Introductions from 2008

[M.C. Steenberg]

Welcome to the Discussion Community! Please use this thread to introduce yourself to other members of the forum.

[Matthew Namee]

Hello, my name is Matthew Namee. I am a lifelong Orthodox Christian from Wichita, Kansas. I am currently completing a (slightly belated) bachelor's degree in history at Wichita State University, after which I plan to pursue doctoral studies. I have been bumping into this website since its inception, and I finally decided to join. Glad to be here.

[M.C. Steenberg]

Welcome, Matthew. Good to have you here at last, after so much occasional encounter!

INXC, Dcn Matthew

[Natalie Marzouqa]

Welcome to the Discussion Community! Please use this thread to introduce yourself to other members of the forum.
I'm a student from Bethlehem \Palestine my family and I are all orthodox born in this country were Jesus lived .
We celebrated the orthodox Xmas on the 7th january on the orthodox calender.

On the 6th of Jan me and my sister and brother were in the bethlehem orthodox scouts with other christian scouts marched in Bethlehem streets for the wellcoming the entrance of our orthodox Patriarch Theofilos for the start of the Xmas prayers/:):):)

Merry Xmass to all we will celebrate the new year on the 13th Jan

[Nina]

Natalie, welcome, Merry Christmas and happy nameday (unless you celebrate with St. Natalie)!

[Paul Cowan]

Hello Natalie,

Welcome to monachos. I think you might be one of the youngest here. I work for the Scouts in America. I wish I could have seen so many Scouts in procession for the Patriarch. Here in America we get criticised for just believing in God. Do you have any pictures you can share of the procession with the Scouts?

Yours in Scouting
paul


I'm a student from Bethlehem \Palestine my family and I are all orthodox born in this country were Jesus lived .
We celebrated the orthodox Xmas on the 7th january on the orthodox calender.

On the 6th of Jan me and my sister and brother were in the bethlehem orthodox scouts with other christian scouts marched in Bethlehem streets for the wellcoming the entrance of our orthodox Patriarch Theofilos for the start of the Xmas prayers/:):):)

Merry Xmass to all we will celebrate the new year on the 13th Jan

[Natalie Marzouqa]

Hello Natalie,

Welcome to monachos. I think you might be one of the youngest here. I work for the Scouts in America. I wish I could have seen so many Scouts in procession for the Patriarch. Here in America we get criticised for just believing in God. Do you have any pictures you can share of the procession with the Scouts?

Yours in Scouting
paul


Thank you for writing me about scout. I am trying to attach a moviefile to you where it shows the Nativity Church and myself at the end of the clip carrying the flag of the Orthodox SCout of Bethlehem.

May i ask you, what is antiochian??

:o Natalie Marzouqa.

[Paul Cowan]

This is great Natalie,

Antiochian simply means my Patriarch is from Antioch. As in

Acts 11:25 Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul. 26 And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.

Paul

[Michael McGuire]

My name is Michael McGuire, and I live in Lafayette, Indiana.

I've been lurking around this forum for quite some time, but am just getting around to introducing myself. I was raised outside of any church, and, though my parents considered themselves Christian, I've always felt outside of Christianity.

After coming to an intellectual conviction regarding the truth of Christianity, I've been balanced between Catholicism and Orthodoxy for several years now. Thanks to recent events -- and the wonderful influence and example of our local priest -- I'm soon to become a catechumen.

I hope I can overcome my inhibitions and start entering into your forum community :)

[Justin Farr]

Hello all! :) I am Justin and heard about this website. I also frequent Dust And Ashes and ChristianForum's The Ancient Way. :) This seems like a wonderful place! Still trying to wrap my head around all the rules and such. :P

I am glad to be here! So hello! ^_^

[Paul Cowan]

Welcome Michael,

I look forward to hearing more from you as you grow in the Faith.

Paul

[Nina]

A very warm welcome to Michael and Justin! :) :) :)

[Anne Morgellyn]

Welcome to the Discussion Community! Please use this thread to introduce yourself to other members of the forum.

My name is Anne Morgellyn. I was received into the Russian Orthodox Church in 1993 and the following year spent a few days at the monastery at Tolleshunt Knights, Essex, England. Now that my daughter is older, I would like to spend some more time there. On the door of my room, in the women's guesthouse, was an icon of Pantelemon, healer and martyr. That image has stayed with me. I would like to know more about the life of Pantelemon - his feast, I believe, is in July?

[Nina]

Hello Anne and welcome here!

It is so wonderful that you would like to know more about Saint Panteleimon. Please click here (http://home.it.net.au/%7Ejgrapsas/pages/panteleimon.htm) for more information about the Saint.

He is a wonderful saint of Orthodoxy and his name means 'All-Merciful" in Greek and it is usually an attribute for our God. Saint Panteleimon is also one of the patron saints of physicians.

I was actually just downloading an icon of Saint Panteleimon in my album here on monachos and was thinking about Saint Panteleimon right before I read your post. :)

In Ravello, Italy they have in the church in the main square, a phial with the blood of Saint Panteleimon, which is frozen, but liquefies for the feast-day of the Saint in July.

[Paul Cowan]

Of all the monasteries I visited on Mt. Athos, the monastery dedicated to St. Panteleimon was the most "moving" for me. I have a vial of Holy Oil from the wondering working icon from there.

St. Panteleimon pray to God for us.

Paul

[Nina]

I have a vial of Holy Oil from the wondering working icon from there.

Paul

And what is your address (?) so we can all send an avalanche of SASEs, for portions of that Holy Oil. :)

[Maria Prabhu]

Hello

I am Maria Prabhu an Architect from India, I have designed a few churches and I am a Roman Catholic deeply interested in the ancient chantings and prayers to get closer to "Him"

In Christ

Maria Prabhu

I am looking for any contemplative deep Christian Meditative techniques to savour Our Lord,If anyone is in those kindly pm, me plzz

[Anne Morgellyn]

Welcome to the Discussion Community! Please use this thread to introduce yourself to other members of the forum.

Thank you so much Nina and Paul for welcoming me and replying to my post about Panteleimon. I'm glad to learn more about his life as a healer. I have asked for his prayers.

I'm not sure if I'm replying to the right thread here - I'm a novice on this forum, so please bear with me! I hope to post here once a week.

Anne M.

[Paul Cowan]

Thank you so much Nina and Paul for welcoming me and replying to my post about Panteleimon. I'm glad to learn more about his life as a healer. I have asked for his prayers.

I'm not sure if I'm replying to the right thread here - I'm a novice on this forum, so please bear with me! I hope to post here once a week.

Anne M.

Dear Anne,

If you only post once a week you will like me have over 500 posts to catch up on. It is better to come daily so they don't add up. :rolleyes:
I missed 1 day and had 187 posts to read through.

[Silouan Howard]

Hello to everyone..

My name is Silouan and obviously I am new to this site. Look forward to learning from all of you while I am here.

God Bless

[M.C. Steenberg]

Welcome, Silouan - and other new members. May you enjoy your time here!

INXC, Dcn Matthew

[Lance Goldsberry]

Welcome to the Discussion Community! Please use this thread to introduce yourself to other members of the forum.

Dear Friends,

My name is Lance Goldsberry. I am a Greek Catholic, a member of the Pittsburgh Metropolitan Church. I love Byzantine Christianity and all things Eastern Christian. I love to learn from my Orthodox brethren.

Blessings,

Lance

[Andrew]

Hello to everyone..

My name is Silouan and obviously I am new to this site. Look forward to learning from all of you while I am here.

God Bless

Hey Silouan! Thank you for bringing me the prayer rope. Check out the posts of Fr. Averky and Fr. Seraphim Black... I think their wisdom will be helpful to you.

[Paul Cowan]

Welcome Silouan,

It's great to have another Texan on the forum.

Paul

[Silouan Howard]

Hey Silouan! Thank you for bringing me the prayer rope. Check out the posts of Fr. Averky and Fr. Seraphim Black... I think their wisdom will be helpful to you.

Your welcome, brother. I decided to try this forum out instead of Christian Forums...it gets too heated over there and I am a wimp. ;)

[Mary James]

Greetings in the Lord,
My name is Maria, i have been on these forums a very long time ago, and left for no reason. Now I'm back and I plan on sticking around here. :)

I'm a convert to Orthodoxy and attend a wonderful ROCOR Church in Canada, Ontario.

[Nina]

A very warm welcome to Maria and Silouan! :) :) :)

And yes, Maria, please stay and I look so much forward to learn from you. :) Thank you for the icon of Panagia which St. Mary of Egypt venerated. Maybe you can post it under your profile for all friends here to see it? :) Have a blessed time.

[Mary James]

A very warm welcome to Maria and Silouan! :) :) :)

And yes, Maria, please stay and I look so much forward to learn from you. :) Thank you for the icon of Panagia which St. Mary of Egypt venerated. Maybe you can post it under your profile for all friends here to see it? :) Have a blessed time.

I have replaced my St. Mary of Egypt icon in my profile with the Theotokos icon the St. Mary of Egypt venerated before entering the church!
Thanks for the suggestion, Nina :D

[Geordie Ziegler]

Hello, I am a new member of Monachos, and I am seeking guidance for a post-graduate research project I am undertaking that would look at the doctrine of the Ascension of Christ in the theology of a theologian of the Eastern Orthodox church. Coming from the Protestant side myself, my familiarity with Orthodox theologians at this point is fairly limited, hence my request for guidance. Any suggestions? Or are there any forums here that are discussing issues in this field?

Thank you,
Geordie Ziegler

[Fr Raphael Vereshack]

Hello, I am a new member of Monachos, and I am seeking guidance for a post-graduate research project I am undertaking that would look at the doctrine of the Ascension of Christ in the theology of a theologian of the Eastern Orthodox church. Coming from the Protestant side myself, my familiarity with Orthodox theologians at this point is fairly limited, hence my request for guidance. Any suggestions? Or are there any forums here that are discussing issues in this field?

Thank you,
Geordie Ziegler

A very important book for all to have is The Feasts of the Lord by Metropolitan Hierotheos Vlachos. Chapter 11 of this book is on the Ascension.

In Christ- Fr Raphael

[Geordie Ziegler]

A very important book for all to have is The Feasts of the Lord by Metropolitan Hierotheos Vlachos. Chapter 11 of this book is on the Ascension.

In Christ- Fr Raphael

Thank you - i will look for that book.
What part does the ascension of our Lord play in Orthodox theology?

[Nina]

Dear Geordie, welcome!

There is a thread about Ascension here on monachos I think. Click on the Search feature please and write Ascension. Maybe you can post question there as well after you read posts. :) See you, in different threads.

[Nina]

Geordie, here (http://www.monachos.net/forum/showthread.php?t=3785&highlight=Ascension)is the thread.

[Silouan Howard]

One thing to keep in mind is that in the Orthodox mindset, the salvific work of Christ includes the divine conception all the way to the coming of the Holy Spirit. Each event is a part of the work of salvation, but must be understood through the 'whole picture'.

Thank you - i will look for that book.
What part does the ascension of our Lord play in Orthodox theology?

[Amy]

Geordie Ziegler,

May Christ be with you!

Welcome to Monachos; you'll find plenty of good folks and resources here. As I see you are from Scotland, I wanted to pass along a warm hello. It is, in part, because of the ancient Celts that I am now Orthodox.

Blessings to you as your pursue your research.

[Sibylle]

Welcome to the Discussion Community! Please use this thread to introduce yourself to other members of the forum.

Hello, my name is Sibylle, I live in the UK and was received into the Orthodox Church 2 years ago, having been a committed Roman Catholic for 43 years. I continue to be an Oblate with a Benedictine Community which has done much to introduce me to Orthodoxy. It is still early days for me - so much to learn!
I am particularly interested in monasticism, and would welcome information on women's monastic communities in Europe one can visit.
Looking forward to getting to know members of this forum, and learning from you.

In Christ,
Sibylle

[Ambrose Stapleton]

My name is Ambrose Stapleton I live in Kodiak, Alaska with my beautiful wife and three kookie sons who are watching me write this post so I have to call them weird, which is having the desired effect. I am a stay at home dad and I homeschool my boys. I have Crohns disease and just recently got onto Disability. Also in between hospital stays I have been attending classes at St. Herman Seminary, hopefully to start full time next time. I am looking forward to the oppertunity to be a part of discussions and hopefully get some of my questions answered as well.

Ambrose:D

PS
Be forwarned I am a horrible speller

[Antonios]

Welcome Ambrose!

Pray for the rest of us horrible spellers!

[Antonios]

Welcome Sibylle! It is still early days for most of us too in the Orthodox faith and there is always more to learn. (in fact, an eternity's worth!) There are plenty here who can provide you with information regarding monasteries in Europe better than I can. I think I speak for everyone here at monachos in saying that we welcome you and will learn from you as well!

[Antonios]

Thank you - i will look for that book.
What part does the ascension of our Lord play in Orthodox theology?

Welcome George! The event of the ascension of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ is an affirming act of salvation! It confirms Christ's Divine Authority and Almighty Power as the Word of God (now 'seated at the right hand of God' the Father). It is a prelude to the descent of the Holy Spirit unto the elect of God soon after at Pentecost, a truly trinitarian genesis of the Church.

This is not unlike the Incarnation of Christ in its trinitarian movement. Here, the descent of the the Holy Spirit unto the chosen one of God, the Theotokos, (whose blameless obedience and spotless faith enables a pentecost of sorts within her very own immaculate womb), results in the genesis of the God-man Christ. This is foreshadowed in the symbolic imagery of the burning bush, where Moses first encounters the Word of God within the burning bush which was located upon hallowed ground.

The ascension, therefore, is the demonstration of the fulfillment of the work of the Second Person of the Holy Trinity. Creation is assured that Jesus Christ is the Word of God and source of life. By His Incarnation, Death, Resurrection, and finally, Ascension, creation is once again sanctified, enabling it's possibility to once and for ever partake in the divine nature.

[RichardWorthington]

I am particularly interested in monasticism, and would welcome information on women's monastic communities in Europe one can visit.
Looking forward to getting to know members of this forum, and learning from you.

In Christ,
Sibylle

Greetings Sibylle - from Richard also in the UK!

There is the monastery at Tolleshunt Knights - it is a mixed monastery, but certainly has far more nuns than monks.

There is also the monastery of the assumption at Whitby
http://archive.thenorthernecho.co.uk/2002/5/20/134732.html

And I believe there is a ROCOR convent of Arab nuns somewhere near the south of London.

I did a web search but I think your parish priest would be able to help if you needed to contact them.

This is in the UK: as for Europe I guess there could be some in France, and as for Greece, Romania, Ukraine, Russia, Serbia, Macedonia - sorry if I have missed out anyone's country! - there must be loads!

Best wishes,

Richard

[John Litster]

Welcome to the Discussion Community! Please use this thread to introduce yourself to other members of the forum.

Hello all,

My name is John Litster, and I am an 18-year old student living in Portland, Oregon. I've been Orthodox all my life, and I also help out with "Road to Emmaus," an Orthodox journal some of you might be aware of. (In case anyone's interested, the website is www.roadtoemmaus.net (http://www.roadtoemmaus.net))

My

Looking forward to getting to know all of you,


This is my first time on a discussion community, so I hope I'm submitting this right.

[John Litster]

Welcome to the Discussion Community! Please use this thread to introduce yourself to other members of the forum.

Sorry - I hit the "send" button in mid sentence. So much for a graceful introduction!

As I was saying, my principal interest is the early church in the West, particularly in Britain, and I am currently working on an expansive project detailing the lives of the saints that lived there. Church history and hagiography are also interests of mine, and I am looking forward to meeting and discussing with others on this and other aspects of Orthodoxy.

[J. Austin]

Hello brothers and sisters in Christ. I am new to Orthodoxy as well as to this site.

