First Visit With Priest

[Dust and Ashes]

Well, I'm set to go visit St. John in Memphis and meet Fr. John Troy on Friday, 9 July. I will plan to get there shortly before 3rd hour prayers and was invited to pray with them. What do I need to know before this visit? I've read some things on the proper way to greet a priest, etc. but with me being an Inquirer, what do I need to know. Thanks of any and all advice.

[ufonium2]

Fr. John Troy isn't much for social ceremony (plus he's from Mississippi), so "Hey Father Troy" is fine :)

The only thing I can tell you is that since it's a weekday morning the front doors will probably be locked. Go in through the door on the west side, you'll probably need to be buzzed in by the secretary. How's that for practical advice? :)

Honestly, you won't find a nicer group of people than St. John's (not that my church isn't nice, but we're nice in a Fr. Vasily sort of way.) Don't stress, it'll be tons of fun.

[Dust and Ashes]

Fr. John Troy isn't much for social ceremony (plus he's from Mississippi), so "Hey Father Troy" is fine :)

The only thing I can tell you is that since it's a weekday morning the front doors will probably be locked. Go in through the door on the west side, you'll probably need to be buzzed in by the secretary. How's that for practical advice? :)

Honestly, you won't find a nicer group of people than St. John's (not that my church isn't nice, but we're nice in a Fr. Vasily sort of way.) Don't stress, it'll be tons of fun.
Great, thanks! I'm really looking forward to it.

[Eusebios]

Hi fs!
Yeah, nothing scary about talking with the priest. I distinctly recall my first visit with my former parish priest as being one of the most refreshing yet unusual visits I had ever had with a "man of the cloth", if you will.I had visited the parish a couple of times already, and he was familiar to an extent with who I was, due to a couple of my good friends being a part of the parish.
When I introduced myself, he responded with, "Wescott, huh? Not a very Russian name!" to which I responded, Hmm, neither is "......(insert blatantly Anglo-Saxon surname here)". He laughed heartily. In all seriousness thogh, he also told me that it was his job to talk me out of becoming Orthodox. He told me, as he would many times throughouit my Catechumenate(?) that making a comittment to The Orthodox Church was the most important decision I would ever make. I guess I found it refreshing that he wasn't tripping all over himself to get me "on the rolls", to put another knoth on the door -post for another "Protestant" convert. He wanted to make sure I was serious and to let me know that he was also. I've never forgotten it, nor will I ever fail to appreciate it.
Most all Orthodox priests I have ever met are lovely and fun people, who take thier responsibilities deadly seriously.
I say all this to say simply, I think you will enjoy your visit, no need to be up-tight about protocol etc., but be prepared to meet someone whose agenda may be slightly different than most other "pastor's".
In XP,
Eusebios.

[Dust and Ashes]

Hi fs!
Yeah, nothing scary about talking with the priest. I distinctly recall my first visit with my former parish priest as being one of the most refreshing yet unusual visits I had ever had with a "man of the cloth", if you will.I had visited the parish a couple of times already, and he was familiar to an extent with who I was, due to a couple of my good friends being a part of the parish.
When I introduced myself, he responded with, "Wescott, huh? Not a very Russian name!" to which I responded, Hmm, neither is "......(insert blatantly Anglo-Saxon surname here)". He laughed heartily. In all seriousness thogh, he also told me that it was his job to talk me out of becoming Orthodox. He told me, as he would many times throughouit my Catechumenate(?) that making a comittment to The Orthodox Church was the most important decision I would ever make. I guess I found it refreshing that he wasn't tripping all over himself to get me "on the rolls", to put another knoth on the door -post for another "Protestant" convert. He wanted to make sure I was serious and to let me know that he was also. I've never forgotten it, nor will I ever fail to appreciate it.
Most all Orthodox priests I have ever met are lovely and fun people, who take thier responsibilities deadly seriously.
I say all this to say simply, I think you will enjoy your visit, no need to be up-tight about protocol etc., but be prepared to meet someone whose agenda may be slightly different than most other "pastor's".
In XP,
Eusebios.
Very good. That makes me feel much better. I MUST be where I can know Jesus Christ better and where I can learn and grow and above all SERVE Him and my fellow man. I have never felt the Holy Spirit guiding me as strongly in anything as I do in this. The more I read about Orthodoxy, the Sacraments and the lives of the Saints, the more I ache inside to grow closer to Christ and away from the world.

