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Hi everyone, im sorry I have not posted in a while. Life has been pretty hectic: in addition to being a school administrator, I am in the middle of writing my doctoral dissertation. I do think of you often and check in from time to time. Just wanted to share a picture. It’s been a while since...

I have read that some Orthodox priests have the ability to know a person's sins before they are confessed. (Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe Fr. Matt once said that his Confessor has this ability). I mention it because a new priest has been visiting our community here in Hanoi. He does...

As most of you know, I am a former Roman Catholic. My understanding of confession and absolution is that the confessor can only withhold absolution if the confessor shows no repentance and plans to continue sinning. For example, if a person goes to confession and confesses that he is...

I am looking for a sort of "dummies" guide to praying the Typica. For example, throughout the Typica, you see things like "pray the Troparia for the day" and "the prokimena." Is there a guide that teaches you how to properly pray the Typica? I've been using this Typica: Typika.

As most of you know, I live in Hanoi, Vietnam and we do not have a priest here. Every few months, a priest from Russian Orthodox church will visit to celebrate the Divine Liturgy. The priest varies; it's usually one of two English-speaking Russian priests. The past few months, I have been...

Hello everyone, This is purely hypothetical (I am not doing this), but is it sinful to not follow your spiritual father’s advice? For example, let’s say someone has a gambling problem. So, the spiritual father advises the person to avoid casinos. Is it sinful for the person to ignore the advice...

When you identify your religion, do you state that you are Russian/Greek/etc. Orthodox or Eastern Orthodox? Thanks.

Hello everyone, I was wondering if we could start a discussion on the current situation with Sr. Dr. Vassa. If you have not heard about it, you can find it here: Byzantine, Texas: Sr. Vassa's words on gay teen dating continue to reverberate My Facebook has been exploding with arguments about...

Hello everyone, Does anyone know of a published book that has both the Divine Liturgy and the Typica printed in it? Thanks in advance for your help!

On a recent trip to Bangkok, I purchased an icon. I showed it to my Russian friend here in Hanoi and he told me that it was an icon of Mother of God "Education." However, he was not able to explain it for me. I tried to find information about it, but I could not find anything. Here's a link to...

Hello everyone, I'm going to share some very personal information here with hopes that I can get some advice. I apologize for what you're about to read and, moderators, I'm sorry in advance if I break any rules. I have a sister that is 11 months younger than me. When I was 7 years old, my...

Hello everyone, I have to share some exciting events that have been happening in my home: 1. My wife recently asked if she can join me for Evening prayers! I have been praying by myself in my prayer corner, but usually when everyone is asleep. Well, she asked me if she could join! This is...

Hello everyone, I was wondering if anyone had any experience with this iPhone app: Orthodox Christian Calendar and Prayerbook on the App Store It seems to have everything that I want (for free), but the fasting information seems to be inaccurate. According to my calendar, today is "food with...

I just had to share that a Russian Orthodox priest will be in my area (Hanoi) on Tuesday for Matins and Wednesday for the Divine Liturgy. We have not had a priest in our area for months and I desperately wish to make Confession. Please pray that I make a good confession! I don't even know if...

Hello everyone, I just wanted to share a personal story with hopes that it will help others that may be in the same boat. For those of you who don't know my story, a brief history: I am married and my wife were devout Catholics (well, she was Catholic in name only, but she refuses to convert)...

Hello everyone, As most of you know, I am an American living in Hanoi. There is a large Russian community here and I have been meeting with them to pray, learn about the Orthodox Church, and receive the Sacraments when Father is able to visit every few months. I just found out that a new...

Hello everyone, I'm still trying to learn about fasting, but it seems like most fasting calendars are different. For example, I looked at two calendars yesterday. One of them said that yesterday (Monday, the 29th) was a fast-free period while the other said that it was a strict fast. So, I...

What is the proper way to venerate icons? For example, when I pray in my icon corner, how should I properly venerate my icons? My friends at the Russian Orthodox church tried to show me, but I did not understand because of the language barrier. Also, do you venerate the Bible after reading from...

Most of you know that I am a new Eastern Orthodox Christian. I have been trying to understand the Crete Council, but it is pretty confusing. So, I was wondering if someone could explain what it was about, why there are many against it etc. I know that's a big request, but I am part of the...

Background: I am a streak runner, which means that I run at least one mile a day, every day (I average three miles a day). Today was day 637. Because of this, my body gets sore and I often treat myself to massages. Arousal is normally not a problem for me; I view massage as therapeutic. But...