Current struggles...

[Patristic]

I guess this is more to ask for prayers, but I would also just like to rant. Since I moved down here two months ago I've had a horrible time finding a Church to attend. I was really afraid to leave because I wasn't Chrismated at my Church back home and I figured that would mean bad things for me when I moved, which in fact it did. Furthermore, the Churches I visited were heavily ethnic and very unwelcoming...I felt like a foreigner at several of them. Right now, I really don't feel like going to Church on Sundays. I would rather wake up and study since I am so swamped as a first year law student, or just sleep in. I know social factors shouldn't weigh very much in one's overall decision to go to Church each week since we are there to worship God and not to socialize, but I don't feel like going somewhere I'm not wanted. Furthermore, not being Chrismated this summer really depressed me since I was looking forward to it, but with that I guess I should have more patience. Anyways, I haven't been to Liturgy in over a month and I think that sometimes I won't go back until I go home. I really don't know where I am going to end up, but I realize this is something that needs to be resolved since my Sundays are pretty empty.

[Suzannah]

God bless you Patristic...I will pray for you...and you should feel free to rant all you want. That sounds like a really difficult situation....(psst: I especially know how you feel having your chrismation pushed back...it happened to me too....:sigh:

:hug: :crosseo: :prayer:

[Grand_Duchess-Elizaveta]

I guess this is more to ask for prayers, but I would also just like to rant. Since I moved down here two months ago I've had a horrible time finding a Church to attend. I was really afraid to leave because I wasn't Chrismated at my Church back home and I figured that would mean bad things for me when I moved, which in fact it did. Furthermore, the Churches I visited were heavily ethnic and very unwelcoming...I felt like a foreigner at several of them. Right now, I really don't feel like going to Church on Sundays. I would rather wake up and study since I am so swamped as a first year law student, or just sleep in. I know social factors shouldn't weigh very much in one's overall decision to go to Church each week since we are there to worship God and not to socialize, but I don't feel like going somewhere I'm not wanted. Furthermore, not being Chrismated this summer really depressed me since I was looking forward to it, but with that I guess I should have more patience. Anyways, I haven't been to Liturgy in over a month and I think that sometimes I won't go back until I go home. I really don't know where I am going to end up, but I realize this is something that needs to be resolved since my Sundays are pretty empty.
:hug: I'm sorry you're having such a rough time, Patristic. Have you tried all the Orthodox Churches within reasonable driving distance? I'm just thinking....that even if you have to drive far to get to one, it may be worth it even if you can't drive that far every week. I don't know much about your circumstances, so I'm wondering if you've discussed this with the priest from your former parish. Perhaps he may have some words of wisdom for you? If you were close to getting chrismated at your former parish, maybe your priest can get in contact with a priest in your area to let him know where you're at spiritually? I'm just tossing out suggestions here. I hate to see someone in this situation. I think you already realize how important it is to be attending liturgy. I'll definitely pray for you.:)

[Patristic]

:hug: I'm sorry you're having such a rough time, Patristic. Have you tried all the Orthodox Churches within reasonable driving distance? I'm just thinking....that even if you have to drive far to get to one, it may be worth it even if you can't drive that far every week. I don't know much about your circumstances, so I'm wondering if you've discussed this with the priest from your former parish. Perhaps he may have some words of wisdom for you? If you were close to getting chrismated at your former parish, maybe your priest can get in contact with a priest in your area to let him know where you're at spiritually? I'm just tossing out suggestions here. I hate to see someone in this situation. I think you already realize how important it is to be attending liturgy. I'll definitely pray for you.:)

Unfortunately, my former priest was diagnosed with very aggresive melanoma and began undergoing treatment last winter. His condition was so severe it limited his activities within the Church and eventually led to his retirement after 25 years of service at the parish. That is the main reason why my Chrismation never took place. I don't think his condition has improved much and I know he and presvytera went on a very long vacation compliments of the Church, so he has been virtually impossible to keep in contact with. It's just a very complicated and complex situation.

