As a Ukrainian who was born and raised dancing to the polka actually featured in the article (yes, I knew the song before listening to the clip) I'm not in entire agreement with the author.
Yes, I'm proud of my Ukrainian heritage, love cabbage rolls, pierogies, and polka. But that is not Orthodoxy. My faith in Christ has nothing to do with my love for the accordian.
And also, I believe there is room at the table for those of us who are "cradle" converts from the traditionally ethnic Orthodox to share in the culture of the converts.
Today my parish had a good old fashioned German Oktoberfest. We had German food (made entirely by Babushka hands) with German beer brewed by German monks.
And ya know what? It rocked!
You know who led the rally for the the Oktoberfest? A sub-deacon in my parish who just happens to be a convert.
So why not learn and experience one another's culture all within the framework of Orthodoxy? I think there's enough room for all to share.
__________________
"Thy bridal chamber, O my Saviour, do I behold all adorned, and a garment I have not that I may enter therein. Illumine the garment of my soul, O Giver of Light, and save me."
As a Ukrainian who was born and raised dancing to the polka actually featured in the article (yes, I knew the song before listening to the clip) I'm not in entire agreement with the author.
Yes, I'm proud of my Ukrainian heritage, love cabbage rolls, pierogies, and polka. But that is not Orthodoxy. My faith in Christ has nothing to do with my love for the accordian.
And also, I believe there is room at the table for those of us who are "cradle" converts from the traditionally ethnic Orthodox to share in the culture of the converts.
Today my parish had a good old fashioned German Oktoberfest. We had German food (made entirely by Babushka hands) with German beer brewed by German monks.
And ya know what? It rocked!
You know who led the rally for the the Oktoberfest? A sub-deacon in my parish who just happens to be a convert.
So why not learn and experience one another's culture all within the framework of Orthodoxy? I think there's enough room for all to share.
Blessed are you when men hate you, and when they exclude you and revile you, and cast out your name as evil, on account of the Son of man! Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven.
I actually found the "learn Greek" crack funny, because I only just started picking up a few words and phrases with BYKI software. I feel cut off from half the church because they keep speaking in Greek and don't seem to speak English very well, so I'm trying to learn enough Greek that I can start picking up the rest through conversation.
As for the rest--I can understand dislike for "convertitis," but Orthodoxy is not just about ethnicity. If it were, then we ex-Protestants might as well have become Catholic. I'm in an ethnic parish, myself, and I do try hard not to be the hyper convert trying to change everything. They've welcomed me, I don't get offended when they speak in Greek, and they've looked to me for fresh ideas on how to revitalize the church. My ideas are basically things I've seen in the Protestant "world," but to them they're new. (No, I'm not talking happy-clappy Relevance, but things like putting convert-friendly books/booklets in the entryway.)
__________________ Author of fantasy novel "Tojet" and Gothic story collection "The Lighthouse." Details on my website.
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Troparion - Tone 4
Commanders of the heavenly hosts, we who are unworthy beseech you, by your prayers encompass us beneath the wings of your immaterial glory, and faithfully preserve us who fall down and cry to you: “Deliver us from all harm, for you are the commanders of the powers on high!”
Holy Archangel Michael, pray to God for me.
"Why do you increase your bonds? Take hold of your life before your light grows dark and you seek help and do not find it. This life has been given to you for repentance; do not waste it in vain pursuits."~St. Isaac the Syrian
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Last edited by seashale76; 8th October 2009 at 03:36 PM.
It was a article. I liked it. I really like this satement.
"
We of the Orthodox nationalities aren’t perfect… our clergy are not sinless… trust me, there was a revolution in Russia for good reason! None of the Orthodox countries are inherently “holy”. But… there is manifest holiness to be found, much more so than in America because it is rooted in a long Orthodox history. In short, we’ve made our errors… tons of them! If you listen to us, you might avoid them."
However I cannot say appreciated the nasty comments made about my priests and their past. One lady called them losers.
Lord have mercy
__________________ TROPARION; TONE 4
As a faithful ascetic of Saint Herman / you flowered as a spiritual rose in Platina / As an illuminator of Orthodoxy in America / your writings bring hope throughout the world / Having taught us the True Faith / Oh Blessed Seraphim / pray to God for us.
Last edited by angrylittlefisherman; 8th October 2009 at 01:27 PM.
__________________ TROPARION; TONE 4
As a faithful ascetic of Saint Herman / you flowered as a spiritual rose in Platina / As an illuminator of Orthodoxy in America / your writings bring hope throughout the world / Having taught us the True Faith / Oh Blessed Seraphim / pray to God for us.
__________________ TROPARION; TONE 4
As a faithful ascetic of Saint Herman / you flowered as a spiritual rose in Platina / As an illuminator of Orthodoxy in America / your writings bring hope throughout the world / Having taught us the True Faith / Oh Blessed Seraphim / pray to God for us.
I'm in an ethnic parish, myself, and I do try hard not to be the hyper convert trying to change everything. They've welcomed me, I don't get offended when they speak in Greek, and they've looked to me for fresh ideas on how to revitalize the church. My ideas are basically things I've seen in the Protestant "world," but to them they're new. (No, I'm not talking happy-clappy Relevance, but things like putting convert-friendly books/booklets in the entryway.) 
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