Originally I visited a local mission at the request of a friend and to be a support to her spiritual search. The first few visits to the mission, I was watching my watch, so to speak, as to “when will this be over?” Yet, as I continued to be exposed to the Liturgy and Homilies and the enquires classes, I began to feel a sense of reverence and holiness to what was being presented to me. My heart was being deeply touched by the Holy Spirit and my mind illumined with Truth.

Instead of going to the mission for my friends sake, I was going to learn as much as I could to quench the spiritual thirst I strongly felt. I began to look forward to the next Vespers and Liturgy. I also purchased numerous Orthodox books on it’s History, the Liturgy and various teachings. I am thriving on it, and love every minute of what I am learning.

Prior to my going to the local mission with my friend, I had previously never heard of the Orthodox Faith. I was completely surprised and fascinated that such a Church existed. I have been exposed to and following the Protestant teachings since 1977, never finding what my heart/spirit were deeply searching for. I have found Home. My search is over, I am at peace and am being fully fed and satisfied with the Orthodox Faith and the True Church initiated by Christ himself.

I look forward to the remaining years of my life, growing and maturing in my Faith and Love of Christ.
Sincerely, Jenn Austin

[Stephen Rollie Chu]

Welcome to the Discussion Community! Please use this thread to introduce yourself to other members of the forum.

Hello, I am Stephen Rollie Chu from Sabah (North Borneo), Malaysia. This is my 13th year back with the Catholic Church and I am still on the Way to rediscover my baptism through the Neocatechumenal Way.

I am happy and blessed to have been led to this site. I hope to meet new friends and brothers in the Lord.

[Fr. Petros Parginos]

Greetings to all. I'm fr. Petros, a priest in the Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria and All Africa. Forgive what may seem to be an out-of-place intrusion, but I was hoping that someone may assist in shedding some light on a topic of interest. So much is made of the differences between the Greek and Latin views of the Trinity. The Greeks are meant to have stressed the hypostases, wheres the Latins, the essence, Surely this is a gross generalization… surely the Greek Fathers made an issue of the “ousia” as much as Latin Fathers allowed for the “persona”. Can anyone assist with substantiation….

[Chris S.]

Hello. As my username attests, my name is Chris. My mother named me Christopher, and she swore that she would never allow anybody call me Chris - but the one syllable "Chris" is so much easier to say than the three syllable "Christopher"!

I am Roman Catholic. In fact, I officially became Catholic last April (2007). Prior to joining the Roman Church, I was raised in a loose Protestant home where cheap grace abounded. Growing up, I had many internal conflicts regarding my Christian identity which ultimately caused me to seriously search for a new spiritual identity, whether that happened to be agnosticism, atheism, Islam, Judaism, or evangelical Christianity.

Having studied Eastern Orthodoxy, at least during its Byzantine period, there's always been a certain part of me that recognizes the historic origins and significance of the Orthodox. I admire and love the faith of my Orthodox brothers and sisters. I'm here to learn more about the rich tradition which we all share in Christ Jesus, but I'm not here looking to convert or anything like that. However, I'm not your typical Catholic: I don't especially like (or heed) the papacy, but I also recognize its importance during certain periods in history. The Pharisaic legalism of Canon law seems contradictory to true faith in Jesus; but I understand that without it some people would be hopelessly bound to sin.

I also enjoy theology, biblical scholarship, ecumenical dialogue, and music.

[Herman Blaydoe]

Greetings to all. I'm fr. Petros, a priest in the Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria and All Africa. Forgive what may seem to be an out-of-place intrusion, but I was hoping that someone may assist in shedding some light on a topic of interest. So much is made of the differences between the Greek and Latin views of the Trinity. The Greeks are meant to have stressed the hypostases, wheres the Latins, the essence, Surely this is a gross generalization… surely the Greek Fathers made an issue of the “ousia” as much as Latin Fathers allowed for the “persona”. Can anyone assist with substantiation….

Father, bless!

I think what you are referring to relates to the debate between the Orthodox St. Gregory Palamas and the Catholic Barlaam. There is quite a bit of information available at this website. You may want to start with looking through some of the threads in the Specific Themes (http://www.monachos.net/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=324) area! Welcome!

Your servant,
Herman

[Paul Cowan]

A warm and hearty welcome to all our newest friends to this wonderful site. May you find what you are looking for within its pages and develop friendships around the world.

Paul

[Guy Mengel]

First post. From a Bible Church Fundamentalist background (30+ years). We are attending an OCA mission in Virgina, for the last 2 Months. My study of Church History has led me (and my family) to the Orthodox Church and the fullness of faith. After going through the initial culture shock, I am becoming much more comfortable in Divine Liturgy, but alas, my beloved (28 years now) is not. I am hoping she comes along in the near future, and becomes more comfortable. I am recognizing just how arrogant I as a past protestant was and just how much of a sinner I am. It is hard after so many years a Protestant to shed ~500 year old beliefs (some are less than 150 years!)... I often slip into my rational, "put God" in a box mentality.

I look forward to conversation and instruction from those more knowlegeable than I.

In His Mercy
a sinner

-Guy

[Nina]

Welcome Guy and all the recent newcomers! It is a delight to read your stories and thank God for making this possible through monachos, so we can rejoice with all the beautiful things you all share. May you have a spiritually fruitful time here and everywhere!

[Allen Long]

Welcome to the Discussion Community! Please use this thread to introduce yourself to other members of the forum.

After being an ordained minister for 27 years as a minister of worship and music (in the Evangelical church), I have been embraced by the fuller expression of faith that is found in Eastern Orthodoxy. I hope to be accepted for Holy Orders at some point. On Lazarus Saturday, my wife and I will receive chrismation in the St. Basil the Great Catholic Church, located in Irving, TX. I look forward to participation in these forums.

[Paul Cowan]

Welcome Allen,

Always great to see another Texan here.

Paul

[Anna]

Hello all. I'm Anna Bennett, and I'm new to this community, but I've kept to the shadows on various Orthodox groups since 1996. I am a wife and mother of four children: Three girls ages 18 (and in the Army), 16, and 14; and one son, age 4. We live in rural Oklahoma and attend a ROCOR parish in DeQueen Arkansas. Thank you for the opportunity to say hello.

[Allen Long]

Paul,

Thanks for the welcome!


All glory to Jesus Christ!

Allen

[Silouan Howard]

Welcome Anna and Alan!

Allen, I am also in the Garland area. Good to see others from our area on here.

[Aaron C.]

Glory to Jesus Christ!

Hello, my name is Aaron. I encountered this site while looking around on the Internet and was impressed enough to join.

I was received in to the Serbian Orthodox Church in 2002, though I had become interested in Orthodoxy as early as 2000. Through college, I and several friends converted. I recently completed my Master of Arts in history in December, and I am employed as an archivist at a university in western Pennsylvania. I used to be a member of our parish choir, but for over a year (I can't remember how long) I have been assisting our parish priest in the Holy Altar as an acolyte. If I had to describe life in the Church with one word, I would use "humbling."

Thank you,

Aaron W. Carson

P.S. Our parish's site! www.stgeorgeserbian.us

[RichardWorthington]

Glory to Jesus Christ!

Hello, my name is Aaron. I encountered this site while looking around on the Internet and was impressed enough to join.

I was received in to the Serbian Orthodox Church in 2002, though I had become interested in Orthodoxy as early as 2000. Through college, I and several friends converted. I recently completed my Master of Arts in history in December, and I am employed as an archivist at a university in western Pennsylvania. I used to be a member of our parish choir, but for over a year (I can't remember how long) I have been assisting our parish priest in the Holy Altar as an acolyte. If I had to describe life in the Church with one word, I would use "humbling."

Thank you,

Aaron W. Carson

P.S. Our parish's site! www.stgeorgeserbian.us (http://www.stgeorgeserbian.us/)

Dear Aaron,

Hello -My first encounter with Orthodoxy was in a Serbian Church in England.
see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serbian_Orthodox_Church_of_St_Lazar,_Bournville
and beautiful interior
http://www.birmingham.gov.uk/printer/GenerateContent?CONTENT_ITEM_ID=13335&CONTENT_ITEM_TYPE=0&MENU_ID=5359

I was so over-awed that this started a long journey into Holy Orthodoxy - God be praised forever!!!

Richard

[Mary Ann H.]

Hello, I am another new member. A former Episcopalian, I originally come from West Virginia, but have lived in Germany since 1989. My first contact with Orthodoxy was when I visited the Jordanville monastery in New York state as a student, or was it when I was in the Russian Summer School at Middlebury singing "Oche nash" in the choir? Nothing more happened for a good many years, except that I found myself visiting all the Byzantine sites in Europe and Turkey that I could and acquiring things like the text of the liturgy and the lives of Orthodox saints when the opportunity presented itself. Later I learned to use the computer and found a lot of information in the internet. To make a very long story short - finally someone told me that there was a Romanian Orthodox community in the city where I live. I had learned some Romanian before, partly as a result of my work teaching German to immigrants from Eastern Europe, so thought that would be a good place to find out what Orthodox church life is really like. And now here I am, five years into Orthodoxy with the Romanians.
I have been very impressed with what I have read on this board, and suspect that my "participation" will continue to be more in the line of reading than writing posts. I still have a lot to learn!

[Ruth]

Hi all,

My name is Ruth and I'm preparing to be baptized as a Roman Catholic on March 22. I live in the USA, state of Kentucky.

I want to learn more about the faith of my Orthodox brothers and sisters.

Pax,

Ruth L.

[Nina]

Welcome to all! :) :) :)

Dear Mary Ann, that is a beautiful story and you have such a rich and diverse background. :) Please do contribute here since we love to learn.

Welcome!

[Duane]

Good Morning,

I post hardly at all, but read and learn so much from you all. I come to share my joy with you, for I shall be received, God willing, into the Holy Orthodox Church through chrismation on Holy Saturday.

Pray unto God for me,

Duane

[Nina]

Good Morning,

I post hardly at all, but read and learn so much from you all. I come to share my joy with you, for I shall be received, God willing, into the Holy Orthodox Church through chrismation on Holy Saturday.

Pray unto God for me,

Duane

Dear Duane, With much love in Christ, welcome here and please do post here since we would love to learn from you too, and it is delightful to hear about your upcoming chrismation. May you have a blessed Triodion and path towards the Big Day!

[D. Haydock]

Hi, everyone! My name is Dasha Haydock. I am fairly new to the Orthodox faith, so I have a lot of questions. I am from Belarus originally but I have been living in England for almost 6 years. I work as a teacher in a primary school.

I'm not sure what else to tell you. I hope to get to know some of you better. Looking forward to debates and discussions. ;)

[RichardWorthington]

Hi, everyone! My name is Dasha Haydock. I am fairly new to the Orthodox faith, so I have a lot of questions. I am from Belarus originally but I have been living in England for almost 6 years. I work as a teacher in a primary school.

I'm not sure what else to tell you. I hope to get to know some of you better. Looking forward to debates and discussions. ;)

Dasha,

Privet! Kak dela? (For those who, probably like me!, do not know Russian: Hi! How are you?)

My name is Richard; I recognised your name immediately, because my neice-in-law (? - the neice of my wife, who is Ukrainian) is also called Dasha.

In what way are you new to the Orthodox faith? I am thinking that in Belarus most (some?) of the churches are Orthodox.

Richard:)

[James Haddad]

Ive actually been a member here for almost a year now but hadn't posted until last week. I grew up in NJ, USA, but now live inside of the Armenian Patriarchate (Catholicosate) in Antelias Lebanon and am studying for the priesthood. I don't post that much, but I really like to read the boards.

-James

[RichardWorthington]

Welcome James, and may Christ bless you in His preisthood!

Lebanon has had many troubles recently; God help all!

Richard

[D. Haydock]

Privet, Richard!

You are right about Belarus being mainly an Orthodox country. I have not been brought up as a Christian though. I only acknowledged Christianity after I was invited to a Protestant church in England . I enjoyed being a "happy clapper" for a while until I hit the ceiling and had no more room to grow in my church. Last September God brought me to a Greek Orthodox Church, so I am only beginning to learn about the depth and beauty of Orthodoxy. As you see, I am only a spiritual baby. :p

[Sibylle]

Hello Dasha and welcome

I joined the Orthodox Church about two years ago and still feel like a 'baby', there is so much to learn and take in. It has been, and continues to be, such an enriching journey.

This forum is a great place to learn and share.

Again - welcome!

Sibylle

[Peter Coologeorgen]

Although a professional with computer automation I am new to the concept of posts and blogs.
I am a 54 year old Greek Orthodox in Chicago with 34 years of parsih council membership and numerous years of service in the various ministries of the parish. I was introduced to this website by my close friend and koumbaro when we had a recent discussion of the current monastic influence on new priests. I am very confused as to how the monastic teachings fit into parish life. Quoting teachings from the Pedalion (unheard of prior to this movement), attacking what was taught to us by priests from the previous generation, attacking priests who are more moderate in their views, etc. The effect is that this is causing a schism within communities and even amongst fellow clergy. There is a definite distinction between how one should practice Orthodoxy between the two camps. Some describe this new movement as being like a cult.
For one day a week I would like to leave the business and political world alone and seek solace in my fith. Now I've become embroiled in it. I'm hoping that your ebsite may shed some light on this for me.
Thank you.

[Theofan]

Hello all,
I'm Theofan. Just stumbled on this forum by chance and decided to join. From what I can see it seems very informative. Looking forward to discussions with all of you!

Oh...also I'm Albanian Orthodox (guess that would make me a rarity here).

Take care.

[Antonios]

Welcome Theofan and Peter! Hope you share with us! God bless you on your journey!

[James S.]

Welcome to the Discussion Community! Please use this thread to introduce yourself to other members of the forum.
My name is James Savage. I am a convert to the Orthodox Church from a protestant denomination in which I served as a clergyman for over 23 years. I worship at St Paul's Antiochain Orthodox Church in Brisbane Australia. My wife and 3 adult children have also become Orthodox and it is wonderful to worship as a family. Our Metropolitan will ordain me as Deacon on March 23. Found this site while searching for some liturgical material and thought I would give it a go.

[Fr. J. Benedict Cucinotta]

Welcome to the Discussion Community! Please use this thread to introduce yourself to other members of the forum.
Greetings everyone, Christ is in our midst!
I am serving as Priest in the Autonomous Orthodox Metropolia of Western Europe and the Americas.
(established under the Tomos of Autonomy of His Holiness, Patriarch Volodymir and the Holy Synod of Kiev)
His Beatitude, the Very Most Reverend Metropolitan Evloghios, First Hierarch of the Holy Synod, whose see is the ancient Orthodox Western see of Milan. An Orthodox Metropolitanate since the time of St. Ambrose, and an Orthodox episcopate since the days of the earliest christians.
His Eminence, the Most Reverend Archbishop John, is the Ruling Archbishop of New York and New Jersey. I am in San Diego County in California, and a metochia of Archbishop John. I have just started a Mission here in a predominantly Roman onclave. "The Lord please be with me."
Better known as "The Holy Synod of Milan." Once the West European Diocese of the Old Calendar Orthodox Church of Greece, the "Milan Synod" was established in 1984 as an Autonomous Metropolia by the Old Calendar Church of Greece (Auxentian Synod) specifically for those who wished to be Orthodox Christian and are of Western European descent; living in Western Europe or throughout the Diaspora.
The Holy Synod of Milan is a traditional Orthodox Church dedicated to charity and brotherhood amongst all the Churches and Her faithful. We are also firmly dedicated to exposing the international ecumenical movement as the deceit that it is.
We celebrate the ancient Liturgy of Sarum. Our Monks and Secular Priests follow the Rule of Benedict of Nursia. We are very Eastern Orthodox in our theology, but are western minded in our liturgical practice. (Pre-schism) I have cut and pasted to give a more complete vision of our jurisdiction. That is why you are seeing different types. I am happy tyo be a member of this blogging community. :) A Servant in Christ, Fr. Benedict

[Gus J. Zgourides]

Good Morning,

I have visited your website from time to time , and I finally decided to join you. My name is Gus J. Zgourides but most folks call me Gus or Bizcocho. Education: B.A., Rice University; J.D., University of Texas. As a youngster I rebelled and estranged myself from Greek Orthodoxy. There were many bumps in the road traveled thereafter until life's sorrows brought me to my knees. I surrendered and returned home. I am a 77 year old cradle Greek Orthodox presently in my third year of Orthodox Theological study. I remain young at heart, thankfull and joyous to have re-awakened, by God's grace, to our majestically profound mystery of Orthodoxy in its ecclesial and monastic greatness. What a blessing and delight it is to be surrounded by our youth in my theological quest...Thanks, In Christ,

Gus

[Paul Cowan]

Dear Gus,

Welcome to not only another Texan but a Houstonian too. My this world and forum is small. Gus, I live less than 5 miles from your parsh. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on Orthodoxy here.

