Hello...

[Momzilla]

I've been lurking for a day or two and wanted to introduce myself. I found this board in the process of seeking information on fasting during lent; a link on a vegetarian website let me to some information about Orthodox Christianity, which led me to doing some reading, which led me to do a google search, through which I found this forum.

I feel led by the Spirit to investigate orthodoxy. I plan to hit the library and pick up a couple of books I have seen mentioned in threads here, and I am gradually working my way through most of the past threads. (Suzannah, the questions you have asked have been a blessing to me, as have the responses the rest of you have given. Thank you all!) I hope you will be patient with me as I read more and ask questions. The sense I have of this board is that y'all welcome inquirers, and I'm so glad I have found you.

A little about me and my faith journey.... Although I grew up in a non-religious household, I have always felt God's call in my life. I picked up the Lord's Prayer at some point, and used to say it in secret before going to sleep at night. I did not become a Christian until age 27, when I was baptized in a small Episcopal church in Orangeburg, SC. I then moved to Greenville and joined a huge episcopal church, which I promptly stopped going to because I felt so out of place.

A couple of years ago, I joined a United Methodist church, where I attend a "contemporary" service with my older son, who is 3 1/2. It is a wonderful, caring church, and I have found a place there. But, I am growing increasingly dissatisfied with its lack of empasis on traditional practices. I miss weekly communion. I miss confession (which the Methodists never do). When communion is taken (once a month), it doesn't "feel" like a sacrament to me, because the atmosphere is so casual. None of this is to criticize the genuinely Godly people in that church.... it's just a matter of saying that I am coming to believe that it may not be my spiritual home.

Anyway, that's a bit about me. Actually, probably too much about me! :D

[Suzannah]

Wonderful to have you here!!!!!! And I am so glad you thought I was helpful....the people here have really and truly blessed my life. The Holy
Spirit has used each and every one of them to bring me closer to Christ and to the Faith...

I hope that you will "fire away" with your questions....and thoughts and feelings, too!

When you hit the library: pick up this book first: "The Orthodox Church" by Timothy Ware. (aka Bishop Kallistos Ware). This book will give you a firm foundation of the history of the Church and its claim to Apostolic succession and will also serve to give you a very good overview of some of the Holy Tradition of the Church.

Also: "Becoming Orthodox" by Peter Gillquist and "Coming Home" also by P. G.
re: other Protestants who felt that strange "disquiet" as you do.... :)
(and as I did!)

I too, went looking for something deeper, something more traditional...I never expected to find it in liturgy...I was just looking for weekly communion and a church that wanted to sing Amazing Grace and the Old Rugged Cross...LOL!
I was born a Lutheran, but was raised in Baptist and AofG missionary churches so I was very astonished to find myself drawn to Orthodoxy. But in the short time that I have been attending, I have found more and more that this is where the Holy Spirit has led me....

I look forward to getting to know you better!
:)
:clap: :clap: :clap:

[Matrona]

Hi Momzilla! Welcome to Christian Forums and The Ancient Way! Here are some blessings! :clap: :clap: :clap:

I'm so glad that we've been helpful to you. And I'm from South Carolina too--I'm originally from Charleston and I go to USC (Columbia). Feel free to ask any questions you have.

Also, do you know anyone from Bethesda United Methodist Church in Powdersville? That's my friend's home church.

[Epiphany]

I've been lurking for a day or two and wanted to introduce myself. I found this board in the process of seeking information on fasting during lent; a link on a vegetarian website let me to some information about Orthodox Christianity, which led me to doing some reading, which led me to do a google search, through which I found this forum.

I feel led by the Spirit to investigate orthodoxy. I plan to hit the library and pick up a couple of books I have seen mentioned in threads here, and I am gradually working my way through most of the past threads. (Suzannah, the questions you have asked have been a blessing to me, as have the responses the rest of you have given. Thank you all!) I hope you will be patient with me as I read more and ask questions. The sense I have of this board is that y'all welcome inquirers, and I'm so glad I have found you.

