Going to Convert

[Vzldrb]

Hello everyone,

I wish to announce to everyone I am going to convert, and I will be telling/asking my Priest this Saturday. I will change my politcal views if need be.

Please pray for me.

Sincerely,
Vzldrb

PS. If anyone wants a long story, please let me know, and I can write pages if you'd like.

[Michał Kalina]

Many years!

[Vzldrb]

Many years!

Thank you!
Odd fact that the first eprson to reply belongs to the church of Poland.... my great grandfather was from the polish/Ukranian border, and my great grandmother was from Warsaw...

[Robert W]

Many years! Many years!

[Thankful]

Many years! 

[stashko]

Аксиос....
Господ Да ти Да ,Многаја Љета И Многе Године......Амин Амин

Congatulations......Axios
Lord Grant You many Years and Summers...Amen Amen

[searn77]

Many years

[LizaSymonenko]

Many years!

[Altar Server]

Many Years!

[Vzldrb]

I suddenly feel very sick... but i'll be okay.

[Irish Hermit]

Hello everyone,

I wish to announce to everyone I am going to convert, and I will be telling/asking my Priest this Saturday. I will change my politcal ews if need be.

Good news, and God bless your journey..... and see if you can get an easier to pronounce name than Vzldrb.   

[Vzldrb]

Hello everyone,

I wish to announce to everyone I am going to convert, and I will be telling/asking my Priest this Saturday. I will change my politcal ews if need be.

Good news, and God bless your journey..... and see if you can get an easier to pronounce name than Vzldrb.   

Haha, thanks Fr.! My real name isn't Vzldrb, but it's a name I made up for myself My real, actual name is Richard Henry. I wonder what it'll be changed too.... (It's such a Germanic name for a Slav... haha)
I feel much better now, by the way

[genesisone]

What's wrong with Richard? http://www.comeandseeicons.com/r/inp23.htm

[Irish Hermit]

St. Richard the King, Confessor
-------------------------------------
Died 722. More than any other race, the Anglo Saxons are distinguished
for the royal patronage bestowed upon the Christian Church, and for the
way in which kings and their families have worked in the spreading of
the gospel in their own lands and overseas. St.Richard and his family
are outstanding examples. He was one of the kings or princes of Wessex,
related to the royal house of Kent, and married to Winna, herself a
descendant of Cerdic and aunt to Boniface of Crediton.

Richard was brought up as a Christian and his faith was real and firm.
When his eldest son Willibald was three years old, the child fell
grievously ill, and there seemed to be no hope for his recovery. His
father wrapped him in a blanket and, mounting his horse, rode out into
the night to a wayside crucifix at a crossroads near to the village
where they lived. Butler tells us that

"Saint Richard, when living, obtained by his prayers the recovery of
his younger son Willibald, whom he laid at the foot of a great crucifix
erected in a public place in England, when the child's life was
despaired of in a grievous sickness."

Richard placed the child at the foot of the cross and knelt in prayer,
pleading for his son's life. Willibald did recover, and two years later
he was entrusted to Egbald, the abbot of Warham, near Winchester, to be
trained.

When Willibald reached manhood, he returned to his family with a desire
to spread the faith abroad, and persuaded his father and brother to
accompany him on a pilgrimage to Rome and the Holy Land. Richard had a
daughter, Walburga, by a second marriage, and she now entered the
convent at Wimborne, under the Abbess Tetta. When Richard had renounced
his royal estate, he set sail with his two sons from Hamblehaven near
Southampton. They made a leisurely progress through France, spending
time at various Christian centres including Rouen, and it seems that at
some time during their journey Richard took monastic vows.

They reached Italy and came to Lucca, where the Cathedral had been built
by an Irish monk called Frigidian, but known by the local inhabitants as
Frediano. Richard, who was growing old and had become infirm during his
travels, now succumbed to the heat and died. His sons saw to his burial
in St. Frediano's church and then continued their journey. Later they
joined their uncle St.Boniface and their sister St.Walburga in the work
of converting the Germans. Their father, St.Richard, is still venerated
in Lucca. A famous account of the pilgrimage on which he died was
written by his son's cousin, the nun Hugeburc, entitled "Hodoeporicon"
(Baring-Gould).

