Introductions from 2010

[M.C. Steenberg]

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

[Wayne Whitmer]

Greetings,

My name is Wayne Whitmer and I and my wife reside in Albuquerque, New Mexico. I am 39 years old and my wife and I have been married over 4 years. We are hoping God grants us with children in the near future. I grew up Fundamental Baptist and graduated with a BA in Bible from Bob Jones University in 1992. I became a "Calvinist" while there and later in my 20's embraced Reformed Presbyterianism. I am more liturgical and more affectionate toward the Sacraments and the Church Calendar than most of my Reformed brothers and sisters. As a result I consider myself more aligned with Anglicanism. However over the past year I've become increasingly interested in Orthodoxy. I think it is important to "get this right" when it comes to Faith. I'm finding by reading Orthodox writings that I'm overwhelmingly influenced by Western philosophy, thought, etc. I'm looking forward to learning as much as I can from this site, you all, as well as from other Orthodox resources. My wife and I are planning to visit an Orthodox parish soon so we can experience the Liturgy first hand. God Bless You All!

[Paul Cowan]

Welcome Wayne,
Try this resource (http://orthodoxyinamerica.org/lr_v10/locator.php)for potential parish's to visit.

Paul

[Wayne Whitmer]

Thank You Paul.

[Matthew Beynon]

Hi there,

My name is Matt and I'm a new community member. My family and I are also recent converts - we were received into the Church early last year (on Cheesefare Saturday).

We are a homeschooling family who have worked the past several years with an interdenominational Christian mission agency - most recently in inner-city work with people at risk of homelessness. While it has been difficult for us (for a number of reasons) to maintain the degree of involvement in this kind of ministry to which we have been accustomed, we continue to share many of its concerns.
As my wife and I have searched the internet for info on various topics relating to Orthodoxy we have found ourselves directed (more than a few times) to relevant Monachos discussion threads. I'm looking forward to the opportunity to participate in some of these discussions.

Thanks for having me.
Matt

[Mike Brunner]

Hello all,

My name is Mike Brunner. I am a seminary student in St. Paul, MN. I initially started out as an M.Div. student but after certain events (one of which was the discovery of Orthodoxy) I switched programs and I am now in pursuit of a Master of Arts in Theological Studies program. I am hoping to pursue a Ph.D. in the future (once I learn languages) that has to do with patristics. I actually started looking in to Orthodoxy after my first history class at seminary and having to read patristics for the course. I am currently a catechumen at an Antiochian church in St. Paul. Thats about all I can think of for now--if anyone wants to know anything else, feel free to ask.

Mike

[Carla]

Hi! I'm 26, an educated, business owner, living in the LA area. I was baptized Catholic and went to Catholic school through 8th grade, and thereafter stopped going to Church and have not studied or practiced any religion since. I live a good life, and have a good sense of right and wrong, and never felt like religion was a necessity in my life. Except that recently I met a guy who told me he was Christian, which at the time was irrelevant to me, because I simply liked him for who he was. But, even though I told him I was not religious, he pursued me, only to tell me after I had fallen for him that he could not marry someone who was not Christian, not just Christian, Coptic Orthodox Christian. He is of Egyptian decent and his father is a pastor/priest (not sure what the technical term is). I was disheartened at the thought that he couldn't respect my beliefs as I did his and have that be enough, so I ended things. Now I can't help but think it's worth giving it a try, studying and seeing if I can make sense of it all, possibly start to believe in it, as a lot of the things I love about him, I can see derive from his love of God and his conviction... Regardless of whether it works out with him, I thought this would be a good place for me to start my own enlightenment on the subject and journey to salvation, if Orthodoxy is indeed "The Only Truth" as he stated. :(

[John Choate]

Hello Everyone. My name is John Choate, and I am a convert. I've been Orthodox for ten years this coming Pentecost. My wife and I live in San Angelo, Texas. We attend the Assumption of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church here in San Angelo. I completed my undergrad in English and Communication, and I have my Master's in School Administration. I am a high school principal at Christoval High School which is a small school about 20 mile from San Angelo. Like Wayne, I was raised in the Fundamental Baptist faith. For many years, I studied and pursued an interest in eastern religions until I discovered Orthodoxy on one of my many searchings for some form of Truth. Needless to say, like most converts I've met, I found a 'home' in the Orthodox Church. I am blessed with a great parish and priest who have so richly blessed me. I have read Monachos for many years as a visitor. I love this online community and thank God for each one of you.

[Mick Curran]

My name is Mick Curran. I’m an Englishman – a Londoner, born and bred. I was born in North London (Holloway) in 1949 into a Catholic family. My dad was an informed and knowledgeable Catholic who knew what he believed and why he believed it. My mother was from Southern Ireland. She had a trusting and unquestioning Catholic faith. She’d been born into an Irish Catholic family and she’d grown up in a country wherein the overwhelming majority of the people were Catholics. From the time she could understand the spoken word her parents and teachers had consistently told her that the Catholic Church was the One True Church and the one Ark of Salvation for all, that the pope was infallible, and that therefore the Catholic Church was also covered with a protective veneer of infallibility. She had no reason not to believe what she was told so she believed it and wanted to do whatever the Catholic Church taught. She gave no thought to what she believed or why she believed it. As far as she was concerned it was just true and that was the end of the matter. It’s a stance that I daresay is found amongst people of every religion.

Despite the strong Catholic faith of both my parents plus the fact that I attended Catholic schools throughout my formative years I rejected the Catholic faith in my teens. I did this not for any doctrinal reasons – although if there had been doctrines that I might have questioned (as they were by most of the kids in my class) it would have been the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception and the doctrine that some sins were mortal sins – but because I was very much influenced by a schoolmate who had decided to become an atheist (so I wanted to be one, too).

My “wannabee–an–atheist” stance lasted until my early twenties and at the age of 22, having spent several years in the British Army and having worked my way up to a more sensible and mature outlook, I decided to return to the faith of my father. However, I perceived a decline of the sacred inside the post–conciliar Catholic Church – the imposition of the Novus Ordo Missae was particularly troubling. I did my best to adapt but found it impossible. My dad went to his grave in 1979 and the last years of his life were very sad from a spiritual standpoint as he struggled to accept within the Catholic Church what had been formally condemned prior to Vatican 2. Convinced that the Catholic Church had lost its way, I attempted to rediscover the One True Church via the SSPX and although I was very impressed with and much influenced by Michael Davies, I couldn’t sustain the effort and around 1982 (or thereabouts) I walked away in disgust from religion of any kind.

I came to live in the States in 1990 (I married a Southern girl) by which time I guess my worldview had defaulted to hovering midway between agnosticism and deism. My conversion to Evangelical Christianity ten years later was remarkable in that there was enough about the whole thing to convince me that God was calling me away from the pointlessness of a life with no spiritual content. So I became an enthusiastic and committed Evangelical Christian. Not unnaturally, I had to deal with the idea of the One True Church that had been hammered into me throughout my early years inside Catholicism and which naturally resurfaced whenever I came face–to–face with the notion that the Authority for Evangelicals was the Bible of 66 books. The way in which I made sense of the Evangelical position (that the Bible and not the Church was the Authority for living) was to revisit Catholic teaching and reaffirm to myself that there was no such thing as the One True Church – and that while the Catholic Church may be said to have “discovered” the Bible, it certainly didn’t own it. In other words, I came to accept the notion that the Bible was an Authority in its own right just because it existed.

This meant that I adopted the standard Evangelical view that the Catholic Church had no right to impose upon people “non–biblical” or “extra–biblical” doctrines such as salvation by works. Indeed, it even occurred to me that given the Novus Ordo Missae with all its concessions to Protestantism and which had been imposed upon Catholics in the West as a result of the perceived need to “update” the Catholic Church it might even be concluded that there was a strong case for supposing that the Reformers had been right all along. And so I was able to accept American Evangelical Christianity with its attendant post–Reformation SOLO Scriptura approach without any great intellectual difficulties presenting themselves.

I had no problem living with that understanding for several years since Evangelical Christianity is more about living the Christian life than disputing and defining the finer points of doctrine so I concentrated upon involving myself in lots of church activities and tried my best to live a life that I thought was pleasing to God. However, after some five years as an Evangelical the Sunday morning worship at the Evangelical Church I was attending turned into a theater performance and I was forced out. It was at that time that I first began to consider Holy Orthodoxy. I’d been introduced to an Orthodox Christian some three years earlier – he was the father of a young woman I’d been working with at that time and she thought we could be friends. Not long after she introduced me to him he developed cancer and was given a year to live. I’d visit him regularly and we’d talk about lots of things including religion and that’s how I gained a small insight into Orthodoxy from the Orthodox viewpoint (as opposed to what I’d been told during the time I was inside the Catholic Church). At the end, just before the hospice moved in, he liked to lie quietly on his bed and listen to me read the Bible to him. He preferred the King James Version describing the language therein as “majestic.”

Well, with some slight knowledge of Orthodoxy and with much dissatisfaction at what was happening inside the American Evangelical world, I began to wrestle with where I ought to be spiritually. As far as my difficulty with the London Palladium style pap that so many American Evangelicals were gushing over on Sunday mornings, Orthodoxy gave me great hope. From my earliest encounter with Orthodox worship I was attracted to and moved by the chanting and singing – so much so that during the week when I wasn’t thinking about anything in particular I would suddenly realize that parts of chants and sequences of notes were running though my head. There was one in particular that for a time seemed more “insistent” than the others. It was “O Gladsome Light,” which in the OCA is sung at Great Vespers.

I’m not in the least bit musical. At primary school, during singing, I was (along with another unmusical kid) usually told to stop singing whereupon the rest of the class would continue minus the unwelcome handicap we apparently brought with our discordant tones. So from an early age I’ve always felt that singing is something that other people do and that my place is to listen and not mess it up by joining in. The only time I’ve ever sung is if it’s expected and not to sing would seem to churlish to the rest of the company – for example, singing along in a pub to a cockney song when everybody else is singing along or singing “Happy Birthday” to somebody in a group setting.

However, Orthodox singing and chanting seemed to me to be ethereal and finding myself actually moved by it was nothing short of extraordinary. So, eventually, despite the fact that I was only a visitor I plucked up enough courage to tell the choir director at the mission church I’d found that although I wasn’t any good at singing I’d been trying join in during the Divine Liturgy and at Great Vespers and that I was wondering if I could come to choir practice and listen – as well as perhaps learn more about the music (I secretly hoped that I might even be allowed to stand with the choir and then I’d be right next to the singers). He told me I was more than welcome to come join in with the choir at any time – and since then I’ve stood with the choir and joined in as well. I can’t read music but I think I’ve gotten hold of the basics. I’m apparently a bass and as the choir director is also a bass (he has a stentorian voice and is pretty much a bass section all on his own) whenever I ask him he’ll sing stuff into my tape recorder and I toddle off home with a photocopy of the commensurate sheet music and practice singing whatever it is several dozen times following which I almost get it.

But I still had to wrestle with ideas and concepts. I guess the amount of religious baggage I’d picked up along the way made such a struggle inevitable – in fact, a little over a year ago I was seriously considering returning to the Catholic Church. But eventually I began to see my way more clearly and on April 26, 2009, some two months after I’d first approached the choir director, I became an Orthodox catechumen.

In turning to Holy Orthodoxy I’ve been able to revive my hope and belief in the One, True, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church and it now seems to me that I’ve reached the end of my spiritual journey. My wife, who initially suspected that Orthodox Christians were weirdoes, now comes with me to the Divine Liturgy every Sunday morning. But although she has no great objection to Orthodoxy she has no great interest in it, either. The most surprising thing about Orthodoxy I’ve so far encountered is this beautiful music – plus the fact that I can actually join in and sing. And, undoubtedly, the most challenging thing about Orthodoxy is the fasting.

My priest says he’s encountered Orthodox Christians that regret not spending more time as a catechumen but he’s never met anybody who is sorry that they were in no hurry to leave the catechumenate. I don’t want to have any regrets about Orthodoxy so I may well remain a catechumen for the next couple of years – my understanding is that if I were to shuffle off the mortal coil at any time from now on I’d be given an Orthodox funeral.

I’m glad to be here on this forum and a Happy New Year to all.

In Christ,
Mick

[Carla]

Thanks, Mick. I really appreciated you sharing so much of your story. Very encouraging :)

[Gloria]

Hello,

My name is Gloria and I was raised a Methodist. I have a friend who is Greek Orthodox. Through her I have become interested in the Greek Orthodox religion, which explains why I became a member of this website.

If I feel I have something to contribute, I will post.

Take care and stay well.

Gloria

[Mick Curran]

Thanks, Mick. I really appreciated you sharing so much of your story. Very encouraging :)

Hey Carla,

I'm chuffed that I was an encouragement to you. I hope you'll find what you're seeking sooner rather than later. As you embark upon your inquiry feel free to pose questions to me if you think I might be able to help. And may God bless you all along your spiritual journey.

Cordially,
Mick

[Marge Kostas]

Hello all,

My name is Marge Kostas. I was Raised Roman Catholic. I married a Greek man. That should say it all. We've been married since 2007 - no kids yet. Trying. Plan to raise them Catholic, but I attend Orthodox services when I can with my husband. I see there is a lot in common with both faiths. I see postings here already of those who've left Catholicism and become Orthodox. Maybe I will some day....Hope I can contribute to this forum. Happy New Year!

[Father David Moser]

I'm chuffed that I was an encouragement to you.

Interesting word, "chuffed". Is that a regional/national expression? The only context that I have heard that word used before is by my daughter (a zookeeper) describing the sound that tigers make when expressing interest in something or in sorting out dominance. In any case welcome.

Fr David Moser

[M.C. Steenberg]

Dear Father, you wrote:


Interesting word, "chuffed". Is that a regional/national expression? The only context that I have heard that word used before is by my daughter (a zookeeper) describing the sound that tigers make when expressing interest in something or in sorting out dominance. In any case welcome.

Spend a few days in casual company here in England, and you'll have the word echoing through your ears with great frequency. It is a particularly common, informal expression in British English meaning 'to be very pleased' (though my computer's dictionary makes a point to stress that in American English, by contrast, it means 'the sound a steam engine makes whilst moving, with a regular sharp puffing sound'!).

To all our new members of the first days of 2010: welcome! May your time here be fruitful; we all look forward to your contributions.

INXC, Dcn Matthew

[Father David Moser]

It is a particularly common, informal expression in British English meaning 'to be very pleased'

Yes, that makes sense - it is what tigers seem to when they seem to be particularly amused or pleased with themselves.

Fr David

[Alexandros Ryan]

Hello everyone,

My name is Alexander. I was born and raised Roman Catholic and only started to learn about Orthodoxy while I was engaged to a Greek woman. I went through many different emotions before deciding to be baptized in the Greek Orthodox Church - the best decision I have ever made in my life! I felt it was a great blessing to be able to learn about Orthodoxy as an adult. Glory to God for leading me on the path to the true, holy, catholic and apostolic church!

I originally heard about this website through some podcasts that I subscribe to. I’m excited to be joining this community so I can continue to learn and read about the experiences of others. May God have mercy on all of us as we continue our struggle in this earthly life.

[Matthew Alan]

Hello everyone! My name is Matthew. I am a catechumen in the Serbian Orthodox Church in the United States of America. I have been attending services for about a year and a half now, and am waiting to join the Church to see if my family (wife and child) will convert with me. Please pray for us to be fully united as a family with the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church.

The Orthodox faith has given me a new hope and a renewed faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. I hope that my time on this board will prove helpful for my own salvation and those around me.

[Daniel E.]

I am glad to see others with similar experiences about the process of becoming Orthodox. I finally had a formal talk with the priest of the church I have been visiting for awhile (about 4 months!), and with his help and wisdom, I am now able to see better where I am in my journey. I haven't made my final decision but basically I am approaching the point to be ready. My priest has presented to me both options in order to be incorporated to the Orthodox Church, and I have decided that if my process goes well, I'll receive all the sacraments under the principle of akriveia. I submit to our God for help and guidance. Your prayers are also welcome!

[Richard A. Downing]

Hello,
I'm Richard Downing. I was baptised a Catholic, brought up an Anglican, practiced atheism for most of my life, then when I retired, my wife and I moved to Cumbria (North of England) and I started to go to the local village church with her. This led to my meeting the newly arrived Orthodox Deacon, and I helped him borrow a church for his ordination. We became friends. He introduced me to orthodox thinking, I attended some Divine Liturgy, Matins and Vespers. I started to read the Holy Fathers.
At Vespers on Tuesday (Vespers of the Theophany, by the new calendar) I asked to be received as a Catechumen, and was accepted.
I listen to Fr Matthew's podcasts, along with others from Ancient Faith Radio and OCN, which led me here.
Before I retired, I was a director of an international IT company, so my natural 'habitat', so to speak, is in the internet, and I am keen to encourage and foster it's use for Christian dialogue and learning.

[J. K. Amra]

Not having visited this thread I'd like to welcome Richard, Daniel, Matthew, Alexander, Marge, Gloria, Mick, Wayne, and all others who have posted, your stories are all very interesting to me, and I will pray for you that your journey through Orthodoxy will be a joyous one, as the Lord brings you closer to the Faith. Don't let anyone, or anything discourage you in your effort.


Romans 8:38-39.

[Mick Curran]

Not having visited this thread I'd like to welcome Richard, Daniel, Matthew, Alexander, Marge, Gloria, Mick, Wayne, and all others who have posted, your stories are all very interesting to me, and I will pray for you that your journey through Orthodoxy will be a joyous one, as the Lord brings you closer to the Faith. Don't let anyone, or anything discourage you in your effort.


Romans 8:38-39.

Thank you very much, J.K. You are most gracious. :)

Convivially,
Mick

[Nigel Benson]

Hello,
by way of making a start, I'm Nigel John Benson. I was chrismated at St Botolphs in Bishopsgate and as well as visiting that parish regularly, I am involved with the Orthodox Community of the Holy Trinity in Guildford which has recently been set up. I am not in any dispute with any Orthodox diocese and I feel that Orthodoxy is "not about dioceses". I sing bass when siinging music of Russian tradition and am also interested in the Byzantine musical tradition and I am trying to learn about Byzantine music from the late David Melling's volumes on the subject. Another area I am interested in is how the Orthodox Church relates to issues the general topics described a pro life. I hope that's not too long.

[Mary]

It makes me so happy to see new people here! Thanks for introducing yourselves, and sharing your stories. Looking forward to getting to know you more, and learning wonderful new things like "chuffed"! That is such a cool word! Thankyou! =)

in Christ,
Mary

[Andrew G.]

Hello, my name is Andrew. I am a tonsured Reader at St. Herman of Alaska parish in California, part of ROCOR. I live with my wife Constantina and my son Joachim (5 months old) here in the Bay Area. I'm currently in school finishing up my degree in computer science.

[Father David Moser]

Hello, my name is Andrew. I am a tonsured Reader at St. Herman of Alaska parish in California, part of ROCOR. I live with my wife Constantina and my son Joachim (5 months old) here in the Bay Area. I'm currently in school finishing up my degree in computer science.

Great to see you here Andrew! How is the pastoral school going? This forum will be great resource for you along the way.

Fr David Moser

[Andrew G.]

Great to see you here Andrew! How is the pastoral school going? This forum will be great resource for you along the way.

Fr David Moser

It's going very good, just finishing up the papers that are due at the end! In fact, I've been using this site very much, especially on exegesis for the Gospels.

[Maxim Molnar]

Hello to you all,

My name is Adam Maxim Molnar, I am from and currently live in Budapest, Hungary. I am of Ukrainian/Polish descent from my mother's side and Hungarian from my father's. I have been baptized into the Calvinist Church at infancy by request of my fatherly grandparents, but no one actually took care of giving me a religious education whatsoever. The only times I have visited a church and can remember it from the years of my youth is the few occasions my grandmother (Orthodox Christian as my mother also) - вечная память - took me in Kiev (in the Ukraine) to the Pechersk Lavra to attend services.

On this point I thought of writing a lengthy introduction and revealing all aspects of my thoughts and life before my conversion - a true metanoia after years of stupidity and aggressiveness towards Christianity. After writing long lines I decided not to post it and just share a few words at this point. When the time will be appropriate maybe I will write them all down. It is enough to say that I arrived to the baptismal font in the small chapel of the Hungarian Exarchate of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Budapest through years of atheism, paganism, Buddhism, Perennial philosophy and years of listening to heavy metal music and polluting my physical being and my soul in all possible ways. After a year spent as a catechumen I have been received into the Church last Sunday through traditional Baptism and Chrismation. I have died and have been resurrected in Christ and have left all my previous sins and mis-beliefs behind. Looking back at it all I have the sense of being guided by our Lord's everlasting love though I have tried to hide from it all these years and have deviated so much that I will have to repent for the rest of my life. I ask for the prayers of Saint Maximos the Confessor - who my spiritual father and godfather have chosen as my patron saint - to stand firmly in the One Holy Apostolic Faith against all temptations from the world and the life I have left behind.

I have had a fiancé for 3 years now, who is the most beautiful girl I have ever had the chance to meet. In my raging stupidity I have caused great pains to her and our relationship, but we have endured and on the 15th of November last year the Good Lord has blessed us with a child, a boy, who is the light of our life. We have named him Victor in hope that he will endure all pains that he might be submitted by this world. Things are quite difficult at the moment for us: Victor and his mom have moved in with her parents in another town and I have stayed in Budapest to work and sustain our new family, although we also receive a great deal of help from our parents and my parish. So I cannot be with them too much, only on weekends. My fiancé is a Catholic and although she does not practice her faith, I hope to tempt her into Orthodoxy and marriage through a living example of a new life in Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, in repentance and crucifixion of the passions.

Excuse me for being so lengthy and have simply thrown my thoughts here in an unarranged manner. I am glad to expand on any questions that you have or are interested in. I did not have any intention to scandalize you in any way with my account, should I have committed this, do pardon me, a sinner.

I ask for your prayers and I hope to be greatly edified much by this community.

Yours in Christ,

Maxim Molnar

[Brian Patrick Mitchell]

Welcome, Maxim. Thank you for the introduction. We look forward to hearing from you.

With prayers in Christ, Dn. Patrick

[Michalis]

hello...... i am michalis from Greece -from the north thessaloniki- and new here...i am 38 and work as a waiter in a hotel. i want to send my regards to all orthodox Christians of this site. i became a member becasue i like to meet orthodox people from all over the world.. have a happy and blessed new year

[Ioan]

Hello,

My name is Ioan (in Romanian), which is John in English. I am 26 years old. I was born in Ploiesti, Rom. At the age of 16 I moved to Canada with part of my family. I've lived in the Vancouver, BC area for almost 10 years; eventually I became a Canadian citizen, as well--many thanks to the Canadian people! Just over a year ago I decided to come back to Romania. Right now I live in town of my birth.

I was baptized Orthodox as an infant. However, my actual (conscious) walk with God started much later in my life. As a result, I have searched in many places for God. This includes meditation, new age, even Islam and Judaism, but eventually I made a choice to be a Christian. At this point, I was still confused. I was content with a protestant view of religion and was continuing my life much in the same way that I had been; ie. still finding justifications for most of my sins. Eventually, The Lord pulled me closer to Him, and I realized that I had to make a decision based on "Why do you call me Lord, yet do not do what I tell you?". This helped me see the hypocritical state that I was in. I can't seem to remember how it happened, but soon after I made a decision to purify my life, The Lord helped realize that I was born Orthodox. After researching Orthodoxy a little bit (at the point it was just another denomination to me) I found myself suddenly at home. So, I am rather new to Orthodoxy, but I feel that I have progressed very fast and at the same time I know and practice very little. The situation of one's soul is something else and calling oneself Orthodox does not necessarily make certain problems go away. So, yes, I need lots of help. And if I may ask for your warm prayers, too! Blessed be the Name of the Lord, Virgin Mary and All Saints!

[John Bundstein]

Hello, my name is John Bundstein. I live in Saint Louis, Missouri. I have come to the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia about three years ago and was recieved just about a year ago. I am 64 years old. I have a wife and thirteen year old daughter who have not yet followed me into the Faith. And right now we are going through a rough time so to find more out side of my parish is a blessing.

[Lori Denning]

Hi,
I'm Lori Denning, a lifelong "Mormon" (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints), single and in my 30s. I served a mission teaching the Gospel for a couple of years in Barcelona, Spain. I am also a research assistant for Dr. Alonzo Gaskill of Brigham Young University. As such, I am a long time student of theology, ancient studies and orthodoxy. I realize that I may be the only Mormon on the board, but hopefully that won't engender any prejudices. I'm working on a book on typology and symbology and specifically looking at Early Christian Liturgy. So, here I am! I have enjoyed "lurking" on the board and have recently joined the community.

