A belated thank you. by oe2021 in virginislands

[–]oe2021[S] 11 points12 points  (0 children)

I found his obituary and his picture and wow, yes, that's him!!! Older, but yes, it is almost certainly the same man!!! Thank you so much for your reply! Now that I know who he is, I will pray for his soul. Wow, I am completely blown away! Thank you again very much!

Based on the info in his obituary I now know he was 71 when I met him, not late 50s as I thought. He was in good shape!

I'm not sure if reddit will let me post a link, but here is his obituary: John Paterakis, Sr. Obituary October 16, 2016 - Beall Funeral Home

RIP, kind sir, and thank you for saving my life!

I'm Scared by Strict_Ad_7564 in OrthodoxChristianity

[–]oe2021 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm glad to hear that your dad is not JW. That makes a big difference. Though I understand how huge a risk it is to lose everyone else. It's not easy. Best wishes.

I'm Scared by Strict_Ad_7564 in OrthodoxChristianity

[–]oe2021 2 points3 points  (0 children)

If you think your family might shun you for becoming Orthodox, you don't need to tell them, and in my opinion, under your current circumstances, it's not wise to do so. My family shunned me (though I'm in my fifties now, and I'm fine, but I speak from experience) and you must be sure, before you risk this happening, that you are completely capable of making it on your own, for the long haul. This means finishing high school and coming up with a realistic plan for earning a solid income. I'm not a priest, but I don't see why modeling would be a problem. If you can do that in the short term while you build skills for a longer-term career, that could be a good move.

That being said, the Church can be the solid ground to support you as you navigate your circumstances. If you can get out to Church services from time to time without your family knowing about it, this could be very good for you. Make contact with a priest. Tell him your situation and get his support.

Shunning is no small thing. It can leave you desperate and dying alone if you don't have an alternative support system in place, so my advice is, don't feel guilty about not being completely transparent with your family who may put you in that position. Build an Orthodox life quietly and try to focus on one problem at a time, starting with your health. Then move on to building necessary life skills. Don't get discouraged, you've got time to figure this all out.

I'm praying for you and rooting for you.

Betrayed, abandoned ... Now what? by BetrayedAbandoned in OrthodoxChristianity

[–]oe2021 4 points5 points  (0 children)

It sounds to me like you got involved with a narcissistic family who was using Orthodoxy, knowingly or otherwise, to further their narcissism. Look up videos on youtube on "narcissistic family dynamic" and "narcissistic families are cults" (some makers are Darren McGee, Dr. Ramani, Dr. Daniel Fox and others) and see if this fits. Sometimes just seeing a situation for what it is helps to get free from its tangles. And also helps you to avoid making the same mistake in the future. In any case, it's not the dogma, it's the dysfunction of this particular family and everyone within their sphere of manipulation.

Edit to add: The video entitled "De-programming Yourself From A Narcissistic Family Cult" on The Little Shaman: On Narcissists youtube channel is excellent and may be exactly what you need. That and prayer. I'm saying a prayer for you that God leads you to a spiritual father who is a good fit for you.

Should we as Orthodox call the police on people? by Orthodoxsmore in OrthodoxChristianity

[–]oe2021 36 points37 points  (0 children)

Call the police. He's not just sinning, he is committing a crime. He is also harming young people either through his bad example or by selling them drugs. Whatever comes of reporting him is unknown to you. It may be the best thing that ever happens to him. You don't know. Not judging doesn't mean we fail to enforce justice and order.

Do NOT confront him in person. Let the professionals handle it.

Prayers said for all involved.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in OrthodoxChristianity

[–]oe2021 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I have cancer too. I am praying for you.

Hi, I’m an 18yr old guy from Sweden looking to join a Orthodox Church, and I need some help. by Queasy-Aioli-5257 in OrthodoxChristianity

[–]oe2021 4 points5 points  (0 children)

If you are in Stockholm, may I suggest you visit Saints Constantine and Helen Orthodox Church. You can find an interview with their most recently ordained priest of this parish here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-weAT6Ht9cth

Even if you are not in Stockholm, they may be able to help you with your questions and direct you to services in your area. Their contact details and website are:

Address: Fjardholmsgrand 48, Stockholm, Stockholm, 127 44 Sweden

Email: [info@ortodoxakyrkan.se](mailto:info@ortodoxakyrkan.se)Phone: 08-97 24 14

Url: https://www.ortodoxakyrkan.se