Exploring Orthodoxy

[SpiritlMuse]

I am honestly excited about exploring the Orthodoxy faith. I was born into the Roman Catholic faith but always felt that like well I never was able to put my finger on it, until I went to another church with my daughter. I never felt like I was growing or being feed. My daughter's best friend was being baptized in the ELCA Lutheran faith needless to say we as a family switched, this was not an easy thing to do at least for me.. I felt guilty about it for a very long time. Four years ago the Bishop closed our church due to the small attendance, we had a very steady group but we lost our pastor and they set us up with temporary pastors every week. After the church closed I went seeking another in the community, but never found that fit I had. I have wandered since, and not going to church as much. Most of the time I go to the church my son's family goes to, just to be with others but it is in Spanish since she is Mexican and not even Catholic.

Two years ago I got a part time job and the young man who was teaching me my job is Orthodox. The only reason this came up is he started fasting for Easter shortly after I started. We have talked some, and he is an amazing young man (the age of my own son) his love for God, for everyone around him.. and it is not just a way of being, he cares for everyone. He always says that he just can not explain his church, you must come and experience it. We have talked about salvation, which is so different than what I was led to believe. So lately I have been purchasing books on the Orthodox church and such to help me including the Orthodox Study Bible.

There are four different Orthodox churches in my general area, and I looking foreword to checking them out, right now though I am sick with the flu. I hope you don't mind me asking questions as they come up here.

 

[Knee V]

Hello there, SpiritlMuse!

We're always happy to answer your questions if we're able, but often the kinds of questions posed are, to paraphrase our President, a little above our pay grade. Please don't be discouraged if you hear a lot of "you're better off asking a priest". Someone with more training/experience in dealing with certain kinds of issues, along with getting to know you and your situation personally, will often be much better suited to address certain questions you may have. But we'll do the best we can.

Your friend was right about something. So much of the Orthodox faith needs to be experienced and lived, and not systematically spelled out. We look forward to hearing about your experience once you begin feeling better and are able to attend.

Welcome aboard!

P.S. What part of Michigan are you from? I spent a lot of time growing up in southwest Michigan. My grandparents lived in Allegan, and I was there quite a bit. I also lived just south of the MI/IN border and worked in New Buffalo for a little while at an ice cream shop when I was a teenager.

 

[SpiritlMuse]

Hello there, SpiritlMuse!
Welcome aboard!

Thank you so much Knee-v.. I will not take offense if a question comes back with best to ask a priest.

P.S. What part of Michigan are you from? I spent a lot of time growing up in southwest Michigan. My grandparents lived in Allegan, and I was there quite a bit. I also lived just south of the MI/IN border and worked in New Buffalo for a little while at an ice cream shop when I was a teenager.

I grew up around the Grand Haven area.

 

[Antony in Tx]

I would second the idea that experiencing Orthodox worship is far more compelling and enlightening than anything you can read. Also, just being around practicing Orthodox Christians, like your friend at work, is an incredible and life changing experience.

 

[ProScribe]

Welcome to TAW.

 

[musicluvr83]

Welcome!

 

[ArmyMatt]

you are more than welcome to ask questions here. hope you get better soon so you can check out one of those churches.

welcome to TAW!

 

[Knee V]

I grew up around the Grand Haven area.

Oh, just up the Lake from Allegan. I was just in Holland this past October, as a matter of fact. I absolutely LOVE Michigan!