My introduction to my fellow Orthodox

[HalupkiMonster]

Hello, all.

I am an Orthodox Christian. I'm 18, and converted when I was 14. I have had some struggles with my faith as of late. I left the Church for nearly a year and started attending the Episcopal Church. I am now back in the Orthodox Church. I created this account in order to learn about Anglicanism and such, so that's why my username is what it is. It's grown on me, though.

Though I am a communing Orthodox Christian, I am still on my spiritual journey. I do not know if the Orthodox Church is right for me anymore. I used to think so, but I find the Episcopal Church's liberal stance on things and intense involvement in charity and social justice in my community to be fantastic.

I feel so much more like the Episcopal Church is the Church for me. It has the traditions that I LOVE, while having an open-minded and accepting attitude towards different types of people. I'm also a great fan of things such as open communion for all baptized Christians, and the Episcopal Church's efforts in inter-denominational understanding.

But, I am an Orthodox Christian. Orthodoxy is MY Church. I love the people, and I love the liturgy. I disagree very much with some theological and social attitudes the Orthodox Church has, but I'm back in Church to see if I can't work these things out. As I said, I'ms till on my journey.

I am happy to meet all of you. Since I'd like to start posting here, I thought that an introduction was necessary.

With Christ's love,

-AmericanAnglican

 

[Gnarwhal]

Welcome to CF + TAW! (Although I see you have accumulated 170 posts and have been a member here since October... nevertheless, welcome!)

I'm not yet Orthodox but hope to continue on the road to becoming a catechumen here soon. That said, everybody here in TAW is fantastic and they offer wonderful wisdom and insight into the Orthodox faith and how our lives blend with it.

 

[HalupkiMonster]

Welcome to CF + TAW! (Although I see you have accumulated 170 posts and have been a member here since October... nevertheless, welcome!)

I'm not yet Orthodox but hope to continue on the road to becoming a catechumen here soon. That said, everybody here in TAW is fantastic and they offer wonderful wisdom and insight into the Orthodox faith and how our lives blend with it.

Thank you very much!!! May Christ bless you as you enter the catechumenate!

 

[ArmyMatt]

welcome to TAW!

well, Orthodoxy does have a ton of social justice work (I went to a College Conference where that was the theme), so maybe it could be your calling to get something started in your local parish....maybe.....

as far as the liberal theological views, I would say that Christ accepted all people to be sure, and no one should be shunned for any sin that they struggle with, because we all struggle with them, but Christ came to heal man, and He defines the healing since He is the Great Physician.

anywho, that was not to pick a fight, just something to consider. it's gonna be awesome to have you on here, and I truly hope you stick around!

 

[HalupkiMonster]

welcome to TAW!

well, Orthodoxy does have a ton of social justice work (I went to a College Conference where that was the theme), so maybe it could be your calling to get something started in your local parish....maybe.....

as far as the liberal theological views, I would say that Christ accepted all people to be sure, and no one should be shunned for any sin that they struggle with, because we all struggle with them, but Christ came to heal man, and He defines the healing since He is the Great Physician.

anywho, that was not to pick a fight, just something to consider. it's gonna be awesome to have you on here, and I truly hope you stick around!

Thank you very much!!!

I know that this is terribly off topic, and I'm not interested in debating in this thread, but I also find the Orthodox Church's stance on female leadership rather off putting. I can appreciate that there are different roles for men and women in the Church, and I can respect that this isn't going to change. In the Episcopal Church, 2/3 priests were women, and they were so extremely holy and knowledgeable. I thought that female clergy would just push some feminist agenda, but these women were so full with Christ's love that I just loved them. Being a self confessed momma's boy, I also found them easier to talk to about difficult struggles.

Anywhoo, thank you for the welcome!

 

[Cappadocious]

2/3 priests were women, and they were so extremely holy and knowledgeable.

There's nothing stopping any woman from being holy and/or knowledgeable, for sure.

 

[ArmyMatt]

Thank you very much!!!