An Alphabetical Index of the Saints of the West
http://www.orthodoxengland.btinternet.co.uk/saintsa.htm

These Lives are archived at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/celt-saints

[Vzldrb]

What's wrong with Richard? http://www.comeandseeicons.com/r/inp23.htm

To be honest, I don't think anything is wrong with that name. Would I have to take the name of my Patron Saint? And I hear that the Saints choose YOU....

Any advice on this?

[Irish Hermit]

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
* St. Irchard of Scotland  -  24 August
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=


St. Irchard, Bishop of the Picts of Scotland
(Erthard, Yrchard)
---------------------------------------------------------
Born in Kincardineshire, 5th or 7th century. Saint Palladius (f.d. July
7) is reputed to have sent Saint Servanus (f.d. July 1) to
preach in the Orkney Islands and Saint Ternan (f.d. June 12), titular
patron of Abernathy cathedral, to the Picts. Saint
Irchard, according to some, was Ternan's disciple, possibly consecrated
bishop by him or possibly consecrated bishop by Saint Gregory the Great
(f.d. September 3) in Rome. There is some debate over the exact period
of his life (Benedictines, Husenbeth).

Troparion of St Ychard Tone 1
Ordained by St Ternan, with him thou didst labour/ and preach the Gospel
to the heathen Picts./ Pray for the faithful who celebrate thy memory
and cry:/ Rejoice, O Father Ychard.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/celt-saints
*****************************************

[Vzldrb]

Thanks everyone, looks like I can keep my name Odd note: My Mother is ethnically English

[Nyssa The Hobbit]

You wouldn't have to change your name; the baptismal name is used while distributing the mysteries.  You also don't have to change political views, necessarily.

[ICXCNIKA]

Is there an Orthodox Saint that speaks to you? Whatever name you choose I would just suggest that is a name that you would be comfortable answering to. I met one gentleman that couldn't even say the name that he decided on. I think he was suggested to pick that Saint's name... I wouldn't want anyone to be in that situation.

[Vzldrb]

Is there an Orthodox Saint that speaks to you? Whatever name you choose I would just suggest that is a name that you would be comfortable answering to. I met one gentleman that couldn't even say the name that he decided on. I think he was suggested to pick that Saint's name... I wouldn't want anyone to be in that situation.

Not yet, no. There is none that speaks to me. I guess i'll wait for a "mystical" experience or something first, or something will happen to let me know... I havent even been a cactchumen yet...

[ICXCNIKA]

As you learn about the Saints one will stand out to you. For me Ss. Vladimir, George, and Photios stood out.

[kansas city]

Reading the lives of the saints is highly recommended as regular spiritual nourishment.  As you approach baptism I'd personally encourage you to really dig in and learn about the lives of saints to edify you and help in the choosing of a patron.

Tell ya the truth I wish it'd been mentioned to me.  Everyone recommended dogmatic works and I can tell you, at that point in my life it didn't have quite the lure and challenge I later found in the lives of these champions of Christ.

[Vzldrb]

Reading the lives of the saints is highly recommended as regular spiritual nourishment.  As you approach baptism I'd personally encourage you to really dig in and learn about the lives of saints to edify you and help in the choosing of a patron.

Tell ya the truth I wish it'd been mentioned to me.  Everyone recommended dogmatic works and I can tell you, at that point in my life it didn't have quite the lure and challenge I later found in the lives of these champions of Christ.

Thank you very much. This sounds like exactly what would be best for me. Especially because the doctrine and so on can wait/ be supplmemented by teaching. Not only that, but i'm more of a "practical" type when it comes to my spirituality.us

[Iconodule]

You wouldn't have to change your name; the baptismal name is used while distributing the mysteries.  You also don't have to change political views, necessarily.

If he's a Neo-Nazi (and he is), he does.

[genesisone]

What's wrong with Richard? http://www.comeandseeicons.com/r/inp23.htm

To be honest, I don't think anything is wrong with that name. Would I have to take the name of my Patron Saint? And I hear that the Saints choose YOU....

Any advice on this?

When it came time for my chrismation, my priest told me it was providential that my parents had named me James more than a half century before. That's what I remained. It also makes it less confusing for family members who aren't Orthodox, as well as for yourself! But there's no one-size-fits-all answer. You'll be discussing this with your priest. His is the advice that really counts.

