomplish my calling. My ultimate goal is to minister to those who are wounded, brokenhearted, depressed and near death with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
During my journey of faith and my commitment in fulfilling my calling, my life took a drastic turn. I came to a point in my life that realized that as a Protestant minister and chaplain, I was an incomplete vessel for my heavenly father’s use. My studies revealed to me that as a Protestant I was not operating in the truth’s that has been handed down by the Church fathers in Sacred and Oral Tradition. I did the only thing I knew to do, return to the Faith of my youth, Roman Catholism. Upon my return I thought my calling as a chaplain was no longer possible. How could I be a Catholic priest and chaplain with a wife and children? I received much joy and appreciation of being able to receive the Holy Sacraments in my life. Unfortunately, deep feelings of incompletion persist in my heart. The more I prayed over the years for an answer the more confidence I received that I was called to be a priest and chaplain. I spoke with three dear Roman Catholic priests about my calling and my desire to serve as a chaplain. I was looking for a way to become a Roman Catholic priest with a family. I had discovered through research that it was possible for married Protestant ministers to become priests by a special dissipation. I ran into many roadblocks in this endeavor. I began to look into the vary doctrine that was denying me the ability to be a priest. I discovered that this doctrine was not a mandate from God but a convenience for the Roman Catholic Church. I started to believe that the only way that I could serve as a chaplain was through the Anglican Church. The more I looked into that option the more I realized that like the Roman Catholic Church, the Anglican Church had doctrines in place that were a far reach from the faith and worship of our church fathers.

Upon much prayer and much research I discovered the Eastern Orthodox Church. I finally discovered the truth intact from the early Christian Church. An unbroken truth!
With this discovery came trepidation, what would my family think? I came from a Catholic family who rejoiced when I return to my faith from my stint as a Protestant. How will they receive me telling them that I was now leaving Roman Catholism for the true Apostolic Catholic Church. I also wonder how my wife and kids will accept my decision. To my surprise my father, the Latin intellectual Catholic, received the news with optimism and understanding. To my surprise he was aware of the Orthodox faith and its history. He was familiar with the Vespers and Divine Liturgy. My wife found many aspects of the Orthodox Church that was similar to her upbringing as a Native American Catholic. I personally experience an inward acknowledgement that the Orthodox Church is the Church I belong too.

The road has been tough a 12 year journey, at times it has been a wilderness experience. I left family, career as a law-enforcement officer and my comfort zone in pursuit of my calling. Only to experience three surgeries and a host of life changing events. Upon looking back I realized that God was with me throughout the many ordeals.
There were crossroads that needed crossing; because of these crossroads I discovered the Orthodox Church. If I had to do it all over again I will not change any of my experiences including the time as a protestant minister. Without those experiences, I would not have been in position to see the fullness of the Orthodox Church. For this I am thankful to the Lord my God. In reality, the journey is just beginning! I look forward to maturing as an Orthodox Christian. Ultimately, I look forward to the day in the future where I will serve as an Orthodox Chaplain in the US Army. The eventual timing of this event is in the hands of my God, Priest and Bishop.

[Jennifer]

It is good to have you here, Nisreen. The description of your home sounds lovely!

Jennifer

[Anthony Peggs]

Thank you for sharing all of that with us! glad to have you here............


God's Grace be upon you,

Anthony

[Marielle]

It is good to have you here, Nisreen. The description of your home sounds lovely!

Jennifer

thank you so much dear Jennifer

here is more about my home town if you are interested

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beit_Sahour

i hope that all of you will get the chance to visit the Holy land.
Please pray for peace in my home land

God bless you

[Marielle]

Thank you for sharing all of that with us! glad to have you here............


God's Grace be upon you,

Anthony

that's very kind of you Anthony

God bless you

[Father Romanus]

I would to introduce myself to all gentle members of Monachos. I'm Roman-Catholic priest from Poland. I admire Holy Orthodoxy and it's liturgy above all. I'm interested with Greece of every time, especially during the time of byzantine Empire.I like read books about the beginnings of Christianity, especially the works od Church Fathers.

[M.C. Steenberg]

Welcome, Fr Romanus. You may just be our first posting Polish member.