A little about me and my faith journey.... Although I grew up in a non-religious household, I have always felt God's call in my life. I picked up the Lord's Prayer at some point, and used to say it in secret before going to sleep at night. I did not become a Christian until age 27, when I was baptized in a small Episcopal church in Orangeburg, SC. I then moved to Greenville and joined a huge episcopal church, which I promptly stopped going to because I felt so out of place.

A couple of years ago, I joined a United Methodist church, where I attend a "contemporary" service with my older son, who is 3 1/2. It is a wonderful, caring church, and I have found a place there. But, I am growing increasingly dissatisfied with its lack of empasis on traditional practices. I miss weekly communion. I miss confession (which the Methodists never do). When communion is taken (once a month), it doesn't "feel" like a sacrament to me, because the atmosphere is so casual. None of this is to criticize the genuinely Godly people in that church.... it's just a matter of saying that I am coming to believe that it may not be my spiritual home.

Anyway, that's a bit about me. Actually, probably too much about me! :D

Hallo Momzilla! Welkom in The Ancient Way.

I'm Epiphany, a newbie Christian and convert to Orthodoxy. I learn about Orthodox from reading library books. When I finally visited an Orthodox church, I knew this is where I belong. I love the liturgy and traditions and mystical symbolism.

I understand what you mean about the Communion. I believe that Lord Jesus is within the wine and bread and that you really receive Him. It's my favourite part of Divine Liturgy.

I was recently looking up things about Great Lent too. I am going back to being an vegetarian for Great Lent and will continue to be one afterwards. I found a lot of Greek veggie recipes online and I love East Indian vegetarian foods, so I shant go hungry during this holiday, lol!

You're welcomed here Momzilla ( I like your username, lol). Feel free to ask questions. If I don't know the answer (I'm still a newb), there are older Orthodox believers here that can.

Peace and Long Life
~*~ Epiphany ~*~

[Orthosdoxa]

Welcome Momzilla!!!

I too know that gnawing feeling of wanting more... more than just pretty songs and inspirational speeches/sermons... wanting whatever it was the early Christians had - that something so deep that they were willing to be martyred for it. That path also led me to Orthodoxy. Suzannah's book suggestions were wonderful. Also check out some articles by Clark Carlton and Fr. John Whiteford - the links are on my page at stienekel.tripod.com

I too hope you will fire away with any questions you have - the road from modern Christianity to the ancient Way can be a bumpy one, but oh so very very very worth it!!

[Patristic]

Greetings Momzilla,

I have no doubt that the Lord used your particular search interest to lead you to Orthodoxy. He is a very providential God indeed! I too can sympathize with wanting more than what most churches offer. Orthodoxy is simply beautiful and I can honestly say that no worship I have experienced can capture the mystery, beauty, and reverence that we experience every week in the Liturgy. Anyways, please feel free to ask questions because there are plenty of people here who are willing to answer. God bless you on your journey!

[Oblio]

Welcome Momzilla :clap:

You might also enjoy reading Thirsting for God in a Land of Shallow Wells (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1888212284/qid=1076611431/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/002-6836984-4756067?v=glance&s=books) by Matthew Galatin, a former SDA and Calvary Chapel preacher. I can almost guarrantee that portions of his book will address what is missing in your spiritual life and how it is fulfilled in Orthodoxy.

Another good primer is The Orthodox Way (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0913836583/qid=1076611515/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/002-6836984-4756067?v=glance&s=books) by Bp. Kallistos. This focuses more on the Theology of The Church rather than the praxis and history that is discussed in The Orthodox Church

[Oblio]

You can read excerpts of The Orthodox Church here:

Part I: History (http://www.fatheralexander.org/booklets/english/history_timothy_ware_1.htm)
Part II: Faith and Worship (http://www.fatheralexander.org/booklets/english/history_timothy_ware_2.htm)

I've got a link for the entire text at home, I'll try to post it later.

[ChoirDir]

Welcome Momzilla, one of the best ways to learn about the Orthodox faith is to experience it. I'm in the Myrtle Beach area of SC. You might want to check out St John of the Ladder Mission Church. 198 Old Augusta Rd,
Piedmont SC 29673
864-299-1140
http://www.stjohnoftheladder.org/
This looks to be close to you.