Paul

[Antonios]

Dear Gus,

I never met a Gus who wasn't Greek! Welcome to this community and I wish you a blessed Lent!

In Christ,
Antonios

[Gus J. Zgourides]

Of all the monasteries I visited on Mt. Athos, the monastery dedicated to St. Panteleimon was the most "moving" for me. I have a vial of Holy Oil from the wondering working icon from there.

St. Panteleimon pray to God for us.

Paul

Paul,
Thanks for the response. I have never been to Mt. Athos and would like to make it there. On a clear day we could see Mt. Athos from my Dad's home island of Thasos. Do you attend St George's?

Gus

[Mina Mounir]

hi ... I'm not old and not new member in the forum ... but a new member in the Orthodox church.
I'm happy to find many Orthodox converts in the forum ...
I'm a convert too ... I was raised in the Coptic church and after reading and studying theology , I finally chose the true spiritually and Orthodox life.
in 20 september 2006 I was chrismated in the chapel of Saint Nectarios (where he -personally- served from long time before leaving the Patriarchate of Alexandria and getting back to Athens) in the Patriarchal vicar . (see the certificate in my Profile albums).
Orthodox spirituality is incomparable , because it is not just rational neither emotional ... it is simply a divine spirituality . the deepness of Orthodox life in Liturgy and activating the main Christian doctrines and confessions in personal life is something cannot be easily experienced outside the orthodox church.

I believe that it was a call from God .

in Christ
Mina

[Nina]

Mina, welcome here!

I am so delighted to read your story! Thank you for sharing it and the pictures from Alexandria, Patriarch Theodoros and your certificate.

[Mina Mounir]

Thanks ... yes, I've recently added another Album for some churches of the Patriarchate in Cairo and Alexandria in my profile.

[Victor Mihailoff]

Good Morning,

I shall be received, God willing, into the Holy Orthodox Church through chrismation on Holy Saturday.

Pray unto God for me,

Duane

God bless you Duane! You have found your way. I will pray for you.

In Christ, Victor

[Stavroula Stamati]

Welcome to the Discussion Community! Please use this thread to introduce yourself to other members of the forum.

Hello, I am Stavroula Stamati, book editor and documentary film director from Greece. I am glad to participate to this net.

[Kyprian Galbraith]

Christ is in our midst!
Hello,

My name is Kyprian, I live in San Antonio, Tejas (that's how we spell Texas down here on the border!)

I am a 45 year old OC in the OCA jurisdiction. I've pretty much avoided Orthodox Forums as they can get as nasty as most others, but in observing ya'lls it seems like a comfortable place to be, share and learn.

I am disabled, going to school and working from home, and have one three year old child ( a four legg'd one @ that) a fox terrier named Boris (don't laugh I didn't name him, adopted him with that name!) who is the love o' m' life.

I'm grateful that God seems to be finally crushing my heart of stone and giving me the heart of flesh, allowing me to look unflinchingly into my life, with His grace...and so it is good to be alive.

I look forward to getting to know many of you (as much as we can on the 'net)

the sinner,
Kyprian

[Nina]

Kyprian and Stavroula welcome here!!!

Looking forward to learning from you and with you.

A dog named Boris in TX? :) :) :) That's cute.

[Kyprian Galbraith]

Kyprian and Stavroula welcome here!!!

Looking forward to learning from you and with you.

A dog named Boris in TX? :) :) :) That's cute.
Ya, here's his picture...

While my Orthodox friends say he should have a friend named "Gleb", I think he should get a girlfriend named Natasha (think the cartoon Bulwinkle from the 1960s! LOL) While he is a companion animal/service animal he's become my best friend!

His Formal Name Is:
"His Majesty Boris, King of All WOOFidity and Great Dawg Bow-WOWiness" ROFLMBO

in Him (the Lord, not Boris!)
Kyprian

[Corina A.C.]

Hello dear members of this site ! Thank you for the Welcome ! My name is Corina, I am from Rumania, I am 58 years old and i speak a little English but i do my best to comunicate with you. I belong to the Orthodox Rumanian Church, I am a religious person and I hope with my Heart to visite one day the Monastery from Essex . I wish you all a happy time until the great Joy of Easter ! Sincerely, Corina:)

[Mary Ann H.]

Doamne ajuta and welcome, Corina!

It is nice to find another member of the Romanian Orthodox church here. Where in Romania are you from?

[Ninian Williams]

Welcome to the Discussion Community! Please use this thread to introduce yourself to other members of the forum.

I was chrismated into the Orthodox Church in 2005, after many years as a very active Anglican (and my husband still remains an Anglican). "Ninian" is my church name (ie. St Ninian of Whithorn). I live in the UK, and my church is part of the new "Vicariate" under Bishop Basil. I still have a *lot* to learn about Orthodoxy. This website has so much material my mind almost blew a fuse! :)

[Ronald R.]

Welcome to the Discussion Community! Please use this thread to introduce yourself to other members of the forum.
Hello. My name is Ron. I am a Latin-rite Catholic. I am glad I found this forum and hope to learn much more about holy Orthodoxy.

[Nina]

Welcome all! :)


I still have a *lot* to learn about Orthodoxy. This website has so much material my mind almost blew a fuse! :)

Giggles... This is so humorous! :)

[Shelley Platt]

[QUOTE=Mary Ann H.;59832]Hello, I am another new member. A former Episcopalian, I originally come from West Virginia, but have lived in Germany since 1989. My first contact with Orthodoxy was when I visited the Jordanville monastery in New York state as a student, or was it when I was in the Russian Summer School at Middlebury singing "Oche nash" in the choir?

Hi Mary Ann!
Just wanted to say I'm a former Episcopalian too, and studied Russian at Middlebury, though as an undergraduate. Welcome to the list. I wish I could remember the Russian I learned, but too many years have gone by.

[Kyprian Galbraith]

That was my thought too, I was like:
O'm'Gosh enough Holy Fathers to study until the Eschaton! My brain almost went POP!

Kyprian


Welcome all! :)



Giggles... This is so humorous! :)

[Chris Keel]

Greetings!

I am happily married to a wonderful woman, and the proud father of nine of the best children in the world! (as you can imagine, I am biased ;)) We just moved from the east coast area of NC to the Triad. We really love it here.

I worked for almost 20 years as a plumber/pipe-fitter up in the Midwest. Due to an on the job injury, I've been disabled for the past six years. About four years ago, I decided to return to school. Currently, I am an online student in my senior year, working on a degree in English and Literature. When I graduate, I hope to attend Wake Forest Divinity School and get a Master of Divinity and a Master of Library Science (cooperative program between Wake and UNC Greensboro). Afterwards, I would like to work in a Divinity School library, and perhaps enter the ordained clergy in the Episcopal church USA (praying about that one).

For most of my life, really from the age I started reading, I have been interested in religion. The Orthodox faith has always been fascinating to me (I hope that does not offend the devout) and I am here to learn as much as I can. We are planning on moving soon to the Winston Salem area and when we do, my son is going to begin attending an Orthodox church. Both of us have attended the Catholic church here in town during special services, and he has really enjoyed it. He also loves Icons and studying about the Saints. I have encouraged him to try the Orthodox church and he is looking forward to it. To my knowledge, there is not a church locally, but I do know there is one in Winston.

I look forward to participating in the forum and learning as much as I can. Please be patient with me as I seek.

Peace to all!

[Nina]

Welcome here Mr. Keel. :) It is so nice to hear about your family and your story. :) As Kyprian says in the post above yours, this site has "enough Holy Fathers to study until the Eschaton". Again welcome and have a blessed time here and everywhere.

[Alexander Ignatiev]

Hello. I am a 31 year old cradle orthodox lawyer living in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, engaged to the daughter of a Southern Baptist preacher. We're getting married on May 25, my parents' 33rd wedding anniversary. I attend Christ the Saviour Church in McComb, Mississippi, under the watchful eye of Priest Matthew Jackson.

[Isaac M. Bailey]

Hello. I'm a catechumen at the Dormition of St. Mary Orthodox Church in Bluefield, WV under Father Mark Tyson and our Bishop +NICHOLAS. I'm turning 21 in a couple of weeks, and I've been in the catechumenate for about a year and a half or so.

I run the Desert Calling website, over at http://www.desertcalling.com, with Father's blessing. I look forward to getting to know some of you.

Alexander, give Father Matthew my regards, he's been pretty active over on the DC forums and I've grown to respect him. I also read his blog fairly regularly.

[Stephen Rollie Chu]

Welcome to the Discussion Community! Please use this thread to introduce yourself to other members of the forum.
Hello everyone, I am Stephen Rollie Chu from Malaysia. I am a Roman Catholic and works in a kindergarten near my home town. I belong to the Neocatechumenal Way and has walked the Way for almost 15 years and I am interested to learn more about the Church Fathers.:)

[Rick James York]

MODERATOR'S NOTICE: The following message has been posted by an account engaged in on-line identity fraud. The member 'Rick James York' is identical to members 'Rostislav' and 'John M.' The current post, made before discovery of this fact, is being retained in order to preserve the flow of threads; but readers should be aware of this case of multiple identity.

Hello everyone.

My birth name is Rick York.
My baptised name is James.

I'm a traveling engineering consultant and worship the Lord in whatever Chalcedonian diocese I happen to be in on any particular week.

I like this forum and hope to contribute my input after I become more familiar with the territory.

God bless you all!

[MaryCara Burberry]

Hi all, I'm MaryCara!

I was recieved into the Church last Pascha after a somewhat tortuous journey. I still have a ton of questions, so I figure I won't post anything wildly informative just yet. I just want to learn as much as I can about our Faith.

In Christ
MaryCara

[John M.]

MODERATOR'S NOTICE: The following message has been posted by an account engaged in on-line identity fraud. The member 'John M.' is identical to members 'Rick James York' and 'Rostislav'. The current post, made before discovery of this fact, is being retained in order to preserve the flow of threads; but readers should be aware of this case of multiple identity.


Welcome to the Discussion Community! Please use this thread to introduce yourself to other members of the forum.

Hi.
I'm John Macdonald and I'm a member of ROCOR. I work shifts, so I will be posting at odd hours of the day/night.

I have been visiting the forum for a while and finally decided to register so I can have conversations with other members.

I read the community handbook but I am no expert on it at all. I like reading the posts of others.

I sometimes go to church on weekdays when I have to miss a Sunday due to my working hours and weekend work rosters. I do not belong to one parish but cruise around because they don't all have services on the same weekdays.

That's all for now folks.

Signing off.

[RichardWorthington]

Welcome one, welcome all!

Richard
:)

[Richard Collins]

Hello all,

I am currently a Catechumen with the parish of St. Ephraim, Cambridge, part of the Diocese of Sourozh in the UK.

I've come to Orthodoxy from....Cathedral Church CofE > Conservative Reformed Evangelicalism > Restorationist Charismatic Evangelicalism > Open Evangelical/Emerging Church > Orthodoxy

As you can see, quite a journey! :)

[RichardWorthington]

Hello all,

I am currently a Catechumen with the parish of St. Ephraim, Cambridge, part of the Diocese of Sourozh in the UK.

I've come to Orthodoxy from....Cathedral Church CofE > Conservative Reformed Evangelicalism > Restorationist Charismatic Evangelicalism > Open Evangelical/Emerging Church > Orthodoxy

As you can see, quite a journey! :)

Dr Collins - we have had a similar journey.

I attended a cathedral school and was a server in the small school chapel (CofE); however I was very nominal. Then I became active in a pentecostal church, then I was drawn to strict reformed church, and then to beautiful, soul-and-body-embracing Orthodoxy!

I hope your journey now is smooth.

Richard

[Janice Chadwick]

My name is Janice Chadwick. I attend St. Nicholas of South Canaan (aka St. Nicholai of Zhicha) Orthodox Church (OCA) in Billings, MT. I was received into the Church on Holy Saturday in 2001. My Baptismal Name is Katherine. I was Southern Baptist before my conversion. I discovered the Orthodox Church through my interest in Russian history and culture. If I believed in reincarnation, I would swear that I must have been Russian in my former life!;) Anyway, I would see Orthodox services in TV shows and videos about Russia, and there was something that appealed to me about them. When I knew I could no longer go on being a Baptist, I started reading everything about Orthodoxy that I could get my hands on. There was no Orthodox church in the town that I was living in at the time (the nearest Orthodox church was 60 miles away), but within 2 months, the OCA started a mission where I was living. I have never looked back since then.
Being the only Orthodox parish in town, we have members from many Orthodox backgrounds (Greek, Russian, Bulgarian, Ukrainian, Romanian, and Syrian), as well as many converts, so we have all types of ethnic traditions in our parish. I used to belong to this board, but my computer died, so I didn't often have access to a computer. I am glad to be back. I miss Fr. Averky very much. I learned so much from him and I hope to go back and read some of his old posts.

[Richard Collins]

Thank you Richard for your kind welcome.

Yes the journey is definately smoother now (although there are still barriers to overcome - my wife is not Orthodox but sympathetic Anglican).

[Anne Morgellyn]

Hello, Richard

All good wishes for your reception into the church. I came to Surozh Diocese from the C of E as well - not because I had (or have) anything against Anglicanism (which is a very fair and honourable tradition with a beautiful Book of Common Prayer) but because Orthodoxy just spoke to me. I was received into the Orothodox Church in 1993 at Malpas, Cornwall. I have never regretted it!

Anne Morgellyn

[Richard Collins]

Anne,

I had the chance to visit the Totnes parish on the first monday of Great Lent and to meet Fr. Benedict. Such a lovely little chapel and such a wonderful man! Totnes and Malpas are blessed to have him as their priest.

[Nina]

Welcome all!

Katherine/Janice thank you for sharing your story. It is beautiful! It was God speaking to you through the Russian culture which attracted you so much. And thank God that you channeled all that fascination into cooperating with His Holy Will and become Orthodox. I marvel and thank you again for sharing it with us. :)

P.S I love Fr. Averky's posts, also, very much. But I was not as blessed to e-know him while he was still in our midst.

[Ekaterina (Katya) Andreev]

Welcome to the Discussion Community! Please use this thread to introduce yourself to other members of the forum.

Hello,
My name is Katya Andreev. I am a cradle Orthodox from the New York area. I have been active on the net for a while. Someone from another forum suggested I might like this site, so I thought i'd give it a try.

Katya;)

[Anne Morgellyn]

Yes, Fr Benedict is inspirational (in the fullest sense of the word)! I hope to see him at the Bright Monday Liturgy at Malpas at Easter. I haven't seen him for a while now because I've been recovering from cancer treatment, but all's well now.

have you been to the Monastery at Tolleshunt Knights, Essex? I spent a few days there the year I was received into the Orthodox Church and found great peace there.