INXC, Matthew

[John Peel]

Hi,
I have just joined the community and want to introduce myself. I come from a Baptist/free Church background and am now part of what is known as Newfrontiers, a world wide family of dedicated to restoring the church to its historic root and Holy Spirit power, planting new Churches, training and raising up leaders.
Theologically I am a bit of a hybrid. I am fully Reformed, Charismatic and Evangelical in doctrine while being equally passionate about incarnational Kingdom issues such as social justice, ministry to the poor, eccology and politics. I have several orthodox friends and appreciate the richness of their liturgy and concept of God's inherrent transcendence and mystery. I hope I am as open to learn as I am to debate and defend my views.

In Jesus' love, John

[John Charmley]

Dear Charles,

I am certain that I will not be the only one to come away from reading your story with a sense of uplift - and of admiration for the way in which you have responded to the call of the Lord; your journey is an inspiration. It reminds me, as it will others, that we must persevere in the Lord and put all our trust in Him. I know this - but at times it gets difficult to live it, so to read what you have been through and what you are doing and hope to do, well that is a privilege for which I would like to thank you.

Please accept my best wishes, and prayers for you in this next stage of your great journey.

In Christ,

John

[John Charmley]

here is more about my home town if you are interested

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beit_Sahour

i hope that all of you will get the chance to visit the Holy land.
Please pray for peace in my home land

God bless you

Dear Nisreen,

Thank you for sharing this with us. You bring a fascinating perspective to this forum, and it will be, I am sure, a joy to have you here.

Have you always been Orthodox? Here one has the impression that Jordan is, if not unique, then one of the very few countries in the Middle East where Christians can enjoy the celebration of their faith in peace; I do hope that is so.

We must all pray for peace in your region. Your King, like his father, is a brave man and a skilful statesman in a region where these things are badly needed (as they are here, of course!), and he certainly contributes to stability.

With two young children, you, and your fellow Christians, represent the future of the Faith 'where it all began'.:) God bless you all.

In Christ,

John

[Herman Blaydoe]

Glory to Jesus Christ!

Welcome, John to the historic root of the Holy Orthodox Church. What you will hopefully learn here is not "our" views, but the teachings of the Church, which has safeguarded the original Apostolic Witness for over two millenia. Some of us come from similar backgrounds to yours, we were former Protestants.

May our Lord, God, and Savior, Christ Jesus, be with you and may He reward all sincere seekers of His Truth.

Your servant,
Herman

[Herman Blaydoe]

Glory to Jesus Christ!

Welcome home! God be with you and protect you, I don't know of a more dangerous profession these days than a high school teacher!

Your servant,
Herman

[Peter Farrington]

Dear John

Welcome to the site.

I used to also consider myself a Conservative Charismatic Catholic Evangelical when I was at Bible College in the UK, but I slowly came to discover that all of those streams were actually fulfilled in Orthodoxy.

I am now in the British Orthodox Church but retain a great affection for Evangelicals and Evangelicalism and would wish that all such committed Christ loving folk would find something of value in the Orthodox faith.

Best wishes and God bless

Peter

[Ryan]

Welcome, Marielle.

[Marielle]

Dear Nisreen,

Thank you for sharing this with us. You bring a fascinating perspective to this forum, and it will be, I am sure, a joy to have you here.

that's very kind of you John, thanks.

Have you always been Orthodox? Here one has the impression that Jordan is, if not unique, then one of the very few countries in the Middle East where Christians can enjoy the celebration of their faith in peace; I do hope that is so.

yes, i've always been Orthodox. Beit Sahour (my home town) has the biggest (Greek) Orthodox community in Palestine. there used to be more orthodox and christians in general in Bethlehem region but they immigrated to other countries especially to south America due the very hard situation back home.

In Jordan there is also a big number of Orthodox aprox. 120000. there are also catholics, anglicans, roman catholics, coptics. but again the Orthodox community is bigger in number.
thank God that we are safe in this country and we can practice our faith in peace.



We must all pray for peace in your region. Your King, like his father, is a brave man and a skilful statesman in a region where these things are badly needed (as they are here, of course!), and he certainly contributes to stability.

you said it all, we must pray... this is the best thing we can do. Jesus is the king of peace. He is the one who can end all of the violence everywhere not only in the middle east.

With two young children, you, and your fellow Christians, represent the future of the Faith 'where it all began'.:) God bless you all.