[Ivan Marinov]

Hi, all! My name is Ivan N. Marinov, 42 years old. I am a former Mormon converted to Orthodoxy in 1996. I am of Bulgarian ancestry. I registrated to this forum, because I have a few question about Church history. I have a special interest in relations between EO, OO and ACE.

[Fr. David C.]

God's Blessings to everyone out there!--I am Father David (Cavalli), an Orthodox Anglican priest who lives on a small island (Topsail) off the east coast of North Carolina. I'm so glad I found this site and forum. I first really began to study Eastern Orthodoxy after reading some excerpts of the writings by Father Seraphim Rose. Soon after I came in contact with St.Herman's Press,The Orthodox Word magazine,Fr.Seraphim's (Rose) bio and Ancient Faith Radio. I have also read Orthodox Dogmatic Theology. Frankly,I am for the lack of a better word,stunned, by the whole scope of what Eastern Orthodoxy is and comprises. I am seeking His direction as to what to do with what I have learned and am learning as it relates to the fact that I was ordained an Orthodox Anglican priest.

[Luke C.]

Hi, my name is Luke. I was raised "Evangelical Fundamental," and when I first met an Orthodox Christian (in boot camp) I was so utterly ignorant of Orthodoxy that I didn't even have a frame of reference from which to ask questions. I spent the next few years virtually ignoring God before embracing Evangelical (but not Fundamentalist) Christianity. In college, I encountered Orthodoxy again through Gary, The Willard Preacher (http://www.thewillardpreacher.com/index.htm). I wasn't attracted to Orthodoxy at the time, but I did get an Orthodox Study NT, and one of my friends converted. Several years later, I became actively involved in debating theology with some Orthodox Christians at TheologyWeb (http://www.theologyweb.com), where my objections to Orthodoxy were resolved one by one. I had no intention of converting, but God had other plans. I was received into Orthodoxy in September 2008. I'm now Herman Blaydoe's understudy at cantor.

[Fr. David C.]

God's Blessings to everyone! I am Father David, an Orthodox Anglican priest. I have been profoundly effected and inspired by the writings of Father Seraphim Rose.Since I first became aware of him, I have read his biography by Hieromonk Damascene and then read Orthodox Dogmatic Theology as well as other works by the Eastern Orthodox saints. This site and forum is a wealth of information and inspiration,I'm so glad I came across it.

[Alkateb]

Hwllo, O am a coptic orthodox from birth and now I am 55 nearly and enjoyed a living relationship with the LORD in this domination. I feel the most important point as St.Peter said to Corneilius in Acts to inroduce him to Christianity is this ONE to believe in the LORD existence and accept him as a LORD, to fear him through all your actions and seek him at all times. More important than which domination you are going to follow is HOW you live after you know him. From my experience the orthodoxy is my suitable way but I hope you build your opinion on your feelings. It should be on how you progress in developing your relationship. Trough orthodoxy you will practice the sacraments to the full from baptism and holy communion to anoitment with oil. Through your God father you will have a personal tutor to supervise your progress and guide you through difficult times. Never to have an old Grandfather figure who forgives everything but a serious father who can forgive anything but he takes sin seriously to the extent he prefers me and you dead rather than sinners. It seems he is planning for a big family. He did the servants already (Angels) but now making the family of saints to join his son as brothers are we in ???? his mercy will give to those he selects of those who obey.

Kamel Alkateb

[Mary0414]

Hello. My name is Mary. I was brought into the Church on Holy Saturday 2001, in an OCA parish in the Dallas, TX area. I've taken part in several different Orthodox discussion lists, which I have found very helpful, as no one else in my family (husband, sons, extended family) is Orthodox. I've "met" some of you on different forums over the years - the Orthodox Convert yahoo group, The Ancient Way on Christian Forums, etc. Nice to "see" you again, and I'm looking forward to meeting new friends. I'm not a debater, and probably won't post much, but I like to read and learn.

[Pelagia]

Hello,
I'am Pella . I was baptized as an orthodox , however at the age of 27 I was converted to pentecost where I spent almost 18 years. It was the last four years that I decided to return to orthodoxy and find out more about patristic life and martydrom. I'am only too glad to know that there are many other people who have been searching for meaning and truth in a way that can transform our inner life , whithout denying that pain and suffering is part of our spiritual growht, especially when they are unavoidable .

[Alkateb]

My name is Kamel Alkateb, I am a coptic orthodox 55 years old and live in England

I am preparing for the holy lent after less than two weeks

I am looking for companions during this year through the lent to share readings and preparaation for the EASTER

[Alkateb]

How can I see the replies I submitted and any comments on it ?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

alkateb@doctors.org.uk

[Father David Moser]

Welcome to all our new members. We are glad to have you as part of our community. Alkateb asked about seeing replies and comments. This can be done online simply by visiting the appropriate forum section and reading from the "first unread" post onward. One thing to be aware of is that new members are subject to moderation for a period of time. This is simply a means by which we screen out spammers. That period of moderation also provides the new member a chance to get used to the culture of the discussion community and gives the moderators a chance to provide feedback in how to phrase posts and best participate in the forum when necessary. In any case the moderation means that there will be a (usually) slight delay in seeing your posts appear as they need to be approved by one of the moderators. The policy of moderation is usually pretty "light" and in no case does a moderator make substantial changes in a post (usually changes are limited to formatting, adding white space or sometimes eliminating excess quoted material.) Posts are usually sent through as submitted. I suggest you all explore the various features of the forum by reading through the posting helps found with the Terms of Use, past posts and experimenting if you wish in the "test area" Questions about the forum functioning or "how to" questions are welcome in the "about the forum" area.

Fr David Moser

[Anna Stickles]

In college, I encountered Orthodoxy again through Gary, The Willard Preacher (http://www.thewillardpreacher.com/index.htm). I wasn't attracted to Orthodoxy at the time, but I did get an Orthodox Study NT, and one of my friends converted. .

Hi Luke,

If you are not aware of it there is now a Penn State Orthodox Christian Alumni group (http://ocagofpsu.web.officelive.com/default.aspx) They are looking for enough signatures from Orthodox Christian alumni to be registered as an official group by the University. They would love to hear from you or other Orthodox Penn State alumni if you are not already in touch. Gary will be glad to hear that some of his seeds have been watered and grown.

Welcome to the forum.

[Kristine]

Hello. my name is Christine. ( nick here is kristine )

I was received into the Church ( OCA) this past Sunday . I feel very blessed to have been drawn to a church that in a very real sense, i have been looking for all my life. I had found this forum the night before i was received into the Church. I was having a little bit of pre- entrance jitters... i had some questions , which today do not seem nearly as pressing as they did the night before i was received..however i still have questions.. lots of them... i look forward to reading the posts here and learning , as well as asking questions.. all in good timing.


I knew nothing about the Orthodox Church until last Spring when i was browsing the Roman Catholic section of a book store in a neighboring city. I had picked up a book i thought had to do with Roman Catholic contemplative prayer.. The book i picked up had been placed in the wrong section...The book is called, ' Mountain of Silence, a Search for Orthodox Spirituality.' Not knowing what Orthodoxy meant/ was , i bought the book on a whim, a whim that changed my life . The fullness of everything i had been searching for within Christianity and never had found , began to pull together with the reading of this book and the books that followed...

I began to read everything i could get my hands on that had to do with Orthodox prayer . The classic , ' Way of the Pilgrim ', ' The Ladder of Divine Ascent' ' The Philokalia,' which led me to reading about the lives and wisdom of the saints ( saints i had never heard of in the Roman Catholic Church!) .. i wept... and to be honest, i am still reading and weeping and praying the *Jesus Prayer* . All that matters to me is continual remembrance of God.... receiving the Most Holy Eucharist and the Divine Liturgy ......... i spend my days praying the Jesus Prayer and guarding the mind .. for many years i have prayed, but never before have i found the fullness of Truth that i have found in Orthodoxy. i am DUMB concerning theology... the one yearning within me.. is to* live in God*, within the *heart* and by His grace, to love Him with all my mind, with all my heart, with all my soul, and with all my strength and to love my neighbor as myself... no easy task!

The past several years . after having a powerful spiritual experience in 1996 that blew my little world wide open , the order of business has been dying to self... i. e., facing everything within that is most fearsome and confronting the mind and the passions... this has not been fun . Before discovering Orthodoxy, i had very little understanding , no foundation in which to understand what was happening within me. At times this was frightening and highly perplexing as i had no frame of reference to understand.

Once i met a wonderful ( visiting ) Catholic priest from India who told me i was in good hands and what i was experiencing was a gift from God..... but he did not elaborate and i felt not inclined to press him for more details out of respect , as this came up in casual conversation at a luncheon... not the time and place to ha rang a priest about personal issues. I clung to his words which helped keep my sanity when i had no one to speak with about these things throughout the years..and prayed to Mother Mary and Jesus always, especially when things got really bizarre.

When i was lead( discovered ) Orthodoxy and and began to read .. what i read was very direct in helping me in this beginning to understand... all i can say is that this discovery was like finding an oasis after wandering about in a very dry ( hot) desert with no road signs for years . This opening to Orthodoxy has been no 'mental 'discovery .. this has been like finding a squillion dollars .. but better! YES, it has been a great *relief *to gain some understanding, ( like i am NOT going to die from spontaneous combustion or be swallowed up by the earth quaking inside of me ) or that i am NOT losing my mind.....

but even better, Orthodoxy offers a place to really grow in and KNOW Christ...and to worship in the highest sense of the word, the Father Son and Holy Spirit!. A way to work with the noisy mind and work with the passions and by Gods Grace to obtain theosis........... union with God. This is my hearts desire. Possibly it may sound brazen to say so.. but everything else pales in comparison....this is what brings me to the Orthodox church.....i have never found a Christian church that speaks so directly about Truth, what the heart longs for... which is God... and gives a marvelous compass to point the way.

yeah, at this time my ship may be a bit leaky... as in i have no ' spiritual teacher'.. would be nice to have one .. BUT i am keeping my eyes on the One and wrapping my heart around His.. and the heart of the most Holy Theotokos,... She is soooooo wonderful! and of course the Church.:)

so.. that's about it for now.. i look forward to getting to know all of you and learning... thank you for taking the time to read this introduction.

in His most infinite mercy....

christine/ aka kristine

[Dustan Michael Yergo]

My name is Dustan Yergo and I live with my beautiful wife of 10 years and my 2 children in York, PA. We were illumined on November 29th, 2009 and are parishioners of St. John Chrysostom Antiochian Orthodox Church in York. My wife came from a Pentecostal background in the Assemblies of God while I was brought up in a non-denominational church and by a family of converted Catholics. My wife and I had moved towards the Reformed Church, Presbyterian Church in America, shortly after we were married. We were constantly trying to find the New Testament Church and desperately trying to escape the liberalism and Gnosticism that had crept into the church bodies we were attending. What drew us to the PCA was the return to fundamental doctrine and its depth into the scripture. We took almost 3 year venture to Germany for a job, where we were attending an American and English speaking church, (of which the Pastor had been ordained by the Assemblies of God.) While in Germany, my cousin, who had also been Reformed, had converted to Catholicism, and I had found myself re-evaluating where I was and found myself asking “What happened during the 1500 years between Christ and the Reformation?” While doing some research on the internet about Catholicism, I had stumbled upon the Orthodox Church while reading an article about relics. Relics, the veneration of, and even the existence of, was so odd and foreign, it would only have to intrigue me. Unbeknownst to my wife, I had been secretly looking into what the Orthodox Church was and where it came from. Being in a foreign country, knowing very little of the language, I would not be able to visit a parish until I returned home. When we had moved back to the States, we stayed with relatives for about 8 months before we moved into our new home. I had promised my wife that we would find a permanent Church body once we got settled in. I immediately scanned for the internet for the closest Orthodox Church; I had to see this for myself. It didn’t take long as there was an Antiochian parish a mere 5 minutes away. We had no idea what Orthros was, but we knew it started at 8:30AM, or so we thought. We were a good 20 minutes early for Matins, but stayed well after for coffee hour. The service was unlike anything I ever experienced. There was chanting, there was incense, there were colorful garments, there were icons, and there was the huge image of Mary behind the iconostas. I had no idea what was being said or what it all meant, but I knew one thing, God was in their midst. One year later, my daughter and son were baptized and my wife and I were chrismated.

[Luke C.]

Hi Luke,

If you are not aware of it there is now a Penn State Orthodox Christian Alumni group (http://ocagofpsu.web.officelive.com/default.aspx) They are looking for enough signatures from Orthodox Christian alumni to be registered as an official group by the University. They would love to hear from you or other Orthodox Penn State alumni if you are not already in touch. Gary will be glad to hear that some of his seeds have been watered and grown.

Welcome to the forum.Thanks for letting me know, Anna. I'll have to check that out.

[Daniel E.]

Amazing story, Kristine, God bless you. I already requested to be accepted as a cathechumen (hopefully to start with Great Lent or around it). I anxiously desire to be fully member of the Orthodox Chruch!
Isn't it interesting how God guides us to the Truth through so many ways? Mine was a simple conversation with other fellow Roman Catholics that triggered deep curiosity in my heart. Yours a book that you even didn't know, but opened a whole new world in front of you.
I am, although, concerned that in several months I could end up in a place (due to work) with no Orthodox Church around in many, many kilometers. I pray God will provide with wahtever means for me to overcome difficulties that I may encounter. Interesting, some of my good friends decided to stop talking to me or see me because I am now (at least in intention) a "schismatic" in their Roman Catholic eyes (traditionally minded fellows).

[Olga]

Welcome Christine, Dustan, Luke and Daniel. May you find this forum as useful, informative and edifying as I do.

[Kristine]

thanks Olga for your welcome! and yes, i am reading all the older posts and loving it!

thanks for sharing your story Dustan! i loved hearing about your first visit to the Orthodox church!

Daniel...

indeed it is interesting .. the great mercy of God! Never, ever a dull moment.....what i failed to share in my introduction, is i had found myself waking up at night the week prior to finding this book that started this leg of the journey. Begging God within my heart for help to go deeper.. whatever it took, to lead me.. He did! It ws like a great invitation to give Him my restless heart and He would lead me deeper into Eternity beginning.. now! " LOL! Oh my, Our God is such a great God!

Do not worry about finding a home church.. it will all work out. I never thought there were any around where i live either ( small town in Montana) .. 2 months after i had been reading Orthodox books i found an Orthodox church in the neighboring town of Bozeman... ( 23 miles away) a wonderful community! mainly younger people ( families with kids) . since then i found out there is a Serbian Orthodox in Butte and another Orthodox church in Billings. I am confident the Lord will lead you Daniel. well He is leading you now!

As far as others not speaking to you...let it go.. it always works out. Pray for them.. ask their hearts be open to understanding....i will pray too:)

as far as the "schismatic" thing. Yeah i can understand a bit.. in my heart i know that the Lord led me to where i am today... to Orthodoxy, because it rang so incredibly true within my heart . Yet , the night before being received within the church there was a bit of anxiety as i have extreme devotion to Jesus of the Divine Mercy and saying the chaplet of the Divine Mercy.... and i wanted to be 100% clear that i was doing Gods will. Once i got quiet and was able to hear the still small voice in my heart, i knew without a doubt that i was in good hands and to go to sleep for the night. He accepts us where we are at. He is infinite goodness..

so be gentle with them and with yourself. these things have a way of working out. Enjoy the richness in which God has placed you..! i will add you to my prayer list.. and drop me a line in private message if you ever need a bit of support....

rich in his mercy.....

christine

[Josh Heller]

Greetings All,

I am a newcomer to the Orthodox Christian faith. I have long enjoyed learning about western and eastern faiths as a matter of personal interest. I have a great love and admiration for God, but, honestly, am uncomfortable with "public" worship, preferring personal prayer and devotion. I have interest in Christian contemplative practice thanks to St. Teresa of Avila, Fr Thomas Keating and others. Since turning my attention to Orthodox faith some months ago I have found that its depth and beauty and richness resonates with me more than I would have imagined. The wealth of educational materials on the various Archdiocese and related media websites has been incredibly helpful and informative. Fr Matthew Steenberg's podcasts have been a very enjoyable source of education and reflection, which is how I found myself here. I look forward to learning more about the Orthodox faith in general and several Orthodox Saints in particular whom I am finding most interesting.

My family and I have recently met with the Father of my local Greek Orthodox church and we will quite likely visit for Liturgy very soon. (Yes I have to overcome my uncomfortable feelings.) In the mean time, I have enjoyed listening to the Capella Romana version of the the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom in English set to Byzantine Chant. (http://www.cappellaromana.org/index.php?page=music#h3)

I am thankful to be here and I look forward to much reading and learning within this community.

Josh

[Daniel E.]

Hello everyone,
Today Forgiveness Sunday, I have been received as a Catechumen in the Orthodox Church. My journey just begins, but I already feel as a member of the Orthodox Church, at least as a Catechumen. Today, I participated also of my fist Forgiveness Vespers. Too many deep experiences today. Your prayers are appreciated.

[Olga]

Congratulations, Daniel! I am always inspired out of any "cradle" complacency by folks like you who have taken the monumental step to join the Church.

[Nikolas]

Hi there, I'm Nikolas from Cornwall in the UK. I'm an Anglican, but with family members who are Russion Orthodox, so I have attendened many Orthodox services. I am greatly impressed with Orthodox theology (such as I know of it), and am pleased to see it dosnt seem to be a part of the slide into over the top liberalism the Anglican church is. I look forward to entering int disscussion with you all.

[Grace Singh]

hey, my name is grace, and i've joined to learn more about the Orthodox tradition. i have a lot of respect and admiration for the older, apostolic Christian churches, their theology, liturgies, and traditions. would like to learn more about Orthodox theology and history, and commune with other Christians here. God bless you, and thank you!

in Christ ~ grace

[Jon Barker]

Hello, all. My name is Jonathan, and I'm a former-Evangelical-but-not-yet-Orthodox, which basically means I greatly desire to join the Orthodox Church, but can't be catechized just yet, due to family circumstances. I'm a college student in New York, and I'm currently finishing up my final semester and applying to law school.

Hope to come here more often once I've finished more work!

~Jon

[Jason H.]

Hello! My name is Jason and I was recieved into the Holy Orthodox Church (Antiochian) in 2006. I'm so glad that i found this website that is full of Orthodox theology, thought, prayer, and people! It seems to be more active than Orthodox Circle and Beliefnet. I chose my screen name Thaddeus as it means "gift of God" and just find it beautiful. My Patron Saints are St. Philip the Apostle, St. John Maximovitch, and St. Ignatius the God-bearer.

IC XC

Jason

[Luke C.]

Hello, all. My name is Jonathan, and I'm a former-Evangelical-but-not-yet-Orthodox, which basically means I greatly desire to join the Orthodox Church, but can't be catechized just yet, due to family circumstances. I'm a college student in New York, and I'm currently finishing up my final semester and applying to law school.

Hope to come here more often once I've finished more work!

~Jon

Hi Jon! Glad you stumbled over here! I know you've desired to become Orthodox for quite some time - since it's partly your fault that I became Orthodox. I look forward to when you can join us!

- Luke C. (OBP)

[Tifo]

Greetings all,

To make it short, my name is Christian and I was born in Poland and baptized Roman Catholic, though in my family Catholicism is more of an cultural/ethnic marker than actual faith. For the most part anyway. I never felt that I received the 'revelation' of Catholicism, realizing that I can't force faith. I am not Orthodox (yet), and yet through attending Divine Liturgy (many churches to choose from in Bulgaria), reading, asking questions, I know that Orthodoxy is 'home' for me. The more I learn, the less I know however, and this site seems a natural step in helping me to learn more about Orthodoxy.

Thanks everyone,

- Christian

[David Menchu]

Hello to everyone,

My name is David, I am an orthodox from Guatemala. I'm coming from a faithful family, catholic, even if my father always openly expressed and thaught us his differences with some dogmas and skepticism about the Vatican's things. Well, in my adolescence, I was involved in a lot of activities of my catholic parish, even becoming some kind of "young leader" for guiding and teaching the others on subjects like the Bible and the social practice of the faith. Aftherwards, I followed and finished the laws' faculty, keeping frequent discussions with some close priests, because for me there were too many things to learn, to ask, to question. Thus, I began to know the Orthodoxy almost three years ago, when I wanted to strengthen my faith but I began to realize that the paths of the catholic teaching were just a branch of a deeper truth. From conversations with a Costa Rican orthodox priest, then, with the orthodox nuns of my country, until arriving to communicate in english with this side of the world, Romania.

From that "discovering", many important things happened in my life, blessing after blessing: I was invited and succeeded to come many times to Eastern Europe for living the Orthodoxy, I received the Holy Baptism in a moldavian monastery with the blessing of the beloved staret Iustin Parvu and months ago I married here with who is now my "teacher". And, as the blessings keep coming, I keep learning.

[Crispin]

Hi everyone.
One tentative Anglican seeker after Orthodoxy. I have been orthodox in heart for several decades but also attached to the Church of England in a number of significant ways that have delayed my journey to the orthodox. Think that journey might be coming to its conclusion now. Good to be here and hope to learn much from your combined wisdom - especially about the whole process of moving into orthodoxy. Sorry Fr. Deacon Matthew is leaving these shores for America, although I wish him every happiness and blessing in his homeland. We shall miss him. Hope he continues to give us his podcasts.
Regards to all,
Crispin

[Jon Barker]

Hi Jon! Glad you stumbled over here! I know you've desired to become Orthodox for quite some time - since it's partly your fault that I became Orthodox. I look forward to when you can join us!

- Luke C. (OBP)

Hello, Luke! (It seems strange to call you that...) Good to see a familiar acronym! ;)

~Jon

[Grace Singh]

Hi everyone.
One tentative Anglican seeker after Orthodoxy. I have been orthodox in heart for several decades but also attached to the Church of England in a number of significant ways that have delayed my journey to the orthodox. Think that journey might be coming to its conclusion now. Good to be here and hope to learn much from your combined wisdom - especially about the whole process of moving into orthodoxy. Sorry Fr. Deacon Matthew is leaving these shores for America, although I wish him every happiness and blessing in his homeland. We shall miss him. Hope he continues to give us his podcasts.
Regards to all,
Crispin

God bless you Mr. Crispin, and welcome!

[Milliardo]

Hello all! Just passed by here, and I hope to learn more on this site and forums.

[John Sennett]

Greetings from the Jersey Shore! (Not the one on MTV). How does one begin? I guess that it is best to start with this. If you want to know the type of person I am look at St. Moses Murin and St. Mary of Eqypt before they turned to Christ. To make it interesting, here is a poem I wrote about my journey to Orthodoxy. Later, I will speak of how I came to Orthodoxy.



SOUL CAFE


A drop of loneliness, a quest for purpose
Went by the local Soul Cafe
Salvation ala carte and a coffee
Sorry, we're out of that


Moved on to the Convenience Store
Everything tasted the same
Nothing filled me up
Take it or leave it, what a shame


I left it and wandered around
Door to Door Salesman on the street
Sorry, bought it at the office
Jumped on a bus that went nowhere


A universal route of pluralistic nothingness
Dug in the Earth for awhile
Nothing but worms in there
Hitchhiked East but went too far


Couldn't get back home by car
Shot pool with curly locks
Who questioned my quest
Did he have horns and a tail?


Nope, just bad tasting food
Picked up a square and a level
Set it back down
Hey, who's the guy with the crown?


Now, there's an idea, I said as I looked up
An angel fell in my lap with a big ice cream cone
She took me on a trip to a once Soviet home
And opened up doors to where I would never be alone.

In Christ,

John

[Denise]

Glory to Jesus Christ!

This is my first post, and am not sure how to articulate how I've wound up here.

First, I am a cradle Roman Catholic. For many years, I've felt that something was 'missing' in my faith. I wasn't sure what that element was, and for a while thought it meant I was called to religious life, because the more I prayed, the more I added various devotions to my horarium/schedule, ie: Divine Office, Rosary, Daily Mass, etc., the more I felt it wasn't enough. Again, I wasn't sure why.

After a while, I even entered the monastery, believing this would be a culmination of that which I sought. It was... but then again, it wasn't. When I returned to the 'world' after being ill, I had to take some serious stock in my faith and how that faith was to be manifested in my daily living. The parish I was attending was sadly rampant with many liturgical abuses, albeit still licit. So I searched for a more 'traditional' church, unable to really find it, unless I attended a Latin Mass (the language), but there I felt more of a spectator than a participant.

One weekend I attended Divine Liturgy at an Antiochian Mission. For the FIRST time in my life, I was greeted when I walked through the door. I was seated next to someone who aided me in following along. I was taken by no less than a dozen people to lunch and we engaged in a question/answer session. For the next month I felt like I'd come home... but was terrified to leave the Church I'd known all my life. The priest, seeing my fear, asked if I was aware there was a Byzantine Catholic Church down the street from my home? I wasn't, but started attending there. Again, I was met with much almost effusive greetings. I attended Divine Liturgy for the next 6 months there. I received a job offer two hours away and moved. In the new (rather small) town, there were no Byz. Cath. Churches. What to do? (as an aside, I went to the 'new' RCC after I moved, for almost 5 months before the pastor asked me if I was new.)

