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Asteriktos
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« on: October 31, 2010, 02:35:56 AM » |
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For the converts on the board...
If you could go back and tell your pre-conversion self something that would have benefited you, or if you could tell potential converts now something that might make their experience more productive, what would you say?
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Ortho_cat
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« Reply #1 on: October 31, 2010, 04:42:12 AM » |
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More praxis, less theoria.
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biro
Ursus maritimus
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Και κλήρονομον δείξον με, ζωής της αιωνίου
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« Reply #2 on: October 31, 2010, 12:32:56 PM » |
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Every time you go to church, make sure your shoes are on the correct feet.
Every time.
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phthalyl.podomatic.com
the-cornet.blogspot.com
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FormerReformer
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« Reply #3 on: October 31, 2010, 01:13:21 PM » |
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Don't waste time with the Episcopalians, the Orthodox Church has exactly what you're looking for.
I could have saved myself thirteen years of ecclesial uncertainty.
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"Funny," said Lancelot, "how the people who can't pray say that prayers are not answered, however much the people who can pray say they are." TH White Oh, no: I've succumbed to Hyperdoxy! |
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Thankful
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« Reply #4 on: October 31, 2010, 07:30:27 PM » |
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Stop settling for a church that doesn't manifest "the fullness of him who fills everything in every way."
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« Last Edit: October 31, 2010, 07:31:17 PM by Thankful »
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Iconodule
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« Reply #5 on: October 31, 2010, 07:34:28 PM » |
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"Worldly politics and ideologies are a dead end and leave one spiritually stunted..."
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"A Poet a Painter a Musician an Architect: the Man Or Woman who is not one of these is not a Christian." - William Blake
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orthonorm
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« Reply #6 on: October 31, 2010, 08:04:27 PM » |
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For the converts on the board...
If you could go back and tell your pre-conversion self something that would have benefited you . . . what would you say?
I am actually doing that exact thing right now. Stop Reading OC.net
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We cannot legislate morality by passing laws controlling firearms. The only evil we can combat lies within our hearts. We need stronger laws to protect the moral foundation of society against the evil of gay marriage. |
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Asteriktos
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« Reply #7 on: October 31, 2010, 08:22:33 PM » |
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For the converts on the board...
If you could go back and tell your pre-conversion self something that would have benefited you . . . what would you say?
I am actually doing that exact thing right now. Stop Reading OC.net
Sounds like a plan. Good luck! |
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Asteriktos
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« Reply #8 on: October 31, 2010, 08:24:22 PM » |
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If I could go back, I'd tell myself to not get wrapped up in all sorts of intellectualized problems
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KBN1
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« Reply #9 on: October 31, 2010, 09:56:18 PM » |
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Pray.
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Quinault
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« Reply #10 on: October 31, 2010, 09:57:24 PM » |
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I am a fairly new convert, but we were interested long before we made the jump. I would tell my Orthodox curious self before the jump that there is no need to wait on account of the kids. I waited and waited to try an Orthodox service with kids because I assumed there would be nothing for them in the Orthodox church. The truth is that they took to it like a fish takes to water. Waiting like we did seems so pointless in retrospect. There was some resistance at first, but now they cry when they can't attend church because they love it so much.
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katherineofdixie
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« Reply #11 on: November 01, 2010, 11:44:05 AM » |
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For the converts on the board...
If you could go back and tell your pre-conversion self something that would have benefited you, or if you could tell potential converts now something that might make their experience more productive, what would you say?
Don't take yourself so seriously. You don't know half as much as you think you do. Deal with it. It's not about you. Relax. |
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"If but ten of us lead a holy life, we shall kindle a fire which shall light up the entire city."
St. John Chrysostom
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tuesdayschild
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« Reply #12 on: November 01, 2010, 11:48:13 AM » |
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For the converts on the board...
If you could go back and tell your pre-conversion self something that would have benefited you . . . what would you say?
I am actually doing that exact thing right now. Stop Reading OC.net
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brittrossiter
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« Reply #13 on: November 01, 2010, 11:50:13 AM » |
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If I could go back, I'd tell myself to not get wrapped up in all sorts of intellectualized problems
Exactly. Same here. Pray, pray, and pray again. Then go back and pray some more. |
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stavros_388
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« Reply #14 on: November 01, 2010, 11:51:47 AM » |
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If I could go back, I'd tell myself to not get wrapped up in all sorts of intellectualized problems
Same here. I'd also tell myself to slow down and be a catechumen under instruction for a year or so before diving in, so I could better understand what living and being Orthodox would really entail. |
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"Our mind is pure and simple, so that when it is stripped of every alien thought, it enters the pure, simple, Divine light and becomes quite encompassed and hidden therein, and can no more meet there anything but the light in which it is." -- St Simeon the New Theologian
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Fabio Leite
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« Reply #15 on: November 01, 2010, 11:54:03 AM » |
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The Church is not about oppression, dogmatism and authoritarianism. Don't believe what its enemies say about it.
