- Aug 4, 2013
- 5,061
- 2,537
- 76
- Country
- United States
- Gender
- Male
- Faith
- Eastern Orthodox
- Marital Status
- Married
My previous UCC parish had no priest because of its small size (25 people on a Sunday the usual attendance). We were served by a supply priest who had to drive an hour to get to us for Liturgy. Needless to say, weekday feasts, Matins prayers, Saturday Great Vespers, etc., were simply not available. I often went to the Melkite parish nearby for those services.
Now, attending St. Mary's OCA, I have a wide variety of services available to help me in my theosis and overcoming my sinful nature. I NEED these services, and God forbid anyone observing me regularly attending them get the bizarre thought that I am somehow either a holy or dedicated person.
One of the most interesting and spiritually useful things the parish offers is a Zoom meeting in which the 3rd and 6th hours from the Lenten Triodion are prayed. I have wanted a great variety of prayer, and more importantly, to be able to pray the prayers appropriate for the time of the church season we are in.
Now, I will not kid you, I struggle to get out of bed in the morning and get set up for the prayer service. My lazy flesh says "Prayer? No, no! Go back to sleep. Feeeeeeel the covers! Aren't they comfortable? Fhugetaboutit!!" Somehow, I manage to get up and pray along with the prayer leader.
And it is such a blessing.
My hope is that this and all that my new parish offers is going to be a great aid for me in my spiritual struggles.
Thank you all who are praying for me as I eagerly await Holy Saturday and chrismation.
Now, attending St. Mary's OCA, I have a wide variety of services available to help me in my theosis and overcoming my sinful nature. I NEED these services, and God forbid anyone observing me regularly attending them get the bizarre thought that I am somehow either a holy or dedicated person.
One of the most interesting and spiritually useful things the parish offers is a Zoom meeting in which the 3rd and 6th hours from the Lenten Triodion are prayed. I have wanted a great variety of prayer, and more importantly, to be able to pray the prayers appropriate for the time of the church season we are in.
Now, I will not kid you, I struggle to get out of bed in the morning and get set up for the prayer service. My lazy flesh says "Prayer? No, no! Go back to sleep. Feeeeeeel the covers! Aren't they comfortable? Fhugetaboutit!!" Somehow, I manage to get up and pray along with the prayer leader.
And it is such a blessing.
My hope is that this and all that my new parish offers is going to be a great aid for me in my spiritual struggles.
Thank you all who are praying for me as I eagerly await Holy Saturday and chrismation.