I returned to the RC Mass. But not happily. My spiritual life tanked. The inclusive language, the casual Mass, the contemporary music, the hand holding during the Lord's Prayer, the social justice sermons without the mention of the Scriptures we'd just heard and sometimes no mention of God at all, the lack of true spiritual direction of the flock... it all broke my heart. My feelings vacillated between the belief that I was attending some protestanized or secularized meeting to the sad feelings that the Church had become more institution than loving Christian family. I won't begin with the responses I'd received from the clergy when making my pleas vocal. It wasn't kind. I was told that the Church is the 'one true' but no assistance of any kind, especially not spiritual, to this growing unease and spiritual unrest.

One evening while praying in the chapel at my local parish, I closed my eyes... and saw the iconostasis of the Byzantine Church I'd attended. I really felt a balm, a sense of 'Go East'. So I began making the 2 hour trek to the Byzantine Catholic parish nearest my home. Because of my work, I'm on call many weekends and cannot travel 2 hours one way to attend church. One weekend a few months ago, instead of making the left to go to the RCC, I turned right... and kept going until I came to the GO Mission 10 or so miles away. I walked in and again, was greeted with love. I attended Divine Liturgy, able to chant as if I was there last week, not a year prior. I started to cry. After Liturgy, I was talking to the priest, commenting on this, saying I felt I had come home. His response? 'That's because you ARE home.'

I haven't made the official 'jump' to becoming a catechumen, although I have been attending ever since, even going to every Catechumen class, and even joining the Choir. I've been reading furiously, and have asked some of my Catholic friends about my journey. I've been condemned already as a heretic and a schismatic. I've had rather intelligent, educated Catholics say that better I had never known the Truth (ie: RCC) than to know it and leave it. I've been told I'm going to hell. It is, to be honest, incredibly disheartening. I cry often, and fear that my 'feelings' are all in my head, and have even begun to doubt my desire for conversion, which of course is why I'm not officially a catechumen.

For those who read my post, thank you for allowing me to be here. Any assistance you could offer in my journey would be such a blessing. I've read many books such as those by Bishop Kallistos Ware and various blogs. Any advice? I've spoken to my new priest, but of course he's partial to the EOC, and while a convert, has never been RCC.

[Adam Rasmussen]

Hi. I am a Catholic getting a Ph.D. in Historical Theology at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. I'm very interested in the furtherance of Catholic-Orthodox dialogue, but am not especially well informed about Orthodoxy, though I am familiar with the early Eastern writers, e.g. St. Basil the Great.

[Grace Singh]

fantastic poem, John. God bless you, too.

[John Sennett]

fantastic poem, John. God bless you, too.

Mrs. Singh:

Thank you for welcoming me. It is greatly appreciated. I look forward to participating in an active dialogue.

[Mick Curran]

Glory to Jesus Christ!

This is my first post, and am not sure how to articulate how I've wound up here.

First, I am a cradle Roman Catholic. For many years, I've felt that something was 'missing' in my faith. I wasn't sure what that element was, and for a while thought it meant I was called to religious life, because the more I prayed, the more I added various devotions to my horarium/schedule, ie: Divine Office, Rosary, Daily Mass, etc., the more I felt it wasn't enough. Again, I wasn't sure why.

After a while, I even entered the monastery, believing this would be a culmination of that which I sought. It was... but then again, it wasn't. When I returned to the 'world' after being ill, I had to take some serious stock in my faith and how that faith was to be manifested in my daily living. The parish I was attending was sadly rampant with many liturgical abuses, albeit still licit. So I searched for a more 'traditional' church, unable to really find it, unless I attended a Latin Mass (the language), but there I felt more of a spectator than a participant.

One weekend I attended Divine Liturgy at an Antiochian Mission. For the FIRST time in my life, I was greeted when I walked through the door. I was seated next to someone who aided me in following along. I was taken by no less than a dozen people to lunch and we engaged in a question/answer session. For the next month I felt like I'd come home... but was terrified to leave the Church I'd known all my life. The priest, seeing my fear, asked if I was aware there was a Byzantine Catholic Church down the street from my home? I wasn't, but started attending there. Again, I was met with much almost effusive greetings. I attended Divine Liturgy for the next 6 months there. I received a job offer two hours away and moved. In the new (rather small) town, there were no Byz. Cath. Churches. What to do? (as an aside, I went to the 'new' RCC after I moved, for almost 5 months before the pastor asked me if I was new.)

I returned to the RC Mass. But not happily. My spiritual life tanked. The inclusive language, the casual Mass, the contemporary music, the hand holding during the Lord's Prayer, the social justice sermons without the mention of the Scriptures we'd just heard and sometimes no mention of God at all, the lack of true spiritual direction of the flock... it all broke my heart. My feelings vacillated between the belief that I was attending some protestanized or secularized meeting to the sad feelings that the Church had become more institution than loving Christian family. I won't begin with the responses I'd received from the clergy when making my pleas vocal. It wasn't kind. I was told that the Church is the 'one true' but no assistance of any kind, especially not spiritual, to this growing unease and spiritual unrest.

One evening while praying in the chapel at my local parish, I closed my eyes... and saw the iconostasis of the Byzantine Church I'd attended. I really felt a balm, a sense of 'Go East'. So I began making the 2 hour trek to the Byzantine Catholic parish nearest my home. Because of my work, I'm on call many weekends and cannot travel 2 hours one way to attend church. One weekend a few months ago, instead of making the left to go to the RCC, I turned right... and kept going until I came to the GO Mission 10 or so miles away. I walked in and again, was greeted with love. I attended Divine Liturgy, able to chant as if I was there last week, not a year prior. I started to cry. After Liturgy, I was talking to the priest, commenting on this, saying I felt I had come home. His response? 'That's because you ARE home.'

I haven't made the official 'jump' to becoming a catechumen, although I have been attending ever since, even going to every Catechumen class, and even joining the Choir. I've been reading furiously, and have asked some of my Catholic friends about my journey. I've been condemned already as a heretic and a schismatic. I've had rather intelligent, educated Catholics say that better I had never known the Truth (ie: RCC) than to know it and leave it. I've been told I'm going to hell. It is, to be honest, incredibly disheartening. I cry often, and fear that my 'feelings' are all in my head, and have even begun to doubt my desire for conversion, which of course is why I'm not officially a catechumen.

For those who read my post, thank you for allowing me to be here. Any assistance you could offer in my journey would be such a blessing. I've read many books such as those by Bishop Kallistos Ware and various blogs. Any advice? I've spoken to my new priest, but of course he's partial to the EOC, and while a convert, has never been RCC.

Hi Denise,

Thanks for your very interesting contribution, which in parts I found quite moving. I can identify with much of what you wrote. My own journey to Orthodoxy has been gradual. I took quite a long time before I became a catechumen and I decided just a few days ago that I want to be chrismated this coming Pascha.

Since you asked for advice, I respectfully adduce three ideas.

The first is that you leave aside the books and the blogs. You can come back to them later. Instead, focus upon your morning and evening prayers and try to attend as many Orthodox services as you can.

Secondly, discontinue seeking advice from Catholics about Holy Orthodoxy. Instead, listen to your priest. But I’d gently urge you to refrain from asking him questions about the Catholic Church. Ask him questions about Orthodoxy. One of the significant differences between East and West is that in the West everything has to be nailed down and placed in context. In the West, unanswered questions can become a threat to faith. But Orthodoxy does not embrace that agitated mindset. For example, it is very important to Catholics (particularly the intelligent, educated ones) to know that the ideas of the Reformers are heretical but that the position of the Catholic Church in relation to the Orthodox Church is that the two are in schism. Thus the Catholic conclusion is that Anglican orders are invalid (cf. Apostolic Curae) but Orthodox priests are indeed real priests. However, none of this has any relevance to Orthodoxy. Orthodox Christians have plenty of challenges inside Orthodoxy to keep them engaged and challenged, never mind concerning themselves with what those outside Orthodoxy are thinking. Orthodoxy offers a much more peaceful approach, you see. The challenge is to divest oneself of the frantic urge to know all the answers and be able to find contentment with mystery.

Thirdly, you must do your very best to be patient. This will probably present the greatest challenge.

By the way, since I’m only a catechumen and still very much a learner myself feel free to ignore my comments. But if you feel even slightly swayed by what I’ve written please make sure you check my notions with your priest. I wish you well on your spiritual journey. And if you need an encouraging word at any time, do please let me know.

In Christ,
Mick

[Denise]

Hi Denise,

Thanks for your very interesting contribution, which in parts I found quite moving. I can identify with much of what you wrote. My own journey to Orthodoxy has been gradual. I took quite a long time before I became a catechumen and I decided just a few days ago that I want to be chrismated this coming Pascha.

Since you asked for advice, I respectfully adduce three ideas.

The first is that you leave aside the books and the blogs. You can come back to them later. Instead, focus upon your morning and evening prayers and try to attend as many Orthodox services as you can.

Secondly, discontinue seeking advice from Catholics about Holy Orthodoxy. Instead, listen to your priest. But I’d gently urge you to refrain from asking him questions about the Catholic Church. Ask him questions about Orthodoxy. One of the significant differences between East and West is that in the West everything has to be nailed down and placed in context. In the West, unanswered questions can become a threat to faith. But Orthodoxy does not embrace that agitated mindset. For example, it is very important to Catholics (particularly the intelligent, educated ones) to know that the ideas of the Reformers are heretical but that the position of the Catholic Church in relation to the Orthodox Church is that the two are in schism. Thus the Catholic conclusion is that Anglican orders are invalid (cf. Apostolic Curae) but Orthodox priests are indeed real priests. However, none of this has any relevance to Orthodoxy. Orthodox Christians have plenty of challenges inside Orthodoxy to keep them engaged and challenged, never mind concerning themselves with what those outside Orthodoxy are thinking. Orthodoxy offers a much more peaceful approach, you see. The challenge is to divest oneself of the frantic urge to know all the answers and be able to find contentment with mystery.

Thirdly, you must do your very best to be patient. This will probably present the greatest challenge.

By the way, since I’m only a catechumen and still very much a learner myself feel free to ignore my comments. But if you feel even slightly swayed by what I’ve written please make sure you check my notions with your priest. I wish you well on your spiritual journey. And if you need an encouraging word at any time, do please let me know.

In Christ,
Mick

Mick,

Thank you so much for your wonderful post. Not only have I received your generous thoughts, but also some wise words from an Orthodox priest who was so kind as to write me a private message or two. Incidentally, I received a phone call last evening from my (new) parish priest who, while not trying to convert me, pretty much said what both of you have shared with me as well. He's been SO generous and welcoming, I couldn't ask for a better pastor.

As for attending as many services as possible, would you believe that I'm already in the choir? Yeah, they've roped me in! So I've been attending every Divine Liturgy as well as many of the Lenten services, ie: The Canon(s) of St. Andrew, Forgiveness Vespers etc. I've also attended about 6 Catechumen classes already.

This evening, I made a promise to myself to ignore the advice I've been receiving from those who are not believers. It was doing nothing but distracting and confusing me.

Yes, being Catholic and being in the medical profession, my comfort zone is to want everything to be wrapped up quite nicely with a bow. And boy do I know what you mean when you say that unanswered questions can be a threat to faith! I've been there in my search. I need to let mystery be mystery and allow the Holy Spirit to lead me. The old phrase 'let God be God'. That's difficult but I'm trying to let my heart lead. I'll still have many questions, and yes I'm trying to be patient, but I know that since I yearn for our Lord with a fervency greater than anything else, He will do nothing but show me the path I am to walk and bless my efforts.

Thank you for the kindness you've shown me, and I'll pray for you as you walk in faith toward your chrismation. When will that be?

God bless you,

Denise

[David Lanier]

Hello. I am a convert to the Orthodox Faith and was Chrismated in 1990 or 1991 (I can't remember exactly which of those two years it was now) at Holy Trinity Orthodox Church (http://www.holy-trinity-church.org/) in Kansas City, KS. I also have attended at The Nativity of the Holy Virgin Orthodox Church (http://www.holyvirgin.net/) in Charlotte, NC and at St. Nicholas Chapel (http://www.marines.mil/unit/mcblejeune/chaplain/Pages/service-schedule/default.aspx) located in Camp Johnson Marine Corps base inside of Camp Legeune, NC (not because I was in the Marines, but because it was the closest Orthodox Church near where I lived at the time.

I spent several years away from the Church but now I am back and Praise God for the wonderful and dynamic parish of Holy Cross Orthodox Church (http://www.holycrossoca.org) in High Point, NC which is only a few miles from where I am living now.

It feels really great to be back in the fold of the Church. I posted something (http://www.orthodoxchristianity.net/forum/index.php/topic,6274.180.html) about this on OrthodoxChristianity.net and for the sake of not seeking vainglory, I won't repeat myself here.

I hope I can learn much from the Church Fathers here and with the Grace of God, be able to contribute positively in the forums.

[Xuxana]

aloha and kalispera. i am a greek orthodox female and ive stumbled upon this site to know more about orthodox theology. i am from hawaii. we have a small church here but with lots of very active members. mostly greek, but also quite a few serbian, russian, antiochian orthodox, as well as converts from all different religions in hawaii. thank you very much. i am eager to read and learn so much from all of you.

God Bless you all.

[Father David Moser]

Xuxana, welcome to Monachos. The form of your name is unfamiliar to me - how is it pronounced and to what saint does it refer?

Fr David Moser

[Kyrill Bolton]

Welcome Denise (and all other new members): I can certainly identify with your struggle with desiring to have have everything in Orthodoxy intellectualized. I think that this is, in part, the curse of the western mindset. I am just now (after almost 20 years) feeling comfortable with accepting Orthodoxy and all therein (as the Baptist might sing) "Just as it is." I seldom now wonder how many angels are sitting on the head of a pin, how wine and bread transforms into the body and blood of Christ. (But for sure it does, I say experientially.) May our God and Savior lead you on your journey.

[Denise]

Welcome Denise (and all other new members): I can certainly identify with your struggle with desiring to have have everything in Orthodoxy intellectualized. I think that this is, in part, the curse of the western mindset. I am just now (after almost 20 years) feeling comfortable with accepting Orthodoxy and all therein (as the Baptist might sing) "Just as it is." I seldom now wonder how many angels are sitting on the head of a pin, how wine and bread transforms into the body and blood of Christ. (But for sure it does, I say experientially.) May our God and Savior lead you on your journey.

Thank you, Kyrill! I have to share some fabulous news! After many long talks with my priest and many prayers, I've decided that I cannot do anything but our Lord's will which is to convert to Orthodoxy. I've asked for entrance into the Church and I've been accepted as a catechumen! God be praised! Please pray for this poor sinner as I continue my journey.

[Kyrill Bolton]

Praise be to our Lord God and Saviour. Yes I will continue to pray for your journey.

[David Lanier]

Thank you, Kyrill! I have to share some fabulous news! After many long talks with my priest and many prayers, I've decided that I cannot do anything but our Lord's will which is to convert to Orthodoxy. I've asked for entrance into the Church and I've been accepted as a catechumen! God be praised! Please pray for this poor sinner as I continue my journey.
You are embarking on a fantastic journey! May the Peace of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ be with you!

[Denise]

You are embarking on a fantastic journey! May the Peace of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ be with you!

Thank you so much! I'm so excited and of course a little scared, but my heart is calm with this step so I believe it's from our Lord.

[Nina]

Thank you, Kyrill! I have to share some fabulous news! After many long talks with my priest and many prayers, I've decided that I cannot do anything but our Lord's will which is to convert to Orthodoxy. I've asked for entrance into the Church and I've been accepted as a catechumen! God be praised! Please pray for this poor sinner as I continue my journey.

Wow! Thank God! May St. Patrick, whose feastday was when you posted the great news, guide you and help you. :)

[Nina]

Welcome, everyone!

[Angelos]

Hello everyone,

My name is Angelos. I grew up in Greece, raised Greek Orthodox. I moved to the US in the early '90s. I was very secular for many years but 5 years ago I "rediscovered" Christianity. I tried to start with a blank sheet and ended-up coming to full communion with Rome. I live in NYC and belong to a Catholic parish. I still have a lot of affection for the Orthodox Church and I long for the day that hopefully the two Apostolic Churches of the East and the West will reunite. I'm heartened by the mutual respect and affection that Archbishop Bartholomew and Pope Benedict have for each-other

[David Lanier]

Hello everyone,

My name is Angelos. I grew up in Greece, raised Greek Orthodox. I moved to the US in the early '90s. I was very secular for many years but 5 years ago I "rediscovered" Christianity. I tried to start with a blank sheet and ended-up coming to full communion with Rome. I live in NYC and belong to a Catholic parish. I still have a lot of affection for the Orthodox Church and I long for the day that hopefully the two Apostolic Churches of the East and the West will reunite. I'm heartened by the mutual respect and affection that Archbishop Bartholomew and Pope Benedict have for each-other
Welcome Angelos!

[Margaret H.]

Hello! Introducing myself. My name is Margaret, and I live in Galilee, Israel. I'm English by origin (born in Bristol), but have lived in Israel since 1981. I'mm 66, widow, retired, living alone with my 2 dogs in a small ancient town in the Galilee Hills. I was formerly Anglican, but joined the Greek Orthodox Church while living in Cyprus in the 1960s. I dropped out of the Church for many years... [long story...], but recently returned. I regularly attend Orthodox churches in Arab communities in Galilee and in Akko (Acre, the Metropolis of Ptolemais) - these are all part of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem. Languages that I know (more or less): English, Hebrew, Greek, Ge'ez [classical Ethiopic], and now learning some Arabic. Some of my interests: Middle Eastern Christianity, Judaism, archaeology, early Christianity...

Also hoping to expand my connections with Orthodox communities in England. I don't get to visit England very often (too expensive); but was there in February this year for conference of the Orthodox Fellowship of St John the Baptist, in Bath. Planning to come again in July-August for their annual international conference at Swanwick.

I just enrolled with the distance learning programme of the Institute of Orthodox Christian Studies at Cambridge, England (website http://www.iocs.cam.ac.uk/ ), and am looking forward very much to starting next month to study Module One (Prayer). Very happy to find such a programme that enables me to study from home!! Would be happy to hear from anyone else on this programme.

I'd also be happy to hear from anyone planning to visit Israel (especially Galilee).

Margaret Hayon

[Nina]

Dear Dr. Margaret, a very warm welcome and thank you for all this beautiful introduction. :) We have several members here from beautiful GB. :)

[Archimandrite Irenei]

Welcome and greetings to all our new members. May your experiences in this community be fruitful.

[David S.]

Hello everyone.

My name is David and for years I've been fascinated in religion (in religion? by religion?). Anyway - having almost finished a History of Art course at University I've found myself fascinated by icons; the subject of which will be my final year dissertation. Which I should be working on right now but instead I'm writing this.

Until recent times I was a committed atheist but quite simply I woke up one day and was no longer sure. There was no great Road to Damascus moment - nothing at all that made me question my beliefs - or lack thereof. It was quite simply I no longer didn't believe.

Having said that it's not as if I've suddenly accepted Christ into my life or anything of the sort rather I am more prepared than I've ever been to see the Bible - and its associated texts - as indicators of something beyond my normal experience. And I find myself drawn, most of all, to Orthodoxy.

It's interesting now that - after having read the works of Bishop Ware, Vladmir Lossky and John Meyendorff for academic purposes -I now find myself approaching these texts from a slightly different perspective...

[David Lanier]

Hello everyone.

My name is David and for years I've been fascinated in religion (in religion? by religion?). Anyway - having almost finished a History of Art course at University I've found myself fascinated by icons; the subject of which will be my final year dissertation. Which I should be working on right now but instead I'm writing this.

Until recent times I was a committed atheist but quite simply I woke up one day and was no longer sure. There was no great Road to Damascus moment - nothing at all that made me question my beliefs - or lack thereof. It was quite simply I no longer didn't believe.

Having said that it's not as if I've suddenly accepted Christ into my life or anything of the sort rather I am more prepared than I've ever been to see the Bible - and its associated texts - as indicators of something beyond my normal experience. And I find myself drawn, most of all, to Orthodoxy.

It's interesting now that - after having read the works of Bishop Ware, Vladmir Lossky and John Meyendorff for academic purposes -I now find myself approaching these texts from a slightly different perspective...
Welcome Mr. David to the forums here. I hope it serves to be a wealth of knowledge and inspiration for you. There are many that are much better educated and knowledgeable than myself here to guide you, and I simply wanted to welcome you, but as for your new found curiosity about Christianity may I offer something from one of our respected theologians, Fr. Thomas Hopko from something he said many many years ago: "if you simply want to want to believe, or even if you only want to want to want to believe" then God will lead you as long as you "want to want to believe".

I once heard someone say that it takes more faith to be an atheist than it does to believe in something.

[Denise]

Welcome to all the new members. It's so wonderful to see how many like minded people are here. It's such a balm to my soul and I feel grateful to be here. I have recently arrived on Monachos as well, but hope after Holy Week and Pascha, I'll be able to read more and perhaps contribute more to this wonderfully welcoming online community.

Yours in Christ,

Denise

[Peter Stanton]

Hi, I'm Peter, and I'm a college student and inquirer in the United States. I was raised in a nondenominational church, but never really felt satisfied with it and my family sort of drifted away through other churches.

I myself, finally realizing that as a legal adult I wasn't bound into a tradition I didn't feel was correct or meaningful, and started investigating, and found myself deeply convinced by the Orthodox Church very quickly.

I've been in a few message boards and read a number of books. I know that they aren't any substitute for being at Church in person, but unfortunately due to financial difficulties I'm also having to work, and I am scheduled on Sunday mornings. I'm hoping and praying that gets changed soon.

Something that has deeply blessed me is that as I begun my looking into the Church, a local holy brotherhood began serving Vespers at our school (which is very Protestant in demographics) every other week, and I felt extremely blessed to be able to go and "lay aside all earthly cares" for just an hour every 14 days, no matter how many papers, how much studying or homework I had pressing down.

So, in short. I am an 85% convinced inquirer who doesn't know everything, but really like everything I've learned and seen so far.

[Kyrill Bolton]

Welcome, Peter: You have started upon a wondrous journey, may God speed. You might want to go to Ancient Faith Radio (http://ancientfaith.com/) and you can listen to and/or download talks about Pascha and various parts of the services.

(You might want to read some of the letters in this forum of how other people, many coming from the same background, have found the Church.

[Brian D.]

Hello everyone.

My name is Brian. I live just a tad bit to the north-east of the greater Baltimore area and have been visiting a Ukrainian Orthodox mission parish in my area - Four Evangelist Orthodox Church. Most of my "church life" has been spent in Presbyterian and Lutheran contexts, with a brief investigation of Anglicanism. About ten years ago I did spend about 3 months in an OCA parish in the St. Louis area while seriously investigating Orthodoxy. Meanwhile, I took a transfer with my job, got married, had kids, etc., and did not pick up where I left off once I arrived in the Baltimore area. Life just kind of took off, for the lack of a better way of saying it. However, the deep down the "Orthodoxy question" in my heart, as I call it, never went away. In the past ten years I've read widely re: Orthodoxy but now really want to start (again) joining in and experiencing the liturgical life of the Church. That's the very short version of my story which brings me to my current place of visiting the Orthodox mission parish.

[Behind all this is a spouse who "just doesn't get it", so to speak. She has since gone to a non-denominational type of church after our leaving the Lutheran church, which is an entirely different story. I'll spare you all the details here on this public msg board ;-) I say all of this just to ask for your prayers, if you're so inclined!]

Thanks,

Brian

[Owen Jones]

Dear Peter Stanton,

The nice thing about Orthodoxy is that, depending on where you live, your nearest parish ought to have plenty of services during the week. So if you cannot attend Sunday liturgy all is not lost! And this will hopefully avail you of our magnificent matins and vespers services.

[David Schneider]

Hi, I am David. I live in Oklahoma City. I am married with two children. I've been studying Syriac on my own for over a year, although I've received much needed direction from some gracious folks with experience in that area. I've been a visitor at Monachos.net for a few years mostly to read the great resources kept online here. Since my company was bought out and we were laid off, my job situation has been erratic, so I probably won't be able to read all or participate in the discussions as I would like to. I hope to return to school and finish a PhD one day.

[Anne M.]

Hello,

I am Anne. I became Orthodox about five years ago. I am in my late twenties and single. I am between careers right now. I love being Orthodox and strive to become closer to God continually. At this point in life I am wanting to take my relationship with God more seriously than ever before. I have had a lot of repentance to do and at this point in my life am seeking to know that I am a new creature in Christ. I look forward to getting to know some people here. Mainly I will post about my spiritual walk and wondering how to draw closer to God and how to learn to love other people more and also how to forgive myself and others, and such things as that. What is the best general thread to post for spiritual direction? Thanks so much.