Anne

[Gary McGinnis]

I'm Gary McGinnis, chrismation name Patrick. I was a conservative Anglican priest for 10 years, and became Orthodox about 7 years ago.

[Richard Collins]

have you been to the Monastery at Tolleshunt Knights, Essex? I spent a few days there the year I was received into the Orthodox Church and found great peace there.

Anne

No I haven't Anne, but I'm fully intending to go.

On a joyous note, Fr. Raphael from St. Ephraim's in Cambridge rang me this morning to invite me to be received into the Church on Palm Sunday! I'm over the moon! :)

[Jonathan Gress]

Kali sarakosti, everyone!

My name is Jonathan and I am a catechumen in the Holy Metropolis of the Genuine Greek Orthodox Church of America, under Metropolitan Pavlos of Astoria. I will be baptized on Lazarus Saturday at the Cathedral of St Markella in Astoria, NY.
My church's website is at www.thegreekorthodoxchurch.com
Hope you're all having a blessed Lent.

In Christ

Jonathan

[Helen M.]

Hello

My name is Helena Mavritis. I am Australian.

My parents were both born in Australia. My father is ethnically Greek and my mother is ethnically Russian. We only speak English at home so please do not ask me to translate. I cannot at all, but wish I could.

I work in a QC lab and like cooking and feeding wild birds. I am not married but I love babysitting my girlfriends' children.

It was an Orhodox girlfriend who put me onto this forum. I have been reading the entries for 3 months so far and now I have joined. Hurray!!!

God bless you all!
Helen

[John Morgan]

Greetings Everyone,

I am John Morgan a Protestant interested in Orthodoxy. I am married and have two teen-aged sons. I am a biologist by training and enjoy most outdoor activities.

[Denys Kosovsky]

It is so good to hear that you are about to be born in Christ!

I hope this comes as a useful bit of advice, since this is isn't always said to newcomers in plain text. The point of church life is GRACE and the Orthodox Church is the only place to get it.

Christian life is centered around Confession and Liturgy. You will find that man is impotent and sinful and it is impossible for him to lead a perfect Christian life. Confession will remove your sins, and you will experience this true miracle the first time you do it. It is only a start however as you will find it hugely beneficial to confess on a weekly basis. Grace is something that only weekly churchgoers know and experience. GRACE is the PRESENCE of your Personal Saviour Jesus Christ and the POWER! He will bring into your life. As for the Liturgy, it is the source of grace and a miracle beyond human comprehension. Try not to miss any blessings from your clergy either.

I pray that you will have a wonderful beginning in the faith.

Denys

[Denys Kosovsky]

Dear Maria,

I read from what you wrote that you have heard the call of God and have a genuine spiritual calling. This is why you are reaching out to the Church and seeking real spiritual experiences.

I have been in you situation myself. I was born in a family of no true Christians, moreover my father had strong involvements with self-deification techniques like meditation, kung-fu and Carlos Castaneda and he influenced me with Indian mantras and Hinduistic and Buddhist theology. So I have a good knowledge of the occult and the Indian/Chinese theology.

Now I have come to know why Orthodox Christianity is the only path to God. I pray that for the sake of Christ and His Queen Mother that you give me a chance to speak with you about it. As an architect you should be able to follow the arguments of a mathematician;).

The key to your salvation is that you already believe in Christ and you have accepted his call (Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you). One of the things that saved me from mantras was that I wanted to have a 'Christian mantra' only to find out that this was impossible. When I came across this saying I could not use mantras of other 'Gods' "You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, punishing children for the iniquity of parents, to the third and the fourth generation of those who reject me". Moreover, I started looking for a 'Christian Mantra', and mantras and meditation are said to be interchangeable as two aspects of the same coin.

There is a Christian prayer that uses the power of the all-mighty Name of God (Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.). This is the unique 'Jesus prayer' that is a prayer of the heart (And thou shalt love the Lord thy God, with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. - this first commandment is about the prayer of the heart, it is an infinite science of prayer since the depth of gifts through prayer are infinite and inexhaustible)and it was used always by Christian Saints from the apostles to the modern-day saints, from St Paul to St John of Kronstadt. However, as I came across the writings of the Fathers of the Church, including the modern saints like the prolific 20th century miracleworker St John of Kronstadt, all of the saints unanimously and unambiguously denied any similarity with Hinduistic chanting and mantras and meditation. I will be honest with you that I was confused, after all, they appeared to be very similar and I was not yet convinced that they were not the same thing.

Here is a most useful source from a contemporary Christian ascetic, monk and hesychast (prayer of silence) from Mt Athos (the holy mountain all-male monastery founded by the Mother of God herself in Greece where 2000 monks live today and Jesus prayer is mastered by many living Saints, look up Elders Ephraim, Joseph, Pausius, Silouan, Sophroniy, etc.). Here is this internet book about the Jesus prayer of the heart http://www.pelagia.org/htm/b01.en.a_night_in_the_desert_of_the_holy_mountain. 05.htm where the difference between mantras and chanting and Christian prayer are discussed.

What does this have to do with Catholic meditation? Meditation is prohibited by the Saints because it cannot lead to salvation but leads inevitably to deception. Saint episcope Ignatiy Bryanchaninoff explains this 2000 year old tradition - God is infinite therefore incomprehensible and indescribable - He cannot be imagined. Moreover, the devil pretends to be an angel of light and he often leads mystics into temptation and deception through false visions and revelations. Because God is impossible to fathom, Christians do not imagine anything when we pray. God takes over and reveals Himself as only He can - our imagination is an impotent power of self-deception.

Meditation is not just a Hinduistic phenomena but also a Roman Catholic one. Why is that? Because meditation is the evidence of deception as real spiritual tradition is substituted by a false one. When Christianity was united and a single faith the Church was led by the Holy Fathers. These are men who have achieved theosis (union with God), these men have left behind thousands of books and their disciples both of which the Orthodox Church has kept. Any practitioner of the Jesus Prayer knows all of them - i.e. Saint Basil the Great, St Gregory Palamas, St Ignatius the Godbearer, Saint John Chrysostomes, St Daniel the Stylite and thousands of others. If you wish you can find their work immediately from Orthodox sources online. The Orthodox Church is supplemented with the same information from recent saints like St Serge of Radonezh, St Seraphim of Sarov and St John of Kronstadt. Women saints include the Moscow Matrona, Elder Macaria, and Xenia of Saint Petersburg. These are real and great spiritual giants, their life-stories and their teachings are on-line. They do not hide anything about how they acquired so much grace.

One the other hand, the Roman Church has lost grace from God and it has produced pretend-saints like Ignatius Loyola and Mother Teresa. Please do not be offended, all you have to do is compare their life-stories, because I believe you are a sincere person, open to hearing the truth.

Now to other important questions - why is the occult the enemy of real Christianity? Satan's original temptation to Adam and Eve involves self-deification - the promise that knowledge can make man God without God's help. This is the only heresy. Meditation and mantras are about self-perfection. Christians say 'I am' and we mean this as one of the names of God, but heathens say 'I am' in yoga and they mean their personal selves are. This is even worse when other 'gods' come into the equation - "And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved." Why is Orthodox Christianity so vehemently opposed to all other 'religions' - because “He who is not with Me is against Me.” Neutrality is impossible with the Lord. "I am come in My Father's Name, and ye receive Me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive" - this is about the Antichrist but also about Mohammed, Krishna, Buddha and others. This may be difficult to believe, because true faith comes with true faith - meaning that only when you are in the true church and you experience grace and you have direction from saints that you can really be confirmed in the truth. For example, the famous Athonite Elder Joseph was a yoga adept but then the voice of God instructed him to seek salvation in the real church.

What is the story of the Roman Catholic involvement with meditation? They say satan is an ape of God, and he not only seeks to supplant God but he also imitates God. Remember that where there is no grace there is deception. How did the Roman church fall into deception? About 1000 BC the universal Church was divided into five equal parts ruled by five equal popes. But the Roman emperor decided to merge imperial power with that of the church and seized control of the Roman papacy and the Roman Pope proclaimed himself 'Christ on Earth' and infallible. The rest of the Church denounced him, Rome was a backwater as the real power rested in Constantinople. What followed was what ordinary men could not have predicted. Islam appeared and Mohamed conquered the entire Eastern Church. And the Catholic Church conquered the West. Two gigantic surprises. Both Mohamed and the Popes expanded by sword and fire and persecution - hence the dark ages. Remember that the apostles spread the Word by the Word. The real Church - the Orthodox Church because it is still uncorrupted and unchanged from the days of Christ - would have then been annihilated except that Russia, the biggest people in Europe, decided to convert to Christianity at that point. Third surprise (and fulfillment of ancient prophecies). Hence the Roman Catholic Church has lost grace - “You cannot serve both God and Mammon.” The appalling consequence was that the Roman Church has ceased producing saints. The Orthodox Church produces many saints even today - try Elder Ephraim of Athos who founded 17 monasteries in America recently. Moreover, the Orthodox Church has a small community (of several million) in India. I would guess that it has its fair share of living saints. Mt Athos has many.

The Jesus Prayer of the heart is used by all Christian Saints. There are books online about it. But it demands Church life - weekly confession and communion, following all the commandments (that is all of them as they are correctly interpreted by the Church and the Saints), and a spiritual father.

Maria, you say that you 'want to be closer to Him'. That is the beginning - spiritual maturity is when you are ready to accommodate Him into your life completely. The Lord only accepts those who worship Him 'in truth' - Orthodox means the 'way of the truth' or the 'correct path', the True Faith. "He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart if far from me. Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men." This is the reality with the Roman 'Church' the Pope claims to be the supreme source of Christian dogma even superior to the Bible and this 'Church' produces no saints!!! The Orthodox Church invites you to investigate, test us and you will find us worthy! Go meet our Elders or our Saints, experience the grace in our Church Sacraments, experience the wisdom of our teachings and the miracles. The information is on the Internet. There is a wealth of knowledge on Christianity and the Jesus prayer in the Orthodox Church - but only a fraction has been translated into English, but perhaps more will become available soon.

Since you are an architect and you design Churches I think you would love the beauty of the Orthodox Churches (the inner beauty), the services, why don't you look up iconography? Saint Andrei Rublev was a great icon painter and a master of the Jesus Prayer hence he was able to produce works of art and spirit. See a video about iconography http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPEzxI35fB8. Iconography is an expression of art from divine silence.

As a starter on the Jesus Prayer and Christian life look up Saint Seraphim of Sarov on http://www.stjohndc.org/Russian/fathers/e_Prayer_Sarov.htm. He was a great Saint and was worthy of a visit by the Mother of God in person! However, Jesus prayer is a science and you would do well to ask a priest to explain if this is possible. The Jesus prayer is inseparable from the life of the practitioner, hence the lives of saints are a guide and an inspiration for us in matters of prayer and fulfilling God's commandments.

If you have any questions the people on this forum may be able to answer them, and I might be able to help. But ultimately salvation is only possible within the true Church - "One Lord, one faith, one baptism".

May the Blessed Virgin Mary guide you and protect you.
:)
Denys Kosovsky

[Denys Kosovsky]

Hey Stephen,

The Philokalia is the celebrated collection of the teachings of the Holy Fathers. Otherwise try the lives of Saints Serge of Radonezh, Seraphim of Sarov, John of Kronstadt and of any of the Athonite Elders i.e. Paisius, Porphyrius, Ephraim, Joseph, Silouan, Sophronius etc. Also try Moscow Matrona and Xenia of Petersburg.

Denys Kosovsky

[Denys Kosovsky]

Hey Chris

I also made the journey to God! I wouldn't have thought then that confessions and liturgies would become the focal point of my spiritual life. It's like being able to see when you've been blind all your life. You've got to experience it.

What is grace? You only get it in the church sacraments.

Before, when I didn't go to church I didn't care for the priest's blessing or such but now I find myself looking forward to it.

You've got to try it man!;)

Denys Kosovsky

[Angela V.]

Dear Helen and John,

Welcome to this forum. You will learn a lot here!

+Angela

[Eugenia P.]

Good morning! My name is Eugenia (Jeni) and I stumbled across this site the other day while looking for a commentary on Genesis. It looks like a wonderful site and I look forward to browsing around. I was baptised 17 years ago (I was raised LDS) and feel so absolutely blessed to have found the Orthodox Church. I love reading; right now I'm reading St. Symeon the NT, His Life is Mine (Arch. Sophrony), and Geronda Ephraim's book. So if anyone ever wants to throw some reading suggestions my way, feel free! :D Oh and btw- I'm still looking for that commentary on Genesis. I printed off a couple homilies by St. Basil the Great, but it wasn't really what I had in mind. I'll keep looking and if anyone has any suggestions, let me know!

[Fr Raphael Vereshack]

Eugenia P. wrote:


Oh and btw- I'm still looking for that commentary on Genesis. I printed off a couple homilies by St. Basil the Great, but it wasn't really what I had in mind. I'll keep looking and if anyone has any suggestions, let me know!

You might want to try the Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture series at this link. (http://www.ivpress.com/accs/) On their page press the Volumes and Editors button and you'll find a list of the volumes published so far, including Vol i & ii on Genesis. You can often find quite a few volumes from this series at a cheaper price on Amazon.

In Christ- Fr Raphael

[Andrew Don]

Welcome to the Discussion Community! Please use this thread to introduce yourself to other members of the forum.

My name is Andrew Don. I am Roman Catholic, although I have a great love for the Orthodox Church. I periodically attend the OCA Cathedral in Boston for more than 10 years. I would become Orthodox but my wife has no desire, and out of obedience, I remain in communion with her and my family. I have been a lurker for some time and thought to come out of the closet.

[Floyd Frantz]

Welcome to the Discussion Community! Please use this thread to introduce yourself to other members of the forum.

It is very nice to have this web site available for mutual sharing and discussions about our holy Orthodox faith.

[Floyd Frantz]

Greetings. I just posted an introduction, but then realized that it was probably not very informative. I really don't like talking about myself, but here goes..... I am an Orthodox Christian, (formally Roman Catholic, converted 20+ years ago and never regretted it) and currently live in Romania. I am a long term missionary through the Orthodox Christian Mission Center (www.ocmc.org (http://www.ocmc.org)) and have been living in Romania since 2000. My interest in this web site is contacts with other Orthodox Christians who are interested in Patristic theology, and it's use in the recovery of alcoholism and addictions. Also of course for fellowship about recovery, about Orthodoxy, and about being a Christian in this age.

Floyd Frantz stdimitrie@yahoo.com

[Floyd Frantz]

Matthew,
It is Floyd Frantz, an old friend of your family's from Wichita. I just joined the blog also. Please do give your folks my warmest greetings.

Floyd


Hello, my name is Matthew Namee. I am a lifelong Orthodox Christian from Wichita, Kansas. I am currently completing a (slightly belated) bachelor's degree in history at Wichita State University, after which I plan to pursue doctoral studies. I have been bumping into this website since its inception, and I finally decided to join. Glad to be here.

[Eugenia P.]

You might want to try the Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture series at this link. (http://www.ivpress.com/accs/) On their page press the Volumes and Editors button and you'll find a list of the volumes published so far, including Vol i & ii on Genesis. You can often find quite a few volumes from this series at a cheaper price on Amazon.

Father bless! Thank you so much for the recommendation. I have a quick question for you though. I have heard a Presbytera on-line say that this was not a good series as it is kind of disjointed, using quotes from various Fathers that don't always run smoothly together. Her main concern though was that there were quotes from heretics in the books. I'm not sure that she meant heretical statements though. I took a look at the introduction to Genesis, however and it looks quite interesting. For example, In the beginning, I have always taken to be a reference to the beginning of time, and here the Beginning is referred to as Christ, who is the true Beginning. That is exactly the kind of commentary I am looking for. Nothing to intellectual, just something that will allow me to savor the scripture a bit longer, get more in-depth. But I do still have those concerns of this Pres. in mind, and was wondering, have you used this series personally? And if so, was this a problem that you encountered? I read a lot and can usually filter things through whether or not they match up with everything else I have read on that particular subject, although I certainly don't trust myself too much to not make mistakes. Again, thank you!