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Many Energies, Three Persons, Two Natures, One God.
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quietmorning
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« Reply #16 on: November 01, 2010, 07:59:23 PM » |
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- Give yourself a GOOD year to experience and know absolutely nothing during that year. . . it's not a quick jump in thing. . . it's a true relationship that requires patience and development. (By the time a year is past, you'll realize that you'll be in this ever learning, ever growing more and more in love for the rest of your life.)
- Ask questions. Ask lots of questions.
- Be humble.
- If you read a book, and that book recommends a book - ask your priest if it's appropriate for you to read at this time. If he says yes, go for it, if he says no, trust him and wait until you've received more instruction so that you understand how to apply the book you want to read.
- Be in the mindset to grow like you've never grown before as a Christian. Know that you will be stretched, honed, challenged an then challenge some more.
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orthonorm
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« Reply #17 on: November 01, 2010, 08:12:49 PM » |
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For the converts on the board...
If you could go back and tell your pre-conversion self something that would have benefited you . . . what would you say?
I am actually doing that exact thing right now. Stop Reading OC.net
Sounds like a plan. Good luck! Like I am known to take advice, especially from some jerk who claims to be me from the future. If he were me, he would know that and not waste his time traveling abilities with such pointless acts. At least that is the advice I would give future me. |
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We cannot legislate morality by passing laws controlling firearms. The only evil we can combat lies within our hearts. We need stronger laws to protect the moral foundation of society against the evil of gay marriage. |
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nrse
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Act justly. Love tenderly. Walk humbly with God.
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« Reply #18 on: November 01, 2010, 08:42:45 PM » |
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as an inquirer- nearly into the "full year" of asking lots and lots of questions...(my poor dear priest has been so patient)....i am going to read and re-read this thread....do what it says then come back and read it again....thank you!! (except the stop reading OC net of course  ) |
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biro
Ursus maritimus
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Και κλήρονομον δείξον με, ζωής της αιωνίου
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« Reply #19 on: November 01, 2010, 08:44:41 PM » |
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Don't be afraid to ask questions, or to meet people. It may take time, but it'll happen.  If you are concerned about language issues, look for a service book, or pamphlets they may have with copies of the briefer services as well. I picked up a lot by reading the Orthros booklets. Also, ask the parish staff for help. If you can't get a guidebook at the parish, there may be some online. Don't think that you have to let yourself be confused- relax, enjoy the services, ask around and someone should be able to help you. The newness may seem daunting at first, but it will be much better with time. Try to take in a parish event from time to time, whether the coffee hour after church or something else. It will help break the ice, and you can find some new friends. Read at home, if you have time. Your church may have a lending library. If not, there's the public library, and so on. If you're ready for the catechumenate, your priest may ask you to read some things. There are some excellent materials out there about the lives of the saints, the councils, etc. These will help to open up what you know about the Church, and strengthen your faith. Don't give up.  |
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phthalyl.podomatic.com
the-cornet.blogspot.com
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Punch
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« Reply #20 on: November 01, 2010, 10:14:14 PM » |
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I would have studied the different jurisdictions much more instead of assuming that all Orthodox Christians believed the same things. I should have spent more time on some of the forums. It would have saved a lot of hurt, and possibly been better for my family.
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LBK
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« Reply #21 on: November 02, 2010, 12:44:53 AM » |
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I would have studied the different jurisdictions much more instead of assuming that all Orthodox Christians believed the same things. Individual people whop happen to be Orthodox might vary in what they believe in, but every Orthodox church (Greek, Russian, Sebian, Romanian, etc), irrespective of jurisdiction, believes and proclaims the same things. Please, please pay attention to Orthodox hymnography and iconography by keeping eyes and ears open! these are truly the most accessible sources of Orthodox theology and doctrine, yet, all too often ignored. |
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Punch
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« Reply #22 on: November 02, 2010, 07:05:29 PM » |
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I would have studied the different jurisdictions much more instead of assuming that all Orthodox Christians believed the same things. Individual people whop happen to be Orthodox might vary in what they believe in, but every Orthodox church (Greek, Russian, Sebian, Romanian, etc), irrespective of jurisdiction, believes and proclaims the same things. Please, please pay attention to Orthodox hymnography and iconography by keeping eyes and ears open! these are truly the most accessible sources of Orthodox theology and doctrine, yet, all too often ignored. And too often left out of the services in some jurisdictions. |
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herbalgirl
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« Reply #23 on: November 03, 2010, 02:41:24 PM » |
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- Give yourself a GOOD year to experience and know absolutely nothing during that year. . . it's not a quick jump in thing. . . it's a true relationship that requires patience and development. (By the time a year is past, you'll realize that you'll be in this ever learning, ever growing more and more in love for the rest of your life.)