Sincerely Anne

[Father David Moser]

Welcome to all the new members. It is good to see such interest in participation in the Monachos discussion group. I would like to remind everyone that we try to keep our focus here limited to the patristic, monastic and liturgical expression of Orthodoxy. This focus is one of the things that keeps Monachos vital and interesting. Thus matters such as pastoral advice, personal spiritual direction and inter/intra - Church politics tend to be outside the focus. Of course when there is an angle or question on these topics that is addressed by our particular focus we do talk about such things (look for example at some of the threads about the Athonite Elders or Fr Sophrony on spiritual direction - or the area on "World events" to look at politics). And naturally we do like to kick back and make a few jokes, share personal stories and such and for that you should look at the "Casual and Personal" area (where this introductions thread is found).

So, again, welcome, and we hope to see your comments and questions here in the future.

Fr David Moser

[Yolanda]

My name is Yolanda. I am a chinese catechumen. I waiting for my spiritual father Jonah come to china.

I am looking for God for a long time, when i was a child, i used to be a Protestant ; then i grew up to become a catholic; now i am Orthodox. I found Orthodox from internet and my spiritual father Jonah who always teaches me via the Internet, i love my spiritual father very much. God doesn't abandon me, he loves sinner, god is love.

Please pray for me and for china.

[Kosta]

WELCOME ALL! Such diverse backgrounds. Glory be to God!

[Ksenia G.]

Hi Matthew,

New forum member myself, and hope to post an intro soon. I am an iconographer w/ 3 homeschooled girls, out in the middle of nowhere about a 2 1/2 hour drive from my parish, and prob 100 miles from any other Orthodox except 1 young daughter. I am Russian Orthodox.
Anyway, wanted to tell you about OXWOMS, Orthodox without my spouse yahoo group. Very small, friendly, non combattive group that offers prayers and support for our spouses, which range from abusive to stick-in-the-mud stubborn to supportive church attendees. Lately we have seen one change from the first to the last category, and it is always encouraging to see a change when change is not forthcoming around here.
Ksenia fron SE TX

[Dora Aivaliotou]

My name is Dora Aivaliotou. I am Greek Orthodox from Cyprus. I am 58 years old and was educated in England. I have a Bsc degree in Economics but I've been interested in Philosophy and for the last 18 years in religion. My husband Nikos gave up his work at a relatively young age to search for God. We followed many different alien paths until we met a very wise monk in Stavrovouni, Cyprus who reintroduced us to Orthodoxy. In 1991 we met gerontas Sofronios in Essex who explained the difference between Meditation that we had practised for many years and the Jesus Prayer. Of course this changed our lives completely and we were very fortunate to meet Gerontas Athanasios (now Metropolitan Athanasios of Limassol) who became our spiritual father and helped us to become more established into Orthodoxy.

[Ksenia G.]

Hi Brian,

Orthodox without my spouse, OXWOMS, is a quiet, small, supportive message board that also has catechumens and inquirers. They pray for each other, it is pretty slow moving so I can just check on it every week or so, and it is like a haven from arguing. It is pretty personable, if you have time for 2 message boards. My spouse is a Lutheran, very ardent in his beliefs and has certain notions about Orthodoxy. The non-denom can be a real switch. I found an almost pentecostal attitude toward doctrine in some of them, and the defense of the worship style goes beyond aesthetics, or simply what one is used to, like some say. It is like they are hooked into an emotional experience that I just don't get, and I am very experienced in the language of music, can recognize good music from most any style or type. It worries me that it might be a completely different spirituality, in some places.

Sincerely, Ksenia from SE TX

[Joon Kim]

Hello, my name is Joon Kim. I'm a Classics student from Australia, meaning that I study Latin and ancient Greek. I'm 19 years old and I'm an atheist. Learning about religion has been a long time hobby of mine, but I know very little about Orthodox Christianity because it's not something I've had any experience with when I was growing up. Protestantism and Catholicism are the two biggest, most well known Christian subset in Australia. But I hope to fix this ignorance of mine.

[Gebre Menfes Kidus]

Christ Is Risen!

I was baptized with my family into the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church on June 15, 2008- the day of Pentecost. I am a Non-Chalcedonian Orthodox Christian, and while I affirm my Tewahedo Faith, I nevertheless view all Orthodox Christians as members of the One True Christian Church. Our family actually attends a Greek Orthodox Church here in our city, because our ETOC Church is seven hours away. I am not here to argue or debate OO verses EO Christology. I only hope to learn from my Orthodox brethren - and God willing - contribute something positive as well.

"Gebre Menfes Kidus" is my baptism name, which means "Servant of the Holy Spirit." Pray for me to live according to my name!

I look forward to learning much from this forum. Thank you for welcoming me!

If you would like to read my Testimony of Baptism into the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, you may do so here:
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/notes/him-haile-selassie-i/a-faith-that-found-a-home-a-brothers-journey-from-rastafari-to-orthodox-christia/380858643219 (http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/notes/him-haile-selassie-i/a-faith-that-found-a-home-a-brothers-journey-from-rastafari-to-orthodox-christia/380858643219)

"Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner."

Selam,

Gebre Menfes Kidus

[Paul Cowan]

[B]Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church
Gebre Menfes Kidus

Welcome Gebre,

Can you tell us (me) more of the Tewahedo church? I have not heard of this word before. Thank you

Paul

[Father David Moser]

Welcome Gebre,

Can you tell us (me) more of the Tewahedo church? I have not heard of this word before. Thank you

Paul


Let me recommend that you read the article at the link provided - it is also linked in the profile. It provides quite a lengthy (and personal) account of the Ethiopian Church

Fr David Moser

[Paul Cowan]

Let me recommend that you read the article at the link provided - it is also linked in the profile. It provides quite a lengthy (and personal) account of the Ethiopian Church

Fr David Moser

Thank you Fr, but I will have to do outside research. I don't "do" Facebook.

Paul

[Gebre Menfes Kidus]

Welcome Gebre,

Can you tell us (me) more of the Tewahedo church? I have not heard of this word before. Thank you

Paul

Yes. "Tewahedo' is a Ge'ez wotd which means "Unity" or "Oneness." This term is used to affirm the undivided Oneness of the Holy Trinity and the undivided Oneness of Our Lord's nature. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church is part of the Non-Chalcedonian Churches (sometimes referred to as Oriental Orthodox.) Our Church traces its origin back to the Garden of Eden, prior to the Fall, when man experienced an uncorrupted relationship with God. Ethiopia is actually the only truly Judeo-Christian nation, in the sense that no other country has transitioned from Judaism to Orthodox Christianity as has Ethiopia. We are not monophysites; rather, we affirm the Orthodox Christological formulation "fully God and fully man without separation, division, or confusion," which is accepted by all Orthodox Christians both OO and EO.

Please know that I am not here to debate EO vs. OO Christology. I only meant to answer your question.
Selam, -GMK-

[Gebre Menfes Kidus]

Thank you Fr, but I will have to do outside research. I don't "do" Facebook.

Paul

If you are interested in reading it, I will be glad to email you a copy. It is best not to post it on this forum, because it contains some Non-Chalcedonian views that might conflict with the doctrine of this website. I do want to respect that.

I had replied to your question about the term "Tewahedo," but since the inherent meaning in that term is laced with theological implications, the moderators may have decided not to allow my answer to be published.

My email address is RastaLife@netscape.com

Selam, -GMK-

[Pantelis]

Hi. My name is Pantelis. I am cradle Orthodox from the US and was raised in the Philadelphia area.
For the last 5 years, I have lived in Shenzhen (China) and Hong Kong.
I am a member of St. Luke Orthodox Cathedral in Hong Kong and due to my travel, I am familiar with some of the challenges faced by the Orthodox church in Asia. During my time in Asia, I have been granted a godson in Korea, and hence been drawn closer to Asia.

I am happy to learn from other people's stories and also to share what I can.

[Mark Harris]

Dear Friends, I am a new member and I converted to Romanian Eastern Orthodox last year. I have already started to dip into the huge library of dialogue on Monachos and I am learning many many new things every day. I thank the people who made this forum happen and for the learned contributors for their willingness to share their knowledge. I expect Monachos will be a friend for a long time to come.
Thank you and kind regards Mark
p.s. I have updated my profile with a few things to share.

[Gregory F. Murray]

Hello to all.

My name is Greg Murray and I live in the state of Georgia, in the U.S. I am married with three teenaged sons. I discovered this board a couple of days ago and am immediately amazed that, in all the soul-searching of my younger years, I never managed to take a look at Orthodoxy. It was as if it didn't exist. Yet now that I peruse the boards here, and read other related articles online, I am impressed with the idea that this may have been what I was looking for way back when, yet somehow failed to find. Not to be categorical about it, with so little exposure, as yet, to Orthodoxy in its broad spectrum. But it is the idea of theosis, especially, which grips me. And, incidentally, this "failure to find" must be blamed on my own tragic shortcomings.

Briefly, I was raised an atheist, never attending church. As a young man I was converted to Christ, alone in an office, while reading a book. Thereafter I went about simultaneously devouring as much knowledge as I could get and searching for the "right" denomination. There were many to choose from. I also felt a keen call and began preaching before I really knew what I was doing. Beginning in the Assemblies of God, I later moved to other Pentecostal groups. The intensity or passion of some branches of Pentecostalism especially attracted me, because it matched my own. But I was torn in many directions, even considering, before marriage, becoming a Roman Catholic monk (the only kind I knew about). It wasn't Catholicism I was interested in so much as "monkdom," being alone with God: losing myself and finding Him.

At any rate, eventually I reached what seemed to me a dead end from many perspectives: (1) I could find no organization that spoke with authority and without contradiction (from my viewpoint), despite thorough research (I thought); (2) intellectually speaking, I found it increasingly difficult to embrace many of the beliefs and assumptions of my fellows, political as well as religious; (3) and most significantly, in retrospect, my sins stood before me like an impenetrable wall that, frankly, regardless of my efforts, would not come down. Without a guide and in despair of both my condition personally and the seeming dysfunction of the Christian wilderness around me, I lost the conviction I needed, first to preach, afterwards to claim to be a follower of Christ.

Over the years I have looked into, even tried on, various belief systems. None seem to reach the heart of the human condition. My interest in scripture has never waned, though often it has been set aside when I reached that double-wall: where to turn for truly sound guidance? and, if there is no place, how to overcome my wickedness and truly become a disciple of Christ? My wife continues to be a steadfast believer, but Pentecostalism, for me, is a thing of the past. Yet I cannot deny that, alone in an office as a young man, I had the most profound spiritual experience of my life. And that experience was CHRIST!

I am happy to be here. Sorry to be so long-winded. I look forward to further exploration of Orthodoxy. Also I have discovered there is a Greek Orthodox Church not far away, as well as a Cathedral in Atlanta, only an hour's drive. So I'm thinking about paying a visit.

Blessings to all!

[Adrian]

Welcome Gregory,

Here would be a single sentence explanation of Orthodox Church that I believe would help you understand Orthodox Church, The Church of most powerful religion in the UNiverse:

"Orthodox Church is the Church established by Jesus on year 33 on Pentecost day, that maintained for almost 2000 years face to face contact with God through her best people , that received for almost 2000 years yearly miracles from God like Holy Light http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99xvNIydfvQ , Jordan river moving back http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CfmrqZwUjCQ and Holy Spirit coming as a cloud of Mount Tabor, that received and continuously distributed the gifts of God , namely baptism for transforming people into children of God able to see Heaven again by overcoming the interdiction applied to children of Adam and Eve, Holy Communion for eternal life and confession for forgiveness of sins going well well well beyond the point other religions stop, namely teaching you to become good."

I believe everybody reaching to Orthodox Church must have done something right because not everybody can have open hearth for Orthodox Church.

Details here:
http://www.monachos.net/forum/showthread.php?4099-Explain-the-faith-in-4-sentences&p=92821#post92821

[Adrian]

Welcome Mark,

How do you find Romania? In Neamt county there is a beautiful Monastery, Neamt and one monk told me that some monks there can speak face to face with Holy Mother of God and that Holy Mother of God visits them.

This is for people not believing in miracles. Is so sad for some religions and people to deny ALL miracles, its like separating them self and their organization from God since God speaks mostly through miracles.

[Mark Harris]

Hello Adrian, I have indeed been to Manastirea Neamt a number of times and also Varatic and Agapia are in Jud. Neamt but these are convents but still called Manastirea in Romanian. Two weeks ago we spent some time visiting the wooden churches in the county of Maramurese and also a new convent there. They are all extremely beautiful and peaceful places and there is nothing like the same atmosphere as inside some of the old tiny Biserica's of the Orthodox Church. Many of them are Greek Catholic in Maramurese. Take a look at the places on here http://www.patrimoniuromanesc.ro/ which has many of the places I mentioned. As for miracles - I do believe in them. Also an interesting thing in Romania is the huge number of new Ortodox Biserica being built including 2 new ones in my wife's village.

[Constantine Georgiades]

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

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

Bless, Reverend Father,

Thank you for allowing me to register on your web site.

I am writing to you as a result of receiving instructions from 2 Spiritual Fathers who have both suggested that I seek the guidance from a Holy Father in the Orthodox Church who might know something about tears.

I am in Communion with our Church and last attended Confession in December 2009 and Holy Communion on 24th March 2010. I was baptised Orthodox when I was 5 when my father was stationed in Malta after the second world war.

The Orthodox Deanery has published a link to my testimony on their web site (http://www.antiochian-orthodox.co.uk/Journeys/Father-of-lights.pdf).

I was hoping that a Spiritual Father might spare a small amount of time to advise me on spiritual matters.

In prison I received tears, which to begin with were bitter and burned the side of my face. I prayed regularly and fasted without any food for 3 and sometimes 5 days, only taking a small amount of water. I prayed in the early morning and afternoon and in the evening before I went to sleep and whilst laying on my bed I would 'flick' my remembered sins up to God one by one until I fell asleep, asking for forgiveness. I worked on going over every aspect of my life and forgave every harm done to me and asked those who I had wronged for their forgiveness and some of what happened is written in my testimony. At this time I did not have an Orthodox Spiritual Father.

Since leaving prison in 1996 I have tried to find secular work without much success as I have to declare my criminal convictions, which total 27 years, for the rest of my life. In using so much energy to find work and trying to build various businesses to gain work, I have felt God stand back a little in order to let satan test me and allow me to struggle to find God's will in my life and I am still struggling and a wicked and unworthy sinner. My Spiritual Father has been a sound counsel for all our family and when I met my wife and her 4 children we fell in love and were married in the Orthodox Church by Father Alexander. Together we have tried to bring the children up well in the faith, but this has not been easy in today's society and being mainly on benefits has restricted our finances as has being made homeless time and time again.

The tears have remained with me constantly and they come mostly after fasting, deep prayer or attending the Liturgy. When they appear I have no thought or any images in my mind, just 'nothing' and an awareness of God and being blessed and my vision goes blurred. It is not possible to explain the feelings that I experience in my own words, except that I become unable to speak as my voice goes into my lower chest and I feel a pain in my upper chest and my inward parts seem to constrict and twist gently from left to right. This seems to happen without any conscious effort on my part. It doesn't feel like an emotional outburst of crying. This inward awareness of the presence of God initially came in short periods, but longer during the Liturgy. Since using the 'Jesus Prayer' He has now extended His visits for periods of 2-3 hours and His presence appears more regularly.

As our business has been slow for the last 5 months I have increased my level of prayer and fasting, seeking God's will in our circumstances for us as a family. I pray the 'Jesus Prayer' automatically from within during the day and in my sleep and I am often woken during the night and in the morning to the awareness that I am repeating it! I am fasting regularly from Wednesday to Saturday with just small amounts of water with no feelings of hunger at all. I crave to be in God's presence and I am terrified that He will leave me, so I pray, read and listen to spiritual teachings by Constantine Zazalas and the tears now visit me at His will. My eyes fill to overflowing and balance on the verge of falling for long periods of time and frequently they just flow in streams down the side of my face with a sweet warmth that is difficult to describe. This sometimes happens whilst my wife and I are out shopping, my vision goes blurred and my wife is aware of people staring at us both in the street, as if they were waiting for me to fall to the ground! My wife leads me around for direction and on one occasions I was struck with such incredible pain that I was barely able to stand and my wife had to call an ambulance. The crew took my blood pressure and it was exceedingly high. When the tears, which they assumed were due only to my pain, subsided the blood pressure returned to normal and they helped me to the car. When I went for a follow up doctor's appointment I was again with tears and again my blood pressure was exceedingly high, but as soon as the tears subsided, through being asked questions by the doctor, the blood pressure returned to normal, much to his surprise.

Now, what I wanted to know from my Spiritual Father was 'what should I do with the tears when I am out'. 'Should I consciously stop the internal prayer? Doing this doesn't always guarantee that the tears will cease or should I just not go out? My wife isn't quite sure what to do when they display themselves and I am not always able to turn them off! Do I need to consciously shut them off and if so will I be rebuking the Holy Spirit? Should I be needing to worry about what other people think of this or just carry on?'

Kissing your right hand,

Constantine

[Adrian]

Hi Harris,

Looks like you spent some time in Romania and you've visited so much, I think I can consider yourself Romanian, now. Yes, the fact that many Churches are built is a sign of spiritual prosperity. I know you believe in miracles since you are Orthodox and God speaks in Orthodox Christianity through many many many miracles. I added the part of the message with miracles not for you but for people feeling uneasy with miracles , since I know some religions don't encourage their members to believe in miracles .

[Edmund Sumner]

Grace to you and Peace. My name is my title, so I shan't bother to repeat it for brevity's sake. I am a Believer of 36 years and mostly Protestant, however I recognize that there are other brethren who do not believe exactly as I, but are in fact Believers. A recent discussion on another forum brought up the 'who is permitted to baptize' question and that is how I found your board. I found the information I needed concerning Athanasius of Alexandria, the great bishop, and his pre-ordination baptizing of young people. Many Protestant believers don't study Church history to their detriment. It causes them to come up with some "interesting' doctrines, especially where eschatology is concerned.

As to miracles Adrian, the God of the Universe works a miracle somewhere every day. I myself have been the recipient of a few on occasion. How a Believer can NOT believe in the workings of God is beyond me.

[David Hillyer]

Hi, my name is David; I live in the UK, on the Essex coast; I work full-time with a Christian community that uses sail training and outdoor activites as a means to promote the Christian message; I visit St John's Monastary, Tolleshunt Knights regularly, and am getting to know the community; I am involved in Christian youth ministry in Albania.
I would be very pleased to hear from any forum members.

[Andrew Prather]

Hello,
I'm Andrew. I am a Patristics and Orthodoxy student focusing on St. Isaac the Syrian. Through my study of the Fathers, specifically St. Isaac, a class on Orthodoxy and my reading of Mystery of Faith by Alfeyev and The Orthodox Church by Kallistos Ware, I have been drawn towards Orthodoxy. Technically my membership (on paper) belongs to the United Methodist Church. At heart I am Orthodox and accept its faith as my faith and I have made the decision to join the Orthodox Church. I have been attending St. Nicholas Orthodox Church http://www.stnicholaspella.com/ but I have not yet joined the catechumenate. My local Church has also been accepting of me and I hope to join it as a catechumen soon.

[Jason Allen]

Hello,

My name is Jason, from Chicago. I suppose you could say I am a Theist in search of a home. I first approached Orthodoxy the same way I approached my study of any religion, purely intellectually, but the more I learned about it, the more curious I became, and I eventually made contact with a local priest who has been kind enough to enter into a dialogue with me about the faith. I don't know where I will end up or what exactly I am doing, but I do feel a draw that I wasn't expecting, and I am currently struggling with what the nature of that draw is and how it will affect my outlook and my life. In the meantime I will keep faithful to that attraction and endeavour to learn as much as I can.

-JA

[Sabrina]

Hello. My name is Sabrina and I've been lurking at this board for a bit, so I figure it's time to step up and introduce myself. I'm 49, a mom and a grandmama. I'm a cradle Catholic who has done a fair amount of exploring and studying re: various aspects of spirituality. I've always been curious about the Eastern Orthodox church but never really seriously considered looking into it...until earlier this year when a guy at my job asked me if I had ever considered this church. Ever since he asked me that question, I've not been able to get Orthodoxy off my mind. So I've been trying to get more info and two weeks ago I went to my first Divine Liturgy. I was just blown away by the experience. To me, it reminded me of going to mass how it was when I was a little girl (just before Vatican II) and I can't wait to go back again. Mind you, there's still a lot of things about the Orthodox that still confuses me and quite frankly have surprised/shocked me but I decided I am going to keep an open mind and learn what I can. One thing is for sure: I know that much of what I've seen and read resonates with me, but I want to be 100% sure before I make any decision as to whether or not I'll convert. So hopefully, I can get to "talk" to folks here and learn more.

[Gregory F. Murray]

Thank you Adrian.

Please forgive me for taking so long to respond to your warm welcome. I have been looking around and keeping silent mostly, and the more I read the more I realize silence is best for me at this time, as I have so much to learn. I am absorbing things and expect to attend a local Parish very soon now.

[Andrew McQuillen]

Hello- I am Andrew. I joined in 2009 but I didn't really start posting until 2010 so I thought I would introduce my self. I grew up Anglican and for most of my teenage years was a fierce Anglo-Catholic. Like so many others in my position I finally decided that authentic Christianity was not to be found in Anglicanism. I investigated Roman Catholicism very seriously but found that it held certain things I just couldn't believe in. I had always assumed that Eastern Orthodoxy was for people from the East until I read Bishop Kallistos' book "The Orthodox Church" during my study of Roman Catholicism. I soon found out that there was a local Western Rite parish near me and I contacted the priest there and started attending. I haven't looked back since. I was received by Chrismation into Holy Orthodoxy during the Paschal Vigil, 2008. I am as comfortable with the Eastern Rite as I am with the Western (though I have a lot to learn about it) and the time I have spent at the Hermitage of the Holy Cross in West Virginia has been crucial in my formation. I am still a "baby" in the faith, and I learn new things almost every day it feels like. I love prayer books and breviaries and own way too many of them. Until recently I was a student at Shepherd University in West Virginia but have abandoned my studies to hopefully pursue a career in the United States Coast Guard or Navy (time to lose that weight!) I currently live in Shepherdstown West Virginia, though my real home lays an hour and a half away in wonderful Fauquier County Virginia.

Andrew

[Adrian]

Hi Sabrina. May God bless you. In your exploration of Holy Liturgy you can see some movies with Holy Liturgy of Apostle James here: http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=St+james+liturgy&aq=f . You'll see the similarity between this Liturgy believed to be written in year 60 and centered around Holy Communion for eternal life and the Liturgy done today in Orthodox Church in 2010 http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=orthodox+holy+Liturgy+english&aq=f centered also on Holy Communion for eternal life.

[Adrian]

Hi Gregory. May God bless you. Take your time with learning and come to Orthodox Church whenever you feel ready . Pray to God to make this journey without pain and to help you along the way. The war we are in is a war of celestial powers much above us. So if we don't seek help from above, even if we know where the truth is and what we need to do we may not be able to do it. So I recommend everyone to pray, Dear God please force me to salvation and to the true religion in your eyes.
Is good to do prayer for any roadblock in the way and for anything people need. Like if not satisfied with the ways things are, pray and ask God for help.

[Adrian]

Hello Andrew. May God bless you. Take your time too and grow at your pace. As I said before pray to God to help you along the way, to take any pain away and to force you to salvation and true path. It is truly miraculous what prayer can do. I did see many people praying to God to show them the truth and one after another have received the response in a meaningful way, many of them with Jesus coming in their dreams and explaining to them what they prayed for.

[Rebekah D.]

Hi all :) I'm Rebekah. I am a sophomore/junior at University in the United States and I'm hoping to one day teach high school or junior high English. I've been raised independent non-denominational Christian. (Long name and as I don't usually hear others talk about it I'm thinking it may not be as well heard of as I used to believe as a child. In any case, the basic principle of the church is to try to follow the guidelines as set up by the apostles in the New Testament). In any case, I enjoy studying the Bible and learning about other faiths in addition to my own. I'm a historical fiction writer and often times I find that my characters are from other places and times leading me down the path of finding it important to do detailed research on that culture and religion. I've been a lurker here for a couple of weeks and was unsure whether I should sign up or not as I've no plans to convert, but simply enjoy learning and do not at all want to offend anyone! When I'm not studying I enjoy painting, acting, reading almost anything I can get my hands on, helping out with my church's activites, baking, playing with my dog Snowball and spending time with my family. Good to meet all of you and God Bless.

[Adrian]

Welcome Rebekah. May God bless you .

It is very good if people want to follow the guidelines set up by Apostles in Bible. For example we do have Apostle John that said:
John 6:54 Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.