God Bless you too dear brother in Christ

In Christ,

John

[Marielle]

Welcome, Marielle.

thank you so much Ryan

[Iulian Cabasila]

Greetings to everyone!

My name is Iulian, I am a Romanian Christian Orthodox living in the US, in New Jersey state.

I am interested in the Prayer of Jesus, in liturgical music (especially in the Greek tradition), in monasticism (especially in the Athonite tradition), as well as in studying the koine in more depth. Mostly, though, I am interested in knowing you all and discussing with you about our Faith.

First of all, I would like to ask you whether you could recommend me Orthodox Churches and/or Monasteries in the New Jersey/New York/Pennsylvania area, where the faith is still living. Unfortunately, the life of the Church in the US seems more and more centered around club-like socialization and ethnic ties-strengthening, and less in spreading the Word of God. While the former are good things, it seems that the Church has forgotten its initial and crucial mission, namely to bring Christian people together and to worship God. That is why I would be grateful to you if you could recommend me appropriate places where I could go.

Second, since I have noticed extensive discussions on the Jesus Prayer here, on monachos.net, I would like to ask you whether you can recommend me potential spiritual fathers in the Eastern US. Unfortunately, the St. Anthony Monastery is too far from where I live...

In Christ,

Iulian (Cabasila)

[Herman Blaydoe]

For monasteries, start here:

Orthodox Monasteries of North America (http://omna.malf.net)

Welcome, I hope your find your time here beneficial.

Your servant,
Herman

[Charles]

John thanks for the encouraging words. I am very grateful for your uplifting message. Please feel free to contact me at anytime.

Charles

[Charles]

Thanks for sharing the historical facts pertaining to your home. I am reminded that we are separated by great distances, yet we are linked by the Body of Christ.

Charles

[Charles]

Dear Iulian:
I rejoice in your love for Christ and the Liturgical Traditions that has been given to us. I pray that your life will be an example that many Orthodox Christians would want to emulate. Your desires to draw closer to God is commendable.

Charles

[Charles]

Dear Mike (if I may)

Welcome. I like your pledge, which is admirable. I suspect you will find this a fruitful place in which to pursue dialogue. Like you, I came here from a place that was outside the realms of Orthodoxy, either Eastern or Oriental, and I have found it a place where my questions get interesting questions back, and where we find our ways to answers that we didn't know we knew.

You remind us in what you say that we are all works in progress - and when we remember whose work we are, we know how much progress we all need to make, and how much we all need to help each other.

I am sure that our Orthodox brothers and sisters will look forward to engaging with you, as will I.:)

In Christ,

John

It is wonderful to have a place to learn and grow!

Charles

[Charles]

Fr. Romanus I have a question, do your Mass consist of a Latin Rite or Eastern Rite?

Thanks for your response

Charles Samuel

[John Charmley]

Hi,
I have just joined the community and want to introduce myself. I come from a Baptist/free Church background and am now part of what is known as Newfrontiers, a world wide family of dedicated to restoring the church to its historic root and Holy Spirit power, planting new Churches, training and raising up leaders.
Theologically I am a bit of a hybrid. I am fully Reformed, Charismatic and Evangelical in doctrine while being equally passionate about incarnational Kingdom issues such as social justice, ministry to the poor, eccology and politics. I have several orthodox friends and appreciate the richness of their liturgy and concept of God's inherrent transcendence and mystery. I hope I am as open to learn as I am to debate and defend my views.

In Jesus' love, John

Dear John,

Welcome. As you can see from my affiliation, there are others on this forum who whilst not fully Orthodox, find it a place where, by experiencing it 'virtually', we can come closer to it.

It has been a welcoming place to me, and its EO posters have been more than tolerant of my vast areas of ignorance, and ever anxious to provide sources of enlightenment.

I wonder if you might be persuaded to tell us a little more about Newfrontiers? Of course, the Orthodox here might gently point out to those of us who are not, that the 'historic root' is still in full flower, thanks to the power of the Holy Spirit; on the 'new churches' and 'raising up leaders' part of your agenda, I am not sure what the comment might be.