[Vzldrb]

What's wrong with Richard? http://www.comeandseeicons.com/r/inp23.htm

To be honest, I don't think anything is wrong with that name. Would I have to take the name of my Patron Saint? And I hear that the Saints choose YOU....

Any advice on this?

When it came time for my chrismation, my priest told me it was providential that my parents had named me James more than a half century before. That's what I remained. It also makes it less confusing for family members who aren't Orthodox, as well as for yourself! But there's no one-size-fits-all answer. You'll be discussing this with your priest. His is the advice that really counts.

Thank you. and it would probably be easier on my Mother as well, haha

[Nyssa The Hobbit]

You wouldn't have to change your name; the baptismal name is used while distributing the mysteries.  You also don't have to change political views, necessarily.

If he's a Neo-Nazi (and he is), he does.

Er--What???

[Nyssa The Hobbit]

Hmm...Just saw that thread...Er...Yeah, that would have to change. 

[Vzldrb]

Hmm...Just saw that thread...Er...Yeah, that would have to change. 

And Indeed it shall!

[Thomas]

When we convert to the Holy Orthodox Faith we become a new creation and set aside our old life (and political views and ways) and become a child of the Most Holy Trinity. Richard by deciding to convert has taken that first step to becoming the new creation that will occur when he is baptized and Chrismated! Welcome Home Richard!

Thomas

[Vzldrb]

When we convert to the Holy Orthodox Faith we become a new creation and set aside our old life (and political views and ways) and become a child of the Most Holy Trinity. Richard by deciding to convert has taken that first step to becoming the new creation that will occur when he is baptized and Chrismated! Welcome Home Richard!

Thomas

Thank you Thomas!

[Vzldrb]

Good news everyone!

I sent an e-mail to my Priest, and he agreed he would accept me as a Catchumen if I attended the next 6 Sundays for Matins + divine liturgy.

Please pray so that I can make it!

PS. I already like this guys style! haha.

[Vzldrb]

An update for everyone:
Just got back from Great Vespers awhile ago, and talked to the the Priest in person. He understood everything, and was accomodating. He said it would be about a year, assuming I can make it 6 sundays in a row, and so on. He said it would be a lot of reading, etc. I'm not sure what else to say, but i'm excited.

He also mentioned how when we pursue good, the Devil will try and pull us away and to "guard myself with the Cross" - is this the same as crossing myself?
Any other advice for this? I'm not THAT worried, but rather just curious. The fact he mentioned it makes me a slightly bit worried, but everything should be okay.

[Melodist]

He said it would be about a year, assuming I can make it 6 sundays in a row, and so on.

If you can make every sunday for a year and keep track of the feasts, fasts, weekly and daily commemorations, etc. it will be a great instruction in the faith. It will also show personal dedication.

He also mentioned how when we pursue good, the Devil will try and pull us away and to "guard myself with the Cross" - is this the same as crossing myself?
Any other advice for this? I'm not THAT worried, but rather just curious. The fact he mentioned it makes me a slightly bit worried, but everything should be okay.

Remember the sign of the cross and the Jesus prayer. I've been talking to my priest about setting a date for Chrismation this week and I've had an increase in two things. I've had real obstacles that I have in my life come across my mind reminding me that i will have a higher standard to live up to preparing to receive communion regularly, which can be a good thing to inspect myself and be realistic about where I am. I've also had feelings of despair over certain circumstances in my life, which can be quite sinful. This is just my experience. I'm not claiming to be any kind of reliable spiritual guide, as I said I have my own issues I am dealing with, but in my experience the Jesus prayer has been amazing in giving me hope.

[Vzldrb]

He said it would be about a year, assuming I can make it 6 sundays in a row, and so on.

If you can make every sunday for a year and keep track of the feasts, fasts, weekly and daily commemorations, etc. it will be a great instruction in the faith. It will also show personal dedication.

He also mentioned how when we pursue good, the Devil will try and pull us away and to "guard myself with the Cross" - is this the same as crossing myself?
Any other advice for this? I'm not THAT worried, but rather just curious. The fact he mentioned it makes me a slightly bit worried, but everything should be okay.

