Antidoron

[Rilian]

I was reading another board that I've run across and the topic of Antidoron was being discussed. A priestmonk said that non-Orthodox should not receive Antidoron. Is this really the case? I was going to ask there, but I'm hesitent to do so.

When I started visting the mission I've been going to someone I think realized I was a visitor and actually brought me a piece, so I've been taking it when offered. I'm kind of worried now I'm doing something wrong and nobody is telling me.

 

[Suzannah]

You are not doing anything wrong....there's a few people on these boards that I really question who they say they are...(forgive me for judging but I did not just fall off the turnip truck yesterday....) The antidoron is blessed bread and it is traditional to give it to everyone !!! At our church, after the Eucharist has been completed, and after all the last prayers are done, our priest stands at the front to bless each person as they go up to say "farewell" at the end of the service. He gives everyone, Orthodox, non-Orthodox, purple penguins, a blessing and handful of antidoron when he blesses them...Do they not do this at your church? If someone is handing you antidoron it would be rude to refuse and they know what they're doing...that "priest monk" sounds like he is either a) ultra legal or b) not really a priest monk....

 

[Eusebios]

I have a feeling that I know who this is, and although he is a dear and sincere man, he is a bit of a legalist. In our parish, antidoron is oft offered to visitors by the faithful as a sign of welcome. After the veneration of the cross, antidoron is available from a basket that the altar boys have. Any left over is brought to the fellowship hall where it is again available to all. At least that's how it goes in our parish.

 

[Momzilla]

I've only been to two Orthodox services, but at both someone offered me and my boys antidoron after communion. There was also a plate of it available to all after the veneration of the cross.

 

[countrymousenc]

...(forgive me for judging but I did not just fall off the turnip truck yesterday....)

Somehow I think there's a difference between not judging and being gullible.

 

[countrymousenc]

Is it ok to take home some of the antidoron and share it with family?

 

[Rilian]

Okay, thanks for the responses. I don't know why, but I got this sudden feeling of panic that I was making a complete *** out of myself and nobody was saying anything (wouldn't be a first time for that happening...). The thing I read was on a completely different site. I've found a wealth of information on it, but I've also read some things that I've found pretty disturbing.

The first Orthodox liturgy I went to was about ten years ago and it was not a terrific experience. When I got the courage up to go back to the mission I'm at it was a completely different experience, everybody was really friendly and went out of there way to make me feel welcome. I don't know if that's because it's a mission or because it's a different Orthodox jurisdiction. The person who gave me a piece of antidoron, who I found out is one of the cradle Orthodox in the parish, made a big difference in terms of my comfort level in terms of contemplating becoming Orthodox.

 

[Suzannah]

Is it ok to take home some of the antidoron and share it with family?

Yes, but they must have sworn a blood oath never to reveal where they got it...it must be protected at all times

 

[Suzannah]

sorry! double post! see below

 

[Suzannah]

Okay, thanks for the responses. I don't know why, but I got this sudden feeling of panic that I was making a complete *** out of myself and nobody was saying anything (wouldn't be a first time for that happening...). The thing I read was on a completely different site. I've found a wealth of information on it, but I've also read some things that I've found pretty disturbing.

The first Orthodox liturgy I went to was about ten years ago and it was not a terrific experience. When I got the courage up to go back to the mission I'm at it was a completely different experience, everybody was really friendly and went out of there way to make me feel welcome. I don't know if that's because it's a mission or because it's a different Orthodox jurisdiction. The person who gave me a piece of antidoron, who I found out is one of the cradle Orthodox in the parish, made a big difference in terms of my comfort level in terms of contemplating becoming Orthodox.

'

Me too, first paragraph!!!! Have I told you how I have repeatedly clunked my head against the icon stands while venerating??? Nobody says anything, but I really need to figure out depth perception...I'm sure they all think I'm a total idiot....

Second paragraph: I've had a very similar experience. My church is a mission and one of the cradle Orthodox has made a HUGE difference in my comfort level...
God bless you Rilian on your journey....it's so exciting to share my own journey with all the others on this board...

 

[Rilian]

Thanks, Suzannah, and no I hadn't heard your about head clunking. I think the worst I've done so far is after one liturgy where I had to leave right away I cut off a bunch of kids (didn't see them) who were on their way up to venerate the cross. Whoops!

So far I've gotten the same good feeling on this board about Orthodoxy being right for me as I have in the mission. Sometimes I do go into times of doubt though, especially after reading some of the stuff people say online. I've read some really harsh statements about non-Orthodox Christians that I found upsetting.

Anyway, thanks for your kind words and my prayers for your journey as well.

 

[Suzannah]

Thanks, Suzannah, and no I hadn't heard your about head clunking. I think the worst I've done so far is after one liturgy where I had to leave right away I cut off a bunch of kids (didn't see them) who were on their way up to venerate the cross. Whoops!

So far I've gotten the same good feeling on this board about Orthodoxy being right for me as I have in the mission. Sometimes I do go into times of doubt though, especially after reading some of the stuff people say online. I've read some really harsh statements about non-Orthodox Christians that I found upsetting.

Anyway, thanks for your kind words and my prayers for your journey as well.

this upsets me too....these same folks are really the ones I start to question their motives, and their "real" idenitities...I have never found anyone in the church I go to, both cradle or convert, who thinks that salvation is a matter of being a member of the Orthodox Country Club. I have talked to visiting monks and priests from a monastery and all four have agreed. One of them, Fr. Noname (cause I don't have permission to repeat him) said to me, "Those that are outside the church, are simply doing the very best they can with the light they have. We should encourage them and pray for them. God knows their hearts and if they are sincere, I have no doubt of
God's mercy!"

Wise words....

 

[countrymousenc]

Yes, but they must have sworn a blood oath never to reveal where they got it...it must be protected at all times

LOL, thank you! (Um, which finger should they prick to sign the oath? )

 

[Suzannah]

It must be the right forefinger, and it must be done in the hour of Mercury...

 

[countrymousenc]

It must be the right forefinger, and it must be done in the hour of Mercury...

Got it! Oh, and is there a special blessing for the pin before the pricking of the fingers?

 

[Suzannah]

ummmmmmmm....there's a blessing for everything....Ask Patriarch Bob...

 

[Rilian]

I haven't quite figured out how to do quoting yet, but Suzannah I liked the bit you shared about Fr. Noname. I understand that I know very little about Orthodoxy, haven't grown up Orthodox, and fail continuously to live a very Christian life. I also know there's a lot of historical baggage that goes along with peoples thoughts and opinions on things like relations between Orthodox and non-Orthodox. I try to keep all of that in mind.

Still, to me truth is best proclaimed and most attractive when voiced in positive terminology and discourse. When expressed in the negative, I just get lost in the rhetoric and lose the message.