Hello all. It's been a while.

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?

 

Texas Tech University

 

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.