I know that this is terribly off topic, and I'm not interested in debating in this thread, but I also find the Orthodox Church's stance on female leadership rather off putting. I can appreciate that there are different roles for men and women in the Church, and I can respect that this isn't going to change. In the Episcopal Church, 2/3 priests were women, and they were so extremely holy and knowledgeable. I thought that female clergy would just push some feminist agenda, but these women were so full with Christ's love that I just loved them. Being a self confessed momma's boy, I also found them easier to talk to about difficult struggles.

Anywhoo, thank you for the welcome!

my bad man, that wasn't a shot to start a debate or anything. just some thoughts on what you said was all.

as far as your thoughts on women, I would just ask if you have met an Abbess. if you want a woman in a solid spritual leadership role, if you can, you should find a woman's monastery, and I would add pay attention to how male clergy address her. if you are around NY or can get there, you should check out Holy Myrrhbearers Monastery in Otego, talk to Mother Raphaela for a few minutes.

again, forgive me if this comes across as me trying to debate, I am just throwing thoughts out there.

 

[HalupkiMonster]

my bad man, that wasn't a shot to start a debate or anything. just some thoughts on what you said was all.

as far as your thoughts on women, I would just ask if you have met an Abbess. if you want a woman in a solid spritual leadership role, if you can, you should find a woman's monastery, and I would add pay attention to how male clergy address her. if you are around NY or can get there, you should check out Holy Myrrhbearers Monastery in Otego, talk to Mother Raphaela for a few minutes.

again, forgive me if this comes across as me trying to debate, I am just throwing thoughts out there.

Not at all! Actually, I thank you. I'd forgotten about the leadership roles women do have. I just ADORE Mother Cassiana up in Lake George, Co.

 

[ArmyMatt]

Not at all! Actually, I thank you. I'd forgotten about the leadership roles women do have. I just ADORE Mother Cassiana up in Lake George, Co.

oh yeah, haha, if you want to see a woman in a leadership role, find an Abbess. they are awesome. there is one named Mother Olympiada from a monastery in PA, I had a sit down with her when I went there with a Greek parish in my hometown. she can speak the truth in fewer words than most folks I know.

 

[HalupkiMonster]

oh yeah, haha, if you want to see a woman in a leadership role, find an Abbess. they are awesome. there is one named Mother Olympiada from a monastery in PA, I had a sit down with her when I went there with a Greek parish in my hometown. she can speak the truth in fewer words than most folks I know.

True. I love a woman's counsel more than a man's sometimes, I think. Abbesses have a way of conveying a message in a way that really speaks to your heart (and they can guilt you right out of sinning if you let them!)

 

[ArmyMatt]

haha, yeah. the first time I went to their Liturgy, I was sick and was sneezing and coughing throughout the service. to this day whenever she sees me she snags a box of tissues for me just in case.

 

[Knee V]

Hello there, AA. It's good to have you aboard!

 

[Dorothea]

Welcome, AA. I see you've explained in this thread. Please ignore my question in another thread. May God guide you and help you in your journey.

 

[Lukaris]

Well Orthodoxy in America varies in experience depending in the parish you are in. Keep in mind that you can still engage in charitable activities with other Christian churches & consider the Orthodox charitable groups to support like the IOCC, FOCUS N.A. etc. Also take into account that the ECUSA can be harsh on tradtiona Episcopalians see this discussion on OC net: Episcopal Church Takes Action Against the Bishop and Diocese of South Carolina and see: http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=17179

 

[Dorothea]

I do have a question, if you will, AA. What made you come to Orthodoxy if you loved your Anglican or Episcopal church so much?

 

[1970jennifer]

That's so cool! I'm so happy to read that, I consider myself Orthodox Christian and I feel very attached to the faith because of my ancestral heritage. I don't care what anyone says, I'm Eastern Orthodox (even if I'm not legal yet Hey, I have an Icon corner!