However the problem is that there are 3 or more interpretations for this verse.
One interpretation says that this is about Holy Communion that can be administered by an ordained priest.
Another interpretation is that this is about a simple meal.
Another interpretation is that this is about Words.

So, which interpretation is true? To respond to this, we need to look to other historical writings of Apostles that came to us like Holy Liturgy of Apostle James or Holy Liturgy of Apostle and Evangelist Mark http://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/anf07.xii.iii.html that explain what Christians did on Sundays and that are centered on Holy Communion. Actually all historical documents before 1500 speak about Holy Communion and there is no Church that appeared before 1500 without Holy Communion for eternal life.

It is very hard for people to find truth alone and this is why is important to pray to God to lead us to the right direction in God's eyes.

[Adrian]

Welcome Rebekah,

Since you are a student, you may enjoy the following books that can give you some insights into Orthodox Christianity:
http://www.amazon.com/Gurus-Young-Man-Elder-Paisios/dp/1887904166
http://www.amazon.com/Mountain-Silence-Search-Orthodox-Spirituality/dp/0385500920
For Mountain of Silence take into account what monk says not what author says.

[Constantine Georgiades]

Welcome Rebekah,

As you are interested in history, why not sit back, watch and listen to what happened to the Ancient Church that Jesus set up...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tirUy13Q_L8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h41JmCCH7AQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAJYdUW8DzY

This should give you a pretty good idea of where we all are...

His unworthy servant
Constantine

[Charbel Azar]

Hello,
I'm Charbel Azar from Lebanon. I'm turning 17. I am Catholic and follow the Maronite Church in Lebanon. I am interested in Orthodoxy and want to know more about it. I have tried the monastic life for one week in the summer of 2009, in "Kfifane Monastery". In this monastery, people see if it is their vocations to become monks and nuns in the Lebanese Maronite Order(Baladites). It was amazing and peaceful. I will go this summer to test the life in the "Jesuits" and if I could, in the an Orthodox Monastery. I now well the rules and process if someone have a vocation to enter the Lebanese Maronite Order, I have a wide access to monks in this Order, from my village and from outside. I can feel that I have a vocation for monastic life and serving God and people. I wish this may come true. God Willing. Pray for me.

[Marlane]

Hello, I'm a new Orthodox convert (along with my husband and infant son). I studied Orthodoxy just enough to satisfy my reservations and jumped right in, amazed that my husband was willing to make the journey with me. I'm here primarily to learn, but also to have contact with other Orthodox Christians (we're very isolated, hours from our church, and my husband doesn't seem to have much interest in exploring Orthodox traditions, doctrine, and culture, except when summarized and distilled through me). I'm hoping not to contract convertitis, but I do want to participate more and learn to be "more Orthodox" if such a thing can be said. Everything in my life that I thought I knew or thought I could rely on has let me down, and is a long story, but part of my rocky road toward the Orthodox faith. In "coming home," I am starting over with everything, it seems. I'm feeling a little like a child here, so I ask your patience. I've been looking around a bit, and from what I've seen, I don't even need to ask :) Thanks for that!

[Adrian]

Welcome Charbel,

May God bless you. Pray to God before making this important decision to show you the way you should travel. Maybe you want to visit Holy Light miracle, and Jordan river miracle. Also you may want to keep Holy Water from Catholic Church and from Orthodox Church for one year and then try them by drinking. Say, God please force me to the direction right in your eyes.

[Adrian]

Welcome home Marlane. May God bless you.

[James Burge]

Hi, my name is Jim and I am in a long slow process of entering into the Church. I grew up in a relatively non-christian home, everyone confessed that Jesus is Lord but no one ever really went to Church, prayed, etc. I was baptised into the Roman Catholic church at the age of 10 but within 6 months we moved from wyoming to oregon. In Oregon growing up I had only went to church half dozen times. By the time I was a young adult I came to a point were I hated and loved God at the same time (if that makes sense). I also believed that God hated me and took great pleasure in tormenting me at that time. I would pray to Him, beg Him, rail at Him in anger as I struggled with my self loathing , the yuke within while at the same time seeking self help book after self help book. Eventually I was so broken within I turned to Him because everything I was doing was not working (things go a lot better when I listen to Him).

At the ripe old age of 33 I began attending at a baptist church with friends. Met my wife, got married and was leading small group studies in the church. Most studies were about personal growth centered on scripture. As far as things concerning baptism, armianism/calvinism, etc that was all up to the individual what to believe. So in that spirit I lead by discussing all the views of many diffrent christians: protestant, roman catholic and orthodox catholic when applicable. In my personal studies I started to notice that what I seen in scripture was falling in line with Orthodoxy. I felt a call deep within, to learn more but resisted because in my heart I still equated Orthodoxy with the Roman catholics system of authority, which I now call the western wound.

My situation now is, I am heading into Orthodoxy but at a slow pace because my wife does not want to have anything to do with eastern orthodox though she admits she can see some good things. Fr. Stephen has told me to take my time, as this is a very common situation. I make it to the Divine liturgy once a month (alone all but once) while balancing it with my wifes feelings and spiritual state which is a very rough road.

To be honest, if I was not married, I would drop out of society, build me a little hidden hut in the woods and live a life of prayer with occassional contact with other people. I have very little interest in material things of the commerce driven society we live in (which drives my wife nuts at christmas). Ok explaination, my wife asks me each year what I want for christmas and I always give the same answer and which is really is in my heart. The answer to her question is always this, "Honey, I have our Lord I really don't need anything else."

Ok, enough rambling on my part, but that should give a good general overview of were I am at.

[David Lanier]

Hello,
I'm Charbel Azar from Lebanon. I'm turning 17. I am Catholic and follow the Maronite Church in Lebanon. I am interested in Orthodoxy and want to know more about it. I have tried the monastic life for one week in the summer of 2009, in "Kfifane Monastery". In this monastery, people see if it is their vocations to become monks and nuns in the Lebanese Maronite Order(Baladites). It was amazing and peaceful. I will go this summer to test the life in the "Jesuits" and if I could, in the an Orthodox Monastery. I now well the rules and process if someone have a vocation to enter the Lebanese Maronite Order, I have a wide access to monks in this Order, from my village and from outside. I can feel that I have a vocation for monastic life and serving God and people. I wish this may come true. God Willing. Pray for me.

God Bless you Charbel on your journey. I do hope you will visit some Orthodox churches and monasteries there as you may find that Orthodox monasticism is a bit different.

[David Lanier]

Hello, I'm a new Orthodox convert (along with my husband and infant son). I studied Orthodoxy just enough to satisfy my reservations and jumped right in, amazed that my husband was willing to make the journey with me. I'm here primarily to learn, but also to have contact with other Orthodox Christians (we're very isolated, hours from our church, and my husband doesn't seem to have much interest in exploring Orthodox traditions, doctrine, and culture, except when summarized and distilled through me). I'm hoping not to contract convertitis, but I do want to participate more and learn to be "more Orthodox" if such a thing can be said. Everything in my life that I thought I knew or thought I could rely on has let me down, and is a long story, but part of my rocky road toward the Orthodox faith. In "coming home," I am starting over with everything, it seems. I'm feeling a little like a child here, so I ask your patience. I've been looking around a bit, and from what I've seen, I don't even need to ask :) Thanks for that!

If you haven't already, establish a daily routine of prayers. Make an Icon corner somewhere in your home where you can spend time in prayer and meditation. Read as much as you can. There are several web sites that have a wealth of Orthodox material http://www.light-n-life.com is one and http://www.conciliarpress.com is another good site with lots of material on Orthodoxy.

Attend services as much as you can even though the nearest church may be far away. You may want to check to see if there is an OCA, Antiochian, or Greek church that may be closer to you though? Lastly and above all else, try to be mindful of God in everything you do and lift up your heart to Him as much as you can.

Just my 2 cents worth.

[Adrian]

Welcome Jim,

May God bless you and all people posting and visiting here . Not all of us are called to be closer to God in monasticism . Some of us are called to grow children for God. Both ways are very good. I remember a man that decided to become hermit and he went into Romania into mountain to become hermit and God sent wild animals when he arrived there and he came back 10 times faster. he later become monk but not at the time that was chosen by him but at the time choosed by God. We are brought to life for a mission and a purpose. So pray: dear God please force me to be saved together with my closest ones. Dear God force me to fulfill my mission and purpose in this life, please help me to behave so you will be happy for me.
Don't push at all your wife since she may end up hating orthodoxy. We are in a war of celestial powers. This is why your persuasion may not make a difference however what is not possible for us is very possible to God. Pray to God. Dear God , help my wife and my family to discover the truth of Orthodoxy and to join me in the Orthodox journey to Home Church if this is right in your eyes. You'll see miracles done for your wife. Also pray, Dear God help me in my way to Orthodox Church if this is right in your eyes.
Also you can discuss with your wife about John 6:54 and several facts presented here in a neutral way:http://www.monachos.net/forum/showthread.php?6114-On-Sundays-Orthodox-church-gives-people-holy-communion-for-eternal-life Do a research project and see how John 6:54 was understood when Orthodox Church, the Home Church of humanity was established in year 33, how it was understood in year 1000 when great schism took place, how was understood in 1500+ when first protestant Church came into being and until today. Research who could prepare Holy Eucharist, what it meant, what was the meaning of John 6:54 across time or ask you wife to help you in this research about a very important aspect of religion . Ask questions like why all Churches appeared before 1500 speak about John 6:54 referring as Holy Communion? Is it possible for Church to be overcome by gates of Hell for 1500+ years when it is written that gates of Hell will not overcome the Church? Also speak about the Miracles of Orthodox Church that happen YEARLY from early church like Holy Light http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99xvNIydfvQ , Jordan river moving back , Cloud appearing on Mount Tabor. Also you can speak about the miracle of Lanciano when bread and wine become Flesh and Blood to show people that Holy Eucharist is blood and flesh of Jesus: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbcL4mkNfzM Don't push it at all, and if you see resistance resort to prayer.

[Adrian]

Welcome Edmund, David, Andrew and Jason. May God bless you.
Edmund I am glad you believe in miracles. For me is easy since I had a miracle working monk near my city.
God speaks through miracles and negating all miracles then how can you listen to God?
David, pray to God. dear God please force me to salvation and help me go on the path right in your eyes.
Andrew, welcome home to the Orthodox Church.
Jason pray to God to help you understand the truth. Many of us read Bible about the most wise man in human history, King Solomon. He did ask God to give him wisdom so he could help his kingdom. We can't we ask God for wisdom. What can stop us do this? However, we need to realize that we can pray to God too for salvation,wisdom, a good marriage, a good job and we will get them So please pray to God, Dear God please force me to salvation. Also please help me to understand religious truth and help me in struggle with unbelief.

[Marlane]

Adrian,
Thank you :)

David,
Thank you--I have been really trying my hardest with prayer (morning, evening, Jesus prayer) we have 3 icons--all gifts--and I set up a prayer corner with those, and I find it a huge help! My parents-in-law are also Orthodox & I borrow books from them. I do love Conciliar press as well! (I will check out the other one) I do so want to go to church more often, but the nearest is 4 hours from us and money for fuel is a little tight. We are hoping maybe a mission parish will be established nearer to us, but I am also trying to find ways to make the trip to our church more often. Thank you for the excellent advice (I will work on being mindful) :)

Jim:
Welcome! (did you come over from Fr. Stephen's blog, too?) God bless you in your journey! It amazed me when my husband said he wanted to become Orthodox with me and our son! I had to be careful, because nearly all of what he heard about Orthodoxy was from me, but he had a tendency to get argumentative and stubborn about religion (he may still, I haven't noticed in a while), so I had to be very tactful and sensitive in how I put things--and I prayed a LOT! I was grateful that he wasn't adamantly opposed to it, though. Yours does sound like a very rough road. My prayers are with you

Marlane

[Norman Barber]

My name is Norman Barber and I am Greek Orthodox, glad to be here and looking forward to learning alot

[Adrian]

Welcome Norman.

You're welcome Marlane.

[Kimetha Steele]

Hello,
I am Kimetha Steele. I am a Roman Catholic, that has converted to Byzantine Catholic. I belong to Saint Athanasius the Great Byzantine Catholic Church in Indianapolis, Indiana. I have an interest in church history and traditions. I am hoping that I will be able to get some answers to both questions on my faith and on where I can find information on traditions.
At present I am researching the history and origins of the "A Traditional Pascha baskets".

[Adrian]

Welcome Kimetha. May God bless you.

[Norman Barber]

Welcome1
i am here to learn also.

[Keri]

My husband and his entire family are Orthodox. I do not know what I am. I attend Church with my husband periodically.

I was never brought up with any religion. I would not say I am an Atheist. I have always been against religion growing up. I do not argue about it.

It makes me sad that I am frowned upon because of my differing beliefs; or "lack of beliefs" some would say. I try my best to do good and be a kind person.

While I see many advantageous to living an Orthodox lifestyle, I also see the negative aspects as well. This is beginning to concern me now for my husband and I's future children. My husband and I pretty much share the same beliefs. My husband was born Orthodox so he would never convert to something else for fear and disappointed from his family. So if that is the case, how do we raise our children? Do we baptize them and teach them that Orthodoxy is the true faith, when my husband and I feel differently?

That is what bothers me about the faith. My husband and I got married outside the church and he was almost completely shunned by his family. How is that an example of good Christians? I love my in-laws very much, but sometimes too much religion can cloud the heart and soul. People tend to forget what is truly important in life. And I think that is where I get confused.

To me, the most important thing in life is family. To my family, God comes first. But, if there really is a God- wouldn't he rather people were just good to one another and cared for their families over worshiping God himself for hours at a time? Where is the logic?

I have asked to be converted numerous times and I am pretty much denied. I cannot lie about who I am and I do admit to them that I do not fully believe what they believe. However, my husband's son is in fact Orthodox and it makes me sad that I can never be a true member of their family. I attend services with my husband, I fast with my in-laws when I am with them. After 4 years I am still here.

So why am I not worthy? Why is it that these girls that date my younger brothers get converted so quickly and then they disappear once they break up? I love my family entirely. I just want to be a part of them and I am tired of feeling out of place. I know they accept me but, I feel I am looked down upon constantly. This makes me very sad because I in turn look down on them for their beliefs as well- only they will never know because it is not my place to tell someone how to live there life.

keri

[Bill Moore]

Hello all. I live in northern OH, about an hour south of Cleveland. I'm 44, and married father of 4 children. We are active in our local Brethren in Christ congregation, where I have occasionally taught Sunday School and led singing. I visit St. Innocent's Orthodox Church (OCA) in Olmsted Falls, when schedule permits (a bit more than an hour's drive away.)

I grew up in upstate New York, in a Mennonite/evangelical/charismatic stream. After college (studies in Bible, music and psychology) I pastored a rural Mennonite congregation for eight years. In 1996 I resigned to pursue further education at Ashland Seminary (Ashland, OH).

Over the years I've struggled with various ideas, theologies, and practices of the Christian life, as I've encountered them. These difficulties have resulted in my increasingly pulling out of the waters in which I have swum nearly my whole life. That is, I am less and less comfortable with evangelical/modern modes of thought and worship.

Several years ago I stumbled across the "Our Life in Christ" podcast, and the "Glory to God" blogsite. Both were instrumental in helping introduce Orthodox belief and practice. Almost two years ago I visited a local monastery to "get a taste", and then last year made contact with, and began visiting at St. Innocent's.

And sometimes, honestly, I think this is all bunk, every last bit of it. And want to just go off to play Mario Kart, and not have to care and think so hard... :)

[Michael Roach]

Hello, All,

I am Michael Francis Roach. I am a married father of four. I served in Viet Nam as an infantry sergeant. My tour included the ’68 Tet Offensive in Dak To province. I became Orthodox in the ‘70s along with my wife and children. I have a degree in Philosophy from San Diego State ( the World’s premier party school) and undertook graduate work at that institution in Philosophy and Religious Studies. I worked in computers and food service (fine dining) to support both my family and my intellectual habits. I have sung in Orthodox choirs, not just on Sundays, and in a language that I understand, for over 30 years, so I consider myself a qualified Orthodox theologian. Philosophically, I am an Aristotelian in the line of Joseph Owens, Etienne Gilson, and Alastair McIntyre. And, as Catholic as these mentors may appear, I have found no inherent conflict between this sort of Aristotelian thought and my Orthodox faith. My continuing philosophical concerns are faith and reason, epistemology and science, art as production, and the symbiotic relations of society and the individual in the make up of the human person. My politics are liberal. I hope that my contributions to this forum might bring light and understanding, and not offend.

[Father David Moser]

I have asked to be converted numerous times and I am pretty much denied. I cannot lie about who I am and I do admit to them that I do not fully believe what they believe. ... So why am I not worthy? ... I just want to be a part of them and I am tired of feeling out of place.

Keri,

I can't speak for the priest at your husband's parish, but I can tell you that such honesty would be welcome and refreshing to me. You and the priest are actually on the same page in that you do not see "conversion" as a pro-forma thing but rather something that requires an agreement and committment to the Church. Thus, when you say "no, I can't accept that" he responds with "then this is not the right time for you" (or whatever). I would counsel you to have patience, to continue to try and see what it is in your husbands faith that inspires him or that holds him and see if that is something that you too can accept. You don't have to swallow the "whole pill" all at once, but there is a basic beginning point which you must accept. I would suggest to you to read the book, "Our Orthodox Christian Faith" by Athanasios Frangopoulos. The first section, especially, should help you frame your questions and arguments (for or against) the Orthodox faith and give you and the priest a concrete place to start.

Fr David Moser

[Adrian]

Father, and Mrs Keri,

Please forgive my curiosity.
However, Mrs Keri, if you don't mind and is appropriate, please share the things that you can not believe regarding orthodox faith . Is not to be judgmental but just people in this forum may have the missing parts of the puzzle and some information that may help you make a decision.I do believe that more information = better decision.

Orthodox Church service on Sunday is centered on Holy Communion for eternal life and regarding children, if you want this for them, then there is a good idea for them to become orthodox christian. http://www.monachos.net/forum/showthread.php?6114-On-Sundays-Orthodox-church-gives-people-holy-communion-for-eternal-life

[Herman Blaydoe]

I would remind our posters that this particular thread is for basic introductions. Specific questions or discussions should be started in the appropriate forums.

[Nebojsa]

Hi I am a Nebojsa I am student of Orthodox Theology in Belgrade state university .I am 30 years old ,married,and I have two years old daughter .I wish to become a priest

[James Hogan]

My name is James and I live in London, England. I was brought up a Roman Catholic but I have drifted away from the church and I am now on a journey to find a new spiritual home. I work in the charity sector for an animal welfare organisation and over the years I have grown increasingly concerned by the lack of awareness displayed by many Christians of all denominations towards the non-human creation.
My charity was established in London over 100 years ago in the Victorian era by a group of Christians, led by an Anglican vicar, "for the benefit of the lost and starving dogs and cats of London so that they should have a sanctuary from the cold inhumanity they are being dealt outside." Alas, there is still much "cold inhumanity" in the world, much of it directed towards animals,whether it be the brutality of factory farming, killing of animals for sport or the cruelty shown towards the domestic companion animals who share our lives and homes.
I visit Russia on a regular basis to view my charity's projects there and it is deeply depressing experience to encounter the blunt indifference shown towards God's creatures by so many Orthodox believers, including priests. I endeavoured during my last visit to engage in dialogue with several priests about this issue but I was met with a blank refusal. I wanted to initiate a dialogue, at least, with a view, perhaps, towards the establishment of something like an Orthodox supporters group to promote kindness towards the non-human creation. It would also liked to have discussed the possibility of establishing an annual animal blessing service, something we hold here in London in association with our local Anglican church when the priest comes to our centre and the church members bring their animals to the service. It would have been appropriate - or so I thought - to hold such a service on the feastday of, say, St.Sergius or St.Seraphim, in view of their affinity with the natural world.
In any event, although it has not proved possible - so far - to engage with my Orthodox brothers and sisters in a spiritual celebration of the non-human creation, I hope that in the future that this will prove a reality.

[Paul Cowan]

Akathist in Praise of God’s Creation
Kontakion 1

Incorruptible Lord, your right hand controls the whole course of human life, according to the decrees of your Providence for our salvation.
We give you thanks for all your blessings, known and unknown: for our earthly life and for the heavenly joys of your kingdom which is to come. Henceforth extend your mercies towards us as we sing:
Glory to you, O God, from age to age!

Ikos 1

I was born a weak, defenseless child, but your angel, spreading his radiant wings, guarded my cradle. From my birth, your love has illumined my paths, and has wondrously guided me towards the light of eternity. From my first day until now, the generous gifts of your providence have been wonderfully showered upon me. I give you thanks, and with all those who have come to know you, I exclaim:
Glory to you for calling me into being.
Glory to you for spreading out before me the beauty of the universe,
Glory to you for revealing to me through heaven and earth the eternal book of wisdom,
Glory to your eternity within this fleeting world,
Glory to you for your mercies, seen and unseen,
Glory to you for every sigh of my sorrow,
Glory to you for every step in my life’s journey, for every moment of joy,
Glory to you, O God, from age to age.

Kontakion 2

O Lord, how lovely it is to be your guest: Breeze full of scent; mountains reaching to the skies;
Waters like a boundless mirror, Reflecting the sun’s golden rays and the scudding clouds.
All nature murmurs mysteriously, breathing depths of tenderness, birds and beasts bear the imprint of your love, Blessed are you, mother earth, in your fleeting loveliness, which wakens our yearning for happiness that will last for ever in the land where, amid beauty that grows not old,
Rings out the cry: Alleluia!

Ikos 2

You brought me into this life as into an enchanted paradise. We have seen the sky, like a deep blue cup ringing with birds in the azure heights. We have listened to the soothing murmur of the forest and the sweet-sounding music of the waters. We have tasted fragrant fruit of fine flavour and sweet-scented honey. How pleasant is our stay with you on earth: it is a joy to be your guest.
Glory to you for the feast-day of life.
Glory to you for the perfume of lilies and roses,
Glory to you for each different taste of berry and fruit,
Glory to you for the sparkling silver of early morning dew,
Glory to you for each smiling, peaceful awakening,
Glory to you for eternal life in us, a messenger of heaven,
Glory to you, O God, from age to age.

Kontakion 3

In the strength of the Holy Spirit each flower gives out its scent - sweet perfume, delicate colour, beauty of the whole universe revealed in the tiniest thing. Glory and honour to God the Giver of life, who covers the fields with their carpet of flowers, crowns the plains with harvest of gold and the blue of corn-flowers, and our souls with the joy of contemplating Him. Oh, be joyful and sing to Him: Alleluia!

Ikos 3

How glorious you are in the triumph of spring, when every creature awakes to new life and joyfully sings your praises with a thousand tongues: you are the source of life, the conqueror of death. By the light of the moon nightingales sing: the plains and the woods put on their wedding garment, white as snow. All the earth is your promised bride awaiting her bridegroom who does not know decay. If the grass of the field is clothed like this, how gloriously shall we be transfigured in the coming age of the resurrection: how radiant our bodies, how resplendent our souls!
Glory to you, bringing from the darkness of the earth an endless variety of colours, tastes and scents,
Glory to you for the warmth and tenderness of the world of nature,
Glory to you for surrounding us with thousands of your works,
Glory to you for the depth of your wisdom: the whole world is a living sign of it,
Glory to you: on my knees, I kiss the traces of your unseen hand,
Glory to you for setting before us the dazzling light of eternal life,
Glory to you for the hope of the unutterable, imperishable beauty of immortality,
Glory to you, O God, from age to age.

Kontakion 4

How filled with sweetness are those whose thoughts dwell on you: how life-giving your holy Word; to speak with you is more soothing than anointing with oil, sweeter than the honeycomb. Praying to you refreshes us and gives us wings: our hearts overflow with warmth; a majesty filled with wisdom permeates nature and all of life! Where you are not, there is only emptiness. Where you are, the soul is filled with abundance, and its song resounds like a torrent of life: Alleluia!
Ikos 4

When over the earth the light of the setting sun fades away, when the peace of eternal sleep, and the quiet of the declining day reign over all, I see your dwelling-place like tents filled with light, reflected in the shapes of the clouds at dusk: fiery and purple, gold and blue, they speak prophet-like of the ineffable beauty of your heavenly court, and solemnly call: let us go to the Father!
Glory to you in the quiet hour of evening,
Glory to you, covering the world with deep peace,
Glory to you for the last ray of the setting sun,
Glory to you for the rest of blissful sleep,
Glory to you for your mercy in the midst of darkness, when the whole world has parted company with us,
Glory to you for the tender emotion of a soul moved to prayer,
Glory to you for the pledge of our awakening on the day which has no evening,
Glory to you, O God, from age to age.