[Grand_Duchess-Elizaveta]

Unfortunately, my former priest was diagnosed with very aggresive melanoma and began undergoing treatment last winter. His condition was so severe it limited his activities within the Church and eventually led to his retirement after 25 years of service at the parish. That is the main reason why my Chrismation never took place. I don't think his condition has improved much and I know he and presvytera went on a very long vacation compliments of the Church, so he has been virtually impossible to keep in contact with. It's just a very complicated and complex situation.
I'm so sorry! This is a complex situation! I will remember your priest in my prayers, too. That is so sad! God sees the desire of your heart, and that you are seeking Him. He will make a way even when there seems to be no way.:hug: I know all about depression, that's for sure. So please don't think I'm taking your situation lightly. :crosseo:

[MariaRegina]

Dear Patristic,

Is there a monastery in your area?

I did feel kind of strange going to an ethnic church -- they seemed rather protective. However, I noticed that when I kept going, they noticed us and reached out to our family.

So just keep trying ... and you'll make friends. I did.

Lovingly in Christ our God,
Elizabeth

P.S. Please do go on Sundays ... it make the rest of the week special. Christ is truly present in the Eucharist and you can feel His love radiating out from the communicants. This was my special feeling when I was a catechumen.

[Suzannah]

Unfortunately, my former priest was diagnosed with very aggresive melanoma and began undergoing treatment last winter. His condition was so severe it limited his activities within the Church and eventually led to his retirement after 25 years of service at the parish. That is the main reason why my Chrismation never took place. I don't think his condition has improved much and I know he and presvytera went on a very long vacation compliments of the Church, so he has been virtually impossible to keep in contact with. It's just a very complicated and complex situation.
Wow. It sounds like it! It sounds also like your former priest needs prayer also and I will remember them too. Try to go to church. Force yourself.
It' will look different in a few days perhaps...

[The Virginian]

Does the man who replaced your former priest, know of your situation? Would it be feasible to be chrismated at your former parish, and then transfer you rmembership to one closer to you (except I don't believe Orthodox transfer memberships.) Is there, after you check- a parish you can attend at least twice a month?

A brilliant young man I met when I first began to investigate Orthodoxy, was a cantor at the local Greek Orthodox parish. When the priest was transferred he applied and was accepted at Notre Dame. He came traveling through a couple of months ago married, with a Phd. in Computer Science. He's now entering the priesthood, as according to him, "...some things are just more important."
May the peace of God, our Father, the joy of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the comfort of the Holy Spirit, surround, fill, and pervade your entire being!

[Matrona]

I guess this is more to ask for prayers, but I would also just like to rant. Since I moved down here two months ago I've had a horrible time finding a Church to attend. I was really afraid to leave because I wasn't Chrismated at my Church back home and I figured that would mean bad things for me when I moved, which in fact it did. Furthermore, the Churches I visited were heavily ethnic and very unwelcoming...I felt like a foreigner at several of them.
I'm so sorry you are struggling with finding a church. Where did you move to? Perhaps one of us will know a good church that isn't too far from you.

[Patristic]

I'm so sorry you are struggling with finding a church. Where did you move to? Perhaps one of us will know a good church that isn't too far from you.

Norfolk, VA.

[Rilian]

Patristic, I have no idea what it's like, but there is an Antiochian Church in Yorktown - St. Basil the Great (http://www.antiochian.org/southeast_region/virginia/yorktown/st_basil_the_great_church).

I looked it up a while ago, because my Dad spends part of the year in Irvington, and I wanted to find where we would go to church down there when visiting.

[Patristic]

Patristic, I have no idea what it's like, but there is an Antiochian Church in Yorktown - St. Basil the Great (http://www.antiochian.org/southeast_region/virginia/yorktown/st_basil_the_great_church).

I looked it up a while ago, because my Dad spends part of the year in Irvington, and I wanted to find where we would go to church down there when visiting.

Yeah, I looked up that Church and I did plan on going sometime, but I have been putting it off because I hate the Norfolk tunnel. That tunnel is such an unpredictable variable; you can either get through it in 10 minutes or 2 hours and you can never tell how much time it will take. One of these weeks I will probably venture up that way.