We shall, I am sure, be enriched by your presence here, even as I hope you will gain from the discussions which take place here.:)

In Christ,

John

[Iulian Cabasila]

Dear Charles Samuel and Herman:

Thank you both of you for your kind and most helpful words!
I came across St. Nektarios Greek Orthodox Monastery in Roscoe, NY yesterday, during my searches. I think this is the appropriate place... Do you happen to know more about it?

In Christ,

Iulian

[Herman Blaydoe]

It is one of the monasteries founded through the efforts of Fr. Ephraim, and their abbot is from Mt. Athos. There is a little information here:

Info on St. Nektarios Monastery (http://omna.malf.net/nektarios.htm)

[John Charmley]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beit_Sahour



Dear Nisreen,

The article on your home town was interesting and intriguing.:) Here in the west we get a pretty one-sided view of what is going on in the Middle East, although with a little effort it is usually possible to get a more balanced picture.

But what we get almost nothing about is the situation of Christians in the Middle East. It is always presented as being populated by Jews and Muslims. Having an interest in the Oriental Orthodox Churches, as well as a professional interest (I am an historian) in the Middle East, I have followed the situation of Christians in Syria and the Lebanon, as well as in Egypt, for many years, but I confess that I know relatively little about Christians in Palestine and Jordan.

I wonder whether it would be too much to ask you to tell us a little about life for Christians in Beit Sahour? I feel sure that I would not be the only one here to be interested in your account, if you felt able to give it; it might do much to give us some insight into Christianity in the original Holy Land. I do hope you may be able to find a little time to enlighten us.


In Christ,

John

[Kris]

Fr. Romanus I have a question, do your Mass consist of a Latin Rite or Eastern Rite?


I can't answer for Fr. Romanus, but I think Catholic churches in Poland (and elsewhere) all use the Latin Rite. The Eastern Rite within Catholicism seems to be limited to Uniates (please correct me if I'm wrong).

[Plato Nuss]

My name is Plato Nuss. I am from Canada. I work in the shipping & trucking industry. My father was not religous as niether am I but I ran into Orthodoxy yon the net reading on the popes visit, my mother was a nonminal Roman Catholic who had me & my brother attend on the holidays. While I am more like my father I am still wondering about this whole God thing. Sorry if I offend anyone by saying the God thing but since I am usually not in a church as I have never had any interest. However I see where some Christians have valid points of human secularist stomping Christian rights out. Here in Canada no one really bothers anyone but just goes on w/whatever they do. I am however interested in the Orthdoox church. So please bear w/me if I sound dumb, because sometimes on these issues I am.
Plato

[Andrew Duncan Comb]

I've sent this message before, I'm not sure it got posted though. Thank you Olga for your insightful answer to what my name means> I have a lot to live up to!

[Peter Farrington]

Dear Plato

My I offer a warm welcome to this forum.

I am sure that if you post some questions, and even if you simply lurk and read, you will gain some valuable insights into Orthodoxy.

I would however counsel that the best and indeed only real way of getting to know Orthodoxy is to make contact with some local Orthodox. In the end even high quality forums like this are a poor substitute for a face to face encounter.

That isn't meant to dissuade you from asking questions. Do fire away and I am sure that many folk will try to answer to the best of their abilities.

Best wishes

Peter

[Father David Moser]

I am still wondering about this whole God thing. Sorry if I offend anyone by saying the God thing but since I am usually not in a church as I have never had any interest.

Let me say first that I'm not really offended at all since I think I understand what you are trying to say.

So, to get started in your quest, let me just suggest to you that God is not a thing, but a Person. Thus in searching to find out about God, always include in your search the search to know the person rather than to know about the thing. I think you will find much satisfaction in that approach.

Fr David Moser

[John Charmley]

My name is Plato Nuss. I am from Canada. I work in the shipping & trucking industry. My father was not religous as niether am I but I ran into Orthodoxy yon the net reading on the popes visit, my mother was a nonminal Roman Catholic who had me & my brother attend on the holidays. While I am more like my father I am still wondering about this whole God thing. Sorry if I offend anyone by saying the God thing but since I am usually not in a church as I have never had any interest. However I see where some Christians have valid points of human secularist stomping Christian rights out. Here in Canada no one really bothers anyone but just goes on w/whatever they do. I am however interested in the Orthdoox church. So please bear w/me if I sound dumb, because sometimes on these issues I am.
Plato

Dear Plato,

Welcome! I hope you find what you came to this forum to find; you may not know yet what that was, but it will come when it is time. Meanwhile, browse, ask and enjoy.

