Orthodox Wanderer

[Philothei]

Welcome with your tatoo and all.... lol.. You do not have to feel apologetic for getting one. You got to get a Study Orthodox Bible here:

http://www.amazon.com/Orthodox-Study-Bible-Testament-Psalms/dp/0718000307

Also we anticipate an Orthodox Old Testament Bible it is in the making.

Again welcome and please let us know about your struggles and your journey we will try to help as much as we can. For one thing you can obtain more direct information here about sources for studying the faith. Since you are already a cradle (long lost one does not matter) still you recall memories of the E.O and that is important. That is what got me back to a more serious commitment to my faith since I am a cradle too. I consider myself lucky to have those memories from my childhood of how it was to be brought up in the faith. The struggle though is the same to undestand God's will and what path to take. In many ways it feels like us cradles are faced with the same challenges, learning, falling and getting up again, facing questions about the faith etc.


God bless,
philothei

 

[Akathist]

I made an initial contact with a local Orthodox priest yesterday.

I'm looking forward to having this long awaited conversation. I've had some mixed feelings and confusion about it. Some of my anger I realize wasn't anger against Orthodoxy but probably, rather, anger at my upbringing where I didn't get the faith properly passed down.

At 39 though my parents are no longer responsible for my fate.

The tattoo is a tattoo I got about three years ago after my divorce. I think the tat says it all. At the time, though I was aware that God probably doesn't like tattoos, I said the tat was reflective of my spiritual struggle.

Irregardless of my mood swings my interest in Orthodoxy remains. I was talking to my father about it. My grandfather has been gone long enough to where I feel the void. Going to church with him kept me somewhat in contact with the church. I picked up one volume of the Philokalia last week at a local bookstore.

I asked my father when was the last time he darkened the doorway of a Church. He celebrated easter last week at an Orthodox Church with my uncle. He asked when was the last time I attended an Orthodox church.

I told my Uncle that I dug up the books on Orthodoxy he gave me 20 years ago. He forgot that he gave them to me. He still attends church but sounds like he's having some struggles of his own. I guess we all struggle.

I've decided, when I have questions or reservations about denominational issues, to keep an open mind, pray, and see where it takes me. I have no doubt that the Orthodox Church is a sacred church and perhaps the one nearest to the truth. Some of these questions will need, probably, to be discussed with a priest.

I've been scouring the Bible for the last two or three months. I want to get an Orthodox version of the New Testament. right now I have a Protestant Bible. I like it a lot. I am aware that different translations probably have different slants. To make a proper study I need to see verses highlighted that reflect the Orthodox viewpoint.

Sorry for the long winded post. These type of decisions don't come quickly or easily for me.

Take Care

I love your posts and don't find them longwinded but rather very good at explaining things.

As someone else said, you might look at the Orthodox STudy Bible as it has good notes in it. It is a New King James version with added notes and a few edits to the translation here and there.

I am delighted that you will be talking to an Orthodox Priest!

I hope you have found an english speaking parish too.

 

[E.C.]

I'm sorry, first time seeing this thread and the original post which was very edifying and beautiful.


Welcome to TAW!


Orthodox spirituality is therapeutic. I've been struggling with depression since I was eleven (5th grade) and it was not until a few weeks ago, when I realized that I've been more optimistic and generally at peace and for the first time in years... happy. When I realized this, it occurred to me that all this started the week I was chrismated.

 

[Prodigal7]

Thanks for your replies.

My first contact with the church was brief but good. They seem like friendly people which is great. I shouldn't have expected otherwise.

You know how it is when you reach out to make a contact. The phone can suddenly weigh 500 pounds.

 

[Photios]

You know how it is when you reach out to make a contact. The phone can suddenly weigh 500 pounds.

My first DL was a Forgiveness Sunday. It kind of freaked me out, and I didn't go back for months. I remember going in that next time, I felt like I might run right back out the door.

 

[Prodigal7]

I had my first conversation with a priest in a long time. We exchanged several emails prior. My initial contact was a member of the church.

The conversation went into some unexpected but interesting directions. The priest was talking about similarities between Catholicism and Protestanism. Some of it went over my head but our next conversation will be in person.

My mind started racing on some logistical stuff. My son has never been in an Orthodox Church. Could he handle the protocol??

I decided not to worry about that right now and just let the conversation progress. I told the priest about my background. We talked a little bit about the church being in dissarray after 1917. He said that was one of the things that slowed the development of the Church in America.

Take Care

Prod 7

 

[Rowan]

Good to hear from you, and thank you for the update. You'll continue to be in my prayers

 

[Philothei]

Thanks for the update prodigal. It seems like you connected with the priest there. Do not worry about your son God will take care of things. Sometimes "logic" is another voice of the satan trying to sway us off the mark.

God bless,
Philothei

 

[Xpycoctomos]

This is the first time I have seen this thread. Prodigal, I love reading your posts. I'm glad you're speaking to a priest.