BethAnna, When you say the above quoted, do you mean being a catechumen, or just attending services, reading, asking questions? Thanks, Michelle |
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herbalgirl
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« Reply #24 on: November 03, 2010, 02:42:09 PM » |
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I forgot to mention- Great thread! Thank you for starting this. I'll be taking notes. |
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Ortho_cat
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« Reply #25 on: November 03, 2010, 02:54:41 PM » |
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Don't let others discourage you by their words or actions, whether they mean to do it or not.
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quietmorning
Quiet Morning
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« Reply #27 on: November 03, 2010, 03:58:43 PM » |
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- Give yourself a GOOD year to experience and know absolutely nothing during that year. . . it's not a quick jump in thing. . . it's a true relationship that requires patience and development. (By the time a year is past, you'll realize that you'll be in this ever learning, ever growing more and more in love for the rest of your life.)
BethAnna, When you say the above quoted, do you mean being a catechumen, or just attending services, reading, asking questions? Thanks, Michelle Michelle, I was an inquirer for a year before I became a catechumen - but I didn't stop with this idea of knowing nothing when I became a catechumen. It is a true conversion. . .I'm learning everything, and I mean EVERYTHING . .. NEW. I found at first that the things I thought I knew were largely incorrect or very very inept and incomplete. So if you go in with an open mind deciding that you are there to learn, you will be at the advantage. There is so MUCH . . .that I'll go with this attitude for the rest of my life, me thinks. But then, even St. Paul resolved to know nothing except Christ crucified. It seriously took me a good year to 'live' fully in the change of it all. I'm so glad I didn't rush. . . I wanted this to be a life changing experience with a full commitment - not a flash in the pan kind of thing. |
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Sleepyhead
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« Reply #28 on: November 04, 2010, 08:39:01 AM » |
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1) Spend time in prayer. Don't be too hard on yourself if you miss the mark.
Catechumens are often too hard on themselves. God isn't a rule book; the Orthodox faith is neither choking, suffocating dogmas (in the negative sense of the word, mind you!) nor a trip to hippie la-la-land. Oh, and if you come across Orthodox parishes or communities which smell of any of the two things I just mentioned, you should listen to the little voice that tells you to head for the door and go find another (Orthodox) parish.
2) Forgive. Takes a lifetime, yes, but you might as well get started.
3) Someone else already mentioned this, but: visit (more) parishes under different jurisdictions and in different places, if possible. I did this, but wish I would've done it more. The parish where I was baptised and chrismated was a healthy one, but one should be aware that this is not always the case: it hit me like a ton of bricks later. This doesn't mean that the Orthodox faith isn't true or that healthy parishes are 'perfect' and sinless (no such thing); it just means that reality isn't always rosy, even within the Church.
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recent convert
Orthodox Chrisitan
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« Reply #29 on: November 04, 2010, 09:56:41 AM » |
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Keep the focus on Jesus Christ as our savior always of course, His commands that form the basics of faith like the 2 great commands on love, the golden rule, the 10 commandments, the Beatitudes, to pray, fast (keep counsel with a priest here), alms giving, the Lord's prayer, the need for confession and the Eucharist, know & study the Nicene creed, and hopefully find a congenial parish within resonable commuting distance. Always read the New Testament and I would recommend reading the Didache for a snapshot of the ancient basic faith. Avoid complexities. Hope this seems reasonable.
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Antiochian OC N.A.
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Ortho_cat
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« Reply #30 on: November 04, 2010, 10:56:45 AM » |
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Other note to self: Don't read scripture on your own without guidance. Read the daily scripture readings with commentary provided by your parish. The temptation to interpret your own meanings and draw your own conclusions from scripture is too great.