If you want to find out something about the Orthodox Church, Kallistos Ware's, The Orthodox Church is a good place to start.


In Christ,

John

[Olga]

Thank you, Andrew. You're not the only one who feels he has a lot to live up to - the name Olga is a variant of the Norse Helga, and it means holy... :eek:

[Owen Jones]

We all have a primordial experience of God through our participation in the cosmos. We all experience existence as part of a larger whole. No matter how alienated we feel. In fact, our alienation is evidence of the reality of the experience of the whole. What is it that we are alienated from? If there were no experience as part of a larger whole, we would not have feelings of alienation.

But there is a healthy balance between alienation and pathologically clinging to alienation. Everyone is alienated to some degree. But when we feed it and turn it into some kind of cause it is destructive. Faith in God is not a kind of escapism, or sign of some personal weakness in the face of alienation, but a rational cure of our internal disorder. So instead of looking outside or ourselves and picking reality apart looking for signs of disorder, we look into ourselves and try to objectively examine what it is that casues discord -- in our thoughts, feelings, reactions, etc. We also examine what role belief has in causing internal discord. And so it is a spiritual axiom that if I am disturbed about something, the disturbance is not "out there;" it is "in here," and I need to take personal responsibility for that.

Now, one option in our world is to seek the help of a psychiatrist or psychotherapist whose goal is to guide you into a state of normalcy, as measured by the current societal norms, because there is nothing else to measure by.

However, if we are willing to keep an open mind, and consider that the only valid measurement is the Divine Measure, then it allows us to take an entirely different perspective on our problem. WE stop blaming ourselves and others for how we feel internally. We are willing to seek Divine help and guidance (prior to having a dogmatic justification for doing so). And the primary way that we do this is by being open to instruction to others and becoming willing to hear what they have to say.

This involves great risk of course because most people are not to be trusted. My opinions are not worth a grain of salt. And why try Orthodoxy vs. joining a megachurch in which a very seasoned public speaker grabs your attention? These are things that have to get worked out, and sometimes we just have to jump in and take the risk.

Forgive me for a kind of "eastern" analogy. Let's say you have been hiking a long distance and are overheated and you come upon a pond in the woods. You need to cool down by diving into the pond but it is covered with green scum. You know that you want to dive into the clear water that is below but it is obscured by this disgusting pond scum. Do you jump in or not?

[Andrew Duncan Comb]

Thank you Olga for the insight to your name. How wonderful it is to be able to know that our names mean something. Here in the UK, people give their children names without giving any thought to the meaning of the name given. At least that's the way I see it.

[Peter Farrington]

Many do, but I know that my wife and I spent a long time choosing the names of our children:

Hannah, Eleanor, Katherine and Callum

English variants of St Anne the Mother of the Virgin Mary, the Empress St Helen, St Katherine of Alexandria and St Columba.

I think it is also the case that the children on other members of my Orthodox Church in Kent also all took care over their children's names.

Contrary to that I am constantly mystified at some of the strange and fantastic names chosen by some of the non-Christian folk I know.

Peter

[John Charmley]

Many do, but I know that my wife and I spent a long time choosing the names of our children:

Hannah, Eleanor, Katherine and Callum

English variants of St Anne the Mother of the Virgin Mary, the Empress St Helen, St Katherine of Alexandria and St Columba.

I think it is also the case that the children on other members of my Orthodox Church in Kent also all took care over their children's names.

Contrary to that I am constantly mystified at some of the strange and fantastic names chosen by some of the non-Christian folk I know.

Peter

Dear Andrew,
Welcome here, as you can already see, this is a friendly site and one where much enlightenment is generated - at times!;)

Peter raises an interesting point about children's names - I'd like to think my lot were done with care: I have a Gervase, a Gerard, and then a Christian. We all hope the last one doesn't leave the Faith!:)

In Christ,

John

[Scott Pierson]

Unfortunatly I wasnt a Christian at the time I named my son. I named him Erik and I just couldnt find any Saint Eriks so Father said he could have Saint Herman of Alaska as his saint because he is my sons favorite saint. I have these two kids books on him that I read to my son over and over.

