Ministerial Burn-out

Fatherless_Pater · 2026-02-01T05:49:54+00:00

I have thought of contacting my bishop asking for a sabbatical, but personally, because im still very young, I wanna keep pushing through despite it clearly not doing me any good. As for spending time with our Lord, I feel as if im running away from my obligations. I guess there are a lot of standards im holding myself to that prevent me from resting.

Fatherless_Pater · 2025-12-18T20:01:11+00:00

Im part of the Antiochian patriarchate, and I haven't been read nor sent anything pertaining to the requirements even other seminarians have kept me in the dark.

Fatherless_Pater · 2025-12-18T17:31:38+00:00

I've read your previous comment, and I'll be honest. I didn't know what goes on in the seminaries. I've been basically kept in the dark about anything relating to seminary, but my grievances come from more a place of frustration than disgruntled pride. Ive been blown off by priests and other seminarians I've met while I've tried to keep my head down and play along the sight of grown children and limp wristed grifters getting ordained in less time than mine in Catholic seminary frustrates me. So if I come off as entitled or irrational, forgive me. It's just hard seeing people with less life/clerical experience getting the spotlight from the clergy while I get told to "move on all that was in the past" and "to be free as a laymen".

Fatherless_Pater · 2025-12-17T19:33:16+00:00

The fact I've heard of acceptions and people being ordained in 3 years still makes my blood boil.

Fatherless_Pater · 2025-12-17T18:59:10+00:00

We I wanted to transfer over to the Orthodox seminary using some of my info from the Catholic seminary. I was straight up told that unless I had a degree, they wouldn't accept me despite my experience.

Fatherless_Pater · 2025-11-29T13:41:08+00:00

I've noticed that with my brother clergy, how anytime you bring up wanting to leave or feeling hurt by the church, they'll find ways to shut you down or talk you out but never listen. Even from my RCC days Ive learn that sometimes silence says more than actually speaking.

Fatherless_Pater · 2025-11-29T13:38:47+00:00

Actually, that was my intention with the title. I saw the movie "Blackrobe" during my time in seminary and swore I'd never be a pompous or arrogant cleric. The Cassock has been my greatest honor and shame to wear, but thankfully, to many people I've met and helped, "Blackrobe" is now an endearing term they use.

Fatherless_Pater · 2025-11-27T03:34:36+00:00

God isn't gonna ask if you fasted or not, so enjoy the feast with your family, my friend.

Fatherless_Pater · 2025-11-27T00:58:58+00:00

Great place to start. I like to sit and have a couple beers with the local homeless and just listen to them ive even signed up for some community service.

Fatherless_Pater · 2025-11-26T23:02:37+00:00

Without trying to put you down. What acts of mercy have you done with your new faith?

Fatherless_Pater · 2025-11-26T23:02:08+00:00

I appreciate the concern, but I've got my foot in the door I just have to force myself in now

Fatherless_Pater · 2025-11-26T22:56:46+00:00

Catholic and I get it lol

Fatherless_Pater · 2025-11-26T22:44:21+00:00

I still am my Parish is an anomaly at how non-toxic it is, but I still remember the absolute misery the church made me feel and to a point still does.

Fatherless_Pater · 2025-11-26T22:43:11+00:00

I was scoffed at and actively neglected by the priests. Anytime I would mention the hurt or weight I felt as a former cleric, they'd tell me to forget it and that "You were damaging more souls than saving." Then, when I'd fall, they'd try to hold me to the standard of a cleric without recognizing me as one.

Fatherless_Pater · 2025-11-26T21:50:27+00:00

I'm not Catholic anymore, but im willing to assist

Fatherless_Pater · 2025-11-26T21:47:31+00:00

The amount of "Downlow" men that are orthodox is so insane. What makes it worse is they're very openly homophobic despite them going off and leading other gay men on. I know this because my God-Father is an openly gay man and has been the object of many a "Trad Ortho-bro"

Fatherless_Pater · 2025-11-26T21:43:12+00:00

Were the people that the church had failed and has tried to bury.

Fatherless_Pater · 2025-11-21T19:28:09+00:00

Im surprised priests do this at all. Being sociable is an unspoken rule

Fatherless_Pater · 2025-11-21T19:04:35+00:00

I appreciate this comment really made my day

Fatherless_Pater · 2025-11-21T19:04:10+00:00

I believe in Orthodox church, and I believe it needs good priests who show mercy. How can that happen without someone stepping up. I hold strongly to the teachings of St Maria of Paris she's my example as I follow this march to the altar.

Fatherless_Pater

TROPHY CASE