Thank you very much

Remember the sign of the cross and the Jesus prayer. I've been talking to my priest about setting a date for Chrismation this week and I've had an increase in two things. I've had real obstacles that I have in my life come across my mind reminding me that i will have a higher standard to live up to preparing to receive communion regularly, which can be a good thing to inspect myself and be realistic about where I am. I've also had feelings of despair over certain circumstances in my life, which can be quite sinful. This is just my experience. I'm not claiming to be any kind of reliable spiritual guide, as I said I have my own issues I am dealing with, but in my experience the Jesus prayer has been amazing in giving me hope.

Edited for quoting tags - mike.

[Tikhon.of.Colorado]

many years!  may God be with you on your journey!

[Iconodule]

He also mentioned how when we pursue good, the Devil will try and pull us away and to "guard myself with the Cross" - is this the same as crossing myself?

He may mean that and he may also mean something figurative- always trusting in God and calling on his aid, and realizing that your own reasoning, knowledge, insights, and struggles are not enough to bring you into the Church or the kingdom of heaven.

Any other advice for this? I'm not THAT worried, but rather just curious. The fact he mentioned it makes me a slightly bit worried, but everything should be okay.

Always be suspicious of your own reasonings and thoughts and any "insights" you may feel you've gained. If something bugs you a lot, talk to the priest about it. Try your best to learn about the faith in an organic way, little by little, and don't overload yourself with information, history, controversies, etc. In this age when so much information is readily available, it's easy for converts to get burned out or prideful by engulfing more knowledge than is good for them.

[Vzldrb]

Went to my FIRST Matins and Divine Liturgy today... had a great time and saw the Great Entrance, and so on.

I even got to talk to a few parishoners and a few of the others probably ignored me (I have a rather "weird" haircut) but I had a good time I even managed to venerate the Cross and kiss the Priests hand, which i'm normally afraid to do... I just did whatever everyone else did, haha.

Now all I need to do is get into the mood and swing of the Metania(sp?) and kissing the icon/relics on the altar, which I want to do, but just can't seem to muster the courage to do.

[JLatimer]

What's wrong with Richard? http://www.comeandseeicons.com/r/inp23.htm

To be honest, I don't think anything is wrong with that name. Would I have to take the name of my Patron Saint? And I hear that the Saints choose YOU....

Any advice on this?

When it came time for my chrismation, my priest told me it was providential that my parents had named me James more than a half century before. That's what I remained.

Same here. James and stayed James. LOL

[JLatimer]

Hmm...Just saw that thread...Er...Yeah, that would have to change.  

And Indeed it shall!

I was an raving anarchist communist before I converted. I had some trouble figuring out what to think about politics when I became Orthodox. It seemed a lot of Orthodoxy was what I was accustomed to labeling "reactionary" lol. I prayed to Tsar-Martyr Nicholas for help on this issue, precisely because his being a saint bothered me. Eventually God helped me to change my heart, by the intercessions of the Tsar-Martyr. (I don't think there is an Orthodox politics, BTW, but I agree there are some decidedly un-Orthodox politics - Nazism, Marxism, and Bakuninism among them.)

don't overload yourself with information, history, controversies, etc.

Seconded. In other words, go to church, read, talk to your priest, and keep your time on this forum limited to non-existent. 

[Iconodule]

I was an raving anarchist communist before I converted.

Same. Were you by any chance part of NEFAC?

[tuesdayschild]

Is there an Orthodox Saint that speaks to you? Whatever name you choose I would just suggest that is a name that you would be comfortable answering to. I met one gentleman that couldn't even say the name that he decided on. I think he was suggested to pick that Saint's name... I wouldn't want anyone to be in that situation.

Not yet, no. There is none that speaks to me. I guess i'll wait for a "mystical" experience or something first, or something will happen to let me know... I havent even been a cactchumen yet...

If you are into irony, you might choose Holy Passion Bearer Alexander Schmorell

[JLatimer]

I was an raving anarchist communist before I converted.

Same. Were you by any chance part of NEFAC?

Never officially.

[kansas city]

Don't forget to keep us updated

[Vzldrb]

Don't forget to keep us updated

I will. I was given a book by Father, and it was very good... It was called "Father Arseny". I read it in 3 days.

This sunday will be my third Sunday i've gone to Divine Liturgy.

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