I'm going to go through the catechumen process in the fall. Even though I'm super liberal and I feel like I sort of need to learn what the EO Church teaches and follow that path. I'm sort of going in the opposite direction as you are. I'm excited to see what your journey looks like and I'm glad your's here!

 

[buzuxi02]

Becareful with British expressions of charity. Groups such as the Freemasons and the Salvation Army use it to denigrate the gospel to a second tier. The reason why Anglicanism has an effective social arm is because they originate in an economically better place than most nations. They use this charity to make themselves feel better and to argue against the mystical life of the Church.

 

[Dorothea]

Hello, all.

I am an Orthodox Christian. I'm 18, and converted when I was 14. I have had some struggles with my faith as of late. I left the Church for nearly a year and started attending the Episcopal Church. I am now back in the Orthodox Church. I created this account in order to learn about Anglicanism and such, so that's why my username is what it is. It's grown on me, though.

Though I am a communing Orthodox Christian, I am still on my spiritual journey. I do not know if the Orthodox Church is right for me anymore. I used to think so, but I find the Episcopal Church's liberal stance on things and intense involvement in charity and social justice in my community to be fantastic.

I feel so much more like the Episcopal Church is the Church for me. It has the traditions that I LOVE, while having an open-minded and accepting attitude towards different types of people. I'm also a great fan of things such as open communion for all baptized Christians, and the Episcopal Church's efforts in inter-denominational understanding.

But, I am an Orthodox Christian. Orthodoxy is MY Church. I love the people, and I love the liturgy. I disagree very much with some theological and social attitudes the Orthodox Church has, but I'm back in Church to see if I can't work these things out. As I said, I'ms till on my journey.

I'm sorry to harp, but the bolded begs the question. Why did you come back to the Orthodox Church if you do not agree with her theology and you agree so much with your previous Episcopal church's stances on worldly issues?

 

[HalupkiMonster]

I do have a question, if you will, AA. What made you come to Orthodoxy if you loved your Anglican or Episcopal church so much?

It's a bit of a long story, so I'll make it short.

I didn't start Episcopalian (which is just the Anglican Church in the USA.) I was baptized Presbyterian as a baby by my Catholic father and Protestant mother. Because my grandmother and mother hated each other over religion, I was never taken to Church or taught any religion beyond the existence of God when I was little.

Throughout my life (until age 12 or so,) my grandmother took me to mass in secret. I absolutely loved it. She helped me see Christ, and learn about Him.

When I was 12, I started dragging my father with me to a non-denom. Church. It didn't last long, but I liked it alright.

At 14, I started going to a Roman Catholic mass. This started many fights between my parents, and eventually led to their divorce (my mother is admittedly small minded. )

My friend invited me to her Orthodox Church. I loved it from the start. I joined the Church formally when I was nearly 15.

At 17, I figured out that I wasn't necessarily heterosexual. I thought this meant that I'd have to be someone I wasn't, and conform to society's expectations of a gay person. I left the Orthodox Church for a year. I did a lot of growing up, and has new experiences that have helped me grow as a Christian.

I recognized the absence of Church from my life, and I'd heard Bp. Gene Robinson speak. I am absolutely his biggest fan! I went to the Episcopal Church. I attended this Church for about three months.

I started to miss the Orthodox community, who had become my family. I love them. My family has fallen apart, and they are my family now. I left them, and missed them so much (and they missed me.) I also missed the liturgy very much. I missed the traditions of the Church.

I am very liberal at this point of my life. Maybe it's just because I'm naive and young, I don't know. But I find myself more comfortable in a conservative Church, though I did love the refreshing feeling of not being the only person who thinks for myself and doesn't take every piece of writing from a Church father as completely valid and applicable to my life.

I also met some liberal Orthodox Christians. There are so many! I met Orthodox Christians who had their own thoughts on many things that were more to the liberal/socialist side. I even met Orthodox who were members of the LGBT community, who were as devoted to their faith as a person can be. I learned that the OC isn't just for people who are socially conservative and complete robots, excepting ever doctrine and teaching as though it comes to us directly from God's mouth.

