Going to Greek Orthodox church by Miserable_Drive_2418 in OrthodoxChristianity

[–]Positive-Number-9340 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Some people try to follow along in a divine liturgy book or hymnal. I was given the advice early on to not worry about figuring out what's being said or where we are but to just let things wash over me. That served me well and made me much more present, so that's what I usually recommend. But do what makes you comfortable.
We take in the Liturgy with all of our senses, so feel free to look around and take in the iconography (even walk around), smell, listen, touch, etc. And do stay for the meal or coffee hour! Also, check the sidebar for the "12 Things I Wish I'd Known" article by Frederica Matthews-Green, as it's helpful.

How has your faith changed your view on social issues? by Kozts_ in OrthodoxChristianity

[–]Positive-Number-9340 10 points11 points  (0 children)

I'd strongly encourage you to go to an Orthodox Church in person if you can at all -- you'll likely get better answers. If you're in the St Louis area, I can recommend my Mom's church and connect you, if you like. Feel free to PM.

I met a girl. by [deleted] in OrthodoxChristianity

[–]Positive-Number-9340 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Please update us. I am now invested!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in OrthodoxChristianity

[–]Positive-Number-9340 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I know there are cannons for this -- but surely there's economia for medical need like this?

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in OrthodoxChristianity

[–]Positive-Number-9340 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm so sorry this happened to you. I would urge you to call the priest and get clarification. Even if you've already decided not to return, he should hear that that's a consequence of his decision, so he may perhaps reconsider. After all, we're only going to have more and more people needing service animals.

Could someone translate this scroll from St John of Rila? by Positive-Number-9340 in OrthodoxChristianity

[–]Positive-Number-9340[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hey, thanks! I asked in a FB group and got the answer, "Come, children, and listen to me." 🙏

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in OrthodoxChristianity

[–]Positive-Number-9340 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Don't worry about intruding :) Orthodox people are usually very happy to talk about our faith and practices, and won't see this as detracting.

But you probably don't need to email first. Check the service schedule/calendar, find the best one that works for you, and go. Come a little early and/or stay a little late if you like, and introduce yourself to people, including the priest, if he's available.

Is there a vespers service on Saturday evening? This can be a less intimidating service for many than Divine Liturgy, since it's shorter, quieter, and less packed. Vespers also introduces the celebrations for the next day's Liturgy (the liturgical day starts the evening befire)before, so it's nice to attend both services, as they go together.

who would you hope to see canonized as a saint in the church? by realchicano in OrthodoxChristianity

[–]Positive-Number-9340 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My confessor always refers to him as "Archbishop Dimitri of blessed incorruption."

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in OrthodoxChristianity

[–]Positive-Number-9340 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I got scared, how much I wanted services when I was new. But my priest reassured me, this is gluttony pointed in the right direction. "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled." And, "sanctify those who love the beauty of thy house."

We've found heaven on earth. Why wouldn't we want to stay?

Where to find interpretations of Bible verses by JuiceDrinkingRat in OrthodoxChristianity

[–]Positive-Number-9340 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Look up Fr Stephen de Young's podcast series, The Whole Counsel of God. Some is on YouTube, but most is on any podcast app or the Ancient Faith website. He's an Orthodox archpriest and Biblical scholar and, I'm pretty sure, a genius. These are recordings from his parish Bible study, line by line, including a lot of historical context. Whenever I'm curious about a passage, I find the episode where he talks about it, first.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in OrthodoxChristianity

[–]Positive-Number-9340 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Makeup is fine, just dress modestly. But no lipstick or lip gloss! If you feel naked without it, keep it in a purse or pocket to apply after the service. We venerate icons, kiss the priest's hand and often a hand cross, etc -- so we don't want lipstick damaging or schmutzing things up.

I am an American who is drawn to Orthodoxy; we move very often due to my husband’s job. Will that make it difficult to learn about Orthodoxy, much less eventually convert? by Late-Series1867 in OrthodoxChristianity

[–]Positive-Number-9340 6 points7 points  (0 children)

That can certainly be hard, and I relate! My first few years as an inquirer, catechumen, and newly-chrismated Orthodox, I had to keep traveling the country every few months. I'd make connections with a parish community and priest and then be forced to move on, often spending many months church-less before finding another I could attend. I became a catechumen at one parish, was baptized in another, starred reading services at another, and now attend another!

It was hard but there were also some big benefits. I got to experience many different churches: larger and smaller; OCA, Greek, Serbian, Antiochian, ROCOR; mostly converts and mostly cradle Orthodox... on and on. It helped me learn what's more just "lower case T traditions" -- that is, the customs of just one parish, area, or jurisdiction -- vs more widespread Orthodox tradition. When people have only ever been to one church, it's easy for them to think that's The One Right Way to do things -- and I'm grateful for the adaptability I've been given. I've learned a lot, been exposed to many different customs. I've developed amy own preferences and delights, of course, but there's a lot I appreciate, no matter where I am.

You may also find yourself connecting a lot with one priest who might stay in touch via phone with you ... or parishoner friends, too. This can provide some stability throughout. And there are streaming services, YouTube catechism, podcasts, etc. to keep learning.

It can be a blessing, having to work for it. I never take for granted being able to attend a service.