In Christ,
Eugenia

[Fr Raphael Vereshack]

Father bless! Thank you so much for the recommendation. I have a quick question for you though. I have heard a Presbytera on-line say that this was not a good series as it is kind of disjointed, using quotes from various Fathers that don't always run smoothly together. Her main concern though was that there were quotes from heretics in the books. I'm not sure that she meant heretical statements though. I took a look at the introduction to Genesis, however and it looks quite interesting. For example, In the beginning, I have always taken to be a reference to the beginning of time, and here the Beginning is referred to as Christ, who is the true Beginning. That is exactly the kind of commentary I am looking for. Nothing to intellectual, just something that will allow me to savor the scripture a bit longer, get more in-depth. But I do still have those concerns of this Pres. in mind, and was wondering, have you used this series personally? And if so, was this a problem that you encountered? I read a lot and can usually filter things through whether or not they match up with everything else I have read on that particular subject, although I certainly don't trust myself too much to not make mistakes. Again, thank you!

In Christ,
Eugenia

Well, it depends how we approach such reading. Everything needs to be read with care & attention. If there is something of worth we should retain it but if there is something wrong then set it aside.

As to claims of heresy we would need to be careful here. Heresy represents a specific teaching, not just a name. If we encounter such a teaching, then set it aside.

As to the style- this series follows the ancient catena or "chain" style. This was an ancient method which went through scripture vs by vs pairing up each verse with Patristic commentary as it could be found. It is not a commentary as we know this. By its nature such a style will always be choppy. But its intention is to provide little sparks of insight for each vs of Scripture.

As to more modern collections these need to be approached by keeping in mind what these specific books are.

In Christ- Fr Raphael

[Anthony Stokes]

Welcome to the Discussion Community! Please use this thread to introduce yourself to other members of the forum.

Hello,
my name is Subdeacon Anthony. I am a choir director in the OCA Diocese of the South. I have been Orthodox since I was 9, and I will turn 30 next week. My maternal family is Ukrainian, made up of Orthodox and Byz. Catholics. I grew up in a Greek parish, but have been in the OCA since college. Apparently I like to write in short sentences.:) Like many other people here, I am coming here from a non-Orthodox discussion site where I was getting frustrated with the heated debates that take place when you throw a bunch of atheists in with a ton of different denomination Christians.

I am looking forward to learning from everyone here and finally being able to discuss more Orthodox related content.

[B. W. Melvin]

Welcome to the Discussion Community! Please use this thread to introduce yourself to other members of the forum.

Greetings!

Let me introduce myself. My name is Bryan W. Melvin and I am a catechumen to the Orthodox Church recently finishing my first year. I have been a Christian for over 27 years now and once was an atheist before conversion. Before coming to Orthodoxy I was involved in the Western Protestant Church traditions. I ran a prison ministry for over ten years.

My current real job is in social work with emphasis in criminal justice as that is what my degree is in. I currently work with the disabled population as a case manager as well as still involved in criminal justice field due to my experience. I am also a Christian author who wrote my first book in 2005. I am working on two more currently. I also am a moderator on another Christian forum.

I studied theology for over 25 years and was invited to an Eastern Orthodox community for a visit due the nature of my book and there remain to this day!

[Deanna Leonti]

Hello Everyone,

My name is Deanna Leonti, I am both Roman & Byzantine Catholic.
Sorry, I am a little apprehensive about my personal life at least until I get to know you a little more....ok?

:)

God Bless & Love You

Deanna

[Paul Porta]

Welcome to the Discussion Community! Please use this thread to introduce yourself to other members of the forum.

Hello everyone
I have been impressed with the research facilities available through Monarchos for some time. Actually I was introduced to the exciting contributions of the lives and theologies of the Cappadocians through reading through some of the material available through Monarchos and its links to other sources. I would like to research the contributions of the patristics to our contemporary understanding of theology, especially from an evangelically neglected orthodox perspective. Any assistance or suggestions would be sincerely appreciated.
Paul Porta

[David Emmanuel]

I Thank You So Much For Accepting Me As Member
All My Aim Is My God Jesus Christ Nd How To Love Him Sincerely
I So Interest About All Subject Of Afterlife
And How To Be So Ready To Quit This Life To Be With My Lord
As Time Is Now We Have Only Today
So I Hope All Friend And Christians Round The World
Concentrate Their Thinking About The Eternal Life With God
And Not To Suffer Like Me About Any Interesting Of Anything Of This Material World
Life Is Vanity All Vanity As King Solman Said
Please Pray For Me
God Bless You All
Ed Emmanuel

[David Emmanuel]

I'm a student from Bethlehem \Palestine my family and I are all orthodox born in this country were Jesus lived .
We celebrated the orthodox Xmas on the 7th january on the orthodox calender.

On the 6th of Jan me and my sister and brother were in the bethlehem orthodox scouts with other christian scouts marched in Bethlehem streets for the wellcoming the entrance of our orthodox Patriarch Theofilos for the start of the Xmas prayers/:):):)

Merry Xmass to all we will celebrate the new year on the 13th Jan
I WISH I COULD ONE DAY VISIT YOUR CHURCH AND JURSELUM PLEASE PRAY FOR ME AND LIGHT ONE CANDLE IN FRONT OF ST MARY TO MY FAMILY
THANKS ALOT ED

[Denys Kosovsky]

Any assistance or suggestions would be sincerely appreciated.
Paul Porta

Hello Paul,

First of all I would advise you to become familiar with Orthodox theology, because it is very sophisticated and has several important aspects. If you do research, it is very easy for newcomers to misinterpret or fail to understand certain things. The saints' lives for instance only say a little, they are like clues that we are meant to use with the rest of our knowledge. They all rely on certain prerequisite knowledge. The trouble with the world today is that a lot of people, for instance, interpret the Bible, but they do not read the basic instructions the contemporaries of the the time and their successors have left behind.

I hope that wasn't patronizing. This basic prerequisites are reading St Athanasius' Commentary to the Gospels or Archbishop Averky's as a very bad substitution, St John's' Ladder of Heavenly Ascent, St John of Kronstadt's My Life in Christ, and A Night in the Desert of the Holy Mountain. They are about understanding the Gospel, understanding asceticism, understanding commandments, and understanding prayer.

This depends on whether they are available online and whether you can get them for free.

When you do this you can then understand the lives of saints in the Orthodox Church, and even those who lived in the West before the Schism. Try the orthodoxengland website for information on ancient English Christian Saints. They have recently been added to the Orthodox Church since they were real saints and that much is enough.

Similarly, you could do research on any Christian saint, say from Italy or Egypt.

However, ask around on the forum. Other guys will know more about where to get these books and what other books you need to read first.

Wish you all the best

Denys

[Denys Kosovsky]

http://www.pelagia.org/htm/b01.en.a_night_in_the_desert_of_the_holy_mountain. 00.htm

[Paul C.]

Hello, my name is Paul Christian and before you ask, no I am not descended from anyone who sailed on the Bounty.

I am with ROCOR in Seattle Washington.

I work as a head hunter.

I have been Orthodox for 32 years (I was baptised at 12) and read very many Orthodox books.

I have 3 sons and three Godsons.

My wife is a karate instructress. She insists on being called an instructor but I kid her with the old feminine form and she punches me for it. I never punch her back because I hit too hard and she never hurts me anyway. We are still so much in love.

God willing, Paul

[Paul Cowan]

Hello Paul C.

It is great to have another Paul here. Boy this might get confusing. :)

I was targeted in my last job by folks of your profession. I look forward to foruming with you.

Paul C. ;)

[Terence Pearson]

Greetings.

I am 65 this year. I wonder what the average age of the rest of those reading this would be.

When I was 16 I became a Roman Catholic. I eventually succumbed to the wordly temptations that were then available and spent many years seeking a religion that fitted in nicely with a wordly world view. There was no getting away from the fact that such a thing (as a satisfying worldly religion) does not exist. The cross is our calling (although my life is quite comfortable from a wordly point of view).

With some misgivings I gave the Roman Catholic church another try, persuading my young son to be baptised. When he became too big to be persuaded by me I did what I should have done and joined the Orthodox church.

I spent may spiritually fruitful years visiting the St Edward Brotherhood monastery here in England who were then under Archbishop Mark of the Russian Church Abroad. When the Church Abroad made its intentions clear about joining with the Church in Russia they put themselves under Bishop Ambrose of the Synod in Resistance. Writing this sounds nonsensical when and confusing to right thinking people.I feel embarrased trying to explain to family and friends whom I wish to convert. It sounds like the arguments between the various socialist groups in the 1970s who often gave themselves similar names but bracketed their points of diagreement(e.g. WRP(Troskeyite) and WRP(Marxist-Leninist)) and ended disappearing from the face of the earth. So I have joined the Russian Church in London (Moscow Patriarchate)because I feel that the SiR has a 'holier than thou' attitude to others(and quite understandably in a few cases) but if we are serious about preaching the gospel it makes no sense to 'wall oneself off' without very strong reasons for doing so. These reasons have not been demonstrated in the case of the Russian Church. I take my text from Matthew 13, 24-30.

I am also very interested in our Coptic brethren. I think being Coptic could be more bound up with an ethnic rather than a Christian identity but I think there are some admirable Christians among them. I don't seriously think there can be official union between us and them but I pray that might happen.

God bless you

In Christ

Terry

[Paul C.]

Hello Paul C.

It is great to have another Paul here. Boy this might get confusing. :)

I was targeted in my last job by folks of your profession. I look forward to foruming with you.

Paul C. ;)

Thanks for the welcome, Paul C. too. There is another Paul up above this note.

What do you do for a living?

Sorry. always thinking about business.

Chears, Paul C.

[Fr Nectarios Trevino]

Welcome to the Discussion Community! Please use this thread to introduce yourself to other members of the forum.
How does one introduce one's self? I am Fr. Nectarios Trevino, a priest within the American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese (ACROD). (I noted the opportunity to associate myself with my diocese was absent in the profile page.) I am a late vocations priest; I served 22 years on active duty in the US Air Force. I retired in 1998. The military was good for me, but my life was going in a different direction that was the military. I entered Christ the Saviour Seminary in Johnstown PA in 1998, graduating in 2002. I was ordained in 2002. I accompanied His Eminence, Metropolitan Nicholas, to Constantinople in 2002 during Holy Week and the blessing of the Holy Chrism for the first time in the 21st Century. The same blessing was only performed 9 times in the 20th Century. It was a blessed and historic occasion. I was also present in Constantinople during the visit of Pope Benedict XVI to meet with Patriarch Bartholomew; this has only occurred 4 times during the last 1000 years. Again, another historic and blessed event. My family consists of my wife, Diane - my life's treasure; my precious and loving sons - Joshua and Ethan; and my parish family - consisting of 15 different nationalities and three different racial groups, a truly pan-Orthodox and American Orthodox parish. Our parish website is www.nativity.tv and my blog is at www.mountainpriest.org While I've read the Monachos site for quite a while, I have been slow to register. In Christ, fr n

[M.C. Steenberg]

Greetings to Fr Nectarios, Terence, our newest 'Paul C.', and all other new arrivals,

Many welcomes all around!

INXC, Dcn Matthew

[Father David Moser]

How does one introduce one's self? I am Fr. Nectarios Trevino, a priest within the American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese (ACROD). (I noted the opportunity to associate myself with my diocese was absent in the profile page.)

Welcome to our list Fr Nectarios. It is always good to have other clergy participating in our discussions. You might also wish to note that one of our long time and respected members "Herman the Pooh" (http://www.monachos.net/forum/member.php?u=4762) is also in an ACROD parish.

Fr David Moser

[Margaret S.]

Hello everyone

My name is Margaret and I live in Edinburgh on the cold North Sea coast. I am Orthodox, interested in theology, mysticism, painting and gardening.

Regards
Maggie

[David Yentzen]

I'll introduce myself by greeting the whole forum. I'm orthodox..an adult convert. I have been blessed to attend parishes of various jurisdictions( due to my job traveling me around the country)...OCA,GOA,ROCOR,Antiochians, SOC. I currently and permanently live in Austin, Texas.

[Theodoros]

Christ is Risen!

Greetings brothers and sisters in Christ. My name is Theodoros. I am Greek Orthodox (EP) and attend St. Silouan the Athonite Mission Parish (Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese - EP). I am a teacher with a specialist in counseling. My goal, possible ordination into the priesthood.

Yours in Christ,

Theodoros

[Kalomoira]

Christos Anesti!
My name is Kalomoira and I'm a neophotisti. I have been told "you will be a neophotisti for a long time" - so 5 or 6 years is a very short time anyway...
Recently I have realised that, unlike some friends of mine who are still seeking their spiritual way, I have found and chosen mine. So I want to go deeper into it, experiencing and practising the Orthodox way. I'm particularly interested in prayer & meditation techniques. What are your experiences on that behalf?
I am Swiss, live in Switzerland and I have been Baptised in Greece. If you feel like wanting to know more, feel free 2 ask ;-).
Greetings on a rainy Easter Monday... K.

[Jen G.]

Christ is Risen!

Hello, my name is Jennifer and although I've poked around the site before this is the first time I've been involved in the forums. My husband and I converted from Protestantism together and were chrismated in 2002 and have a cradle son born one year later. After a couple years, I gradually lapsed into complete inactivity and apathy but I am now in the process of returning to the Church and recovering my faith. I hope these boards will help with that as there is still much I don't know.

Jen

[John Jackson]

Hello, John here....
I am relatively new at Orthodoxy in general. I have taken classes in Orthodoxy and the Byzantine Empire at Eastern University. I have a few questions, and it would be a great help if someone set me straight.
First, How does the Orthodox faith view Protestants?
Second, I am for a lack of a better term a Calvinistic Baptist, and I have a question about original sin and the fallen nature of man. Is God's Grace unconditional?

Thank you for your time. I am still searching. I have already confirmed the Perpetual Virgin Mary, and the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist.

In His Grace,
John

[Antonios]

Welcome Mrs. Jen and Mr. John,

Hope you find the answers you are looking for! Don't hesitate to start a thread. There are many here who can give you much pearls of wisdom.

In Christ,
Antonios

[Kenaniah Stickles]

Hello, my name is Kenaniah. You can call me Kenaniah or Ken, or you can use my baptismal name, Joseph. I am new here, though both my parents, Michael and Anna Stickles, joined this community last year. I was baptised into Orthodoxy last week on Holy Saturday. However, because of my Protestant background, many of the Orthodox traditions are still rather new to me. I hope to learn much on this forum. Christ is risen!

[Margaret S.]

Hello Ken, welcome and congratulations!

Hello Jennifer, I hope you find lots of blessings.

Hello Johh, interesting questions but how Orthodoxy views Protestants is rather wide. Are we talking about Lancelot Andrewes types or Jimmy Swaggart types? ;-) If you haven't already done so it might be better to ask again in one of the theological areas as they get much more traffic.

Regards
Maggie

[Michael Stickles]

Welcome John and Jen! (And Joseph/Ken/Son, but I already knew you were on here ;))


First, How does the Orthodox faith view Protestants?
Second, I am for a lack of a better term a Calvinistic Baptist, and I have a question about original sin and the fallen nature of man. Is God's Grace unconditional?

