Choosing A Parish

[Joshua G.]

Oh, and I should clarify. I don't miss anything Liturgically from where i came from apart from a few hymns (literally three maybe although I can only think of 1 called This is the Feast sung during the Easter Season). but it was a pretty barebones liturgy. I actually don't feel anything when I go back to my old parish (which has been about 5 times for various random functions) and now it has moved to a new location. But for some reason I feel a bit more drawn to the reverent western style worship services.

 

[ArmyMatt]

For those who converted into Orthodoxy as an adult, did you find it more difficult to feel "at ease" since the Orthodox Church and the Divine Liturgy is different in both action and atmosphere than Protestant U.S. churches?

initially, I was a tad weirded out because of how different it was (and I was raised Episcopalian), but what really helped was when my priest explained why we do what we do. there is no worship servive that makes more sense, than the Divine Liturgy.

 

[Fotina]

What would you do if you were forbidden by law to attend or if every parish in your city was not welcoming or none in English?

I know someone who attended for weeks and was totally ignored but was not deterred. He finally found his own way to the church hall for coffee hour one Sunday and got acquainted.

Be open.

 

[Ioustinos]

What would you do if you were forbidden by law to attend or if every parish in your city was not welcoming or none in English?

I know someone who attended for weeks and was totally ignored but was not deterred. He finally found his own way to the church hall for coffee hour one Sunday and got acquainted.

Be open.

I'm not referring to the people of the parishes. I've been to parishes where the people were very warm and welcoming. I'm referring to the form and style of worship of the Orthodox church as compared to Protestant, Evangelical American churches. Although I have come to disagree with that form of Christianity, as I am now moving into the Orthodox Church, it feels like a, for a lack of a better expression, comfortable shoe. Whereas the Orthodox church is different - incense, liturgy, traditional practices (i.e. kneeling, crossing oneself, kissing the icons, lighting candles, etc.). I come from a very low church background and not being familiar with the order of the service and the traditional ways of worshiping during the Divine Liturgy make me feel as if I am not a part of the parish - only an outside observer.

I guess I need to find a Orthodox 101 class that teaches not just the theology, but the practices of an Orthodox believer on a given Sunday.

 

[Dorothea]

I'd go where I could understand the language.

 

[choirfiend]

What quesstions do you have? There's lots of different answers to the little traditions any given person might have, but there's no harm in asking why someone does things or when you should and then adopt it, as long as you don;t get overly concerned with those little traditions (a full metania every time you cross yourself isn't necessary)

 

[Joshua G.]

What quesstions do you have? There's lots of different answers to the little traditions any given person might have, but there's no harm in asking why someone does things or when you should and then adopt it, as long as you don;t get overly concerned with those little traditions (a full metania every time you cross yourself isn't necessary)

heretic

 

[Joshua G.]

I'd go where I could understand the language.

That's what I would think unless for some reason I felt more welcome at another or a better connection with another priest.

 

[Knee V]

I don't know how many times you attended the Liturgy, but give it at least a dozen times. The Divine Liturgy is very involved and it takes quite a few of them before you start feeling more comfortable with it.

 

[Joshua G.]

I don't know how many times you attended the Liturgy, but give it at least a dozen times. The Divine Liturgy is very involved and it takes quite a few of them before you start feeling more comfortable with it.

Agreed. And before you choose a parish, give them each a couple times if possible. Also, if you want to make the most of each visit, it is a good idea to call ahead of time. It's not necessary, but it will allow you to

a) find out if there is a better time (like Sat Vespers for example) to come so the priest might get to meet you and perhaps even sit down and enterain some questions. This is good not only for questions but for you to get to know him a little and vice-versa.

b) find out if the regular priest will be there (if there were a billion Churches in my area, I would want to make the most of each visit and not go on a Sunday with a visiting priest.

Just some thoughts.

 

[Dorothea]

That's what I would think unless for some reason I felt more welcome at another or a better connection with another priest.

True.