I could use some advice...

[Momzilla]

Having hung around CF for a couple of weeks and done some elementary reading about Orthodoxy, I have realized how woefully inadequate my knowledge of scripture and basic Christian doctrine is. The thing that really pushed me over the edge was the thread in this forum about Christ taking on our sins--y'all are throwing around terms like "substitutionary atonement" and "forensic atonement" and comparing Calvinism and Protestantism with such ease, and I'm struggling to understand 1/3 of what you're talking about.

It's clear to me that I need to learn a great deal, not just about Orthodoxy but about Christianity as a whole. It is equally clear that I could use a guide in this. My question is, how do I find one? Would it be okay for me to contact the Priest at the Orthodox parish I'm interested in and tell him about my plight? (I need to get hold of him anyway to ask him about attending services). what if he spends time with me but I decide not to convert?

I hope this is an okay place to post this.... Y'all have been so incredibly helpful and encouraging. I would appreciate any advice or direction you can offer.

 

[Stone_Lock_Comanche]

Dont be afraid to ask your local parish priest for help thats what he's their for. But there are good books and websites which are about christian theology. For starters you can check this link below.

http://www.fatheralexander.org/page13.htm

 

[Oblio]

Momzilla,

It is certainly appropriate to ask the Parish priest these questions. It is his job (acting under the authority and teaching of his Bishop) to ensure that the Orthodox faith is correctly taught to members of his parish and inquirers or catechumens.

As a side note, do not be turned off by what may seem as a lack of pressuring to join or take the next step towards Orthodoxy (catechumen). While Orthodox care deeply about each and every soul, and most would like to convert the entire world to Orthodoxy, we do not take the modern Evangelical approach that was pioneered in the revivals in the 19th c. Rather, we present the faith, live the faith, and allow the Holy Spirit to draw people to His Church.

 

[The Prokeimenon!]

Contact a Priest right away! He will have a lot of great insight. And he can teach you what you need to know about the Christian Church, recommend reading materials based on your specific questions, and even listen to you gripe! I have yet to meet an Orthodox Priest that I don't adore.

If you tell one of us where you live, we can help find you a Priest near to you. There should be a prayer service (we call this Vespers or Vigil) tonight, so you could meet with a Priest, however briefly, to set up some one-on-one time.

God bless you!
Moses

 

[Matrona]

Having hung around CF for a couple of weeks and done some elementary reading about Orthodoxy, I have realized how woefully inadequate my knowledge of scripture and basic Christian doctrine is. The thing that really pushed me over the edge was the thread in this forum about Christ taking on our sins--y'all are throwing around terms like "substitutionary atonement" and "forensic atonement" and comparing Calvinism and Protestantism with such ease, and I'm struggling to understand 1/3 of what you're talking about.

It's clear to me that I need to learn a great deal, not just about Orthodoxy but about Christianity as a whole. It is equally clear that I could use a guide in this. My question is, how do I find one? Would it be okay for me to contact the Priest at the Orthodox parish I'm interested in and tell him about my plight? (I need to get hold of him anyway to ask him about attending services). what if he spends time with me but I decide not to convert?

Hey Momzilla,

Don't think you're alone, sometimes I struggle to understand stuff here, too. Since I grew up without going to any kind of church, I'm still at a loss for how to do even simple practical things. The first time I came to church, I was so confused: "Prayer list? Parish council? EEEEEEK!"

It would be fine if you went and talked with the priest at the mission in Greenville. Even if you decide not to convert, you know, he's not going to hold it against you or hunt you down or anything. So don't worry about having a talk with the priest--talking to others about his faith is part of what he's there for!

 

[Eusebios]

Momzilla
Hi and welcome to TAW
Orthodoxy is truly an ocean of rich treasures and offers more than even the greatest intellects can begin to take in or comprehhend. I personally do not have to worry too much about it with my pea brain LOL!!
Seriously, I would encourage you to take your questions to a local priest. In agreement with what Oblio said (I think it was Oblio ) do not be surprised about an apparent lack of interest on a priest to have you "convert". My former parish priest actually tried to dissuade me at times. I believe to test my resolve!
His unworthy servant,
Eusebios.

 

[Momzilla]

I've emailed the priest at the church I'm interested in attending; I described myself as an inquirer into Orthodoxy, which is accurate, IMHO. I'm going to attend the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, and I hope to be able to speak with him afterwards.

 

[Eusebios]

I've emailed the priest at the church I'm interested in attending; I described myself as an inquirer into Orthodoxy, which is accurate, IMHO. I'm going to attend the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, and I hope to be able to speak with him afterwards.

MZ,
That is great! If you can, I would recommend trying to go to Great Vespers on Saturday evening as well if the parish has it. Here is a good article by Frederica Mathews Greene on what to expect on your first visit to an Orthodox Church.
Praying for you!
His unworthy servant,
Eusebios.

 

[Michael G]

Would it be okay for me to contact the Priest at the Orthodox parish I'm interested in and tell him about my plight? (I need to get hold of him anyway to ask him about attending services). what if he spends time with me but I decide not to convert?

I hope this is an okay place to post this.... Y'all have been so incredibly helpful and encouraging. I would appreciate any advice or direction you can offer.

I was chrismated an Orthodox Christian 5 years ago, and went through the same thing you are going through, ony that my conversion process started while I was studying to be a Roman Catholic Priest. My experience of Orthodox priests is that they are more than willing to share and explain their faith to anyone who has questions and is willing to have a conversation with them, even if you do not end up becoming Orthodox. The local priest should be able to give you a list of texts to read about Christianity and Orthodoxy. I pray all goes well for you.
Michael

 

[Orthosdoxa]

I've emailed the priest at the church I'm interested in attending; I described myself as an inquirer into Orthodoxy, which is accurate, IMHO. I'm going to attend the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, and I hope to be able to speak with him afterwards.

YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!