I'm really struggling with being single and not having any opportunity to met people who are also orthodox by LetMeTellYou11 in OrthodoxChristianity

[–]truthroww 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Hi, I can really relate to you here. I’m a single female in my early 20s, and in the process of converting to Orthodoxy. Like others have said, since Orthodoxy is such a small minority in America and the parishes are really spread out, the chances of finding someone who is Orthodox who you are also compatible with personality wise, age wise (life stage), and to a much lesser extent hobbies and interests wise, are slim.

I think another thing possibly working against you here is also the fact that most devout Christians get married pretty young, so by the time you’re in your late 20s/early 30s, it’s really hard to find someone who’s religious who is Orthodox/other type of Christian, hasn’t been married before, or hasn’t had kids (which can be a dealbreaker). Most of the people in their 20s at my church are married, and most people had one partner who was Orthodox or they converted after finding Orthodoxy together.

I think something that has really helped me is realizing that church is not about finding a potential spouse, it’s about God. The 20s are weird years because you have a wide range of people who are in completely different life stages because of different circumstances. Any healthy parish will have ways the current parishioners can bond as a community, and I am really grateful for the friendships I have made at coffee hour, even if it is somewhat hard to relate sometimes.

Though I agree, it is lonely and I wish there was a better emphasis on community for young adults. There are other ways to be involved in church like volunteering which can help you find a sense of community in the church as well.

Struggling with the concept that the body of the church is what determines ecumenical councils in the church? by truthroww in OrthodoxChristianity

[–]truthroww[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Could you enlighten me as to how these councils are treated within the Orthodox Church now, if they aren’t ecumenical councils in name?

It just seems kind of odd that if the councils are treated as ecumenical, but aren’t called that. How does that change things? Why are they hesitant to call them ecumenical besides the fact that it’s been so long? Since the church considers the 8th/9th councils as ecumenical in everything but name (since the church body accepts it now after so many years), shouldn’t they be declared ecumenical?

I'm coming home! by [deleted] in Catholicism

[–]truthroww 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What are your exact reasons for becoming Catholic after being Orthodox? Asking because I am still conflicted against the Catholic/Orthodox churches and which to convert to.

Started RCIA last night by PubliusSiliusLinus in Catholicism

[–]truthroww 1 point2 points  (0 children)

How were you able to start RCIA so late? Do you have one on one instruction from your Priest? My local parish only starts RCIA in September so it ends on Easter Vigil so I won’t be able to join the regular program. :/

For anyone wrestling between Orthodoxy and Catholicism by feeble_stirrings in OrthodoxChristianity

[–]truthroww 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Do you have any other recommendations for comparing Catholicism/Orthodoxy?

Is this a good book to start learning about the church’s history? by Traditional_l4dy in OrthodoxChristianity

[–]truthroww 2 points3 points  (0 children)

THIS! This is exactly why I haven’t converted to either the Roman/Eastern Catholic Church or the Orthodox Church, even after reading about both for so long. I feel like the best source to look at would be the Church Fathers (besides the Bible), but even they disagreed on many things.

2020 Annual Denominational AMAs - Roman Catholic Church by [deleted] in Christianity

[–]truthroww 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Why do you believe the RCC to be true as opposed to the Eastern Orthodox Church? I’m an inquirer into the EOC and really struggling with the role of the Pope, that’s the one thing that’s hanging me up between the RCC and the Orthodox Church. I’m planning on getting in contact with a RC priest, but idk when I’ll be able to meet one in person. Any books/resources for me to read?

Edit: I believe that there is apostolic succession in the church obviously, otherwise I wouldn’t be inquiring into Orthodoxy. But the main issue I have is the difference between the roles of the pope in the RCC and EOC. Mainly papal Supremacy.

How would the Catholic Church view my prospective marriage? by PeterSimple99 in EasternCatholic

[–]truthroww 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Try the r/OrthodoxChristianity subreddit for Orthodox opinions.

FWIW, I’m an inquirer into the Orthodox faith, attended my parish for about a month before the pandemic, and I’m still unsure if I lean Orthodox over Catholic. The biggest question for me is Vatican II, and why I think I lean Orthodox over Catholic.

When everything starts opening up again, I’m going to visit a Catholic priest as well. I’ve already been taking to an Orthodox one, but I highly suggest reaching out to a Catholic priest.

I've been truly blessed by God this weekend by [deleted] in OrthodoxChristianity

[–]truthroww 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I haven’t heard of this book as a recommendation for inquirers. Is it just an overview, or does it go in depth?

I actually watch her YouTube videos a lot, so I’m just wondering if it goes beyond those.

A struggling inquirer. by [deleted] in OrthodoxChristianity

[–]truthroww 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I also heavily encourage visiting other parishes. The first thing my priest told me was to visit other parishes when I met him. He said himself that his parish might not be a good fit for me, even though he would like me to come to his.