The first question ties into the whole question of the nature and boundaries of the church, which had its own thread a while back - The Church: its nature, limits, and boundaries (http://www.monachos.net/forum/showthread.php?t=3739) - plus various discussions in many other threads. As for the second question, original sin got a good bit of defining in the thread Original sin propounded by ecumenical councils? (http://www.monachos.net/forum/showthread.php?t=3492&highlight=original+sin) as well as other threads. I'm not sure if there was a discussion of conditional vs. unconditional grace, you might try the search feature and look for older threads.

The two I linked are pretty long (96 and 261 posts, respectively), so grab some popcorn before you settle in. They do get to the point quickly, though.

In Christ,
Mike

[Paul Cowan]

Hello young Mr. Stickles,

As a son myself, I can't believe I am saying this, but...Listen to your parents. They know what they are talking about. I have had a wonderful year to get to know your parents. You are of fine stock.

Since your name is Joseph, I was told when I got my name I was supposed to live into it. To become "as" the person I was named for. St. Joseph the betrothed will not be easy to live into. He was the stepfather to Christ. He is also my parish's patron saint.

Look who I get to live into? Talk about pressure. ;)

Paul


Hello, my name is Kenaniah. You can call me Kenaniah or Ken, or you can use my baptismal name, Joseph. I am new here, though both my parents, Michael and Anna Stickles, joined this community last year. I was baptised into Orthodoxy last week on Holy Saturday. However, because of my Protestant background, many of the Orthodox traditions are still rather new to me. I hope to learn much on this forum. Christ is risen!

[Kalomoira]

Since your name is Joseph, I was told when I got my name I was supposed to live into it. To become "as" the person I was named for. St. Joseph the betrothed will not be easy to live into. He was the stepfather to Christ. He is also my parish's patron saint.

Look who I get to live into? Talk about pressure. ;)

Paul
Dear Paul

Tell me all about pressure ;)... When I was baptized, a young Archimandrite who was present for the Baptism, held a little speech pointing out that there has not yet been a Holy Kalomoira...
So let's live up to these expectations then... Chronia polla! :)

[M.C. Steenberg]

Dear John, Jen, Kalomoira, Ken/Joseph, and other recently-joined members,

Christ is risen! Many welcomes all around. I hope your time here is enjoyable and profitable.

XB, Dcn Matthew

[Anjali]

Hello everyone,

My name is Anjali, and I am interested in becoming Orthodox. I've only been Christian for a year, so I have many things I am trying to learn. I am going to meet with a local priest to discuss some major things, but there are always many questions that are always popping into my head:-) I will probably mainly be a lurker here just reading up on all the topics people are discussing.

[Alyssa Galbraith]

Welcome to the Discussion Community! Please use this thread to introduce yourself to other members of the forum.

Christ has risen!

Hello everyone, I'm new to this forum, but I have been Greek Orthodox all my life. My avatar is of my patron saint St. Eleftherios. Since my name doesn't translate into the name of a saint, I was give St. Eleftherios because I was born on his feast day. My baptismal name is Eleftheria however. Try being a little kid saying that to the priest when taking communion! Things currently are a little unsteady in my life, so I will probably be asking questions or needing a little support from time to time. I hope that is ok and I hope to get to know the people of this forum too.

[Kalomoira]

Dear John, Jen, Kalomoira, Ken/Joseph, and other recently-joined members,

Christ is risen! Many welcomes all around. I hope your time here is enjoyable and profitable.

XB, Dcn Matthew

Dear Dcn Matthew

Thank you very much for your warm welcome and for all the work and time you and the co-founders of this wonderful website dedicate to it's subsistence!

May I ask (ignorant as I am) what XB means? X most probably standing for Christ - but "B"?

Humbly yours; K.

[Herman Blaydoe]

Christ has risen!

Hello everyone, I'm new to this forum, but I have been Greek Orthodox all my life. My avatar is of my patron saint St. Eleftherios. Since my name doesn't translate into the name of a saint, I was give St. Eleftherios because I was born on his feast day. My baptismal name is Eleftheria however. Try being a little kid saying that to the priest when taking communion! Things currently are a little unsteady in my life, so I will probably be asking questions or needing a little support from time to time. I hope that is ok and I hope to get to know the people of this forum too.

Be welcome! You have come to a good, friendly and safe place. I hope you find it edifying.

Your servant,
Herman

[Margaret S.]

[quote=Alyssa Galbraith;63828] My baptismal name is Eleftheria/quote]

What a beautiful name! it sounds like pale pink climbing rose to me.

I hope things get steadier for you soon, Alyssa. My life has been very unsteady since my father died and I know it can be hard to live with.

Anyways, welcome!

Regards
Maggie

[Helen M.]

Dear Dcn Matthew

Thank you very much for your warm welcome and for all the work and time you and the co-founders of this wonderful website dedicate to it's subsistence!

May I ask (ignorant as I am) what XB means? X most probably standing for Christ - but "B"?

Humbly yours; K.Dear Kalomoira, Hreestos Voskresse! Christ is risen!

The 'B' is the Russian 'V' for Voskresse, and means "risen from the cross" in the Orthodox Paschal greeting.

XB, Helen XXX

[Kalomoira]

Dear Kalomoira, Hreestos Voskresse! Christ is risen!

The 'B' is the Russian 'V' for Voskresse, and means "risen from the cross" in the Orthodox Paschal greeting.

XB, Helen XXX

Hi Helen

Thx :) Alithos anesti!

K.

[Jeffery Raymond]

This is my first posting on this forum. My baptismal first name is John in remembrance of St. John Chrysostom. I somehow found St. Alexander Nevsky Russian Orthodox Church 15 years ago. Only after 10 years of being a Catechumen did Fr. Chad and I agree to Baptism. Although no one can achieve that which St. John Chrysostom did in his life on this earth, it is our life purpose to try. Who cannot dare to do that?

I am not well-versed as so many here seem to be in liturgical matters; instead as my name-saint wrote and spoke, simply and honestly, that is enough.

An unworthy sinner.

[Marian S.]

Christ is Risen!

My baptismal name is Marian, I was baptized as Orthodox when I was two months old. I was baptized at the Church of The Three Saints Hierarchs Basil, Gregor and John. I live in a city near the Danube river, Romania.

My parish Church is that of Saint Basil the Great.

My main aim in this life is the Kingdom of God. I strive to live as a true Christian, not always I fulfill this. When God will want, I will retreat to a monastery to serve him as monk.

This year I propose myself to visit again Thessaloníki and visit the Church of Saint Dimitrios.

I hope that this is sufficient for an introduction. :)

May God have much mercy upon us all and this world. Amin.

In Christ, Marian+

[Louise]

HRISTOS A INVIAT !
CHRIST IS RISEN !

Hello,everybody.
I am painter,I live in the roumanian mountains near a monastry,for...many years.I am roumanian,but I have russian,hungarian,greek and chinese ancesters:rolleyes:.I try to pray for all of them.Some of them were very religious,their prayers opened a door in my heart.
I hope for you the same hope I have for myself,to have,with the help of God,the strenght of keeping faith,strong, in our hearts,no metter what.

[Margaret S.]

Hello Marian! Hello Louise! Hello Jeffrey!

Welcome.

Regards
Maggie

[Jeffery Raymond]

Hello.

It is nice to be here in this community. Hopefully I can learn a lot from those who have much more knowledge than I. Thanks to those who support this forum and those who work hard to keep it alive.

[Abigail]

Welcome to the Discussion Community! Please use this thread to introduce yourself to other members of the forum.
Hey, My name is Destiny Abigial Michael, and I am apart of the Indian Orthodox Church. It's been a great experience for me in joining Monachos.net. Monachos is a great place in sharing your beliefs about your faith. Orthodoxy has inspired me in many ways. I believe that through the small cubed piece of bread, it represents the true way Jesus celebrated the Last Supper with his disciples. Although there are many different religions of the world, we should all come together and share what we believe in . And I think Monachos is a great place for that. I joined Monachos so that I may learn from the other members as well as they learn from me. I extend my blessings and wishes to all the members of Monachos.net. Once, again I would like to say it is a wonderful experience for me to be apart of Monachos.net. If anyone would like to speak to me about anything you can email me or message me at Monachos.
Email : maluangel4eva22@yahoo.com :);):p

[Joseph H.]

Hello,

My name is J.T. Hronek. Might as well give a proper introduction-

I'm nearly 19 and a freshman in university. My life has been a bit more complicated than some leading up until this moment. I have considered myself Christian for about a year now (since 3/3/07), and am very enthusiastic about learning and living Orthodoxy. I was not alway this way however.

Even my birth is strange. My parents tried for years for their own children, but it was physically improbable. I'm a "miracle baby" of sorts- My Roman Catholic grandmother is fully convinced that the candle she lit in the grotto of Notre Dame was the reason my mother became pregnant (that is what she prayed for). I'm not against the idea.

While interesting as that story is, my life is not as much so. I think knowing my brief history will better present myself and help you understand how strange parts of my life are. My parents are spiritual and attend protestant services, but more out of antipathy for catholicism than anything else. I never liked christianity then (all I knew were protestantism and roman catholicism), and frankly I still don't like them much. The earliest independent thought I remember was of that when I was seven... It is what started my habit of reflection. Eschatology and eternity, quite the problem for me as a child. I never could reconcile the emotion and feeling of never-ending consciousness. Anyway, growing up was difficult. My parents could have done worse, but they could have done better. I haven't disowned them but it is tough to love them certainly... Sometimes I wish I would've gotten the belt than my father's intimidation (and mother's lying. You've heard the story before).

Anyway for most of my education I attended private christian schools of some sort; that was always a priority of my parents even though it was expensive for them. Crazy things happened in both the Catholic and protestant schools... Long story short, I fully rejected them. I had psychological problems as a kid (and I still do, but I deal with it. Occasional therapy with peers and professionals along with trying to reconcile somewhat with my parents), and suffered from horrible depression and anxiety. If I hadn't caught the trends early I would probably have a full fledged disorder :D, but thankfully I have grown to be a better person...

Point is, my life- until within the last few month- has been harder than it should have, given my parent's relative wealth and responsibility. I can be a very cynical and anxious person... But this brings me back to the reason why I'm here!

Always retreating to the safety of the internet, I had finally researched orthodox christianity and asked some of my acquaintances who were orthodox what is was about. This is all online, mind you. I had "heard" of it before, but I didn't know what it was about. I won't tell you what I decided, but at the end of the day (after spending the entire day reading about it) I was still sitting at my family's computer reading. March third, of course. I was fascinated, and still am. I hadn't even been to a liturgy at that point!

So fast forward a year, and I have finally found my purpose, quite remarkably. Service of the Church in some regard. More on that later... I can't convey in words how much I have grown since I was a child... Living with poverty and an abusive dysfunctional family will make a kid grow up quick. And that's basically what I am- the jaded teen who is somewhat of a misfit, but not negatively. I'm not a pariah, but kids just treat me more like I'm near 30 than 20... So they'll watch a game with me or talk "deep" with me, but they know that I'm not the one to ask to get drunk or sleep around... Even when I was agnostic/atheist I was like that. It is very much one of those cases where there was more Jesus in me than many church-goers, at least that's what some might say. Born 30, to some extent.

Ah well, that was the briefing- Now I shall introduce who I am now! I am, like I have explained, somewhat of an oddity. I'm not economically or socially liberal or conservative to any extreme, but I am not "Third way", as they say. I don't do the normal college kids things, though I am not a nerd or outcast- I have trouble in school (as in I get the grade, I just sacrifice my sanity and life to do it), and my lifestyle is that of someone 15 years older than me. I like artistic things, I like a myriad of many things; having a unique childhood, my personality is to pick and choose what I like from the world (truly in a cross-culture perspective. It's how I found OX). I am fascinated by life, which is why I had such trouble finding true motivation and direction entering young adulthood. I am a horrible procrastinator, and might very well have ADD (just like half of the US, I suppose lol).

Now, to the reason why I am here, now, at this point in history. As I said, I have recently figured out (after years of searching) something that I can enjoy, have a future in, and yes, I think I might just have the ability to be good at it (which is a blessing, I have few talents useful to the world). I do think having a difficult life and struggle to survive, along with STRONG history and knowledge of self-doubt and anxiety, gives me a good perspective for working for the Church, and perhaps even as clergy. Though I did not always think so, perhaps having humility is what makes some priests able to do the remarkable things they do, and gain the wisdom they teach. We'll see. In any case, I am here to learn. I am here to make friends. I am also here to have a little fun and waste a lot of time, so you'll be seeing more of me. :D

If you read through this you're a saint, and I thank you for doing it as I like for people to understand me if possible... Not many do. I'd say IRL there's only perhaps 4 or 5 people that have a good idea of who I am... Entirely of my fault, of course, but still relevant.

So yes, hello, pleasure is all mine, and if someone could change my account name to "J.T. Hronek" that would be great, thanks! lol

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll156/jronnec/love.jpg

PS Do they not have signatures on these boards? That's half the fun of forums!

[M.C. Steenberg]

Welcome to our new members. Do enjoy your time here: we look forward to your contributions in due course.

And no: we don't have post signatures on this forum. That's one bit of internet fun from which we recoil with all the horror of an elderly grandfather peering over his spectacles and pipe to say, 'Gracious, what piffle and fluff will they come up with next...' :)

XB, Dcn Matthew

[Mary]

PS Do they not have signatures on these boards? That's half the fun of forums!

Ah, J.T.... you're definitely not yet a 30 yr old. I think signatures are annoying. =)

Welcome to Monachos.

Welcome to Abigail too, and... yikes! So many new people! Neat.

Hope I get to know you all a bit at a time.

Mary.

[J.C. Britton]

Hello all,

My name is Jason (Sbdcn Seraphim). I have been an Orthodox Christian for approximately nine years now - a convert with Southern Baptist roots. I am a civilian Mid East analyst working over seas in a military environment. I am married with two beautiful little girls whom I miss very much. I am somewhat new to the forum concept with its posts and threads, etc, although recently I became a member of Newsvine.com which I think is based on a similar model.

I have been looking for an Orthodox Christian community on the internet for while, and I am very excited to be apart of this one. I doubt I will have anything profound to post but periodically I have questions concerning things I have read, or the conduct of lay services, and what not. Being in an environment with very little Christian influence, much less Orthodox, I am ecstatic to have a place to pose those questions, readily available.

I am always interested to learn of new resources for the study of Orthodoxy, especially concerning the practice of ascetics, the Prayer of the Heart, and the development of doctrine and the church tradition, so please feel free to share. The internet is the closest thing I have to a library here. :o

I am contemplating becoming involved in an office bible study led by a man from the Sourthern Baptist denomination. Originally I had no interest, but he requested I attend for an alternate perspective. If anyone has any warnings or insight concerning this venture please let me know.

I am also extremely fascinated by the concept of Islam as Christian heresy. If this is an inappropriate topic for the forum I sincerely appologize. However, my education and background for the past several years has involved Middle Eastern history and religion and to be able to integrate that knowledge base into my Orthodox experience would mean a great deal to me.

Again, I appreciate the opportunity to participate in the group and I look forward to learning a lot. Here's to our collective progress in attaining the Kingdom. Christ is Risen!

Seraphim

"Fight the good fight, always. For one hour of diligent work has often gained heaven, and one hour of negligence has lost it." ~ Unseen Warfare

[Margaret S.]

I used to like signatures when they were one or two lines, hopefully amusing, with perhaps a link to the writer’s website. Now, however, I am subscribed to forum after forum where the signatures take up more space than the messages. I don’t mind if people don’t want to use words (although it makes their presence on a discussion forum rather mysterious) but I am always grateful these days when they are denied the opportunity to express themselves in other ways including, but not confined to, animations, bunnies, faeries and photos of their spaniel.

I saw a particularly disconcertning signature block once where an icon of St Basil the Great had been altered so that his mouth opened and closed presumably to convey the idea that he was preaching the words (of St John Chrysostom) that were, for want of a more accurate expression, orbiting the icon.