[Momzilla]

Thank you all so much for your kind words and helpful suggestions.

To respond to some particulars... I got "Becoming Orthodox" and "The Orthodox Church" today at the library, so I'll be diving into those shortly. I've also bookmarked a ton of sites--many of which I found by going through old threads here--for future reading. This is going to keep me busy for a while! I will also check out the books Oblio suggested--thanks!

Matrona--thank you for the blessings! I've heard of Bethesda UMC, but I don't know anyone from there, unfortunately.

anonykat--the "more than just pretty songs" bit captures what's bugging me. I don't want "feel good" Christianity, I want real Christianity. My sense of modern denominations is that they are increasingly conforming to the world, not the other way around, as it should be.

Finally, ChoirDir, thanks for the link to St. John of the Ladder. It is pretty close to me. I'm not ready to attend a service yet--I want to do some more reading/learning first.

[Oblio]

I don't want "feel good" Christianity, I want real Christianity. My sense of modern denominations is that they are increasingly conforming to the world, not the other way around, as it should be.


:)

You will find it, may God continue to guide you in your search :pray:

[Photini]

Welcome to CF Momzilla!

[Matrona]

To respond to some particulars... I got "Becoming Orthodox" and "The Orthodox Church" today at the library, so I'll be diving into those shortly. I've also bookmarked a ton of sites--many of which I found by going through old threads here--for future reading. This is going to keep me busy for a while! I will also check out the books Oblio suggested--thanks!It's wonderful that you're reading so many books; I hope you haven't been overloaded! :)

I don't know if they would have this at the library, but if you get the chance, try to read a book called Father Arseny: Priest, Prisoner, Spiritual Father. It's an incredibly inspiring set of real-life accounts of a priest imprisoned in a Soviet gulag, and how he managed not only to survive but even to shine with the light of Christ. One of the stories is available to read online: http://www.wie.org/j22/arseny.asp

Also, whenever you feel ready to attend a service, it would be a good idea to read this first: http://www.frederica.com/orthodox/o12th-mrb.html It explains some of the idiosyncrasies of Orthodox worship to newcomers.

[Suzannah]

anonykat--the "more than just pretty songs" bit captures what's bugging me. I don't want "feel good" Christianity, I want real Christianity. My sense of modern denominations is that they are increasingly conforming to the world, not the other way around, as it should be.

These were my thoughts exactly!!! And the more I thought about it,the more I realized that I didn't know what "real" Christianity was, although I had been a Christian for more than 30 years. I decided that Christianity, in order to be effective, in order to be right had to contain "Absolute Truth" and "Common Sense" if indeed human beings were to be saved AT ALL. It couldn't possibly be as convoluted as 26, 000 different denominations or as complicated as the theology books. If Jesus loves each individual, then your average peasant has to have some hope of salvation, other than subscribing to some complicated set of theological doctrines. After all, the majority of the Christian world, does not live in the good ole USA, and does not have the access to education that so many of us are blessed with. The majority of Christians, throughout history, ahve been simple "peasants", or to put it better, a lot like me! So I sat down one day and decided I was going to figure out "Common Sense Christianity", or better known as : The Gospel According to Suzannah. :angel: Then I realized that all my beliefs just didn't square with Scripture or with each other. (Gotta love that sola scriptura !)

This was about a year ago, and after wading through just about every Protestant doctrine, here I am, a catachumen in the Orthodox Church! I am also very relieved that I do not have to write a book! :P

[Oblio]

Even though you have the real book (The Orthodox Church) Momzilla, here is the online link for the entire book and others for those that might be reading this thread.

Bibliotheca Orthodoxa IntraText (http://www.intratext.com/BOI/)

Don't worry, it is in English ;)

[Oblio]

Another good book that I had a pleasure of perusing while visiting prodromos and his wonderful family in Greece is The Truth of Our Faith (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/9608677807/qid=1076630907//ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i1_xgl14/102-9628609-3018535?v=glance&s=books&n=507846) by Elder Cleopa of Romania

[MariaRegina]

Dear Momzilla:

Have you ever been to Charleston, South Carolina? I have some relatives there.

