FYI

Lord have mercy upon your handmaiden PitBullMom.

Can I ask a question, in the most neutral way possible (being neither EO nor RC): How do you know that you have excommunicated yourself if the EO priest has not done so? I am aware that there are certain actions that would incur an automatic excommunication in my own Church (and going to another with which we are not in communion for any sacramental purpose without proper authorization of the bishop is definitely one of them), but I would think such matters are still handled pastorally, so it may benefit you to still speak to your priest.

Anyway, again Lord have mercy. I missed the linked thread before it was edited, but from what I can see it seems that you are in a very rough spot indeed. May God guide you, protect you, and comfort you.

I just read your post. Some info had been edited out but I get the jist of it. I am so sorry you have been put in this difficult situation. You are trying to do the right thing by your family. Maybe it's time to discuss this with your EO priest. Please feel free to come here and talk if you need to. In the meantime, you and your family are in my prayers. ***hugs***

PittBullMom said:

Been away for a long time

So you can read that thread and see what happened. I put FYI as the title so that you know when I ask questions here, it is not for arguments sake because I do have EO on my avatar.

So after researching and such apparently I’ve excommunicated myself. The EO priest had compassionate words to say but did not touch on this topic.

This has been painful for me and a tough transition.

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Oh, I see. I didn't see the bit about you having taken communion in an RC church. Yes, it would be the same for us as well, then (and I personally know a few who have been in analogous situations, as I entered the Orthodox Church in New Mexico, historically a very Roman Catholic state, so I can relate to their being richer in resources and help, as you've stated). Lord have mercy.

I don't know. I have nothing to offer but prayers, as unworthy as I am to offer anything before our Lord, God, and Savior. Lord have mercy.

PittBullMom said:

From what I’ve been reading once you receive communion outside the church it’s done.

RC will allow communion to EO. EO does NOT allow communion to RC.

The second I took communion outside of EO I basically excommunicated myself. It’s not allowed on EO end but yes on RC end, and I did it. I took the communion.

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Where does this put you spiritually as far as the Orthodox church's concerned? Do you have to go to confession prior to reception of Orthodox communion or is there something else you're required to do in addition to confession?

PittBullMom said:

My husband doesn’t like the EO because he can’t understand the language. The service where I went was half English and all Greek chant. The only all English church is over an hour away.

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Yes, which is highly understandable. I've been in and out of the catechumenate twice and must appear mad to my Russian priest, I do understand the reluctance to go orthodox for any westerner.
In the end it became to strange and foreign to me and I've decided that I'll not go back which is a shame for many reasons.
Besides a whole congregation sharing one spoon for communion is kind of disgusting imho.
I'm sorry if I'm offending you or someone else by saying this, but it seems unhygienic.
Well sorry for derailing your thread.

I'll pray for you sister. I hope things get sorted out.

PittBullMom said:

From what I’ve been reading once you receive communion outside the church it’s done.

RC will allow communion to EO. EO does NOT allow communion to RC.

The second I took communion outside of EO I basically excommunicated myself. It’s not allowed on EO end but yes on RC end, and I did it. I took the communion.

My husband doesn’t like the EO because he can’t understand the language. The service where I went was half English and all Greek chant. The only all English church is over an hour away.

So I started going to mass etc. and unfortunately the RC church does offer much more than EO in respect to resources, spiritual direction, several ministries and group meetings not to mention Eucharist 7 days a week. It was much more accessible to the family when needed.

So.... this is is where I landed I guess.

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I just don't get the EO.

chevyontheriver said:

I just don't get the EO.

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That's why I personally don't support ecumenism, between us and the EO or anyone else. It's always one-sided with us extending the olive branch and the others spitting on it.

But that's a conversation for another thread.

Fenwick said:

That's why I personally don't support ecumenism, between us and the EO or anyone else. It's always one-sided with us extending the olive branch and the others spitting on it.

But that's a conversation for another thread.

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Yes because its incorrect. I've yet to see this olive branch to be honest. Historically we've been hardliners, but recently (since V2 and moreso under Francis) we've fallen into relativism and indifference which is very sad.
What I'm sure you're referring to as handing a olive branch is better described as lukewarm clergy tossing sacred tradition away to make friends among the heterodox. a psuedo-communion of some sort.

Stabat Mater said:

Yes because its incorrect. I've yet to see this olive branch to be honest. Historically we've been hardliners, but recently (since V2 and moreso under Francis) we've fallen into relativism and indifference which is very sad.
What I'm sure you're referring to as handing a olive branch is better described as lukewarm clergy tossing sacred tradition away to make heretical friends.

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I would agree with that.