[Kris]

Unfortunatly I wasnt a Christian at the time I named my son. I named him Erik and I just couldnt find any Saint Eriks so Father said he could have Saint Herman of Alaska as his saint because he is my sons favorite saint. I have these two kids books on him that I read to my son over and over.

The name Erik means Eternal Ruler (rike being the Norwegian equivilant of the German reich). So perhaps St. Basil (King) would be appropriate?

By the way, this (http://www.behindthename.com/) site might save you all some time ;)

[Scott Pierson]

I wont let him know his name is so grandiose it might go to his head :) .

He has already been baptised and chrismated though so Saint Herman is his saint.

[Fr. Joseph]

Just want to introduce myself.
My name is Fr. Joseph Chaffee and I am a Priest in the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese. I love to discuss our Ancient Faith and share ways to better understand it and apply it to our lives.

[Marielle]

Dear Nisreen,

The article on your home town was interesting and intriguing.:) Here in the west we get a pretty one-sided view of what is going on in the Middle East, although with a little effort it is usually possible to get a more balanced picture.

But what we get almost nothing about is the situation of Christians in the Middle East. It is always presented as being populated by Jews and Muslims. Having an interest in the Oriental Orthodox Churches, as well as a professional interest (I am an historian) in the Middle East, I have followed the situation of Christians in Syria and the Lebanon, as well as in Egypt, for many years, but I confess that I know relatively little about Christians in Palestine and Jordan.

I wonder whether it would be too much to ask you to tell us a little about life for Christians in Beit Sahour? I feel sure that I would not be the only one here to be interested in your account, if you felt able to give it; it might do much to give us some insight into Christianity in the original Holy Land. I do hope you may be able to find a little time to enlighten us.


In Christ,

John


dear John
i would be more than happy to tell you about the Christians in Beit Sahour.
can i just ask please what exactly are you interested to know about them?

God Bless you

Nisreen

[John Charmley]

dear John
i would be more than happy to tell you about the Christians in Beit Sahour.
can i just ask please what exactly are you interested to know about them?

God Bless you

Nisreen

Dear Nisreen,

Such is our lack of knowledge here in the west about Christians in the Holy Land, that anything you care to tell us will be an education.

I suppose that for myself, the thing that intrigues me most is how the dominant faiths in that part of the world react to Christians. I am assuming, from what you say, that you all feel free to practice your religion openly in a way in which, for example, in Iraq at the moment would be problematic.

We hear much of the persecution of our brothers and sisters in Christ, but little of them leading lives where their faith can be practised without fear. If, as it seems to be, this is so with you and your family, it would be good to know it, and to know how the various religious faiths co-exist.

God bless you.

In Christ,

John

[Herman Blaydoe]

Father Bless,

Welcome! I look forward to your contributions to this very friendly and accomodating site!

Your servant,
Herman

[Tanya Hoadley]

Hi Plato, I'm not offended by the term "God things". As a matter of fact, one of my dear friends often speaks of how she loves "Jesus-y things". She sometimes gets embarressed when she uses this term, but it is a way for her to express what she has no other words to express and she knows I understand what she means. Anyway, I was born into the Orthodox Church and I find I am constantly looking up terms that are used on this site that I am clueless about! So, welcome!
In Christ,
Tanya

[John Charmley]

Forgive me for a kind of "eastern" analogy. Let's say you have been hiking a long distance and are overheated and you come upon a pond in the woods. You need to cool down by diving into the pond but it is covered with green scum. You know that you want to dive into the clear water that is below but it is obscured by this disgusting pond scum. Do you jump in or not?

Dear Mr. Jones,

A wonderful post, and I was just sorry you ended when you did.

Of course it would be an act of faith to accept that under the green scum there was not just more disgusting pond life - or crocodiles. I suppose it depends how hot you are?

Just a thought.

In Christ,

John

[Marielle]

Every Christian in the Holy land considers him/herself privileged to be born and raised in the land where Jesus was born, lived, traveled, crucified, died and rose from the dead.
However, Christians in that land are living under very hard conditions, economically, politically and culturally.

