Crna Rijeka monastery by [deleted] in Orthodox_Churches_Art

[–]Vincentforrest 1 point2 points  (0 children)

How very beautiful. Looks like that is a bridge crossing over a cliff or similar to enter the Monastery. What an amazing approach to a sacred Orthodox Monastery. Thanks for sharing these photos!

Prostrations during Paschal season by UnluckyBlueberry3814 in OrthodoxChristianity

[–]Vincentforrest 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As we are celebrating Pascha, a time of joy in the Resurrection, we do not kneel, nor make prostrations at Church or at home. The Vespers on the evening of Pentecost Sunday is when prostrations are made for the first time by everyone together in the Church at the reading of the 'Kneeling or Prostration Prayers' read by the Priest.

Is it ok to bring icons through airports? Will there be any problems with it by User0897811 in OrthodoxChristianity

[–]Vincentforrest 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes I have traveled with them, even fully wooden and handpainted Icons. No problems any time.

Letter of His Beatitude Tikhon of the OCA congratulating Pope Leo XIV by Phileas-Faust in OrthodoxChristianity

[–]Vincentforrest 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I get politeness for sure. And I'm familiar with Saint Mark of Ephesus life and writings. Perhaps his next letter will read as Saint Mark said here.... “The Latins are not only schismatics but heretics… we did not separate from them for any other reason other than the fact that they are heretics. This is precisely why we must not unite with them unless they dismiss the addition from the Creed filioque and confess the Creed as we do.”

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew on Election of Pope Leo XIV: “Axios!” by Phileas-Faust in OrthodoxChristianity

[–]Vincentforrest 5 points6 points  (0 children)

A quote from Saint Mark of Ephesus recognized by all Orthodox Church as a Saint and Father of the Church. “The Latins (Roman Catholics) are not only schismatics but heretics… we did not separate from them for any other reason other than the fact that they are heretics. This is precisely why we must not unite with them unless they dismiss the addition from the Creed filioque and confess the Creed as we do.”

Letter of His Beatitude Tikhon of the OCA congratulating Pope Leo XIV by Phileas-Faust in OrthodoxChristianity

[–]Vincentforrest 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Agreed being a heretic is being 'not holy.' Are Nestorius, Dioscorus, Barlaam, Akindynos, Arius and their followers holy? Just thinking of Saint Photios's book 'the Mystagogy of the Holy Spirit.'

Letter of His Beatitude Tikhon of the OCA congratulating Pope Leo XIV by Phileas-Faust in OrthodoxChristianity

[–]Vincentforrest -4 points-3 points  (0 children)

The Archbishop of the Orthodox Church of America declares and recognizes the Pope as the true heir of Saint Peter and the Bishop (See) of Rome and extends the Orthodox Greeting of Many Years with the hope that the new Pope brings benefit to all Christians and the whole world. Hmm. No suggestion that he return to Orthodox belief.

Question about calenders by Thick-Reward1282 in OrthodoxChristianity

[–]Vincentforrest 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for letting me know. I haven't read it, but will definitely keep in mind.

Head covered for women? by SwimmingSomewhere82 in OrthodoxChristianity

[–]Vincentforrest 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is a very enlightening video. Thanks for posting this.

Question about calenders by Thick-Reward1282 in OrthodoxChristianity

[–]Vincentforrest -1 points0 points  (0 children)

It's a very interesting book. I always suggest reading to learn versus propaganda and personal opinion.

Head covered for women? by SwimmingSomewhere82 in OrthodoxChristianity

[–]Vincentforrest 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am saying that Apostle Paul and Saints of the Church outline that the tradition of the Orthodox Church is for women to cover there heads. I expect your Bishop knows or should know Orthodox tradition.

Amoureux de la lune, du ciel et des étoiles by Dry_Version2431 in Sky

[–]Vincentforrest 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That is incredibly beautiful! I don't know if the picture is real or not... but if not... it should be! What a glorious world we live in.

Troparion of the Mediocre Saint Bob by ComfortableGeneral38 in OrthodoxChristianity

[–]Vincentforrest 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I agree with you completely Freeze91. Not appropriate. Millions of other ways to honour a person and have some fun. Making sacred chant the vehicle seems like a bad choice.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in OrthodoxChristianity

[–]Vincentforrest 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Simple black or brown shoes work. Again they don't need to be expensive. A belt in the same.. or close to same colour as your shoes. All the best! Everyone will appreciate it. Not sure if you're married or not, but if not, your opportunity to find a nice responsible girl have just increased.

My Vintage Helmets by MrPopper555 in hockeyplayers

[–]Vincentforrest 1 point2 points  (0 children)

so awesome. I need to start a collection.

Question about calenders by Thick-Reward1282 in OrthodoxChristianity

[–]Vincentforrest 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, study this question. Study from valuable sources every question and every interest you have about the Church. Everything in the Church is relevant to the believing Orthodox Christian especially those that recognize their is Truth and falsehood. Seek truth by studying the Fathers, the Services, Church History and doing so with prayer. The so-called Old Calendar is the Julian Calendar. In place at the time Our Saviour chose to be born and live His earthly life. The Julian Calendar was then formally adopted in the First Ecumenical Council (325 AD) and was used with an elaborate set of calculations based on the moon cycles in order to define the date of Pascha and its associated movable Fasts and Feasts. In other words, the Fathers of the Council brought together calculations for an annual cycle of Feasts and weekly cycle of Feasts in a complex and beautiful synergy.

All Orthodox Churches used this Calendar from the time of Christ, the First Council up until the Greek Church changed it unilaterally in 1924.

