Hello all. It's been a while.

[Barky]

After a long absence, I hope to get back involved in this community. It has been years.

I have moved across the country to Philadelphia to be with my wife as she completes her doctoral program in psychology. I recently got my Masters in philosophy. I don't think I will continue on in that pursuit, but that's for another day. I am currently struggling with a number of things that started during my time in Graduate school. I'm having trouble finding a job, fitting in at a church, and not feeling overwhelmed.

This is not a pity party, as I am trying to take steps to conquer this dark time, with God's help. I've friended quite a few of you on facebook and have been keeping track of some of you there, and I'm reminded of how good this community was to me. I'm hoping getting back involved here will be a big help in rekindling my faith.

I also have a question. The Orthodox churches here are very ethnic from what I could see. I've been attending the OCA church around here, but it is only OCA in name, and actually filled with Russians and infused with Russian nationalism. I am not Russian, I am an American convert. My wife and I have not been very well welcomed there, and there doesn't seem to be anyone in our age group at the church. How have you all in similar situations overcome this? Do I talk to the priest, find another church? I try to go to OCA churches because it is supposed to be Orthodoxy without other nationalist ties, but this doesn't seem to be the case here. It makes it hard to go to church. Any suggestions?

 

[Lukaris]

Welcome back. Hope you can find a Christ centered Orthodox Church.

 

[truthseeker32]

Where did you study for your masters?

 

[ArmyMatt]

welcome back! I say try to talk to the priest. are there any other non-ethnic Churches nearby as well you could check out?

 

[MariaRegina]

After a long absence, I hope to get back involved in this community. It has been years.

I have moved across the country to Philadelphia to be with my wife as she completes her doctoral program in psychology. I recently got my Masters in philosophy. I don't think I will continue on in that pursuit, but that's for another day. I am currently struggling with a number of things that started during my time in Graduate school. I'm having trouble finding a job, fitting in at a church, and not feeling overwhelmed.

This is not a pity party, as I am trying to take steps to conquer this dark time, with God's help. I've friended quite a few of you on facebook and have been keeping track of some of you there, and I'm reminded of how good this community was to me. I'm hoping getting back involved here will be a big help in rekindling my faith.

I also have a question. The Orthodox churches here are very ethnic from what I could see. I've been attending the OCA church around here, but it is only OCA in name, and actually filled with Russians and infused with Russian nationalism. I am not Russian, I am an American convert. My wife and I have not been very well welcomed there, and there doesn't seem to be anyone in our age group at the church. How have you all in similar situations overcome this? Do I talk to the priest, find another church? I try to go to OCA churches because it is supposed to be Orthodoxy without other nationalist ties, but this doesn't seem to be the case here. It makes it hard to go to church. Any suggestions?

It may be best to find another parish. I used to be in an OCA Church that was filled with Russians who wanted everything in English and who would attack any recent Russian immigrants. Finally, the Bishop had to come in and excommunicate a few of the more dissident members to restore peace.

Try the Antiochians.

 

[Barky]

Where did you study for your masters?

Texas Tech University

 

[Barky]

welcome back! I say try to talk to the priest. are there any other non-ethnic Churches nearby as well you could check out?

Went to the local Greek church today to check it out. 100% Greek language liturgy! It was actually funny how Greek it was. The church itself was gorgeous though.

 

[27B6]

...

 

[Dorothea]

Hi, Barky! Good to see you in here again!

I would echo what Maria said. Try an Antiochian Church.

 

[gzt]

Look around at the other parishes. Usually when there are a few parishes in the area and you go to one and it's mostly ethnic, this means there are enough Orthodox in the area that they can "self sort" based on the needs of their community, so while there's going to be a few ethnic parishes, there is also going to be an "American" one. Hopefully. Usually. Sometimes you're out of luck.

 

[choirfiend]

It may be too far from you, but Holy Cross in Medford, NJ is a nice church with a great priest

 

[Damaris]

Try this website: Orthodox Philly — Renewing Philadelphia with the Fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ

 

[ArmyMatt]

Went to the local Greek church today to check it out. 100% Greek language liturgy! It was actually funny how Greek it was. The church itself was gorgeous though.

sounds good, but I recommend you keep looking around, especially if you want more of a non ethnic flavor.