Kontakion 5
The storms of life do not frighten those whose hearts are ablaze with the light of your flame. Outside is the darkness of the whirlwind, the terror and howling of the storm. But in their souls reign quiet and light. Christ is there, and the heart sings: Alleluia!

Ikos 5

I see your heaven glowing with stars. How rich you are, how much light is yours! Eternity watches me by the rays of the distant stars: I am small, insignificant, but the Lord is with me, his loving hand protects me wherever I go.
Glory to you for the trouble you take for me at all times,
Glory for the people your Providence gave me to meet,
Glory to you for the love of my dear ones, the faithfulness of friends,
Glory to you for the gentleness of the animals which serve me,
Glory to you for the light-filled moments of life,
Glory to you for the radiant joy in my heart,
Glory to you for the joy of living, moving and seeing,
Glory to you, O God, from age to age.

Kontakion 6

How great and how close you are in the powerful track of the storm; how mighty your right arm in the blinding flash of the lightning; how awesome is your greatness! The voice of the Lord is over the fields and amid the rustling forests, the voice of the Lord is in the birth of thunder and of rain, the vice of the Lord is over the many waters. Praise to you in the roar of mountains ablaze. You shake the earth like a garment. You pile up to the sky the waves of the sea. Praise to you, bringing low the pride of man, bring from his heart the cry of repentance: Alleluia!

Ikos 6

When the lightening flash has lit up the feasting-hall, how feeble seems the light of the lamps. Likewise, amidst the strongest joys of my existence, you suddenly flashed in my soul. After your blinding light, how drab, dull and unreal seemed all those joys! Passionately, my soul would run after you.
Glory to you, the Goal in whom mankind’s highest dreams come true,
Glory to you, for our unquenchable thirst for communion with god,
Glory to you, making us dissatisfied with earthly things,
Glory to you, clothing us with the finest rays of your light,
Glory to you, destroying the power of the spirits of darkness, dooming all evil to destruction,
Glory to you for the joy of hearing your voice, for the happiness of your presence and of living in your love,
Glory to you, O God, from age to age.

Kontakion 7

In the wondrous blending of sounds it is your call we hear. In the harmony of many voices, stirred by the musical tones, dazzled by art’s creativeness, we learn from you the splendour of melody and song, and receive a foretaste of the coming kingdom. All true beauty draws the soul towards you in powerful invocation, and makes it sing triumphantly: Alleluia!

Ikos 7

The outpouring of the Holy Spirit enlightens the thoughts of artists, poets, and scientists. Their great minds receive from you prophetic insights into your laws, and reveal to us the depth of your creative wisdom. Unwittingly, their works speak of you; how great you are in all you have created, how great you are in man!
Glory to you, showing your unfathomable might in the laws of the universe!
Glory to you, for all nature is permeated by your laws,
Glory to you for what you have revealed to us in your goodness,
Glory to you for all that remains hidden from us in your wisdom,
Glory to you for the inventiveness of the human mind,
Glory to you for the invigorating effort of work,
Glory to you for the tongues of fire which bring inspiration,
Glory to you, O God, from age to age.

Kontakion 8

How near you are in the days of sickness; you yourself visit the sick; you bend over the sufferer’s bed: his heart speaks to you. With your peace you enlighten the soul burdened with affliction and pain: you send unexpected help. You comfort, you are Love, bringing trial and salvation, and to you we sing the hymn: Alleluia!

Ikos 8

When in childhood I called upon you consciously for the first time, you heard my prayer and sacred peace came down into my soul. Then I understood that you are good; blessed are those who turn to you. Unceasingly, I started to call upon you, and now I call upon your Name:
Glory to you, satisfying my desires with good things,
Glory to you, watching over me day and night,
Glory to you, calming tribulations and bereavement with the healing flow of time,
Glory to you, no loss is irreparable when you are there, to all you give eternal life,
Glory to you, making immortal all that is lofty and good, promising to welcome the dead,
Glory to you, O God, from age to age.

Kontakion 9

Why is it that on a feastday the whole of nature mysteriously smiles? Why does a marvelous lightness then fill our hearts, to which nothing earthly can be compared? The very air in the altar and in God’s house becomes luminous. It is the breath of grace, the reflection of the glory of Mount Tabor; heaven and earth then sing this praise: Alleluia!

Ikos 9

When you inspire me to serve my neighbor, and make humility shine in my soul, one of your deep-piercing rays of light falls into my heart: it then becomes glowing, like iron in the furnace. I have seen your Face, mysterious and elusive.
Glory to you, transfiguring our lives with deeds of love,
Glory to you, making wonderfully sweet each one of your commandments,
Glory to you, clearly present in fragrant compassion,
Glory to you, sending us failures and afflictions to make us sensitive to other people’s sufferings,
Glory to you, promising high rewards for precious good deeds,
Glory to you, welcoming the impulse of our heart’s love,
Glory to you, for raising love above everything on earth or in heaven,
Glory to you, O God, from age to age.

Kontakion 10

No one can put together what has crumbled into dust, but you can heal men whose conscience has become twisted; you give the soul its former beauty, which long ago it had lost without a hope of change. With you, nothing is hopeless. You are Love. You are the creator and the redeemer of all things. We praise you with this song: Alleluia!

Ikos 10

My God, you know the fall of proud Lucifer. Save me through the power of your grace; do not allow me to fall away from you, do not allow me to doubt you. Sharpen my ear, that at every minute of my life I may hear your mysterious voice; and I call upon you, who are everywhere present.
Glory to you for providential circumstances,
Glory to you for helpful forebodings,
Glory to you for the teaching of your secret voice,
Glory to you, for revelations you give us in dreams or awake,
Glory to you for scattering our vain imaginations,
Glory to you, freeing us from the fire of passions through suffering,
Glory to you, who for our salvation, brings down proudness of heart,
Glory to you, O God, from age to age.

Kontakion 11
Beyond the icy sequence of the ages, I feel the warmth of your divine Breath, I hear the throbbing of your blood. You are already near: part of time has already gone by. I see your Cross: it is there for my sake. My spirit is but dust before your Cross: here is the triumph of love and redemption, here throughout the ages unceasingly rises the praise: Alleluia!

Ikos 11

Blessed is he who will share your mystical supper in your kingdom; but even here on earth you have granted me this blessedness. How many times, with your divine hand, you offered me your Body and your Blood; while I, a great sinner, received these sacred Gifts and felt your ineffable and supernatural love.
Glory to you for the inconceivable and life-giving power of grace,
Glory to you who established your Church as a haven of peace for a tormented world,
Glory to you for giving us new birth in the life-giving waters of baptism,
Glory to you, restoring to those who repent, purity, white as the unstained lily,
Glory to you, unfathomable abyss of forgiveness,
Glory to you for the cup of life, for the bread of eternal joy,
Glory to you who raise us to heaven,
Glory to you, O God, from age to age.

Kontakion 12

More than once have I seen the reflection of your glory in the faces of the dead. What beauty, what heavenly joy shown in them! How light their features, now made spiritual! This was the triumph of happiness and peace found once again; in their silence they were calling on you. At the hour of my death, illumine also my soul which calls to you: Alleluia!

Ikos 12

How poor is my praise before you! I have not heard the song of the Cherubim, a joy reserved to the souls on high, but I know the praises nature sings to you. In winter, I see how in the moonlit silence the whole earth offers you prayer, wrapped in its white mantle of snow, sparking like diamonds. I see the rising sun rejoice in you, and I hear the chorus of birds raise a hymn of glory. I hear the forest mysteriously rustling in your honour, the winds sing of you, the waters murmur and the processions of stars proclaim you as they move in harmony for ever in the depths of infinite space. What is my poor worship? All nature obeys you, I do not; yet while I live, I see your love. I long to thank you, pray to you and call upon your Name.
Glory to you, who has shown us the light,
Glory to you, who loved us with a deep unfathomable and divine love,
Glory to you, who blesses us with the light, with a host of angels and saints,
Glory to you, Father most holy, revealing to us your kingdom in your commandments,
Glory to you, Holy Spirit, life-giving Sun of the world to come,
Glory to you for all things, divine and most merciful Trinity,
Glory to you, O God, from age to age.

Kontakion 13 (3 times)

Life-giving and most merciful Trinity, receive our thanksgiving for all your kindnesses; make us worthy of your blessings, so that, when we have brought a profit from the talents you have entrusted to us, we may enter into the eternal joy of our Lord, singing the triumphal hymn: Alleluia!

Ikos 1

I was born a weak, defenseless child, but your angel, spreading his radiant wings, guarded my cradle. From my birth, your love has illumined my paths, and has wondrously guided me towards the light of eternity. From my first day until now, the generous gifts of your providence have been wonderfully showered upon me. I give you thanks, and with all those who have come to know you, I exclaim:
Glory to you for calling me into being.
Glory to you for spreading out before me the beauty of the universe,
Glory to you for revealing to me through heaven and earth the eternal book of wisdom,
Glory to your eternity within this fleeting world,
Glory to you for your mercies, seen and unseen,
Glory to you for every sigh of my sorrow,
Glory to you for every step in my life’s journey, for every moment of joy,
Glory to you, O God, from age to age.

Kontakion 1

Incorruptible Lord, your right hand controls the whole course of human life, according to the decrees of your Providence for our salvation.
We give you thanks for all your blessings, known and unknown: for our earthly life and for the heavenly joys of your kingdom which is to come. Henceforth extend your mercies towards us as we sing:
Glory to you, O God, from age to age!

[Anna Stickles]

I wanted to initiate a dialogue, at least, with a view, perhaps, towards the establishment of something like an Orthodox supporters group to promote kindness towards the non-human creation. It would also liked to have discussed the possibility of establishing an annual animal blessing service, something we hold here in London in association with our local Anglican church when the priest comes to our centre and the church members bring their animals to the service. It would have been appropriate - or so I thought - to hold such a service on the feastday of, say, St.Sergius or St.Seraphim, in view of their affinity with the natural world.
In any event, although it has not proved possible - so far - to engage with my Orthodox brothers and sisters in a spiritual celebration of the non-human creation, I hope that in the future that this will prove a reality.

Christ tells us to strive toward having the fruits of the Spirit - love, joy, peace patience, kindness, gentleness, self-control, humility, temperance, longsuffering etc. When this is our consistent internal disposition it will be reflected in all our relationships whether that be with human, animal or any other part of creation.

There is very much an emphasis in Orthodoxy on struggling against the forces of sin that make us cold, hard-hearted, and inhumane. We are called to struggle to place ourselves in a position where the fruits of the Spirit can grow in us. This is a summation of the whole goal of the Orthodox spiritual life, this is the goal of our salvation. The saints have an affinity with the created world because they have struggled against the sin in their hearts and their rebellion against God, and overcome it such that God's love has become active in their hearts through the Holy Spirit. But there is a Way that the Father's have taught us to go about that struggle, and a lack of familiarity with this maybe is what is causing some of the misunderstanding you talk about.

[James Hogan]

Christ tells us to strive toward having the fruits of the Spirit - love, joy, peace patience, kindness, gentleness, self-control, humility, temperance, longsuffering etc. When this is our consistent internal disposition it will be reflected in all our relationships whether that be with human, animal or any other part of creation.

There is very much an emphasis in Orthodoxy on struggling against the forces of sin that make us cold, hard-hearted, and inhumane. We are called to struggle to place ourselves in a position where the fruits of the Spirit can grow in us. This is a summation of the whole goal of the Orthodox spiritual life, this is the goal of our salvation. The saints have an affinity with the created world because they have struggled against the sin in their hearts and their rebellion against God, and overcome it such that God's love has become active in their hearts through the Holy Spirit. But there is a Way that the Father's have taught us to go about that struggle, and a lack of familiarity with this maybe is what is causing some of the misunderstanding you talk about.


I am grateful to Anna and Paul for their replies to my post. A good friend who passed away some years ago used to say whenever I felt depressed about the cruel and inhumane behaviour displayed by otherwise devout Christian people towards the non-human creation that change can best be achieved through providing an example for others to follow.

I have, therefore, attempted to influence my Orthodox friends in England and Russia by setting an example through the work of my charity. In Moscow, for example, my charity provides veterinary care for the pets of pensioners and people on low-income. The motto of my charity is: "Helping animals and their carers since 1886." We also work alleviating the plight of street animals, who are often subjected to the most appalling cruelty.

I am sometimes asked why I spend time helping animals in need when there are so many people in need. My response is that this is not a question of people or animals but is a question of people AND animals. We all share this planet together and until we learn to respect the needs of other living creatures, we cannot truly express ourselves in meaningful spiritual sense. We have been given an immense power over the planet we occupy and we should exercise that power with compassion and care.

[Zosimas Sidway]

Hello Keri - I just joined here (after visiting for years), and your posting really stood out to me. God bless you for sharing so openly and honestly. I can understand some of what you are going through.

Fr David Moser's reply was very wise, I thought, and reminded me of a helpful quote from an American Orthodox bishop who encouraged a group of 2000 Protestant Evangelicals who were making their way into the Orthodox Church back in the late 1980s when they were confused about many Church teachings. He told them, in essence, "If we can just agree on who Jesus Christ is, then everything else will fall into place." Like Fr David wrote, "have patience, to continue to try and see what it is in your husbands faith that inspires him or that holds him and see if that is something that you too can accept. You don't have to swallow the "whole pill" all at once, but there is a basic beginning point which you must accept." That beginning point is the Person of Jesus Christ.

Fr David is also right in suggesting you continue meeting with the priest at your husband's church. The priest should be able to (and eager to!) help you form and explore your questions.

Some Orthodox families want so much for the spouses of their children or siblings to be a part of their faith and life, that it can be a bit overwhelming for someone new to the faith (or the family!). Ironically, you can practice one of the most basic and important aspects of living the faith by forgiving them and not harboring a grudge. Think simply about them, and assure yourself that they don't mean to shun or hurt you. I myself came from an agnostic background, and, in a reverse situation from yours, am the only Orthodox Christian in my family. So I love them and honor and respect them.

May I also recommend a new and very lively website which may be of more help than monachos.net, simply because of its entire purpose: http://journeytoorthodoxy.com. There are some very inspiring stories of conversions to Orthodoxy by people of many backgrounds. Always remember to ask, seek and knock. God honors even the simplest prayer offered in sincerity.

May God bless you and reveal Himself to you as you seek Him.
~ Ralph

[Zosimas Sidway]

Greetings in Christ! My name is Ralph, patron saint Zosimas (the ascetical priest whom the Holy Spirit led to discover St Mary of Egypt), though I feel most fond of St Zosimas of Solovki Monastery. I was received into the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese (USA) in 1987, and am now in an OCA parish in Cincinnati, Ohio. I am a sometimes writer and infrequent poster, and have just completed a small book on Islam from an Orthodox and Patristic perspective, titled, Facing Islam: What the Ancient Church has to say about the Religion of Muhammad. I was blessed to make a pilgrimage to Platina in 2007 for the 25th anniversary of the repose of Hieromonk Seraphim Rose, and found it to be a very profound experience. After a few years of reading and learning on monachos.net, it seemed time to join the Community!

[Paul Cowan]

Hello Zosimas,

Welcome to the community. I hope youwill share with us your book in the book review area of this site.

Paul

[John Paise]

Greetings Everyone,

My name is John Paise and I am very happy to have found this forum. I live in Murfreesboro, TN USA (about 28 miles south of Nashville). I was raised Mormon, but have ran the gambit from hedonist to baptist before "coming home". I am a Reader and my wife and I direct our small choir at St. Elizabeth the New Martyr Orthodox Church in Murfreesboro. I am looking forward to some very profitable discussions with you all.

[Jeff McCluskie]

my name is jeff mcCluskie i am a orthodox christian from the state of Illinois in the USA.

[Jim Andersen]

My Name is Jim,

I am a 20 Year Old College Student who just recently graduated from from a local 2-Year Community College to receive my Associates in Arts and Humanities. While there I took a variety of classes from economics, philosophy, psychology, political science, and history. I am now going to a 4 Year State College in NY to get a Bachelors in Applied Psychology. I describe myself as someone who wants to aspire to a self-educated [for the most part] polymath in the fields above, while at the same time going to school. However, I also realize the need not to emphasize the head and pay attention to the heart.

In my search for the Spiritual I have come quite a long way, looking back on it and in such a short time as well: I was born and raised in a secular Roman Catholic household -> I became an Agnostic right after receiving Confirmation up to and between the age of 15 and 16 -> I wanted to become versed in Spiritual understanding and based on my research I would know where I wanted to go, in this time I discribe myself as Shopping for a Spirituality: I was a fundamentalist for 6 months, I was a "Gnostic Christian" for about a year and a half, I just eventually went to Eastern Philosophies for about 6 months, only then to just get enmeshed in the Occult for about a year. By this time I was 19 Years Old.

By this time, there was this thought in the back of my mind though, that just said "Go back To Christ" but I was caught in between a rock and a hard place, I didnt want to be ignorant of the Christian Tradition any longer. So I found out about The Eastern Orthodox Church probably about 6 months before my 20th Birthday [September 2009] after reading a book (http://www.christianbook.com/philokalia-christian-spiritual-selections-annotated-explained/allyne-smith/9781594731037/pd/473109/1087097663?event=85684SBF%7C1784515%7C85684) of Selections of the Philokalia. Since then I have been reading up on the Orthodox Perspective of Christianity and can really only conclude that the level of richness and depth that I was looking for is found in the East and is the answer to my concerns about being "ignorant of the Christian Tradition." However I know that just because I like what I am reading and pursuing intellectually, does not mean that this is it. I want the fullness of it but while I am here, I will have questions and what have you.


Hope you enjoyed reading a short story of my life, up to this present moment. God Bless,
Jim Andersen

[Adrian]

Welcome home, John.

[Mick Curran]

My Name is Jim,

I am a 20 Year Old College Student who just recently graduated from from a local 2-Year Community College to receive my Associates in Arts and Humanities. While there I took a variety of classes from economics, philosophy, psychology, political science, and history. I am now going to a 4 Year State College in NY to get a Bachelors in Applied Psychology. I describe myself as someone who wants to aspire to a self-educated [for the most part] polymath in the fields above, while at the same time going to school. However, I also realize the need not to emphasize the head and pay attention to the heart.

In my search for the Spiritual I have come quite a long way, looking back on it and in such a short time as well: I was born and raised in a secular Roman Catholic household -> I became an Agnostic right after receiving Confirmation up to and between the age of 15 and 16 -> I wanted to become versed in Spiritual understanding and based on my research I would know where I wanted to go, in this time I discribe myself as Shopping for a Spirituality: I was a fundamentalist for 6 months, I was a "Gnostic Christian" for about a year and a half, I just eventually went to Eastern Philosophies for about 6 months, only then to just get enmeshed in the Occult for about a year. By this time I was 19 Years Old.

By this time, there was this thought in the back of my mind though, that just said "Go back To Christ" but I was caught in between a rock and a hard place, I didnt want to be ignorant of the Christian Tradition any longer. So I found out about The Eastern Orthodox Church probably about 6 months before my 20th Birthday [September 2009] after reading a book (http://www.christianbook.com/philokalia-christian-spiritual-selections-annotated-explained/allyne-smith/9781594731037/pd/473109/1087097663?event=85684SBF%7C1784515%7C85684) of Selections of the Philokalia. Since then I have been reading up on the Orthodox Perspective of Christianity and can really only conclude that the level of richness and depth that I was looking for is found in the East and is the answer to my concerns about being "ignorant of the Christian Tradition." However I know that just because I like what I am reading and pursuing intellectually, does not mean that this is it. I want the fullness of it but while I am here, I will have questions and what have you.


Hope you enjoyed reading a short story of my life, up to this present moment. God Bless,
Jim Andersen


I enjoyed it very much, Jim, and I wish you well in all your endeavors.

Cordially,
Mick

[Darlene Griffith]

Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ!

I recently joined Monachos but did not formally introduce myself. I will dispense with all the details at this time which would be very lengthy. :) As I participate in the comments you will have opportunity to learn more about me, and I in turn, more about you all. Suffice it to say that I was received into the Holy Orthodox Catholic Church on Lazarus Saturday of this year.

I'm glad to see that there are others who have been drawn to Holy Orthodoxy as well. We have found the Pearl of Great Price. May we be living icons of Christ so that His light shines through us. May it also be that as we live in holiness others will be drawn to Christ's Church. Let us not be timid to openly speak of our precious fatih to others as the Lord opens the doors to do so.

In the Love of Jesus,

Darlene

[Lazarus Anderson]

Greetings everyone,

I've been lurking for a bit and thought I'd jump in and introduce myself. I come from a bit of a complicated religious background. My late father was Mormon, and my mother, who was raised as a Presbyterian, felt that all Protestant churches were "about the same" and so sent me to the local Lutheran church for Sunday School as a child, although I was never baptized. I became disaffected with Christianity as I understood it in my teens, and as an adult converted to the Baha'i Faith where I spent nine years. After undergoing a spiritual crisis, I read The Mountain of Silence by Kyriacos Markides, which started me on my journey back to Jesus Christ and Orthodoxy.

Finally, I was baptized and chrismated on Lazarus Saturday of 2008 at a Greek Orthodox parish, taking the name Lazarus at the suggestion of the local bishop, which felt very right. I currently attend a small and wonderful parish of the OCA, full of warmth and the love of God, and I feel truly blessed.

I look forward to interesting and enlightening discussions with all of you.

[Paul Fowler]

I look forward to interesting and enlightening discussions with all of you.

Greetings to you Lazarus and welcome, we also look forward to interesting and enlightening discussions with you. However mixed you feel your journey to Orthodoxy was, dont worry many of us have also had strange journeys, the important thing is that we have arrived home, so please enjoy!

Paul

[Tom L.]

Hello everyone,

I'm a Roman Catholic. I've not been raised as Catholic, but I have been baptized and confirmed in childhood.

When I went to the Church for the first time, I was sad. This wasn't the beautiful gregorian chant, beautiful and incense stuff that I associated with going to Church. Instead, what I experienced looked more like a Protestant service.

After that, I learned about Vatican II and all its changes. I got into contact with FSSPX, and at the moment I am still associated with that fraternity. But often, I feel confused. How can we recognise, how can we be lead by a pope that openly commits modernism and even heresy?

A few months ago, I accidentally found out about Western Orthodoxy. It looks like the only Western Church unaffected by Vatican II. To be honest, it looks like the whole Orthodox Church is the only Church affected by Vatican II. I've been learning a lot about Western and Eastern Orthodoxy, and hope to learn more about it here.

Tom

[Adrian]

Lazarus and Darlene welcome home.
Tom welcome to this website and hopefully in the future you'll get home too.

[Esther Robinson]

Hello. I'm a convert who was originally Nazarene, tried Evangelical Free, became PCUSA, then finally discovered the truth in Orthodoxy. I have been attending a Greek Orthodox church since November 2006, and was chrismated in January 2009. My patron saint is St. Gregory of Nyssa, who I believe led me to the church. :)

[Adrian]

Welcome home Esther. Welcome home to the Church established and defended by God that gives people Holy Communion for eternal life http://www.monachos.net/forum/showthread.php?6114-On-Sundays-Orthodox-church-gives-people-holy-communion-for-eternal-life and makes people children of God through baptism . Being children of God is much above being people of God. As child of God you are free to enter Heaven otherwise I don't know.

[Tristan Alexander]

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I am an eighteen year old Roman Catholic Christian who has recently developed a strong interest in and love of Orthodox theology and spirituality. I feel strongly 'pulled' somehow to the East. I am having doubts about the institution of the papacy and prefer the views of John Cassian on original sin than those of Blessed Augustine. What's more I really love the Orthodox view of 'theosis', a doctrine which despite being at the centre of the Christian message, I have heard very little of within the Catholic Church. I was wondering if any of you could recommend any good books on Orthodox spirituality - particularly prayer and theosis - and the Orthodox way of life, that could help deepen my understanding and interest. I would prefer something which is not to heavy. I am after all just a young rookie and still need spiritual milk rather than solid spiritual food, in my journey with God.

With thanks and love,

Tristan Alexander, your brother in faith

[Paul Cowan]

Hello Tristan,

You might take advantage of the search feature here. Here is a start for you.

What spiritual books are people reading (http://www.monachos.net/forum/showthread.php?3855-Which-spiritual-books-are-people-reading&highlight=people+reading)
Book review area (http://www.monachos.net/forum/forumdisplay.php?376-Book-Reviews)
in depth texts (http://www.monachos.net/forum/forumdisplay.php?321-In-Depth-Texts-Sources-and-Fathers)

Happy reading

Paul

[Tristan Alexander]

Thank you Paul ;) I will definetly get reading!

[Tristan Alexander]

Also, could anybody tell me where I could find a good Orthodox Church/parish in Scotland?

[Herman Blaydoe]

There is a Greek church in Glasgow and a ROCOR parish in Edinburgh that I have attended. Is there any particular part of Scotland you are interested in?

