- Jan 2, 2004
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Hi Devin,
I have been reading all your posts and questions with a lot of interest and sympathy. The root of your questions seem to be "How can I participate in Orthodoxy while respecting my parents who I love very much?"
Firstly, I think it is admirable that you respect your parents. They raised you well! As long as you are a minor and live in their house, you'll have to continue showing this respect, which I believe is your heart's desire.
Secondly, there are many, many things in your parents' church that are true. While at church, concentrate on these things.
Thirdly, if you can't get to an Orthodox bookstore, you can still read the greatest Orthodox book of all times, the New Testament. Find a simple version without study notes and read the Gospels over and over.
Fourthly, everyone's advice about not starting up a prayer rule without a blessing from a priest is true. If you can be in email contact with a priest, that might suffice. If you need a prayerbook but can't get to a bookstore, you can find the morning and evening prayers online. And if you need icons, you can find old ones on the internet and print them out.
Hope that helps,
Love,
Xenia
I have been reading all your posts and questions with a lot of interest and sympathy. The root of your questions seem to be "How can I participate in Orthodoxy while respecting my parents who I love very much?"
Firstly, I think it is admirable that you respect your parents. They raised you well! As long as you are a minor and live in their house, you'll have to continue showing this respect, which I believe is your heart's desire.
Secondly, there are many, many things in your parents' church that are true. While at church, concentrate on these things.
Thirdly, if you can't get to an Orthodox bookstore, you can still read the greatest Orthodox book of all times, the New Testament. Find a simple version without study notes and read the Gospels over and over.
Fourthly, everyone's advice about not starting up a prayer rule without a blessing from a priest is true. If you can be in email contact with a priest, that might suffice. If you need a prayerbook but can't get to a bookstore, you can find the morning and evening prayers online. And if you need icons, you can find old ones on the internet and print them out.
Hope that helps,
Love,
Xenia
(not meant to put you down in any way... attempting to explain yourself or help others is natural.)