Welcome Abigail, Joseph and Seraphim!

Margaret, the Celtic Curmudgeon

[Olga]

I saw a particularly disconcertning signature block once where an icon of St Basil the Great had been altered so that his mouth opened and closed presumably to convey the idea that he was preaching the words (of St John Chrysostom) that were, for want of a more accurate expression, orbiting the icon.

Margaret, the Celtic Curmudgeon

Errk, what kitsch! Good to know I'm not the only "grumpy old woman" on this forum! :p

[Mary]

Errk, what kitsch! Good to know I'm not the only "grumpy old woman" on this forum! :p

Don't tell me you haven't noticed my grumpiness!

Welcome, Jason/Seraphim!! Yeah, we're all grumpy grouches here, but we usually end up becoming friends. And we Really Do Learn a LOT from each other.

In Christ,
Mary.

[Olga]

Don't tell me you haven't noticed my grumpiness!

... but it would be quite impolite for me to say so, of course! :D


And we Really Do Learn a LOT from each other.


YES! So true.

[Effie Ganatsios]

Welcome to all the new members. There are happily so many that I cannot write them all down individually. Please forgive.....

You will love it here. Respect and love are the two adjectives that come to mind when thinking about this forum. Of course the main benefit is the knowledge we acquire from those who are true scholars and students of Orthodoxy.


Effie

[Br Malachy]

Welcome to the Discussion Community! Please use this thread to introduce yourself to other members of the forum.
Hello All.

I am obviously new to this forum and would just like to introduce myself. I am Br. Malachy a Cistercian Monk “Trappist” from Ireland. My Christian name was Paul but I took the name Malachy when I received the habit after Saint Malachy an Irish Saint who is responsible for bringing the Cistercian Order to Ireland. My main interest would be in Patristics. I am very impressed with my first observations of the site. Although I will be limited in the times I can visit.

Br Malachy

[Terence Pearson]

Welcome Brother Malachy

I used to know a Carmelite priest by that name. Don't know much about the Trappists but was 'turned down' by the Carthusians. I think I gave up too easily and so have cause for regret. God bless you

[Br Malachy]

Welcome Brother Malachy

I used to know a Carmelite priest by that name. Don't know much about the Trappists but was 'turned down' by the Carthusians. I think I gave up too easily and so have cause for regret. God bless you
Hi Terence

Thank you for the warm welcome, the Cistercians of Strict Observance O.C.S.O (Trappists) in many ways would be like the Carthusians although we live and work in community rather then live a hermit life within a community.

[Margaret S.]

Welcome from across the water (Scotland), Brother Malachy. This is a very interesting and informative place, I'm sure you'll love it.

Regards
Maggie

[Alex Barbas]

Hello my name is Alex Barbas and I am from Michigan. I joined this forum several months ago but I have finally decided to post an introduction. Please do accept my apologies.

I don't want to get into too many details but I have joined this forum in order to learn and not for polemics. I think too often polemics degenerates into a sterile exercise in vanity instead of a search and love for truth. I shall not get into too many details about my life but I will mention that I am Greek (my family is Greek but sadly I am too Americanized and do not speak the language although I can understand some things) and I was baptized into Greek Orthodoxy at the age of 5 at St. Demetrios Cathedral in Astoria, NY. Nevertheless, I was never brought up in the practice of religion but was always searching for meaning in life. Eventually through a good friend of mine who is now a Catholic priest and through what I saw as my first contact with authentic holiness in an older married couple and of course through reading I became a Catholic over 10 years ago. Certainly, my knowledge of Orthodoxy was and still is lacking but when deciding whether to become Catholic or not I could not come to grips that Christ would found a Church without a visible Head. There is more to the story but I am tired at the moment.

I recently finished my courses for a bachelor's degree in History at the nearby university and will God-willing find a job that pays a living wage. I have been substitute teaching in public schools for the time being.

Hopefully I will post from time to time on issues relating to Catholic/Orthodox issues and ask questions which seem to pop up in my head occasionally. Thank you and I hope to contribute wisely and in a manner bespeaking a Catholic.

I shall hopefully post from time to time

[C.E. Countryman]

Hello

My name given upon Chrismation is Eugene (secular middle name) from my special patron the Holy Martyr Eugene (December 13).

I am recent convert to Greek Orthodox Christianity. Together with my wife Kathleen and our son Andrew, our Chrismation was May 20, 2007. I was baptized as a child in the Disciples of Christ church and became a Lutheran after my marriage to Kathleen. We were blessed by some challenges to our Lutheranism, which led us to the open door of the Greek Orthodox Church.

Personally, I am disability retired (Parkinson's Disease) from Washington State's civil service (social services) and the Marine Corps Reserve (USMCR-retired). Military service is something that I share with my special patron, the Holy Martyr Eugene. Although his service as a Roman Legion officer was certainly more severe than my active Cold War and reserve Marine Corps experience!

Being retired, I am blessed with some time for prayer. But every day I discover how little I know about prayer. That is why I am here.

Eugene

[Eugenia Gotsis]

Welcome to the Discussion Community! Please use this thread to introduce yourself to other members of the forum.
Greetings to all,

My name is Eugenia,Orthodox by birth, but from my adutlhood, by conviction. Originally from Canada, I now reside in Greece. I'm very new at this and I finally got the courage to come forward (after "spying" on you for a while).

Respectfully,
Eugenia(jenny)

[Amy]

A warm welcome to Jenny, Eugene and Alex. I'm glad you're here and hope to read more from you. Have a cup of coffee and stay awhile :)

[Stephanos Franke]

Hi,

my name is Stephanos I am german (... and born in Hamburg, northern Germany :)), 24 years old, orthodox. Me and my wife belong to the serbian orthodox diocese of central europe (Episkop Konstantin).

I am quite sure that I will learn a lot from you (unfortunately my english is not that perfect :().

Abt. 100 km (miles :confused:) away from Berlin the ROC just started to bulit a new monastery.

http://www.n-tv.de/img/844596_src_path.mFOA.jpg

On the estate an old (and run down) german castle remained.

If you want to i can tell you some interesting things about the holy Skite of St. Spyridon in Geilnau, Germany (http://spyridon-skite.de/41210.html) ? The monastery in Geilnau has become Germany center for orthodox spirituality.

Best regards to my brothers and sisters !
Stephanos

[Kevin Allen]

Welcome to the Discussion Community! Please use this thread to introduce yourself to other members of the forum.


My name is Kevin Allen. I am new to the site. I am interested in topics of interest for my weekly pod cast on Ancient Faith Radio, Thge Illumined Heart.

[Anthony]

If you want to i can tell you some interesting things about the holy Skite of St. Spyridon in Geilnau, Germany (http://spyridon-skite.de/41210.html) ? The monastery in Geilnau has become Germany center for orthodox spirituality.


Please do so! I know about the monastery in Buchhagen and the new Russian one you mention, but I have not come across this one.

[Effie Ganatsios]

Welcome to all the new members. As you already know, this is the best forum and we all learn so much from the various posts.

Effie

[James Nichterlein]

Welcome to the Discussion Community! Please use this thread to introduce yourself to other members of the forum.
Hi everyone,

My name is James and I live in Australia. I am Russian Orthodox (and have been so for the last five years) and I have taken quite some time to find my spiritual home.

I was an Anglican for many years serving as the sacristan in a Cathedral and as a senior lay reader. I became disenchanted with Anglicanism's failure to give bearings to its members so that they were left stewing in their own juice.

I also worked as an Editor with the Bible Society and watched as that body was taken over by rigid Evangelical fundamentalists.

I am looking forwrad to joining in the posts and to deepening my understanding of Orthodoxy

[Mary E.]

Hi, I'm Mary E. I look forward to learning what I can here.

:)

[Amy]

..to all the new members :)

Kevin Allen,
I enjoy your podcasts very much; I'm glad to see you've joined us here.

Blessings in Christ our Lord,
amy

[Ryan]

I'm actually not a new member, it's just that I haven't posted here in nearly 2 years, so I figured I would just re-introduce myself. I'm still a catechumen at a Greek Orthodox Church, in Pennsylvania. I look forward into joining some of the conversations here within the next few days.

[Mike Bass]

Hello all... I am Roman Catholic and because of a very thoughtful and wise poster on a Catholic forum who is Coptic I have been reading about Orthodox Christianity and as always searching for truth. I have a great deal of interest in Orthodoxy and want to learn more. I hope to be able to contribute to discussion in a thoughtful way and learn more about your Holy Church...


Peace

[Erich Ferg]

Hello to all, I have read some of the threads on this site and find it very enlightening. I am looking forward to reading, contributing to and corrections to the understanding of God and my relationship with Him.

God bless

[Antonios]

Welcome to all of the new members! :)

If you have any thoughts or questions, please do not hesitate to post. We are all children of God and trying to learn from one another.

[Marie A.]

Welcome! I don't post much here but I am a former Roman Catholic. I hope the forum is as helpful to you as it was for me.


Hello all... I am Roman Catholic and because of a very thoughtful and wise poster on a Catholic forum who is Coptic I have been reading about Orthodox Christianity and as always searching for truth. I have a great deal of interest in Orthodoxy and want to learn more. I hope to be able to contribute to discussion in a thoughtful way and learn more about your Holy Church...


Peace

[M.C. Steenberg]

Welcome to our newer members - it's nice to 'see new faces' in the group, and I hope you enjoy your time here. One can begin to tell that summer holidays are hitting the universities around the world, as things are a touch quieter at the moment.

INXC, Dcn Matthew

[Chev. James R. Weber KGCT]

Good Day all,

Just found this site I guess I am supposed to find it just now!
I will be using the search function and asking lots of questions.

Thanks
James

[Paul Cowan]

Welcome James,

Can you share with us the initials after your name? Also what does Chev. stand for? Sorry if this is too personal, I was just curious.

In Christ
Paul

[Chev. James R. Weber KGCT]

Chevalier french for Knight
KGCT Knight Grand Cross Temple

Not personal at all I hope we are just frank with no malice in our hears to help like Iron on Iron to Sharpen each other in good countenance...
Bro. James

[Eugenia Gotsis]

Good Day all,

Just found this site I guess I am supposed to find it just now!
I will be using the search function and asking lots of questions.

Thanks
James


Welcome,:)
Hope your heart finds what it is looking for.

Eugenia(Jenny):)

[Paul Cowan]

Chevalier french for Knight
KGCT Knight Grand Cross Temple

Not personal at all I hope we are just frank with no malice in our hears to help like Iron on Iron to Sharpen each other in good countenance...
Bro. James

Brother James,

Of course this was not personal in as much as an attack or a judgement. I was just trying to be personable and get to know and understand what I did not understand. Thank you for sharing this with me/us. I do not at all know anything of your order so I hope to find out more and see where our similitaries lay. Thank you again for sharing.

Paul

[Chev. James R. Weber KGCT]

Brother James,

Of course this was not personal in as much as an attack or a judgement. I was just trying to be personable and get to know and understand what I did not understand. Thank you for sharing this with me/us. I do not at all know anything of your order so I hope to find out more and see where our similitaries lay. Thank you again for sharing.

Paul

I didn't take it personally at all .
I have posted a coule times but they aren't showing up am I missing something?
Bro James

[Father David Moser]

I have posted a coule times but they aren't showing up am I missing something?
Bro James

Just a reminder that new members are moderated for a brief period when they join the forum. This policy allows a chance for the new person to get a better "feel" for how others post and the tone of the forum before jumping right in. It also cuts way down on the spam (which is caught in the moderation queue and deleted - and that's why for the most part it isn't seen by most here).

Sometimes its just a matter of timing that delays posts from showing up. The moderators are spread out over three countries and four time zones, so there is sometimes a little delay in how things show up. But be patient, we aren't generally too far behind.

Fr David Moser

[Chev. James R. Weber KGCT]

Thanks good anti-$pam


Just a reminder that new members are moderated for a brief period when they join the forum. This policy allows a chance for the new person to get a better "feel" for how others post and the tone of the forum before jumping right in. It also cuts way down on the spam (which is caught in the moderation queue and deleted - and that's why for the most part it isn't seen by most here).

Sometimes its just a matter of timing that delays posts from showing up. The moderators are spread out over three countries and four time zones, so there is sometimes a little delay in how things show up. But be patient, we aren't generally too far behind.

Fr David Moser

[Fr Raphael Vereshack]

Just a reminder that new members are moderated for a brief period when they join the forum. This policy allows a chance for the new person to get a better "feel" for how others post and the tone of the forum before jumping right in. It also cuts way down on the spam (which is caught in the moderation queue and deleted - and that's why for the most part it isn't seen by most here).

Sometimes its just a matter of timing that delays posts from showing up. The moderators are spread out over three countries and four time zones, so there is sometimes a little delay in how things show up. But be patient, we aren't generally too far behind.

Fr David Moser

If I can just add to Fr David's words.

One of our greatest concerns as moderators at Monachos is that we keep to the Patristic focus of the Forum. However there are times such as on this thread for example when posts can be more personal.

Our common effort as moderators at Monachos is to find the proper balance between these two. But since there can be no absolute standard about this and since we are more than one moderator we at times let posts sit until there is a consensus as to whether to allow them or not, to pass along comments about them to the posters or not. The approval process is often as simple as one of us finally coming to a sense of the appropriateness of a post and then approving it to appear on the Forum.

As with anything real in life, decision can also take time.

In Christ- Fr Raphael

[Ryan]

Chevalier french for Knight
KGCT Knight Grand Cross Temple


Is this a Masonic affiliation?

[Chev. James R. Weber KGCT]

Non Ma$onic

[Father David Moser]

Non Ma$onic

This post was allowed as an answer to a direct question, but I would like to ask that we do not continue to tread the path of this topic.

Fr David Moser

[Robert Crosby]

Hello everyone,

I'm a Christian (raised protestant) from the Pacific Northwest of the USA, currently in Oregon. Over the last few months I was introduced to Orthodoxy by a friend who is Russian Orthodox and after doing some reading and looking into it all I started attending Divine Liturgy at a Greek Orthodox Church near where I live. So far I've had a great experience with that community and am loving the Liturgy, even if it's very different from anything I'm used to. This seems like a great community from what I've read so far and I hope to be able to get involved and learn from you all.

Yours in Christ,
Robert

[Chev. James R. Weber KGCT]

Welcome Robert,
I am new here as well the depth of Q and A here has become a great Joy to me and I hope it is to you as well
Be Well and Blessing upon you and yours.

Your Servant
James

[Gerard]

Welcome, Silouan - and other new members. May you enjoy your time here!

INXC, Dcn Matthew
God bless all of you!
It`s now 8.40 A.M in Holland and I hope to enjoy the day again. Please forgive my school-english for I`m not very well with the american expressions. Our Priest Fr. Stephanos and his wife m. Helena use to have a short vacation, it means that our Parish closes each year for a month.

Since a couple of years I have been searching for material on the churchward/neochoros in the Orthodox Church. It`s really hard to find some kind of general description. Maybe somenone can help me? Let me explain clearer:

During the Divine Liturgy, a Vigily or other Services, the Churchward has to lit the Polyeleos, to ring the bells, or he/she has to do all kind of different things. So I`m convinced there must be in the Churchhistory anything about these very important tasks!
Well, as I said, english is not my best side, but I hope the members can inderstand it.....:)

[Zakk Price]

Hello, all!

I've actually been a member for a few months, but, for some reason, I didn't think to start posting until yesterday!

My name is Zakk Price, and I am an undergraduate at Biola University and the Torrey Honors Institute. There, I am studying Philosophy.

I am a fairly recent convert to Orthodoxy, as I was received by chrismation at the end of June.

I look forward to conversing with you all!