[Lisa Krauter]

Greetings,
I am currently an Evangelical but hope to be received into the Orthodox Church in the next few months. I was introduced to Orthodoxy a little over 2 years ago and quickly immersed myself in reading about Orthodox doctrine (and it's differences from Protestant theology), reading the Church Fathers, and attending services in a local parish. I found Orthodoxy to be a wonderful treasure and after about 6 months I desired to unite myself with the Orthodox Church. But my husband does not share my love for Orthodoxy and is in leadership in his church. It's taken about 1 1/2 years for him to become OK with the idea of me becoming Orthodox. So, I'm hoping that I'm almost "home" in the Orthodox Church.

I've enjoyed exploring this great website with all that it offers and look forward to learning more.

[Paul Fowler]

Also, could anybody tell me where I could find a good Orthodox Church/parish in Scotland?

Herman's comment is important. There are Orthodox Churches in both Edinburgh and Glasgow and smaller communities spread out across the country-eg the Romanians have just started a Parish in Aberdeen. If you follow the link below, you will find access to a pdf file which lists all the Orthodx Parishes in the UK. I dont know how up-to-date it is, but knowing Fr Andrew whose site it is, I'm pretty sure it will be s accurate as it can be

http://orthodoxengland.org.uk/zresources.htm


Paul

[Darlene Griffith]

Dear Lisa,

I encourage you to be patient. I, too, hail from Evangelical Land. :) Like you, my husband has had difficulty coming to terms with my love for the Orthodox faith and my entrance into the Holy Orthodox Church.

I want to caution you that there can be a tendency to become overly critical of our faith tradition. I believe I have fallen into that trap at various times. However, there are many good things I learned as an Evangelical Christian. Among them. my love for Holy Scripture is one of the virtues I bring with me into the Church. I was taught to read and memorize Scripture so that it penetrated my very being. As David said, "I will lay up Thy word in my heart that I might not sin against Thee." Often when I am tempted to sin, the Holy Spirit quickens within me the word that was implanted inside of me as St. James says, "Therefore put away all filthiness and rank growth of wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls."

Know that all of your experiences in life were meant to draw you closer to the truth of Christ and His Holy Church. We have been blessed with a gift - He has granted us the grace to receive the truths that are taught within Holy Orthodoxy. But we must be patient and long-suffering with those who dwell where we once dwelt. Living our faith in deed and in truth will be a witness of our holy faith to those around us, especially those with whom we live and work.

May Christ our God bless you this day and always.

Darlene

[Tristan Alexander]

Thanks guys :)

[Keri]

Hello Everyone!

I thank you for the replies and understanding. It is comforting to see new members/guests on here as well. Thank you Father Moser for your reply :)

If no one minds, I would love to share what it is that I am having trouble understanding. But, like Herman pointed out, this is not the appropraite thread to discuss things outside introductions. I apologize it has been weeks since my last posts. If possible, I would like to set up a forum to discuss struggles with Orthodoxy for those who are or or not Orthodox. Like Adrian suggested- this could be a good way for some of us to express our feelings and opinions and possible shed light on issues we may have trouble grasping.

What should it be called? Any suggestions?

[Daniel Monroe]

Hello to everyone!
My name is Daniel Monroe.
I grew up United Methodist and Free Methodist, was Catholic for five years--just long enough to meet the girl that became my wife--and together with that girl converted to Orthodoxy about 22 years ago.
I am a teacher (mostly Latin and math). My interests are varied--languages, logic, Austrian economics, linguistics etc. However, I really like to discuss Orthodoxy and all things pertaining to it. In 22 years I have barely scratched the surface.

[Herman Blaydoe]

Mrs. Keri, there are several venues for understanding the teachings of Orthodoxy. If one has a question about the nature of God, you can post that question here (http://www.monachos.net/forum/forumdisplay.php?299-The-Nature-of-God). If your question is about the Orthodox understanding about Christ Himself, you would post your question here (http://www.monachos.net/forum/forumdisplay.php?300-Christology-Discussion-Area), and so on.

There is also an informal group called "Converts to Orthodoxy" (http://www.monachos.net/forum/group.php?groupid=9) where the unique issues for those coming into the Faith from other faith traditions can be discussed in a more general nature.

Herman

[Mike Fulton]

Hello everyone,

My name is Alexander. I was born and raised Roman Catholic and only started to learn about Orthodoxy while I was engaged to a Greek woman. I went through many different emotions before deciding to be baptized in the Greek Orthodox Church - the best decision I have ever made in my life! I felt it was a great blessing to be able to learn about Orthodoxy as an adult. Glory to God for leading me on the path to the true, holy, catholic and apostolic church!

I originally heard about this website through some podcasts that I subscribe to. I’m excited to be joining this community so I can continue to learn and read about the experiences of others. May God have mercy on all of us as we continue our struggle in this earthly life.

Hey Alexandros! Welcome to Monachos!

[Rauha]

Hi,

I'm David Wiechmann and was chrismated in the Orthodox Church in January of this year, following a long albeit on-and-off search into Orthodoxy that took up about 20 years. I was raised conservative Lutheran and am the son, the grandson, and great-grandson of Lutheran pastors. Needless to say, my conversion to Orthodoxy was not well received by my family or friends. What started me on my search, was my own Lutheran tradition of questioning everything, and researching everything that I was taught. I had to find out of it was really the Truth, or just what I was raised to believe (faith of a child, and all that). As I dug deeper into the Protestant Confessions, it became clear to me that what I was witnessing in the Lutheran churches was not the same thing that was being described in the Book of Concord, for example. The continued liberalization of liturgy, the wishy-washy-ness of ecumenism and never quite knowing what I was going to find, when I walked into any given Lutheran church, really bothered me. It struck me that the Lutheran church of today, is no longer the Lutheran church of the 16th century. It had many elements of it, but much had been picked off and discarded. I could not accept putting my faith in cherry-picked theology. I found that the Protestants of Luther's time were dealing with a different world (i.e. RC abuses) than we are dealing with today. Not even the RC church is the same today, as it was in Luther's time, so what legs were the Protestants of today even resting on? It was like picking an argument out of the history books and continuing to argue that same thing 500 years later, even though the water had already moved on under the bridge. I still had/have problems with aspects of RC dogma, so becoming RC was never even an option for me. Several years after I began my search into Orthodoxy, I was sent to Russia for 2 years on a missionary trip, to help youth in a restituted German Lutheran church. There I came face to face with the Russian Orthodox Church and spent many Sundays at Divine Liturgy in the various churches and lavras. I will never forget celebrating Paschal Vigil in the cathedral in Novgorod! I ended up in the midst of a sort of crisis of faith at that point, and was nearly sent home for not toeing the Lutheran line. My only regret is that the Russian Orthodox I met were far too reluctant to share their faith with me, which might have spared me another 15 years of searching. Perhaps they themselves didn't understand it well, since there was much confusion and spiritual chaos in Russia, while I was there. Everyone was searching for the Truth, and the Orthodox Church was being inundated with "missionaries" from dozens, if not hundreds of Western Protestant denominations, and non-Christian cults. It was a bit of a madhouse. When I returned to the US, the Internet was now the norm, and I now had access to tons of information and websites about Orthodoxy, as well as podcasts to guide me. I truly tried to get back into the "Lutheran groove" in the US, but it was a futile attempt, and I was miserable. None of my questions were being answered by Lutheran pastors, who generally dismissed them out of hand, or told me to stop worrying so much. Finally, I decided to return to the Orthodox Church, and found an parish locally, and spent a year studying, praying, discussing with the priest, and taking catechumen classes. Now that I'm Orthodox, I still feel like such a newbie but realize that this where I need to be, and that my heart is finally at peace (thus my username: Rauha - Finnish for "peace"), despite the toll my conversion has had on some of my personal relationships.

I will end this with a humble prayer request. I have been unemployed for a year, and my wife (who is about to give birth to our first child) and I will be moving overseas in a number of months to live with her parents, since that is the only safe haven we can find. I ask that we be granted safe and peaceful passage and a positive new start on life, as much as my soon-to-be-born son is evidence of new life, new beginnings and God's continued grace in our lives.

[John Bakas]

Hello,

I am John, Catholic (Roman rite), married, self-employed, in my 60s. I live in Tampa, Florida, USA. I was an atheist until I was 38 years old. For the next 20 years I attended churches in the Reformed tradition of Protestant Christianity. About four years ago my wife and I became Benedictine oblates at a Catholic monastery in Florida.

Monasticism is my primary interest and the reason I joined this forum. I appreciate the privilege of being a guest and look forward to learning as much as I can from the many resources on this well-organized website.

Peace to all,

John
Tampa, Florida, USA

[Philip Harwell]

Hello everybody!

I have been meaning to write an introductory message here for quite a while now, but I'm not as much of a message board user than I used to be. Anyways....

I'm in my early 30's, and have lived most of my life in the Church of Christ (part of the 19th century Restoration Movement in America), but have been disillusioned / disenfranchised for quite awhile, especially as I learned more and more about church history, and being dismayed at the fractured nature of the Protestant Reformation. I believed in God, but I felt directionless and despondent, despairing down to the core, wondering just where the Truth was.

Like many people of my age and experience, I had only a vague notion of Orthodoxy, and mainly dismissed it as some slight variation of Catholicism. Earlier this year, that changed. I encountered information about the Orthodox church that I'd never heard before, and I was immediately intrigued and excited, while at the same time floored by what I'd seen and shaken very deeply, but in a good way.

Since then, I've spent many hours listening to Ancient Faith Radio (which pretty much served as my portal to Orthodoxy), as well as reading -- mainly websites -- contemplating and searching, and ultimately began attending an Antiochian Orthodox church about an hour away from where I live, since there are no Orthodox churches in my immediate area. My family and I have been going for about 2 months now.

I am not yet a catechumen, but I am in the process of converting. I still have a lot of questions/doubts/issues (many of which stem from my particular religious upbringing), but I am excited by discovering what I had been longing for for years. Many things are making sense for the first time ever.

[Christian Patton]

Howdy y'all!

I've been lurking here for awhile now and thought it about time I introduce myself. My name is Christian Patton and I live in the Ozarks (the southern half of the state of Missouri, USA). I was raised in the Assemblies of God (my father was a preacher), then, as an act of rebellion, I became a Muslim for about ten years. Yep, you read that right. After a little side trip through Buddhism and Hinduism, I discovered Eastern Orthodoxy and was baptised/chrismated back in 2004. I still can't believe how blessed I am to have discovered Holy Orthodoxy, though the reality is that I didn't discover anything: Jesus allowed me to go through all those other faiths in order to show me just how much I need Him and His Church. I remember looking up and calling the Priest in the phone book and saying something like, "Howdy Father, I've been reading a good deal about Orthodoxy and I'd like to talk to about it." The rest, as they say, is history. I probably won't post too much as I prefer just to read and absorb all that I can. Thanks for letting me become a member here. I hope to continue learning about my faith. All y'all are in my unworthy prayers.

[Adrian]

Keri and Philip welcome. Please put your questions on
General / other casual topics http://www.monachos.net/forum/forumdisplay.php?341-General-other-casual-topics and people will be happy to respond to them

[Michael 'Anthony' Cornett]

Greetings all,

My name is Mike Cornett, newly illumined on Lazarus Saturday with the name "Anthony". It happened to be my middle name already, so it was a comfortable change ;)

I am from Bakersfield, CA; home to Buck Owens, Korn, lots of farmland, and believe it or not, a wonderful Greek Orthodox parish known as St. George.

I come from a Roman Catholic family...well, 'French' Catholic if we want to get down to it. I went through the 'ranks'; starting with baptism, first communion, confirmation, all the while going to plenty of retreats and catechism classes. Everyone, at least on my mother's side, is Catholic so it was a no brainer at first...I guess you could say it's probably relatable to the 'cradle' characteristics.

During the classes before confirmation, in my teens, I started to really question things. Not in just an unruly, snotty teen manner, but truly question some of the teachings. I guess, you could say, I was a bit despondent. The RC church seemed to lack depth. The more I got involved with my age group activities, the more it reminded me of my Protestant friend's gatherings, and how shallow those seemed to be. Then, I started getting into Theological matters, and had a hard time grasping Papal infallibility, All of the various prayers to different aspects of various 'visions' of Mary or Christ, receiving the eucharist from a lay person, no accountability with the relation of repentance & receiving the eucharist, etc etc.

At the same time, I was searching out 'spirituality' in books on metaphysics and 'Eastern thought'. There was inklings of something there, but I always felt uncomfortable at the new agey-ness of it all. By 18, I stopped going to church. I knew that Christianity was the Truth, but I also knew, or at least felt strongly that the experiences I was getting in the catholic church was not Truth, at least in full. I was certain that Truth wasn't in the Protestant services, either.

Around that time, I had an Egyptian friend who was a "cradle" in the Coptic faith. She wasn't the most zealous person when it came to her faith, but it was enough for me to spark interest in the mere concept of "Orthodoxy". I had been to a few Greek Food Festivals before, but those attendances were entirely related to culture & food since my sister had married a Greek man. I started searching out Orthodoxy haphazardly on my own from that point on. One of the first books I got was St Athanasius "On the Incarnation". I didn't really have any resources or spiritual guidance to keep me on a solid path, but I am thankful that I didn't drop everything and run into the open abyss...I was pretty careful and cautious.

A year or two later, I attended another Greek Food Festival at St George with family and friends. Some catholic friends and I decided to finally take a 'church tour'. We showed up at the doors, and it looked as if the final tour was just ending. Father Joseph was kind enough to still sit down and talk with us if we wished. I was very interested, and was happy to do so. The one thing I remember most throughout the conversation was how careful, & kind Father Joseph was about not coming off as a proselytizer. He was very respectful and wanted to merely give us a brief understanding of what Eastern Orthodoxy is. He was able to dispel some misunderstandings I had, and also give me a brief explanation of differences between the Oriental Church & the Eastern Church.

We figured that since we came from a Catholic background, we could start basically at the Schism for our differences...hah! Father started us back at the Garden of Eden. We ended up talking for an hour or 2, but it was truly an enlightening experience. He told us about a website called OrthodoxCircle.com that was built for Orthodox, but that he gave us permission to sign in as inquirers if we so wished. I did just that, and was able to get connected with a few other Bakersfield Orthodox youths.

It took me about another year before I attended my first Divine Liturgy. From that point on, I've been attending ever since.

I was recently married to my beautiful wife Grace (Anna) on July 10th of this year. She was previously a Protestant youth minister, coming from a long line of Baptist Missionaries. We actually became closer friends during one of the major fasts, and she came to some of the evening services with me, whenever she didn't have a youth program to attend. Her zeal really inspired me. There was a lot of conflict between her job responsibilities, & her zeal for Orthodoxy. Fortunately, that was resolved, and she was baptized a few weeks before me at Life Giving Spring Monastery in Dunlap, CA. Gerontissa Markella and our good friend Nicole Stregos (from our home parish) are her "god parents". Grace was discerning after baptism whether or not she would become a nun, or be a part of the world in a life of marriage. She stayed at the monastery for about a week after baptism. It was determined that in fact she wasn't prepared to leave the world, and was better suited for a life of marriage. Gerontissa had a conversation with both of us, individually when I went to pick her up. She had been praying for the both of us, and requested that we get married no later than August 15th (the Dormition of the Theotokos). The day that she told us this was the celebration of the Annunciation. We were in such a joyful bliss.

I had yet to really secure a godfather, and Gerontissa was able to secure one for me that very day...A wonderful man named John Reeder, and his wife Barbara who lived nearby.

Now we are married, and feel as blessed as we can be.

[James Scott]

Hello,

I'm James. I was baptized and chrismated earlier this year on February 27th, coming from a Southern Baptist background & mostly Baptist family. St. James, the brother of the Lord, is my Patron Saint. That is also my first, legal, name.

I'm very glad that through much study, prayer, & struggle God has lead me to His one and only Church.

God Bless.

[Judith Harry]

Happy to be able to say hello to you all. I found my first visit to Monachos very warming, and look forward to being part of this big wide Orthodox community. I am the wife of an Orthodox priest in Lincolnshire, UK, and we are under the Antiochian patriarchate. We have a parish and a mission to take care of, and value the warm fellowship that exists in both of them. I am beginning to look round the garden for fragrant herbs to go into the small bouquets for Sunday's Feast of the Dormition. I particularly like the traditions of the Great Feasts: such a lovely way to add to the richness of each one. In Christ Judith

[Ronnie Shakespeare]

Hi everyone. My name is Ronnie. I have come to this website to find out more about the Orthodox Faith.

I have found out all i need to know in the unorthodox faiths. Its been very confuseing.

God bless you all.

Hi everyone:

Talk about people Judgeing: The First church i was baptised at and Joined. I got well involved in things. I went every sunday
Also a midweek service, Also going to house group bible studies, Going with them evangelizing, also bring others to there church and was giveing 10% of my wages to the church.

Then these christians wanted me to leave my family home and live in this house with 15 0ther christians. Because i did not want to do this: They did not like it. They was trying to tell me that they don't think i am really saved because we believe you are not doing enough
One of them said to me what is the matter is everything getting to much for you: I said yes: He looked at me with hatered in his eyes and said that is Satan and turned his back on me and walked off.

I also noticed in this church That New converts that owned a house were told they had to sell there house and give all the money to there church. Then Live with Them with other christians. I decided to keep away from these people.

After a few years i did get involved with the penticostal movement: Everything seemed Fine up untill i went down with bowel cancer and depression: It was a happy clappy church and it was hard for me to be in a happy mood; Both of the leadership was not happy with the fact that i was suffering from depression saying to me christians don't get depressed.
Because i disagreed with them they threatend me with Excommunication; So i decided not to go back to that church.

I stopped going to any church for the last 12 years and in the last 7 years stopped reading the bible altogether. Its only been Since January this year that i have decided to look into the christian faith again.

[Adrian]

Hi Ronnie,

Since Adam and Eve people had 2 problems.
1.Death problem solved by eternal life one can receive by eating food for Eternal life from Orthodox Church http://www.monachos.net/forum/showthread.php?6114-On-Sundays-Orthodox-church-gives-people-holy-communion-for-eternal-life
2.Interdiction to Heaven solved by Baptism
A religion is supposed to solve the 2 problems. if these problems are not solved then nothing matters.

By having good teachings, not smoking, performing good deeds and anything you can gather from great teachings King Davis, Abraham and Jeremiah went to Hell until Jesus came and baptized them. Please read Gospel of Nicodemus for more information.http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/gospelnicodemus-roberts2.html Can you get more out of great Teachings than King David? Than Abraham? Than Prophet Jeremiah?

Jesus brought to Earth more than teachings. he brought solution to the 2 problems through the Church he established, Orthodox Church and one may read the Holy Liturgy of Apostle Mark centered on food for eternal life of other Liturgies of Apostles like Holy Liturgy of Apostle James supposed to be written in year 60 centered also around FOOD FOR ETERNAL LIFE.

So where did you find solutions of the 2 problems in other religions?

We can discuss about that in General forum.

[David Hillyer]

Hi Ronnie,

This website is very useful, and books are too -- but my advice is to meet someone who follows the orthodox faith, in a local church or monastery, then take time to get to know them and share your journey of discovery with them, and their friends.

Blessings, David

[Philip Harwell]

Guess I'm "re-introducing" myself in a way. Today I have become a catechumen. I'm nervous but hopeful.

Had two long talks with Mom (she is in town watching the kids as my wife starts her new job). She's a very staunch Church of Christ member, but after a while she opened up a bit, asking very constructive questions. She doesn't like it, and doesn't approve of it, but she's willing to study, I think. Knowing this has family-rift-causing potential, I haven't talked much about it, but she had suspected something was going on. But, it looks like we're in a friendly agree-to-disagree state right now, which will keep the peace for the time being. Thanks be to God that she is understanding at least on some level.

Now I've taken the next step in my journey to Orthodoxy. Though I'm getting used to it, so much of it still seems alien, and like I said, I'm nervous. And yet, still at peace.

[Stelios]

Hello, everybody. My name is Stelios, 68 years old, ex-judge. I am a Greek Orthodox, married with two sons and 5 grand-sons. We live in Nicosia, Cyprus, in the east-mediterranean. God bless you all. Stelios.

[Augustine C.]

Hello Everyone,

My name is Augustine. I come from a Protestant background. Although I was born in the U.S., my parents are from Romania. My parents grew up in the Pentecostal church themselves, with their parents being the ones who left the Orthodox Church in Romania. However, around the age of 15 or so, I started studying more on Church History, the Scriptures, the Church Fathers and so on. Thus, as I have learned more about the "true Church," I have been reading that much more. I'm still new to all this, so it will take some time to understand most things.

I'm excited that I've been able to find this community.

Thanks.

[Michael Perkins]

Hello. My name is Michael Perkins. I attend St. Mary of Egypt Serbian Orthodox parish in Kansas City, MO. I'm a convert to the Orthodox Church. I greatly appreciate all of the information available on Monachos.net and look forward to learning more from the community forum.

[Jackie Mc Neal]

Hi,
I'm Jackie McNeal,I was raised Roman Catholic. I'm a catechumen at an antiochian parish in Twin Falls, Idaho. I've been reading the posts here and I'm really excited about all the information and guidance.

[Pat Weber]

Hello all,
I'm Pat Weber and I converted to the Orthodox Faith a little over a year ago after a long journey through Chrismatic & Evangelical churches. I've been hungry to know God since I was a child (I'm 47 now). My search took me through 2 Bible Colleges and 4 churches and left me rather disillusioned. At long last I've found the Orthodox Faith and I have hope. I have much to learn and un-learn but I look forward to the journey, hoping to learn much from this community.

[Alexander Zhdanov]

Hello noble fathers, brothers and sisters in Christ.

My name is Alexander Zhdanov.For some time, I have already been posting messages and even created separate threads for discussion and now I would like to introduce myself. Sorry for delay.

My basic purpose is a studying of language and possibly to communicate with other orthodox people around the world :) being free from work or other duties.
The questions which are discussed on Monachos are interesting to me and I hope that I can bring a feasible contribution in these discussions .
Also I would like to understand how live orthodox people in the west and what questions are exciting them.

I am 31 years old engineer from Korolev, Moscow region. Our town was named after the first guided spaceship constructor S.P. Korolev and here, in our town, there are a lot of enterprises connected with space programmes ,for example, Mission Spaceflight Control Center, research-and-production company Energy and others. I graduated from BMSTU in 2003. Now I work as QA specialist in our town.

I love swim, cycling, listening to music, playing chess, reading books.

I often go to Valdai Iveron monastery and from time to time to Optina Pustyn.

BTW, does anybody know how to insert IM in my profile.


Regards,

Alexander

[Michael Stickles]

Welcome, all! Glad you found us.


BTW, does anybody know how to insert IM in my profile.

In the menu bar near the top of the webpage (when you're in the forum), click on "Forum Actions" and select "Edit My Details" from the menu that drops down. About halfway down the page that comes up is a place for recording IM information (ICQ number, AIM screen name, MSN Messenger handle, Yahoo! Messenger handle, and/or Skype screen name).

[Mark Anthony]

Hello. I'm a ex-RC and new to Orthodoxy. Please take care of me

[Timothy Mulligan]

My name is Timothy. I will be chrismated in October at St. Stephen Orthodox Cathedral in Philadelphia. I am incredibly grateful for this.

Mine may be one of the longest waits between the catechumenate and chrismation. This is entirely my fault. I was a catechumen at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church in Houston in 2000. That was a wonderful experience. The catechist was Fr. John Namie, a holy priest who has since reposed. The fine pastor, Fr. John Salem, is still there. Although I completed the catechism classes, I did not wait for chrismation. Again, that was not due to anything wrong in my experience at St. George's. I will always be grateful for it.

I eventually went back to the Catholic faith in which I was raised. Lately, I had tried for awhile to grasp traditional Christianity by attending the traditional Latin Mass. At first, I saw it as a way I could have traditional liturgy (as in Orthodoxy), while remaining Catholic. It was a great improvement over the new Mass, but I still felt that something was missing. Something very important. I did not have the support of the authentic tradition that I needed to truly struggle with my passions. I also felt that the traditional Catholic movement was too angry, proud and ideological. Most importantly, I simply believed Orthodoxy. My heart was crying for Orthodoxy.

I began attending St. Stephen Orthodox Cathedral, an OCA parish, this summer. The priest, Fr. Victor, is a truly zealous man. We are very fortunate to have him.

When I am visiting my parents in New Jersey, about once a month, I will be attending Annunciation Church in Brick, NJ.

I work as an immigration lawyer with a Catholic non-profit organization. I am single, so there is plenty of time for prayer. No excuses!

I have been listening to Father Deacon Matthew Steenberg's podcasts, "A Word from the Holy Fathers," every morning with breakfast. They have been helping me to begin again to acquire an Orthodox phronema (mindset).