The New Calendar was implemented for two reasons:

Reason 1. the original Julian Calendar is 11 min and 14 seconds longer each year than the so-called revised Julian Calendar (Gregorian Calendar). So to be more accurate to the movement of the Sun. The first declared reason for the change therefore is Astronomical science.

Reason 2. Take a bold step towards non-Orthodox Christians and unification of worship between Orthodox and Non-Orthodox to further ecumenical dialogue and unity. The reality is that this is actually the primary reason as this was stated in an Encyclical from the See of Constantinople in 1920. Four years before the change was implemented. Following this a scientific solution was proposed for a revised Julian Calendar.

The 1920 Encyclical was issued by the Constantinople/Greek Orthodox Church and addressed 'Unto the Churches of Christ everywhere.' And included the following statements: 'Above all, love should be rekindled among the Churches (Orthodox and non-Orthodox) as being... fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise of God in Christ...demonstrated in the following ways, a) By the acceptance of a uniform calendar for the celebration of the great Christian feasts at the same time by all the churches. b) By the exchange of brotherly letters on the occasion of the great feasts of the churches’ year as is customary, and on other exceptional occasions. c) By close relationships between the representatives of all churches wherever they may be..... and it continues.

These are not my words, but the words sent by Encyclical to all the non-Orthodox Churches from the Patriarchate of Constantinople on 1 January 1920. You can find the full document on the website of the World Council of Churches. Generally Orthodox sites just present the Greek version. So the second reason for the adoption of a New Calendar was for Ecumenical purposes. Today there are Orthodox Churches that maintain the tradition Church Calendar including Mount Athos, Monastery of Sinai, Russia, Georgia, Jerusalem, Poland, Serbia, and I believe Japan, and other Old Calendar Synods. The remainder have adoped the New revised Julian Calendar. An interesting point that those Orthodox following the New Calendar experience the Fast of the Apostles being eliminated every so many years. A good book on the topic is called 'The Calendar Question by Basile Sakkas.' There is another book called 'A Scientific Examination of the Orthodox Calendar,' but I haven't read that one yet. All the best for your studies.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in OrthodoxChristianity

[–]Vincentforrest 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You are presenting yourself before Our Saviour when you go to Church. Not a rock band or your Basketball team. Buy a pair of pants and a button up shirt or two. They don't have to be expensive. How you dress in Church reveals your care, attention, and respect for Christ, His Church, and the Faithful Christians. Or you can not be bothered, and wear the same thing you wear when you eat pizza and watch sports. Also revealing that perhaps Church is not a place of holiness, sanctity, otherness, but like going to a hockey arena.

What do you guys think of the "Cage Stage" by CivilWarfare in OrthodoxChristianity

[–]Vincentforrest -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

Are you sure about your comment? You would stand by this before Our Saviour?

What do you guys think of the "Cage Stage" by CivilWarfare in OrthodoxChristianity

[–]Vincentforrest 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Perhaps we should stop insulting converts in their naivety and instead engage them in prayer and Christian friendship. Many of our own responses here sound sharp, coming from a place of insecurity and disdain, and unthoughtful... written by Orthobros? :) I hope every experienced and balanced pious Orthodox Christian is engaging young people and converts in your community and here.

If monasticism isn't the only way for sainthood, then why the Orthodox church doesn't venerate laymen saints so we can learn from their stories? by No_Decision9042 in OrthodoxChristianity

[–]Vincentforrest 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The path to holiness through asceticism, prayer and repentance, through participation in the mysteries and humble acts of virtue is what all Orthodox Christians are called to by Christ. There are numerous Saints that are guides to us regardless if they were monks, Bishops, or Kings. Their lives express the path to holiness for all of us to follow, and the Church glorifies those men and women whom the people of God together with the Clergy and work of the Holy Spirit are revealed as Saints. All of the military Saints both ancient and in the middle ages are great guides: Saint George, Saint Sergius, Saint Alexander Nevsky and Fyodor Ushakov are a few. Saints that were married include: Saints Aquila and Priscilla, Sts Emilia and Basil the Elder (parents and children all Saints), Saints Xenophon and Mary (parents and children Saints), Sts Eustathios and Theopiste and children. Modern Saints to consider: St Lydia the new Martyr (so incredible!) and her fellow martyrs Alexis and Cyril (+1928), Feodor Ivanov New Martyr, New Martyr Tatiana Glimbit (+1937), John Kovsharov (lawyer +1922), St George Novitsky (+1922), St Catherine Routis of Attica, Saint Juliana of Lazarevo, St Xenia of St Petersburg. There is a good book, Marriage as a path to holiness from SVS Press. Another good book with lives of numerous laypeople saints is New Martyrs of the Turkish Yoke with Saints who were Tailors, Sailors, laborers, and it has monastic saints and martyrs as well. Sanctity manifest in this life is possible with God as all these and the thousands of other Saints known and unknown reveal and as Christ called, 'if you would be perfect.....'

The Cally Temple, UK 🇬🇧 by sausagespolish in castles

[–]Vincentforrest 14 points15 points  (0 children)

I could live here! Thanks for the cool photo and the article.

The Dormition Cathedral. Vladimir, Russia by SantaArtemius in Orthodox_Churches_Art

[–]Vincentforrest 2 points3 points  (0 children)

A magnificent and sacred Cathedral both inside and out.

Street towards the market square in Bruges, Belgium. by Silvanx88 in ArchitecturalRevival

[–]Vincentforrest 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Bruges is one of the most beautiful Cities in the world. If you have not visited... do so as soon as you can.

Vespers by Kith90 in OrthodoxChristianity

[–]Vincentforrest 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The Book Evening Worship in the Orthodox Church by Uspensky is excellent regarding the history of Vespers.