To begin with, Christians especially in Bethlehem region used to work mainly in mother of pearl and olive wood carvings, tourism, and construction work (inside Israel).
Due to the unstable and dangerous situation there, very little number of tourists visit Bethlehem region and even those who go to visit the Nativity church (http://www.atlastours.net/holyland/church_of_the_nativity.html) (where Jesus was born) do not stay in any of the hotels there (all hotels are owned by Christians).
They don't even spend the day in Bethlehem, busses bring them to visit the church and take them back to Jerusalem when they finish. This fact has had it's very bad results on all souvenir shops (which are also owned by Christians), Hotels, and the families who make their living by working in mother of pearl and olive wood crafts because the products that they put in the souvenir shops are not sold, thus they have no income.

As for those who live from working in construction inside Israel. The majority are not able to work there anymore, because the Israeli government is not giving them work permits to enter Israel.
All Palestinians (Christians and Muslims) should get a special permission to enter Israel. And there are checking points on all entrances of Bethlehem area. And due to the political situation, Israel is giving permits to a small number of people only.

Bethlehem region has limited resources and it's not an industrial area nor it is large in size (see map (http://www.ship-of-fools.com/Features/Palestine/Maps/BethlehemMap.html)), so this leaves people there with very limited work places and opportunities.

It's very hard for me when I remember how difficult it is (sometimes it's impossible) for Christians to enter Jerusalem to visit the Holy Sepulcher (http://www.atlastours.net/holyland/holy_sepulcher.html)especially during Easter time to participate in Palm Sunday (when people walk the way Jesus took when he entered Jerusalem) (please click to read Mathew 21:1-11) or participate in the prayers of the Holy Thursday, good Friday, get the Holy fire (http://www.holyfire.org/eng/) (please click to read more about it, it's amazing) visit the tomb of Jesus and pray on Easter day. It's been ages since I was able to participate in these celebrations myself.

You can imagine how wonderful it is to be in that place especially during Lent and Easter day. However, Christians in Bethlehem region, who are only about 5 km away from Jerusalem are not allowed to go there.
Sometimes, they allow women and small children to enter Jerusalem as well as men whose age is 55 years and above on Easter day.
The situation there is really sad, very sad. If you think about it, technically, they are living in a big prison.

These factors and more, are pushing Christians to leave Bethlehem area and go to other countries. So the number of Christians (who are already a minority) is decreasing.


There are some small local establishments such as textile factories, black smith, carpentries in Bethlehem area, that's where many Christians work. Also, a big number of people work in the education field.

I am so proud to say that the vast majority of Christians in Bethlehem area hold at least a bachelor degree.

There are a good number of schools that are supported and run by churches (orthodox, Catholic, Roman Catholic and Lutheran) in addition to Bethlehem University (http://www.bethlehem.edu/).
My school (http://www.talithakumi.org/IndexE.html):)
list of other christian schools (http://www.christusrex.org/www1/ofm/cic/CICscho.html)
Evangelical Lutheran school in beit sahour (http://www.holyland-lutherans.org/Schools/SchoolsBeitSahour.htm)
another school in beit sahour (http://www.lpj.org/lpsbietsahour.html)
i can not find web sites for other schools:(

I have to say that without the support of Christians, missionary and churches from all over the world, Christians in Bethlehem would not have survived until this present day. May God Bless them all.

They support the Christian community in different ways. Lately, they finished from 2 housing projects, where Christian families where able to buy houses with reasonable prices and small monthly payments.


Now, I would like to tell you how Christians (orthodox, Catholics, Roman Catholics and others) live together, because it's really very interesting.
In beit sahour, for example, everybody is related to each other in some way or another. So, you can see orthodox families visit catholic families on Christmas day or Easter day when they celebrate it (because the orthodox go according to the Easter calendar, I mean they celebrate Christmas on January 7th and Easter day on a different day than Catholics) to say Merry Christmas or Happy Easter because their daughter is married to a man from that family for example or because they are neighbors. And the same happens when the orthodox celebrate their feasts.

Also, it's so wonderful when we see some non orthodox christians attend prayers at the orthodox church, especially during the Holy week, because as you know, the orthodox church has very special ceremonies during that week mainly on the Holy Thursday and good Friday. They also participate in the big celebration on Saturday, when all the people of the town gather at the main entrance of beit sahour waiting for the Holy Fire to arrive from Jerusalem. They walk to the Orthodox Church (in the middle of the town) accompanied by the scout group, praying with great joy and even dance. People from the balconies throw flowers, others throw candies. When they reach the church everyone lights a candle or a lantern and takes the Holy fire to their houses for blessing.
These are small examples on how Christians support each other, live and share everything together.

to be continued
(about how Christians and Muslims live together as 20 percent of the residents of beit sahour are Muslims).