I look forward to participating here and I thank everyone for their contributions.

[Eugenia Vasiliadis]

Hello, My name is Eugenia Vasiliadis and I am a Greek Orthodox Christian and have been all my life. I was born in a Orthodox family and thanks to my mother a very serious Orthodox learned the basics. When I came to this country I was longing for something more meaningful in my life and try to find it "outside" the church in the charismatic movement of that time. Thank God he protected me from leaving my church all together after years of not belonging.

After reading alot of the fathers of the church writtings and Philokalia and other books and with a lot of prayer, I came to realize that I belonged to the True Faith and I was not going to change it to something else. I am amazed at the miracles that God has brought in my life and my family's. I long to have serious conversations with other true Orthodox people but it is so hard to find them. We are in church every sunday, but when Liturgy is over nothing spiritual is talked about at the coffee hour or during the week with anyone. this discussion group is a good way to share and learn.

[Antonios]

To Eugenia and the all the recent new members,

Glory be to God! It is good to have you here.

In Christ,
Antonios

[Norman Barber]

Welcome Eugenia Vasiliadis , I can fully understand where you are comming from in reguards to finding someone to discuss our faith with. I have been fortunate to find a small church near me 29 miles i can go to, but we have no priest yet, soon we hope. The problem i have now is my work shdule, six days on and 3 off, hard to get to church, i go every Sunday i am off.
again welcome

[Cristian Teodor]

Our God be with us!

I was born Orthodox Cristian and all of my family are christian orthodox from Romania. I read about a miracle in 2003 when an aircraft was landing with the help of Holy Mary, Mother of our God Jesus Christ. I tried to find more detail about this fly and I found this forum. So, I decided to make a step to know about other Christian Orthodox people...

I am so glad to see so many people that was born outside of Orthodox church and Our Lord helped them to reborn in the True One Church of Jesus Christ.

Lord bless us!

[Eugenia Vasiliadis]

Hi Carla,
I read your message and you sound so much like my future daughter in law. She has the same background as yours but practices no faith at this point in her life. My son is very Orthodox and wishes for her to become one for them to get married. I hope and pray that she will see the light and embrace the Othodox Faith. I hope you will too as you learn more about it.. Read the Fathers of the Church writtings!

[Eugenia Vasiliadis]

Hi Wayne,
Welcome!
I have gone to a Greek Orthodox church in Albuquerque, but its mostly in greek. At least it was when I was there about 5 years ago. I am sure there are other churches as well. Wish you the best and let us know your impressions after you visit it. Keep in mind it takes more than just a visit to know that you found the true faith.

[Juliana S.]

Hello, my name is Juliana S. and my husband, children (various ages from toddler teen) and I were all received into the Church this past January. We are so, so thankful! I had been a Christian for a couple dozen years and my husband longer. Individually and together, we journeyed through Reformed, Alliance, Baptist, Foursquare, Vineyard, "word of faith", home and independent charismatic churches before "discovering" Orthodoxy.

After years of wondering when we were going to finally find the fullness of God (and tiring ourselves out trying to figure so very many doctrinal issues out on our own), we started learning about the Orthodox church. We read books, websites and talked with some Orthodox people we knew (via email). It was scary -- and quite exciting! We spent several months asking ourselves if we were crazy. We knew, for one, it was so very different from anything we'd experienced to that point and, for another, that making this decision was IT -- there would be no going back (if Orthodoxy wasn't "it", we almost felt we'd be done with Christianity).

Eventually we started attending services and we jumped in all the way almost from the start since God had been preparing us for a long time. We became catechumens a year ago August, and, as I said, were baptized in January. What a glorious day. My patron saint is St. Juliana the Merciful, of Lazarevo. We attend a mission with about 20-30 people, with the "big" church about 45 minutes away.

Our lives have changed dramatically, and in some ways it's gotten very, very hard; and yet there's not a thing we'd change. We know we've been given a gift from the God we've loved for so long, and we're so grateful. Our faith is full and rich and beautiful now. It's real.

[Antonios]

Our lives have changed dramatically, and in some ways it's gotten very, very hard

:) This is why the road to the Kingdom is less traveled! There is no path to eternal life than first through death, and there is no resurrection without Golgotha first. Consider it a blessing when life becomes more difficult! It is God further working His grace on you, refining you, strengthening you, transfiguring you into His Divine image and likeness.

Welcome to the forums and above all, welcome to the Church!

[Georgios Stavronikitianos]

Hi All,

My name is Georgios, I have been a member for quite a few months now, but I have never introduced myself. I am a former student of the Athonias Ecclesiastical Academy on Mount Athos. Whilst on Athos for 5 years, I met many of the great elders of our time including Geron Paisios. I have many cherished memories of Athos which I hope to share with you all at some stage. The Monastery I was assigned to as a student was Stavronikita, hence the my profile surname. I welcome all the new members and hope to interact with you all at some stage throughout the various discussions.

[Eugenia Vasiliadis]

what a beautiful story Juliana! Isn't it wonderful when God speaks in our hearts and we have that assurance of Him
that nothing can shake it.

God bless you and your family,

Eugenia

[Eugenia Vasiliadis]

Hello Georgo,

I wish I could go to Mount Athos. What was it like living there for so long?
Can you share some stories from Fr. Paisios?

Eugenia

[Rebekka V.]

Hello. I am a Roman Catholic school teacher and I am very interested in learning more about Orthodoxy in all of Her Sacred Forms. I will try to be a good student. Please forgive me in advance, for not yet knowing all the customs. I plan to read as much as possible without replying without reason.

I am grateful to have found this group. May we all keep each other in prayer, as we strive to be holier and more dedicated Christians.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Rebekka V.

[Georgios Stavronikitianos]

Hi Eugenia,

Agion Oros (Mount Athos) is a peacefull place with none of the problems, noise and stress of the outside world. Its quite easy to lose all sense of time whilst living there, however I was studying at the Ecclesiastical college where we had connections to the secular world.
For me, being surrounded by living history, venerating and praying before Icons that Saints of our church prayed before and stepping in the same places as they did was the greatest experience of my life.
I won't continue as I will be going on for a while and its probably best we take this discussion to another section of the forum, or feel free to PM me.
Georgios.

[Georgianne Olson]

Hi, My name is Georgianne, however I prefer to go by my Orthodox name of Emily after St. Emilia. I am excited to find this space of exchange of thoughts. I am hopeing to learn more about monastic possibilities, or living a more monastic life as a lay person near a monastic community. I am eager to meet other Orthodox Christians. I live in Minnesota and it is hard to find other Orthodox friends with that special "extra need" for a deeper experience. Hope to get to know the system and chat with some new friends. Emily

[Eugenia Vasiliadis]

Hello Emily,

Welcome to the forum!. You are so right when you say , it is hard to find other Orthodox friends around you with the same "extra need" for a deeper experience. I have the same problem also. I am happy to have found this site where I can learn so much from others more knowledgeable and hopefully contribute a little by expressing my thoughts. Eugenia

[Matthew M]

Hi my name is Matthew. I was raised Protestant, but have just now begun to explore Orthodoxy. I just finished Becoming Orthodox and I have some questions about a few of the verses he used in the book. Which forum is most appropriate?

[Paul Cowan]

Welcome Matthew,

Go to the "quick Navigation" drop down box on the lower right corner of the screen and scroll down until you see a suitable place for your inquiry. You might also see your question already listed.

Paul

[JohnFrangoulis]

My name is John Frangoulis and I was born in Athens Greece and moved to the US when I was 8 years old. I have been involved with the Greek Orthodox Church from the beginning serving as an alter boy, Sunday school and the Parish Council. I left the Church for about 14 years because of foolish reasons and returned about two years ago. I now attend St. Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church in Charlotte NC. I am truly blessed to be a member of St Nektarios and the wonderful community that support it. Shortly after becoming a member I joined our prison ministries and have been blessed with the love Jesus has put in my heart.

I pray often throughout the day and now know that there is much for me to do. There is much to say but I am not much of a writer.

I found out about this site by accident when I did a search for “the origins or meaning of the word AGIOS. Does anybody have information or direction for me?

In Christ,

Yianni

[Georgianne Olson]

Eugenia, I share your desire for Orthodox conversation. I live in Minnesota and find myself needing Orthodox conversation. I would like very much to set up some type of conversation with those on this network. Georgianne (Emily - my baptismal name after St. Emilia.

Wayne, I have been Orthodox for many years, converted from Lutheran. It is a wonderful experience. I am sure you will find an Orthodox parish near you - there are many listings to find on the Web. I really didn't fully convert until I found a wonderful monastery and felt the fullness of the liturgy and I never turned back. Best of luck. Georgianne - Emily if my Orthodox Christian name after St. Emilia

[Wayne Whitmer]

Miss Olson,

I find it quite timely that you referenced my name in your post from a post that I placed here way back in January. Thank You for your encouragement. As for an update especially for those who I have interacted with here and elsewhere online my wife and I have completed AIC at an LCMS congregation with the intentions of uniting with said congregation. I still have a strong curiosity regarding Orthodoxy. Miss Olson which Lutheran Synod did you belong before becoming Orthodox?

[Frank]

Hello, my name is Frank. I found Christ rather He found me at the age of 16 when I was drawn to a sincere effort to find the deeper meaning in the Bible which I was very unfamiliar with at the time. You might say I was a candidate for a scripture only mindset but my experience was quite the opposite and I have never committed to any denomination, rarely attending different church services here and there over the years.

I realized my faith has always been Orthodox years ago reading 'The Philokalia' but have always been somewhat of a hermit. Made an attempt at catechism in the local Roman Catholic church but found that I was in the midst of secular influence that I was unwilling to endure.

Anyway that is part of who I am and I hope to learn more details about the Orthodox observance and find guidance toward understanding the basic terms and protocol of the Church. Can anyone recommend a good book ?

[Georgianne Olson]

Matthew, When I first became Orthodox I found the book The Orthodox Churchby Meyendorrf helpful to explain it better, however, it may be outdated by now. Most helpful to me was attending liturgy at a traditional monastary or Orthodox church. I say traditional because to me it carries the greater essence of the Orthodox church and its beauty and fullness of the church. Once I attended liturgy at an Orthodox monastery I found when I lived in California, I spent more time with the monks and nuns and knew I would be Orthodox. In 20 years I have never looked back. Emily Olson (Georgianne)

[Georgianne Olson]

Wayne, I can't remember which synod I was when I was Lutheran. It was a very long time ago. I left the Lutheran church when I was a teenager, feeling very dissillusioned. I searched for a few years to find something that really meant something to me. I moved to California and found a wonderful traditional Orthodox monastery which I visited and began talking with the nuns and monks and learned more and more. At first it was very odd to me. I "strained against" some parts of what was talked about and "customs". It felt awkard (being Lutheran" to "kiss icons" to repeat so many "Lord Have Mercy's". However, I have been one to bulk against authority. But it didn't take long before it deeply touched me and I have never doubted where I belong. Orthodoxy is a deeply touching faith. I would encourage you to keep up your curiousity. If you can, visit Orthodox churches, visit with priests, visit a monastery. Sometimes, books just don't carry a soul experience for someone seeking it. GOd bless you in your journey. I would encourage you to finish your journey. Emily

[Eugenia Vasiliadis]

Hi Emily,
I wondered, when you mention the monastery visits where do you go , to an Greek monastery or OCA in your area?
We have a greek one near me and an OCA about 2 hours away which I have not gone for years, but the greek one, is all in greek and even though i love the liturgy in greek I wish sometimes I can hear somethings in english. The nuns that came from Greece that started the monastery under fr. Efraim know english and all the new ones that have joined have learned greek in order to participate in the Liturgy. I find it strange sometimes, that everything is done in greek and it does not seem welcoming to any converts or non speaking greeks.
Eugenia

[Eugenia Vasiliadis]

Hello Yianni,

It is nice to hear your story and find that there are times that we have in common. I have not been to St. Nectarios church but I have been to Charlotte. I wonder did you find an answer to your question of the origin of the word AGIOS?

Please share what you find with the rest of us. Also, I want to tell you the at the Cathedral in Charlotte, the priest is Fr. Michael Varvarelis, he used to be the priest in my church and moved to Charlotte. He is excellent and knows a lot.He is very warm person that if you call him he will give you the answers you are looking for. Hope this helps.

Eugenia

[John Hickey]

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

Dia Libh a Charda,

My name is John Hickey, I am a Sub-deacon in the Antiochian Orthodox Church in Dublin Ireland. I am 56 years of age and am at last writing up a PhD.
The topic concerns the challenge the Spirituality of the people of the North Inner City of Dublin present to Mainstreem Christian Praxis.
I am deeply involved with the spiritual development and healing of people whose lives have been devistated by alcohol and substance abuse. A large portion of young people have died by suicide and tragically some have also been murdered in the locality in which I work. The incredible sense of loss for the parents and friends of those gone to God is quite distressing. Again for those people whose lives have been stolen by the drug barrons suffer incredible grief. Yet amid all of this there is a sense of compassion among the people that can only come from the Holy Spirit.

I would appreciate any objective input that might be available.

Please remember us in your prayers.

In Christ;

Sub-Deacon John.

[Georgianne Olson]

Hi Mike, I was glad to read your post. I also live in St. Paul and have been attending an Orthodox Mission Church in Anoka. I would be very glad to meet you, as I am very short on Orthodox friends, and still trying to find an Orthodox Church I am comfortable with. I have been Orthodox for about 20 years, was baptized in California in a Mountain stream by a Russian Orthodox monk priest. I experienced the more "traditional form of Orthodoxy while I lived in California and have found it difficult to find that "experience" in Minnesota. I am on FB if you would like to connect - as Georgianne Olson. Although I am going back to my baptismal name after St. Emilia - Emily. God bless

[Georgianne Olson]

Hi Eugenia,
Thanks for responding. I love knowing there are people out there who actually read these. I enjoy it so much. The monasteries I visited that I liked very much was about 10-11 years ago. It was St. Herman of Alaska in Platina, CA and the women's small skete of St. Xenia not far from Platina. I have not found any monasteries to visit while I have lived in Minnesota. Which is difficult for me. Although I have heard of a monastery Romanian (OCA) in RIves Junction, MI. THere is also a very "prayerful and inspiring Serbian women's monastery in Arizona - forget the town - it's apparently in a more desert part of the state. SOrry I can't be of more help. I'm searching myself - while in Minnesota. If you hear of any please let me know. Always looking for more iinspiration and Orthodox fellowship. I'm also on FB as - Georgianne Olson. GOd bless us all in our journey.
Emily

[Michael Stickles]

Georgianne - the closest thing to a monastery anywhere near you appears to be the Russian Orthodox Church and Skete of the Resurrection of Christ (http://www.skete.info/) (ROCOR) in Minneapolis (actually Fridley, near Moore Lake).

The closest "regular" monastery looks to be St. Isaac of Syria Skete (http://www.skete.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=page.display&page_id=60) and the Convent of St. Silouan (http://www.skete.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=page.display&page_id=62) near Boscobel in SW Wisconsin. I'm not sure what jurisdiction (if any) St. Isaac's is under right now.

After that, almost twice as far away, there's a small collection in SE Wisconsin and NE Illinois - Holy Transfiguration Monastery (http://www.holytransfigurationmonastery.com/) (GOARCH) in Harvard, IL; Convent of St. John Chrysostom (http://www.goarch.org/archdiocese/monasteries) (GOARCH) in Pleasant Prairie, WI; Most Holy Mother of God Monastery (http://www.westsrbdio.org/directory/index.html) (Serbian) in Grayslake, IL; and St. Sava Monastery (http://www.westsrbdio.org/directory/index.html) (Serbian) in Libertyville, IL.

Between Chicago, IL and Gary, IN is the Nativity of the Mother of God Monastery (http://www.westsrbdio.org/directory/index.html) (Serbian) in New Carlisle, IN. The closest after that looks to be the Dormition of the Mother of God Monastery (http://www.dormitionmonastery.org/) (OCA) in Rives Junction, MI.

That's all the monasteries I can find within 600 miles of you. However, you do have 16 orthodox churches and missions right in the Twin Cities area, according to the Orthodoxy in America church locator (http://orthodoxyinamerica.org/lr_v10/locator.php). Maybe a little emailing or visiting can turn up some more fellow Orthodox who live close by.

[Fr Raphael Vereshack]

I am very sorry to have to warn others about this. But St Isaac of Syria Skete should not be visited unless one first understands the situation there.

Anyone who wants to may PM me about this.

In Christ- Fr Raphael

[Barbara Ried Johnson]

Hello Denise,

I am a convert and I must say that I had the same feelings that you expressed. Vis a vis, "I cry often, and fear that my 'feelings' are all in my head, and have even begun to doubt my desire for conversion".

I found that those feelings were primarily, just my own fallen human nature at work. The evil one, also, wants to try to influence us away from the Truth in Orthodoxy.
At one point when I was facillating about changing religious affiliations I had a conversation with a monk named Fr. Averky at Holy Trinity monastery in Jordanville, NY. It still resonates with me to this day.
I said that I was happy in the church I was attending. He replied, "Well, do you want a thimble full or a bucket full of the Grace [of the Lord's Church here on earth]?.
Joining the Orthodox church was the single best decision I have ever made in my life, bar none! It has been 22 years since I converted and I have seen this truth revealed every single step of the way!

Please don't give up.

[Barbara Ried Johnson]

Hello Denise,

I am a convert and I must say that I had the same feelings that you expressed. Vis a vis, "I cry often, and fear that my 'feelings' are all in my head, and have even begun to doubt my desire for conversion".

I found that those feelings were primarily, just my own fallen human nature at work. The evil one, also, wants to try to influence us away from the Truth in Orthodoxy.
At one point when I was facillating about changing religious affiliations I had a conversation with a monk named Fr. Averky at Holy Trinity monastery in Jordanville, NY. It still resonates with me to this day.
I said that I was happy in the church I was attending. He replied, "Well, do you want a thimble full or a bucket full of the Grace [of the Lord's Church here on earth]?.
Joining the Orthodox church was the single best decision I have ever made in my life, bar none! It has been 22 years since I converted and I have seen this truth revealed every single step of the way!

Please don't give up.
Sorry, I'm new to the forum. I was responding to a post that is buried somewhere deep in the back in this long thread. Oh, well. My point is germaine to any seeker/cathecumen to Orthodoxy.
There comes a time where study and observation fall short.
Come & See. Just trust and dive in. You'll never regret it!

[Barbara Ried Johnson]

How does one "private message" someone? I am new to blogging and I can't find the info in "terms of use".

[Herman Blaydoe]

How does one "private message" someone? I am new to blogging and I can't find the info in "terms of use".

If you click on a person's name, a contextual box should appear that gives you the option to see their profile, send a private message, add as a contact, or see what else that person has posted.

Herman

[Georgia P.]

Hi all,

I am new here and my name is (on screen) Theophano. I am a craddle Greek Orthodox. I am here to discuss matters of faith. I have a degree from Holy Cross Greek Orthdoox School of Theology (MTS) and consider myself very blessed to have studied Theology. At the same time I find that no one is absolutely knowledgable about their faith as there is always something all of us can learn.

My "turning point" for me was my college years while I realized that I needed to deepen my knowledge in Orthodoxy.

[A. Wright]

Hello. My name is Anastasia. I am glad to find this place, as I am considering Orthodoxy myself. I am trying to find people to talk with, to see wjat they think and feel about it. Yeah.

Anastasia

[Marie A.]

Welcome Anastasia! I am Marie and have been Orthodox for about 4 years. I came to the Church with my dh who was Episcopalian and I was Catholic. We feel extemely blessed and continue to learn about our new faith. Have you visited a Church yet?

In Christ,
Marie

[Rebekah D.]

Hi there - I've been a lurker here for most of the summer and have learned a lot by reading the topics here.

I'm an English major and working on a historical fiction project in which my main character winds up (through the course of several years) moving to Russia and converting to Orthodoxy after she's been there for a little while. (Circa early 20th century). I'm actively involved in my own church home, but I don't know much about Orthodoxy. I'm not thinking to convert, but I do love studying religion and it's important to me to be accurate in writing and to truly understand. I've been trying to research as I want my project to be as realistic as possible. I was wondering if anyone here would be willing to become something of a 'penpal' through private messages, email, facebook, IM or whatever else you're comfortable with. I'd like to find someone who has the patience to answer my (many) questions about day to day praxis of Orthodoxy. I have many simple questions that are likely obvious to those who are Orthodox, but have trouble finding information on them myself source wise. The "basics" so to speak. I would feel more comfortable doing things like this on a small scale ratio with someone who understands that my (seemingly strange) questions are research related.

At some point when I know a little more I would like to visit an Orthodox church to experience for myself, but I don't think there's one in my immediate vicinity and I'd like to learn more myself before I do that.

Please message me here at the discussion board if you'd have an interest/be willing to help answering my questions :)

Have a lovely day and God Bless, - Rebekah

[A. Wright]

Welcome Anastasia! I am Marie and have been Orthodox for about 4 years. I came to the Church with my dh who was Episcopalian and I was Catholic. We feel extemely blessed and continue to learn about our new faith. Have you visited a Church yet?

In Christ,
Marie

Not yet. I'm hoping to find one in the Seattle-ish area.

[Marie A.]

Have you seen this website? You should be able to find a Church there.
http://orthodoxyinamerica.org/

[Father David Moser]

Not yet. I'm hoping to find one in the Seattle-ish area.

Let me strongly recommend then that you visit the All-Merciful Savior Monastery on Vashon Island. I think you will find it to be a great resource and the monks there will be quite willing to talk with you about the Orthodox Church. If you, as an author, are looking for a "woman's perspective" (as your character is a woman) then perhaps Mother Photini who lives as a solitary nun and attends services at the monastery can help.

If, however, you are more interested in the whole "Russian" experience, then you should visit St Nicholas Cathedral in the Capitol Hill area - It is very ethnically Russian and you will be able to get a picture not only of the Orthodox faith itself, but of its Russian expression.

Fr David Moser (feel free to "drop" my name at either place - it'll probably fall on the floor with a thud, but then it might also get you a cup of coffee - most certainly a cup of coffee at the monastery)

[A. Wright]

Let me strongly recommend then that you visit the All-Merciful Savior Monastery on Vashon Island. I think you will find it to be a great resource and the monks there will be quite willing to talk with you about the Orthodox Church. If you, as an author, are looking for a "woman's perspective" (as your character is a woman) then perhaps Mother Photini who lives as a solitary nun and attends services at the monastery can help.

If, however, you are more interested in the whole "Russian" experience, then you should visit St Nicholas Cathedral in the Capitol Hill area - It is very ethnically Russian and you will be able to get a picture not only of the Orthodox faith itself, but of its Russian expression.

Fr David Moser (feel free to "drop" my name at either place - it'll probably fall on the floor with a thud, but then it might also get you a cup of coffee - most certainly a cup of coffee at the monastery)

Thank you to, Marie and Father David. I will take a look. hehe. Free coffee is good :D

[Mark G]

Greetings,

Hi there all , just wanted to introduce myself to everyone in here and wish everyone a Blessed day. My name is Mark G and i live in the Los Angeles area , i was born and raised Catholic , i was Baptized as an infant , and went to Catholic school for some years . I am 36 years old now , and in my early teen years we stopped going to church , for the last 5 years i would say , my interest in knowing my Lord and Saviour has brought me into a new spiritual realm and i truly love it . Jesus christ has never left me , even though i didnt totally trust him and follow his teachings . the last 5 years i have been going to a Protestant church off and on, but over the last 5 months i would say my Interest in the Orthodox church has grown by leaps and bounds and so here i am :) . Well thats just a little about me and i thank you all for your time , Peace in the name of Jesus Christ

Mark G.

[Timothy Mulligan]

Greetings

Welcome, Mark! I hope that you are attending an Orthodox church in the L.A. area for Great Vespers on Saturday and the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, and that you have expressed your interest in Orthodoxy to the priest there. This is a great forum and an adjunct, but there is no substitute for a real church. That is where heaven meets earth.

I was received into the Orthodox Church yesterday and received Holy Communion this morning at the Divine Liturgy. I was raised Catholic, but took a very torturous road to Holy Orthodoxy. It looks like you appreciate the fact that you are receiving a special grace right now. My advice is to move as swiftly as possible, "while it is still day."

[Ross Assink]

Greetings,
My name is Ross Assink, I am 40 years old and new to the Orthodox faith. My family and I were baptized just over a year ago. I was briefly raised Roman Catholic, then spent the next 15 years in the Protestant/Charismatic world. At 22 years of ago, about the time I got married, I "converted" to Calvinism. It was as a Calvinist that I obtained by M.Div with intentions of going into the ministry. God instead moved me into teaching and, as I said, a year ago, brought me into "the Church". My wife and I grew up in the same church, and we entered the Orthodox faith in agreement.
We are currently expecting our 12th child. We live in the NW United States.