What to do?

[Adonis Nomikos]

Im in a place where im causing much turmoil among my family and friends regarding other christian denominations, where im invited to attend a baby presentation to the lord but they deny infant baptism. Ive spoken to a few Orthodox friends regarding this, they tell me not to go. This is causing a seperation among my non orthodox friends, within myself even though they dont see it, it is like they mock the Church by rearranging the traditions and i should not partake of this. What to do? It causing me to walk away from them.
in Christ
Adonis

[Allen Long]

Adonis,

Your non-orthodox friends are ignorant of the Orthodox Church, of the Orthodox faith, of Orthodox practice, of the offensiveness they give in their religious practice. Yet, we are to love them. For some Orthodox, they can go and in the generosity of love, share in the meaningful family events of their friends. Others cannot go, for the deep impress in their hearts by God of their Orthodox faith. If you have the heart to go, do. If in your heart you should refrain, then stay away. Even though you don't go to their church on a special day for them, you can still love them and demonstrate your love and support in other ways.

God bless,

Allen

[Herman Blaydoe]

"Mock" seems too harsh a word. In order to make that charge stick, you would have to prove that they are intentionally making fun of or denigrating the teachings of the Orthodox Church. I suspect strongly that this is not the case. Their rites are shadows of the rites of the Church, distorted by centuries of politics and culture, but I would hope that these people are at least as honest and sincere in their faith as your Orthodox friends.

I think it depends on a lot of things that you have not elucidated. Regardless of what your friends say, I think it wise to ask your priest his opinion, rather than some fairly anonymous posters on the internet. He should know you and your spiritual situation a little better than we do, and be a better judge as to what might be appropriate. You can be an observer without being a participant. Or so it seems to this bear of little brain.

Herman the Pooh

[Sophia]

Adonis,

I agree with Herman. Whenever in doubt, pray and seek the guidance of your priest or spiritual father. Thankfully God has given them to us for these difficult moments.

Unworthy servant of Christ,
Sophia

[Paul Cowan]

I think there was a thread a while ago on this very topic though on nonorthodox mariages. If you can find it, it may help. Turn the tables. What would happen to this famiy rift if they were invited to your church and didn't come because it was not"right" for them. I think the conclusion of the other thread was go. Go in love and participate up until the point of communiing with them. Celebrate in the joy of the day with this baby. It will perhaps give you an open door later to introduce the family and child to Orthodoxy with your love. If youshow disdain and disproval to their methods, what glory does this give God.

Go and participate with a happy face. You know what is right and what is not. Perhaps at a future time, you will be able to share our beliefs with them. If you cut them off now, you never will.

Paul