When you do feel comfortable visiting an Orthodox Church, if you visit during the period before Pascha (Easter) then please don't wear white -- like I did as a visitor -- or you may find that you will be the only one there wearing bright clothes -- was my face red!

Most of the Orthodox ladies tend to wear the more somber darker colors during Great Lent, except for Palm Sunday.

Welcome to CF and God bless you.

Lovingly yours in Christ our God,
Elizabeth

[prodromos]

Welcome Momzilla (love the name ;))

I can't really add anything to what others have posted above, but I do have one small piece of advice. There is an awful lot of information available on the Internet and it is very easy to get drawn into a mindset of obtaining knowledge, particularly as we begin to appreciate the errors of the faith/practice we were nurtured in until discovering Orthodoxy. The desire to have "right knowledge" can become very strong, however if we are not putting that "knowledge" into "practice", all it will do is puff us up full of pride. Jesus had the twelve disciples with him always, not just to teach them with his words, but to lead by his example. Seeing theory in practice has a much more powerful impact on us than simply learning the theory. So along with reading the bible and the other books you have gotten hold of, try to spend as much time as you can reading the lives of the saints. There are a number of modern saints who you might find particularly helpful as the conditions they lived in are not that far removed from our own. Matrona already mentioned Saint Arseny, but there are also Saint Seraphim of Sarov, Saint John of Kronstatd, Saint Nektarios of Pentapolis/Aegina, Saint John of Shanghai and San Francisco, Saint Kosmas Aitolos, Saint Silouan and Saint Arsenios of Cappadocia. These are but a few and I'm sure others will add to the list. There are also many who are not yet canonised as saints but are recognised by many as such. Father Porphyrios, Father Paisios, Mother Gavrilla, and Father Sophrony.

Believe me, reading about these saints will do far more for your spiritual walk that any amount of theology (not that theology isn't important too).

God bless,

John.

[ChoirDir]

Finally, ChoirDir, thanks for the link to St. John of the Ladder. It is pretty close to me. I'm not ready to attend a service yet--I want to do some more reading/learning first.
I would recommend getting in touch with the Priest there and tell him about your interest. He can advise you on further info and readings and also give you an idea about services and the like.

[Momzilla]

I would recommend getting in touch with the Priest there and tell him about your interest. He can advise you on further info and readings and also give you an idea about services and the like.

I will definitely do that, probably during the next few weeks.

[Matrona]

Matrona already mentioned Saint Arseny
Has Father Arseny been glorified as a saint yet? :confused: I haven't heard anything about this. If he is, I would love to have an icon of him.

[Momzilla]

Elizabeth, yes I have been to Charleston. My husband and I spent a lot of time there during 1995-96, when I was working and living in Orangeburg. What a beautiful city.

John, thanks for the advice about reading up on the saints. I will definitely do so!

[Oblio]

There is a wonderful Orthodox retreat in the Charleston area, St. Silouan, run by Fr. John Breck and his wife Lyn. You can read his writings on Life in Christ (http://www.oca.org/pages/orth_chri/Publications/LifeinChrist/index.html) online at oca.org

[Matrona]

Have you ever been to Charleston, South Carolina? I have some relatives there.
Hey, I'm FROM Charleston! What a coincidence! My parents live there!

[MariaRegina]

There is a wonderful Orthodox retreat in the Charleston area, St. Silouan, run by Fr. John Breck and his wife Lyn. You can read his writings on Life in Christ (http://www.oca.org/pages/orth_chri/Publications/LifeinChrist/index.html) online at oca.org

Dear Matrona,

When you go home for the summer, you've got to visit this retreat house in Charleston and let us know about it.

Elizabeth

[Oblio]

The retreat is the most wonderful of places. It is situated on 70 ac on Wadmalaw Is. on the shore of one of the creeks that runs through there. While Fr. John gives priority to clergy and monastics, they welcome laity to visit, study, contemplate, and worship the Holy Trinity while at St. Siluoan.