God bless and keep us posted!

John

 

[Lotar]

I had my first conversation with a priest in a long time. We exchanged several emails prior. My initial contact was a member of the church.

The conversation went into some unexpected but interesting directions. The priest was talking about similarities between Catholicism and Protestanism. Some of it went over my head but our next conversation will be in person.

My mind started racing on some logistical stuff. My son has never been in an Orthodox Church. Could he handle the protocol??

I decided not to worry about that right now and just let the conversation progress. I told the priest about my background. We talked a little bit about the church being in dissarray after 1917. He said that was one of the things that slowed the development of the Church in America.

Take Care

Prod 7

Children always catch on quickly. If they are little, it will be especially easy for them. The little ones love kissing icons and crosses.

 

[NyssaTheHobbit]

Children always catch on quickly. If they are little, it will be especially easy for them. The little ones love kissing icons and crosses.

So true! My little one gets excited whenever Mommy suggests "kissing the pictures."

 

[Prodigal7]

I had the day off from work today. I've been nursing a cold. It gave me a rare opportunity to have some unstructured time.

It was kind of a strange day. I spent some time on the web. I found the website of the church of my grandparents. They went to a Ukranian Orthodox Church in Rochester New York. My dad says there is a window in that church with our last name on it. They contributed to the building of the church.

I went from there to a Ukranian Orthodox site. It was pretty interesting. The icons were amazing. On the site there were questions about which churches it is in communion with. I was happy to see they are in communion with OCA.

I told my Dad I spoke with a priest. We had a pretty good conversation. My Dad is an anomaly because he doesn't practice. I asked him if he ever intends on practicing again. He said he might. He went to an Easter service two weeks ago. I asked him if he took communion, he said no. My Dad said he brought me back some icons blessed by a priest. I only have one right now. It's one my grandmother gave me years ago.

I'm planning on having lunch with the priest. I've become a google expert over the last few years. I googled the seminary the priest went to and again it was a pretty amazing site. It's interesting that their is actually an active monastary in the United States.

I've been reading a book by an Orthodox monk, Father John, called Christ Is In Our Midst. This is a book I purchased myself in 1990. It sat on my shelf dormant for 17 years. Pretty amazing book. When I first started reading it I had no thoughts about going back to Orthodoxy. I just thought I was reading a book by a spiritual master. It is interesting that he references other monks who were so holy that they actually had "miracles" (if I'm reading it right) attributed to them.

The priest yesterday talked about the Theotokos. That's something that I don't know much about. I read the Orthodox belief. It sounds logical to me. Saints have always seemed interesting to me. My mom's family had a story about how everyone prayed to St. Jude and a family member had a miraculous recovery from a disease. I remember hearing that story as a kid.

That's all for now. I spent a lot of time thinking about this over the last couple of weeks. I trust my conscience (hopefully the Holy Spirit) as my guide. I got a ways to go.

It does feel good to discover it's actually pretty easy to explore this religious heritage of my family. It's easier as an adult. As a kid I was always a guest at my grandparents or uncles church. There are limitations to what you can learn as a "guest".

Take Care
Prod 7

 

[Theophorus]

I had the day off from work today. I've been nursing a cold. It gave me a rare opportunity to have some unstructured time.

It was kind of a strange day. I spent some time on the web. I found the website of the church of my grandparents. They went to a Ukranian Orthodox Church in Rochester New York. My dad says there is a window in that church with our last name on it. They contributed to the building of the church.

I went from there to a Ukranian Orthodox site. It was pretty interesting. The icons were amazing. On the site there were questions about which churches it is in communion with. I was happy to see they are in communion with OCA.

I told my Dad I spoke with a priest. We had a pretty good conversation. My Dad is an anomaly because he doesn't practice. I asked him if he ever intends on practicing again. He said he might. He went to an Easter service two weeks ago. I asked him if he took communion, he said no. My Dad said he brought me back some icons blessed by a priest. I only have one right now. It's one my grandmother gave me years ago.

I'm planning on having lunch with the priest. I've become a google expert over the last few years. I googled the seminary the priest went to and again it was a pretty amazing site. It's interesting that their is actually an active monastary in the United States.

I've been reading a book by an Orthodox monk, Father John, called Christ Is In Our Midst. This is a book I purchased myself in 1990. It sat on my shelf dormant for 17 years. Pretty amazing book. When I first started reading it I had no thoughts about going back to Orthodoxy. I just thought I was reading a book by a spiritual master. It is interesting that he references other monks who were so holy that they actually had "miracles" (if I'm reading it right) attributed to them.

The priest yesterday talked about the Theotokos. That's something that I don't know much about. I read the Orthodox belief. It sounds logical to me. Saints have always seemed interesting to me. My mom's family had a story about how everyone prayed to St. Jude and a family member had a miraculous recovery from a disease. I remember hearing that story as a kid.

