- Jan 24, 2016
- 190
- 166
- 47
- Country
- Viet Nam
- Gender
- Male
- Faith
- Eastern Orthodox
- Marital Status
- Married
Hello everyone,
I just wanted to share a personal story with hopes that it will help others that may be in the same boat.
For those of you who don't know my story, a brief history: I am married and my wife were devout Catholics (well, she was Catholic in name only, but she refuses to convert). About three years ago, I realized that I wanted to be in the Orthodox church, but my wife refused to give consent. After three years of prayer, my wife not only consented, but seemed to take a sincere interest in my new Church. She consented to my conversion and I joined the Church this year.
Fast forward to yesterday: we are moving to a bigger apartment (not a big move...same complex) and I noticed that my wife was really eyeballing this one area, as if she were thinking about what to put there. I went to where she was standing and recommended that we put our family pictures there, but she said "I think this would be a great place for your prayer icons." I was floored! I pointed out that this was the living room and visitors would see them. She indicated that she was okay with this. I told her that my prayer corner should be somewhere quiet, but perhaps I could place some Orthodox pictures there and she agreed! I have prayed for her conversion everyday. I don't think this is a sign of conversion, but a sign that she is serious about supporting me.
So, I just wanted to share this with others that may be in a similar situation. I went through three long years of prayer. My wife was pretty combative during that time; she often got angry when she saw me reading Orthodox literature or using an Orthodox prayer book. And while she didn't threaten divorce, she did point out that I married her as a Catholic and she felt deceived. Now, because of prayer, my wife is very supportive. When I told her that a priest will be visiting Hanoi on December 27, she immediately marked the calendar (she has a habit of agreeing to plans without first asking me).
Anyways, please pray! If you want, I will pray for your spouse too! And, please pray for the conversion of my wife!
I just wanted to share a personal story with hopes that it will help others that may be in the same boat.
For those of you who don't know my story, a brief history: I am married and my wife were devout Catholics (well, she was Catholic in name only, but she refuses to convert). About three years ago, I realized that I wanted to be in the Orthodox church, but my wife refused to give consent. After three years of prayer, my wife not only consented, but seemed to take a sincere interest in my new Church. She consented to my conversion and I joined the Church this year.
Fast forward to yesterday: we are moving to a bigger apartment (not a big move...same complex) and I noticed that my wife was really eyeballing this one area, as if she were thinking about what to put there. I went to where she was standing and recommended that we put our family pictures there, but she said "I think this would be a great place for your prayer icons." I was floored! I pointed out that this was the living room and visitors would see them. She indicated that she was okay with this. I told her that my prayer corner should be somewhere quiet, but perhaps I could place some Orthodox pictures there and she agreed! I have prayed for her conversion everyday. I don't think this is a sign of conversion, but a sign that she is serious about supporting me.
So, I just wanted to share this with others that may be in a similar situation. I went through three long years of prayer. My wife was pretty combative during that time; she often got angry when she saw me reading Orthodox literature or using an Orthodox prayer book. And while she didn't threaten divorce, she did point out that I married her as a Catholic and she felt deceived. Now, because of prayer, my wife is very supportive. When I told her that a priest will be visiting Hanoi on December 27, she immediately marked the calendar (she has a habit of agreeing to plans without first asking me).
Anyways, please pray! If you want, I will pray for your spouse too! And, please pray for the conversion of my wife!