I returned to Church. It was wonderful. I am so at home. I love the Episcopal Church, and consider myself somewhat Anglo-Orthodox (a play on "Anglo-Catholic.") I disagree with some of the stances held by the OC, but that's no reason to jump ship. I'm still on my spiritual journey, and I find the Orthodox Church to be the best Church for me. It's the most true and pure form of Christianity I've encountered, and am happy to worship with my fellow Orthodox, who truly are my family.

I hope that answers your question!

 

[Dorothea]

It's a bit of a long story, so I'll make it short.

I didn't start Episcopalian (which is just the Anglican Church in the USA.) I was baptized Presbyterian as a baby by my Catholic father and Protestant mother. Because my grandmother and mother hated each other over religion, I was never taken to Church or taught any religion beyond the existence of God when I was little.

Throughout my life (until age 12 or so,) my grandmother took me to mass in secret. I absolutely loved it. She helped me see Christ, and learn about Him.

When I was 12, I started dragging my father with me to a non-denom. Church. It didn't last long, but I liked it alright.

At 14, I started going to a Roman Catholic mass. This started many fights between my parents, and eventually led to their divorce (my mother is admittedly small minded. )

My friend invited me to her Orthodox Church. I loved it from the start. I joined the Church formally when I was nearly 15.

At 17, I figured out that I wasn't necessarily heterosexual. I thought this meant that I'd have to be someone I wasn't, and conform to society's expectations of a gay person. I left the Orthodox Church for a year. I did a lot of growing up, and has new experiences that have helped me grow as a Christian.

I recognized the absence of Church from my life, and I'd heard Bp. Gene Robinson speak. I am absolutely his biggest fan! I went to the Episcopal Church. I attended this Church for about three months.

I started to miss the Orthodox community, who had become my family. I love them. My family has fallen apart, and they are my family now. I left them, and missed them so much (and they missed me.) I also missed the liturgy very much. I missed the traditions of the Church.

I am very liberal at this point of my life. Maybe it's just because I'm naive and young, I don't know. But I find myself more comfortable in a conservative Church, though I did love the refreshing feeling of not being the only person who thinks for myself and doesn't take every piece of writing from a Church father as completely valid and applicable to my life.

I also met some liberal Orthodox Christians. There are so many! I met Orthodox Christians who had their own thoughts on many things that were more to the liberal/socialist side. I even met Orthodox who were members of the LGBT community, who were as devoted to their faith as a person can be. I learned that the OC isn't just for people who are socially conservative and complete robots, excepting ever doctrine and teaching as though it comes to us directly from God's mouth.

I returned to Church. It was wonderful. I am so at home. I love the Episcopal Church, and consider myself somewhat Anglo-Orthodox (a play on "Anglo-Catholic.") I disagree with some of the stances held by the OC, but that's no reason to jump ship. I'm still on my spiritual journey, and I find the Orthodox Church to be the best Church for me. It's the most true and pure form of Christianity I've encountered, and am happy to worship with my fellow Orthodox, who truly are my family.

I hope that answers your question!

Yes, that's very helpful to understand where you're coming from. Forgive me if I was a bit abrasive or prying into your personal life. I'm so sorry what you and your parents have gone through. I can't imagine how devastating and difficult that was for you.

Are there any teachings you did not like from the Episcopal Church? I see you have some disagreement with the Orthodox Church's teachings, but I didn't see any on the Episcopal Church's teachings. Well, TBH, we are supposed to follow all the dogmas and doctrines of the Church that are vital for our salvation and walk toward theosis. I also understand that you are very young and on your spiritual journey, which is a life-long one, so I wouldn't expect anyone to be conformed to the Church's teachings right off the bat. My husband is the only person I know that jumped right into the teachings with no questions or issues. :o

Anyway, I hope you don't mind my asking you these questions. It's just my way of getting to know who you are as best as we can on an internet forum, and to then better understand your situation, beliefs, and feelings/thoughts.