That's all for now. I spent a lot of time thinking about this over the last couple of weeks. I trust my conscience (hopefully the Holy Spirit) as my guide. I got a ways to go.

It does feel good to discover it's actually pretty easy to explore this religious heritage of my family. It's easier as an adult. As a kid I was always a guest at my grandparents or uncles church. There are limitations to what you can learn as a "guest".

Take Care
Prod 7

This is the first I have seen this of this thread also. You are blessed to have this heritage. Many who have converted have had to struggle with their own as well as with that of their families and friends.

Seek the truth and settle for nothing less.

 

[Akathist]

I think it is easier to learn about Orthdoxy now then when you were a child because more and more things are not being translated into English. If as a child you only knew English it would have been more challenging to do any research.

I think it is wonderful that you are exploring your heritage and the EOC.

 

[Prodigal7]

Another strange day.

My aunt who is Orthodox called me out of the blue. I'm closer to my Uncle than my aunt so for her to call is somewhat rare. I told her that I was exploring the Orthodox faith. She was interested.

I told her, "I'm glad you called because you have a lot of knowledge". She laughed at this and was very humble.

If I go back to the church I could be both a "cradle" and a "convert" at the same time. I'm learning the terminology here.

I have an appointment next week to meet with the priest. We are going to meet at a coffee shop in the next town over. I am an hour from the church.

My phone call today was primarily to set an appointment. I told the priest that I had a copy of part of the Philokolia. He told me that those writing were primarily for monks. He also told me that God reveals things to people over time which I believe. It's probably hard to pick up a book of advanced spirituality if you are on the outside and really understand it.

My old way was if I was interested in something to pick up a few books on it. When I was younger that kept me dabbling in a lot of different beliefs and philosophies. None of them really satisfied.

It's interesting that when I participated in the Eucharist when I was younger I didn't really appreciate it. I did attend some midnight masses in my late twenties that I think I appreciated. My faith was pretty weak then.

 

[E.C.]

If I go back to the church I could be both a "cradle" and a "convert" at the same time.

When you think about it, we're all converts. Everyone joins the Orthodox Church the same way: baptism, chrismation and first Communion. All at once (unless previously baptized in a church that is seen as a legitimate baptism).

 

[Xpycoctomos]

bump

(just keep us updated even if it's weeks from now or more!)

 

[Prodigal7]

The priest told me it wouldn't be hard to bring me back into the church. I know I've been baptized. I don't know if I ever been chrismated. A lot of people act as if that happens at the same time as baptism. I have had communion before - but it's been years.

From what I've been reading, Christ's power flows into us from the Eucharist. We need the Eucharist to replenish us. We need the nourishment of our Lord's blood and body. If I've been participating in a watered down communion (in a Protestant church) than perhaps I'm not experiencing the full power of the Eucharist??

What is fascinating to me is that if the Church holds the knowledge to perform this in a way where the bread and wine truly do become Christ's flesh and blood - that's tremendous power.

That may seem like a strange way of looking at it but, if it is true, then this (the Eucharist) is something as a Christian that I want to participate in.

Also, I've been interested in the Church Fathers. I was reading a book that says the church fathers stand behind us. From what I understand about the church fathers - they were brave and noble men. I like the idea that they are alive in heaven still with us in the church.

To my way of thinking, we are entering into a perilous time. Europe is in a demographic spiral. Secularism controls Europe. I think Christianity is entering a time where it will be tested again.

Eastern Orthodoxy has already been through the crucible of communism and also functioning under Islamic rule. It has shown it can survive the harshest of circumstances.

My Dad brought me back a couple new icons from his visit to my Uncles church. I will put one in my son's room and one in my own room.

I still have the same logistical concerns and worries but my journey seems to be well under way. I can already tell the priest is wise and has a lot of knowledge. I look forward to talking to him.

I told him it was exciting, for me, to speak with an Orthodox priest. It's been a long time. I'm glad I laid my fears aside and made contact.

 

[Xpycoctomos]

still reading your posts brother. thanks!

 

[Prodigal7]

Thanks Xpycoctomos

I stumbled across this on a Greek Orthodox site. It reminded me of my upbringing - no disrespect to my parents.

Fr. Papademetriou says, "Parents often make the mistake of not giving the proper instruction to their children and not strongly imparting to them the experience of our Christian Orthodox faith." Sunday School and occasional participation in the Divine Liturgy are not enough. We must teach our children the stories of the heroes and heroines of the Church: the men and women whose spirituality has shone brightly in the darkness; the holy martyrs whose desire to be forever with the Lord made all earthly joys dry and tasteless; the venerable bishops whose commitment to the true faith preserved Orthodox theology whole and entire. The holy story which is the life of the Orthodox Church must be made ours and our children's, so that some new story, some novel doctrine and way of life may have no appeal.


These are crucial days for the Church, and her youth are her future. Let us pay careful heed to the wise words of this experienced, dedicated priest and educator.