- Dionysios Zachary Price

[Phil S. McGrath]

Hello all! Nice to be here.

I want to know if orthodox priest by the doctrine of your church can forgive sins?

Do you also belive in purgatory?

1. how can i post a new message as i have just recently joined?

2. i want to convert ot romanina orthodox. where is the best source of information to learn the basics of romanian orthodoxy?

regards
phil mcgrath
07791 185936

[Paul Cowan]

1. how can i post a new message as i have just recently joined?

2. i want to convert ot romanina orthodox. where is the best source of information to learn the basics of romanian orthodoxy?

regards
phil mcgrath
07791 185936

Dear Phil,

1) at the bottom of this post as any post is a reply button on the left and a reply button the right. The left will simply allow you to type. The right will quote the person you aqre responding to in your text. Since you are new, there is a moderation time delay for newcomers. Once the moderators feel you have the hang of this forum you will no longer bu under this delay.

2) I have no idea. I am Antiochian. Have you done a search on the intenet for Romanian Orthodox UK on the web?

Paul

[Mary Ann H.]

Hello, Phil,
It is nice to see another person on the forum with ties to Romanian Orthodoxy. I can't quite make out whether you are a member yet or not - your profile says that you are, and your introduction says that you are thinking of converting.
In any case, it is certainly true that there is a lot of material on the internet, especially if you read Romanian. Here are just some of the addresses:

http://www.crestinism-ortodox.ro (http://www.crestinism-ortodox.ro/)

www.patriarhia.ro (http://www.patriarhia.ro)

http://www.resurse-ortodoxe.ro/

http://www.sfaturiortodoxe.ro/orthodox/


This last one has a lot of information in English.
Two books available in English are "Come, Follow Me - Orthodox Monasticism in Moldavia" by Mother Cassiana and "Spiritual Fatherhood in Romanian Orthodoxy" by Nicolas Stebbing.
"Doamne ajuta" and all the best to you,
Mary Ann

[Anthony]

Dear Mary Ann,

It is good to see you on-line again. I wonder if you could say a bit more about the book by Mother Cassiana?

Doamne ajuta
Anthony

[Mary Ann H.]

Anthony, it is nice to hear from you, too. (Are you still in Germany?)

Yes, I can definitely say a bit more about the book, which I really enjoyed, especially after having been on a pilgrimage to some ot these Romanian monasteries myself in 2004 and experienced the life as much as it is possible for a visitor spending a night and attending some of the services.

I am sure that the book would be of interest to both Orthodox and people interested in Orthodoxy and/or Romania. Mother Cassiana is an American Orthodox nun who spent a year at Varatec monastery in northeastern Romania before the end of the Ceauscecu regime (from the winter of 1984 to the winter of 1985). If it hadn't been for the political situation, she might well have ended up staying there. She tells about a lot about life in the monastery with 350 other nuns and about the church year as she experienced it there. She also describes visits she made to some of the other monasteries in Moldavia (she had an interview with the beloved "duhovnic" Father Cleopa) and to Iasi. It is a very readable book, giving one a real feeling for the atmosphere she experienced.

The edition I have was published by Light and Life Publishing Company in Minneapolis, Minnesota (ISBN number: 0-9694927-1-5).

Doamne ajuta, Mary Ann

[Joe Hicks]

Helllo,
I am Joe Hicks. I was raised Latin Rite Roman Catholic and transferred to the Byzantine Rite five years ago. I studied the Eastern Fathers in the 90's and attended the Divine Liturgy over 6 years ago at a Romanian Byzantine church. My family (wife and four children) greatly love the Divine Liturgy and have not returned to the Latin Rite.

I came to this site after seeing the movie Ostrov this weekend and finding a thread here. I was called to family life yet am entranced by monastic life, so the movie was easy to assimilate despite my complete lack of Russian. I found it inspiringly true to the monastic vocation. I have also spent many weeks of retreat at Benedictine monasteries in the States.

I have studied Catholic church history and have been studying Byzantine history. I am planning on teach the Seven Ecumenical Councils to our teen group this year (I taught very early church history last year), albeit humbly. I realize that Eastern Rite Catholicism is often viewed as inflammatory in Orthodox circles. In that respect I humbly offer the Peace of Christ. I do not like to argue theology as I find words insufficient; rather I like to worship through beautiful liturgy, study and pray, and work out my salvation as the greatest of sinners.

For recreation I am a musician (I assist the cantor), I like "outdoors" activities, I garden, I enjoy history, and I spend a lot of time with my family.

Joe Hicks, BSCD

[Michael Y.]

Hello,
My name is Michael I was born into the Roman Catholic Church and my family is very religious. I converted to Orthodoxy about a year ago and have truly found what I needed. I am currently a firefighter in the United States Air Force and stationed in Northwest Florida.

Michael

[Nina]

Welcome Michael and Joe. It is a pleasure to read your stories.

[Anthony]

Thank you Mary Ann - I will try and get hold of it. As you know, it has been an ambition of mine for some time to visit that part of Moldavia, but I have never quite made it. I was just over the border in Ukrainian Bukovina this spring. There are said to be similarities in architecture: in my album from Ukraine, there is a church with "drunken" cupolas, a style which apparently only exists elsewhere in Moldavia.

Yes, I am still in Germany, but my contract ends this summer and I don't know what the next step is. Your prayers would be much appreciated.

Doamne ajuta
Anthony

[Jason Adams]

Welcome to the Discussion Community! Please use this thread to introduce yourself to other members of the forum.
Gidday!

My name is Jason Adams and I live in New Zealand. I am not an Orthodox although I am a Christian.
For some time I have been drawn to Orthodoxy and especially to the monastic way of life.
It is quite strange as I am 57 and have never considered such a change.
Hope I can get some advice on these matters.

God be with you!

[Ksenia]

how do you post in this thread? i tried to see any of the tools and failed. can you direct me how to post in here?
thank you
ksenia

[Julia Hayes]

Hi,
I'm Julia Hayes, a South African living in Greece. My family converted to Orthodoxy from the Anglican Church when I was a child. I came to Greece 10 years ago to study theology. I've recently finished my masters and I'm starting my doctorate. I'm also an iconographer and I translate Orthodox books.
God bless!

[Ksenia]

my name is ksenia. i am a new member, i have joined a few weeks ago.

[Nina]

A very warm welcome for Mr. Adams, Miss Ksenia and Julia. :) :) :) It is so good to have you here and we look forward to learn from you.

[Peter S.]

Hello!

I have been here at monachos for about one year and one month now, since the summer 2007, but I think I have not introduced myself... I am sorry for that. My name is Peter and I am studying to a BA in Christianity at the University of Oslo. I was baptized orthodox christian as a child, and my parents are converts from Norway. My english is not so good, in spite of that norwegians are quite good at speaking english.

Thank you for reading my posts, I have read some of yours. Thank you for your thoughts.

Peter

[Chrissy B.K.]

Hello to all from sunny Germany, my name is Christiana (baptised Christina) and am a practicing orthodox since December 1999. My parents are Portuguese but I was born and raised in South Africa and have been living here for 14 years. I have 2 wonderful kids. I also am a member of Orthodox Circle on the net and found this site quite by accident and am really happy to be here. I wish you all a wonderful day filled with many blessings!!!

[Carol Lockett]

Well, I've just spent about 5 minutes trying to figure out how to do this right. I hope I have succeeded.

Although I am now a "guest from another tradition" (Episcopal), I was an Orthodox catechumen for almost 2.5 years and came very close to being chrismated. I left the Orthodox Church in April 2007. I am still very much interested in Orthodoxy especially since I have advanced cancer.

[Paul Cowan]

Welcome to yet ANOTHER Texan. Looks like we are cornering the market here.

Ms. Lockett: Just as a note of curiosity and not in an attempt to get you to leave your faith, would it be too personal to ask why you chose the Episcopal faith rather than finishing your catachesis after 2 1/2 years? (sp)
You were about done, it seems to me. In talking to others, I would be curious what topics to cover in more detail or less if this falls under a reason you left.

Feel free NOT to answer if this is a personal topic.

Paul

[Jonathan Golding]

Hi All,

A friend of mine introduced me to your site, and I just had to join.

I am a recent convert to Orthodoxy. My parents were protestant missionaries in Asia for many years. My spiritual pilgrimage has led me from the Baptist Church through various Charismatic denominations. But a few years ago I began reading the Church Fathers and trying to understand the historic roots of Christianity. I found in the writings of these men a kind of Christianity I had never known was possible. They were profound, mystical, pragmatic and challenging. I was particularly attracted to the writings of the Eastern Fathers, and it wasn't long before I began attending Orthodox services. I was Chrismated in the Greek Church in 2006.

Although I have a day job I am also an aspiring writer. I have written a novel and a stage play which I am trying to get published.

I look forward to many interesting and stimulating conversations with you folks.

Peace,

Jonathan

[Kyrill Bolton]

You are following in the footsteps of many entering converts, especially coming from evangelicalism and hungry for more. You will find more here both in terms of intellectual knowledge but more importantly on the great spiritual journey that you have started. I, and I think I speak for the group, are eager to be of resource and support and are just as eager to learn from your journey. Please share

[Petros Nikolopoulos]

Dear All,

Hello!My name is Peter; I live in Sydney, Australia. I am coming here after a bad experience on the Usenet list alt.religion.christian.east-orthodox where the people, (save for one) are not good people at all, and their behavior has left me spiritually traumatized. What was my sin in their eyes? That I asked them to think of the Ossetia victims and not just the Georgian ones. They didn't like that for political reasons. They then proceeded to flood the forum with fanatical right-wing, almost fascist propaganda and hateful,abusive writing. I saw no Christian love or compassion for his or her fellow Orthodox Christians at all. Their first love seemed to be the Republican Party. Anyway, I had enough and I followed the advice of 2 other posters and left that "Orthodox Christian" forum for my own good. I refuse to accept that those were typical Orthodox Christians. Well, enough about that, I'm glad I got it off my chest!

I have just come back from the United States, living there a few years. Unfortunately, I recently parted with my American wife (who was Roman Catholic) and I've come back to Australia where I was born and raised and where my family is to start my life all over again.

My experiences have led me to rediscover my faith and I am exploring it again and that's why I am here, hoping to read and learn and if possible contribute.

Thank you all.

Kindly,

Peter Nikolopoulos

Sydney, Australia

[Herman Blaydoe]

My experiences have led me to rediscover my faith and I am exploring it again and that's why I am here, hoping to read and learn and if possible contribute.

Thank you all.

Kindly,
Peter Nikolopoulos
Sydney, Australia

Dear Petros:

Welcome. I think you will find this forum a much safer and saner place (for the most part) to be!

Herman

[Annalise Kockott]

Hi,
I'm Julia Hayes, a South African living in Greece. My family converted to Orthodoxy from the Anglican Church when I was a child. I came to Greece 10 years ago to study theology. I've recently finished my masters and I'm starting my doctorate. I'm also an iconographer and I translate Orthodox books.
God bless!

Hi Julia

I am also from South Africa. Where were you from? Your course sounds wonderful and I would love to know more about it.

Kind regards
Annalise Zaverdinos

[Chels]

My name is Chelsea Baldwin. I am Melkite Greek Catholic. I transfered from the Roman Catholic Church at the beginning of this year, but I have been attened Divine Liturgy at Eastern Catholic Churches for three years. My wife and I received Holy Crowning this past June. I graduated with a BA in Theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville in Dec. 07.

[M.V. Makavos]

Welcome to the Discussion Community! Please use this thread to introduce yourself to other members of the forum.


Hello everyone. I am Miltiades V. Makavos,( M.V.M.). I'm happy I found this site.
:)

[C. Kraker]

Basic introduction - My name is Carolyn Kraker and I am not (yet) an Orthodox Christian but I have been regularly attending an Antioch Orthodox Church here in Grand Rapids. I am actively considering joining the Orthodox Church, but want to be fully informed before I make an actual commitment.

A friend of mine found this site and I'm sure we'll both be at least somewhat active in the forums and whatnot. So here goes. . .

[Paul Cowan]

Welcome Ms. Kraker,

I hope you and your friend find your stay here beneficial to your decision. In case you have not looked around, there are 6 Orthodox parishes in Grand Rapids (http://orthodoxyinamerica.org/lr_v10/locator.php). I encourage you to speak to these priests before making your decision. I look forward to reading any questions you have for the forum.

Paul

[Wade]

Hi everyone,
My name is Wade. I am 46 and live in far NW Houston. 13 years ago I married a beautiful woman with six kids and a about six months ago we became catechumins at St Anthony's in Houston. I was born and raised a southern Baptist but about 8 years ago joined a presbyterian church and spent the majority of my time there as a deacon. I taught sunday school, Experiencing God and Master Life for many years in the Baptist church. I did it because I felt and still feel that God must be experienced for our transformation and salvation. To many of us live as if we could read the bible and just live a christian life by our own power. To live as a CHRISTian is to live from HIS life not as a theological concept but in practice as a daily reality. Sorry I do run on. Anyway, I love to pray. Prayer is life. Touching God is life. I love Orthodoxy and the people in our church. To God be the glory. I love to read so as a freebie some of my favorites are Practicing His Presence - Brother Lawrence and most recently The Art of Prayer.
God bless now and ever...
Wade


Welcome to the Discussion Community! Please use this thread to introduce yourself to other members of the forum.

[Paul Cowan]

Welcome Wade,

I think we have 2 other forum members also from St. Anthonys' here.

[Thomas Rallis]

Welcome to the Discussion Community! Please use this thread to introduce yourself to other members of the forum.

Hello my name is Tom Rallis, I am a long life Orthodox Christian from Corning,New York. I am Associate Industrial Engineer, I am under contract to Corning Incorporated, and involved with there over seas projects, In Taiwan, and in Osaka, Japan. I belong to The Holy Trinity Orthodox Church in Elmira Heights, New York.

I am looking for the following information concerning The Righteous Joseph who was Betrothed to Solomonia had 4-sons, and 2-daughters
The 4-sons were James, Joseph, Simon, and Jude. These I found in Mat13 and Mk6, these were the half brothers of our lord Jesus Christ.

Joseph and Solomonia had 2-daughters,Question, where would be the best place for me to find the names of there two daughters.

[Olga]

Hello Thomas

Welcome to the forum! This thread may help, though I have been unable to find mention of the names of the daughters of Joseph and Solomonia within traditional sources. Others on this forum may be able to help.

http://www.monachos.net/forum/archive/index.php?t-1674.html

[JoAnn K. Prater]

Welcome to the Discussion Community! Please use this thread to introduce yourself to other members of the forum.


I'm JoAnn K. Prater from the San Antonio, Texas area. I'm deeply drawn to Orthodoxy, and planning on visiting a local Orthodox church very soon. For now, I have been studying by myself and taking quiet time to reflect. I look forward to sharing with others here.

JoAnn

[P.J. Hughes]

Welcome to the Discussion Community! Please use this thread to introduce yourself to other members of the forum.
Hello,
I am Paula Hughes, originally form BC Canada, now in Saskatchewan, a convert Orthodox,Russian OCA of nine years, baptised for seven. I lately returned from nine months in England where I was blessed to go to several different Orthodox Churches as well as some wonderful Anglican Cathedrals such as Durham's where St Cuthbert's shrine is, and the Venerable Bede's. It was a sort of a pilgrimage to confirm my faith after some troubling events at my home church, and it was fruitful.
My interests are wide ranging within Orthodoxy and outside of it. My concern is that your forum may be too sophisticated and erudite for me to contribute , but it is delightful to read and learn from. You may not hear from me soon as I will be absorbing your words of wisdom silently and gratefully.

P.J. Hughes

Lean not on your own understanding.

[M.C. Steenberg]

A very warm welcome to the new members who have joined us over the past few weeks.