[John Charmley]

Every Christian in the Holy land considers him/herself privileged to be born and raised in the land where Jesus was born, lived, traveled, crucified, died and rose from the dead.
However, Christians in that land are living under very hard conditions, economically, politically and culturally.


Dear Nisreen,

We are all in your debt for this, and I am sure that I speak for many when I say, first, thank you so much for going to so much trouble for us, it has been an education; and secondly, that I look forward to the continuation of your account.

How vivid a picture you paint of both sorrow and joy. It is a cause of sorrow to think of you being so close to the Holy Places and yet not being allowed to go there except under such harsh conditions. Your description of Christians living together was a cause of joy, and a sign of how wonderful are the works of the Holy Ghost.

It is a privilege to be offered such insights. Many thanks - and do, please, continue.:)

In Christ,

John

[Marielle]

Dear Nisreen,

We are all in your debt for this, and I am sure that I speak for many when I say, first, thank you so much for going to so much trouble for us, it has been an education; and secondly, that I look forward to the continuation of your account.

How vivid a picture you paint of both sorrow and joy. It is a cause of sorrow to think of you being so close to the Holy Places and yet not being allowed to go there except under such harsh conditions. Your description of Christians living together was a cause of joy, and a sign of how wonderful are the works of the Holy Ghost.

It is a privilege to be offered such insights. Many thanks - and do, please, continue.:)

In Christ,

John


dear brother in Christ

i would like to deeply thank you for you interest in knowing more about the life of Christians in the middle east and in my home town.

to tell you the truth i enjoyed preparing that post becasue it's about places and memories that i cherish dearly.

yes, i will post more very soon

God Bless you

Nisreen

[Charles]

Thanks Marielle for such educational posts!

Charles Samuel

[Marielle]

Thanks Marielle for such educational posts!

Charles Samuel



most welcome

~~God bless you~~

[Trudy]

Last time I was on this board, Father Averky of blessed memory was still alive. When a friend mentioned that she was on here, it occurred to me that I should re-investigate, so here I am.

Miss Meg! Miss Meg! Hi! I am so happy you are here! :) As I wave franctically from the crowd

You will find this forum as good as in the past. Though Fr. Averky (Memory Eternal!) is still missed, I think you will find the forum as good as before. May I recommend you read the thread on Monasticism?

Much love, Athanasia

[Meg Lark]

Last time I was on this board, Father Averky of blessed memory was still alive. When a friend mentioned that she was on here, it occurred to me that I should re-investigate, so here I am.

My name is Margaret Lark, and I guess I know many of you from other boards. I'm a member of two parishes, since one only meets every other week, both Greek Orthodox, there being no Russian parishes within a 50-mile radius of where I live. I sing in any choir that will have me, and when I'm not singing, I cross stitch, knit, read, and generally enjoy a semi-retired life with my husband of 37 years. Oh, and I live in NH.

[M.C. Steenberg]

Welcome back to the Community, Meg!

[Meg Lark]

Miss Meg! Miss Meg! Hi! I am so happy you are here! :) As I wave franctically from the crowd

You will find this forum as good as in the past. Though Fr. Averky (Memory Eternal!) is still missed, I think you will find the forum as good as before. May I recommend you read the thread on Monasticism?

Much love, Athanasia
Hi, Trudy! Still trying to figure out how to subscribe to threads, so I get *even more mail* in my home Inbox (just what I need) ;-) but thank you for the welcome! There are a couple of boards I'd like to join -- Monasticism is one of them, and Liturgics is another. Once I get this figured out, I'm sure we'll be hearing more from each other.

[Sister Fotina]

Hello to all forum members,

I am sister Fotina, a Serbian Orthodox nun, living in Kosovo. I was very happy to have found this site as I have thoroughly enjoyed reading it so far. Since this is the first time that I have joined a forum, I am not experianced in posting messages but I hope to learn very soon.

In Christ,
s. Fotina