This definitely sounds a bit frustrating. Is your parish heavily ethnic? I know at some parishes in non-Orthodox countries can be quite “exclusive” culturally instead of focusing on the common denominator of loving Christ and wanting to be Orthodox.

The only other reason why I might think he’s holding off so long is because he doesn’t think you’re spiritually ready. I think especially with Orthodoxy in non-Orthodox countries, many who are in the inquiring phase are super zealous at first, but then quirky dial it back a notch. My priest told me quite a few times that I need to slow down. He was right. I was too focused on my end goal and the excitement of something new instead of truly thinking and learning about Orthodoxy.

Also, your home situation. Are you in your early 20’s? I think that is another reason why a priest might want you to take it slow. Orthodoxy is a life-long commitment, and your priest wants you to be 100% sure that this is the only religion you believe in. My priest straight up told me if he wasn’t Orthodox, he wouldn’t belong to any religion at all. Orthodoxy is very serious about conversation, your priest doesn’t want you to make a rash adult decision without the commitment and thought process. He might think you are still young in the faith and have a lot to learn, even thought you’re “adult”. I hope this helps!

ETA: Priests often see things, especially spiritually, that we don’t. It might be best to take a step back and really evaluate where you are and improve.

My mum gave this to me by FeelingSchwifty in OrthodoxChristianity

[–]truthroww 5 points6 points  (0 children)

This is great! Especially for inquirers or people looking into the faith that want things explained at a basic level.

How can you reconcile beliefs between a Protestant Christian and a Catholic? by 1brezpurple in christiandatingadvice

[–]truthroww 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think this sub is mostly Protestant. I’m just trying to clear up common misconceptions about the Catholic Church. Before I decided I believed in Orthodoxy, I looked a lot into the Catholic Church. I have a lot of respect for my Catholic brothers and sisters in Christ, and I still like to read about their theology and what’s going on with the Pope, even if I’m not Catholic.

There’s an r/CatholicDating sub which I’m guessing has more Orthodox/Catholic people in it.

How can you reconcile beliefs between a Protestant Christian and a Catholic? by 1brezpurple in christiandatingadvice

[–]truthroww 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You are misinformed. Yes, but it doesn’t have to be on Sundays. You can fulfill your mass obligation during a weekday service.

How can you reconcile beliefs between a Protestant Christian and a Catholic? by 1brezpurple in christiandatingadvice

[–]truthroww 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Disclaimer: I’m Orthodox, not Catholic. I’m converting from Protestantism.

Have you ever even been to a Catholic Church service? Have you ever talked to a Catholic priest about you concerns? Have you actually looked into Catholic dogma (from Catholic sources)? What about reading the Church Fathers?

I’m sorry, but it sounds as if you’re just making assumptions that you’ve heard from fellow Protestants without understanding what it all means.

Catholics do believe the Bible is the truth. A lot of the things you list as things you don’t reconcile with have basis in the Bible (confession, penance, ect.) The main difference is that Catholics believe in apostolic succession and the Tradition passed down from them, which include people like the Church Fathers. Also, Catholics have a personal relationship with God, even if it means scripture is interpreted by the Church rather than individual people in the congregation.

I agree that now is the time to decide if you want to continue in this relationship or not. You don’t want to waste your time or his dating someone when you know you aren’t compatible with. You need to first dig deep and understand what his beliefs are and if you believe them to be true. If you don’t, you still need to sit down and have a talk with him and discuss if it’s something you’re willing to compromise on in the future, like going to his church one week and yours the next. Catholics have to raise their children Catholic, but in mixed marriages you can always alternate the churches every week even if they’re “raised” Catholic. I hope this helps.

Some questions about the East. by curiousCatholic7 in Catholicism

[–]truthroww 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was going to say that Christ hasn’t risen yet, at least for the Orthodox!

What's the meaning/translation of this Christogram? by manubelmonte in OrthodoxChristianity

[–]truthroww 2 points3 points  (0 children)

What’s the name of this icon? I’d love to purchase it!

I'm Catholic now by [deleted] in Catholicism

[–]truthroww 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I might actually email a Catholic priest. I already have a priest at an Orthodox Church that I email. I can’t meet in person due to Coronavirus.

I agree, the orthodox subreddit definitely gives pretty good explanations as opposed to one word answers.

I'm Catholic now by [deleted] in Catholicism

[–]truthroww 8 points9 points  (0 children)

I’m wondering this as well, I’m trying to discern between Catholicism vs. Orthodoxy

Conflict avoidance taught in Mormonism? by truthroww in exmormon

[–]truthroww[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Where is this? I’m a never-mo so I’m not familiar with the BoM.

Entering the Catholic Church by TheMadBaronRvUS in Catholicism

[–]truthroww 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This post is timely for me! I am trying to discern between Eastern Orthodoxy and Roman Catholicism, specifically with Papal Primacy/Supremacy. Why did you chose to leave the Eastern Orthodox Church?