It is like walking down a narrow valley with a great invisible mountain on each side, a sheer wall following behind me and Orthodoxy ahead. I could go to either side and avoid Orthodoxy but not without knowing that I was moving out of God's Holy Will. But with what I've learned, going back is not an option.

Since I have committed myself to this path, it is like waking up from a fuzzy dream and I feel like I have been groping in the dark for all these years. Things seem so much clearer, temptations are more clear and avoidable and I finally recognized what I should have known all along that we choose whether to sin or not. We always have the choice not to sin.

Ok, I'm going to stop before I get on a ramble. :blush: Please keep me in your prayers as I determinedly set my feet on this journey. I am tired of crawling and groping in the dark when there is a lighted track for me to race on. Thank you. Peace love and mercy to you all in the blessed name of Jesus Christ, our God and Saviour.

[The Prokeimenon!]

Glory to God!!!!! :clap:

There is rejoicing in Heaven!!! :prayer:

Moses

[Eusebios]

fs,
Wow, thanks for that post, it was inspiring, and I'm sure many of us here can relate, I know I can. Keep us posted ok?
Under His Mercy,
Eusebios.
:prayer:

[Dust and Ashes]

I just got back from my first visit with Fr. Troy :priest: and it was awesome! He is so cool and down to earth and he made me feel so comfortable. We talked for what seemed about 30 minutes and 2 hours had passed and he had another meeting. He let me check out some books from the Church library so I am set for reading for a couple of weeks.

I hope no one minds but I changed my icon to reflect what I feel in my heart. If it bothers anyone, I will change it back until I officially become catecumen. Thank you all for the wonderful advice and help through my search. Now that the search is over the real journey begins!! :clap:

[ufonium2]

Glad you liked it! Oh yeah, and:

:clap:

[Matrona]

I hope no one minds but I changed my icon to reflect what I feel in my heart. If it bothers anyone, I will change it back until I officially become catecumen. Thank you all for the wonderful advice and help through my search. Now that the search is over the real journey begins!! :clap:
Hooray!!! :hug: I'm so happy for you, you're coming HOME! :clap: :clap: :clap:

[vanshan]

As a convert, I also can relate to much of the enthusiasm you are feeling. After my first meeting with a priest at an inquirer class, I was filled with the strangest sense of joy, feeling like I had truly found what I had been looking for after many years of searching. It was refreshing, but sometimes you may have other emotions come up and forces trying to lead you away, but just pray to God to protect and save you along your journey home. I'm very excited for you.

Basil

[Oblio]

Woot !

Wonderful news forgivensinner, may God continue to guide you :pray:

[OrthodoxyUSA]

Yea!!!!!!:priest: :bow:

[Eusebios]

I hope no one minds but I changed my icon to reflect what I feel in my heart. If it bothers anyone, I will change it back until I officially become catecumen. Thank you all for the wonderful advice and help through my search. Now that the search is over the real journey begins!! :clap:
Words simply cannot express how happy I am for you right now fs!The journey indeed begins my friend!
His unworthy servant,
Eusebios.
:bow:

[Grand_Duchess-Elizaveta]

Welcome to the Path, forgivensinner!:clap: :clap: :clap:

[Photini]

I just got back from my first visit with Fr. Troy :priest: and it was awesome! He is so cool and down to earth and he made me feel so comfortable. We talked for what seemed about 30 minutes and 2 hours had passed and he had another meeting. He let me check out some books from the Church library so I am set for reading for a couple of weeks.

I hope no one minds but I changed my icon to reflect what I feel in my heart. If it bothers anyone, I will change it back until I officially become catecumen. Thank you all for the wonderful advice and help through my search. Now that the search is over the real journey begins!! :clap:
:clap: :clap: :clap: See, this is why I love this board. I am so happy for you!
1

[Nickolai]

You have just made the best dicision you will ever make in your life.
I will pray that your journey is smoother than mine was.

[Rick of Wessex]

Hi, forgivensinner!

May the Holy Spirit bless you and guide you through your journey!

In XC,
Rick

[MariaRegina]

Welcome to Orthodoxy, forgivensinner!

May God bless and protect you on your journey with rich blessings.

Lovingly in Christ,
Elizabeth

[Dust and Ashes]

Thank you all so much. There is no way to even begin to express how sweet it is to finally be coming home after a long, dry journey through a dark land. Thank you for your prayers which lend great aid as well.

[Matthias]

That's fantastic news. I hope it all goes well for you. :)