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« Last Edit: November 04, 2010, 10:57:44 AM by Ortho_cat »
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arnI
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« Reply #31 on: November 04, 2010, 06:04:11 PM » |
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After reading the basics about Orthodoxy, do not delay attending Divine Liturgy. Gradually you will learn the fullness of the Liturgy and Orthodoxy. Take your time and be patient. Remember it is not a sprint to the finish line, but a long strenuous journey requiring much energy. Pray often, read the Daily Readings, attend Liturgy for strength.
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Grant me to see my own errors and not to judge my brother
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chrevbel
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« Reply #32 on: November 04, 2010, 07:37:42 PM » |
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I am actually doing that exact thing right now. Stop Reading OC.net Sounds like a plan. Good luck! At least that is the advice I would give future me. Wait a minute. The future you advises not to read OC.net but will still post to OC.net? I don't get it. |
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myrrhbear
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Trust in God
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« Reply #33 on: November 27, 2010, 09:02:44 PM » |
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It would be, "Listen to your husband! You've trusted his judgement in everything else, why should this be different?"
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Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.
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Agia Marina
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St. Marina of Antioch
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« Reply #34 on: November 27, 2010, 10:20:44 PM » |
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...I would have converted years ago and raised my son in the Church. This is my only regret.  |
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“When I have a little money I buy books; and if any is left, I buy food and clothes.” - Erasmus
"God became man so that man might become a god." ~St. Athanasius the Great
Poster formerly known as EVOO.
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lizzyd
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« Reply #35 on: November 27, 2010, 10:33:37 PM » |
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I'm a relatively new Orthodox Christian and I don't have too many "shoulda woulda coulda" thoughts. I am so thankful for the way that my husband and I came to Orthodoxy in a very simultaneous, united way. We were previously lapsed Protestants/borderline agnostic.
Anyway the one thing that I might do differently would be to change the manner in which we introduced Orthodoxy to our family/friends. While we didn't do or say anything wrong, we were just so overeager and perhaps a little bit overwhelming, I am afraid.
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GiC
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« Reply #36 on: November 28, 2010, 02:23:03 AM » |
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For the converts on the board...
If you could go back and tell your pre-conversion self something that would have benefited you, or if you could tell potential converts now something that might make their experience more productive, what would you say?
The next few weeks' winning lottery numbers, companies to buy stock in, business ideas that sounded insane (and still do) but were irrationally successful (e.g. facebook). |
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« Last Edit: November 28, 2010, 02:24:58 AM by GiC »
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"The liberties of people never were, nor ever will be, secure, when the transactions of their rulers may be concealed from them." -- Patrick Henry
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Azul
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« Reply #37 on: March 12, 2012, 03:19:31 PM » |
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For the converts on the board...
If you could go back and tell your pre-conversion self something that would have benefited you . . . what would you say?
I am actually doing that exact thing right now. Stop Reading OC.net
We need our priests back , esspecially Irish Hermit and iamlsry .. May God bless them and keep them always! |
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Every formula of every religion has in this age of reason, to submit to the acid test of reason and universal assent.
Mahatma Gandhi
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JamesR
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« Reply #38 on: March 12, 2012, 04:54:32 PM » |
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'Look, I know that you are struggling with your spiritual life; distancing yourself from silly Protestant Christian teachings, feeling tempted by the atheists and Buddhists. And, your dissatisfaction with Christianity is entirely correct, however, it is ONLY correct with the type of Christianity you have been exposed to. Protestantism is not Christianity. Join the Eastern Orthodox Church and study the history, believe me, it is correct. And it has apostolic foundations, the history you've always wanted.'
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"'Blessed are the peacemakers' For those are peacemakers in themselves who, in conquering and subjecting to reason all the motions of their souls and having their carnal desires tamed, have become in themselves a Kingdom of God."-St. Augustine of Hippo
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Orthodox11
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« Reply #39 on: March 12, 2012, 05:08:18 PM » |
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Orthodoxy as described on forums - particularly the stereotypes about different ethnic churches - bears little or no resemblance to the real thing. The real thing, thank God, is much better.
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LBK
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« Reply #40 on: March 12, 2012, 05:19:08 PM » |
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We need our priests back , esspecially Irish Hermit and iamlsry .. May God bless them and keep them always!
ialmisry is not a priest, but is still here. Irish Hermit has been banned from the forum.   The only way he can return is if the moderators reverse the ban on him. |
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Alpo
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« Reply #41 on: March 12, 2012, 05:21:31 PM » |
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Stop reading books and spending too much time on internet and get to know people.
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« Last Edit: March 12, 2012, 05:22:43 PM by Alpo »
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Just a little reminder: this forum is not called OrthodoxChristianityUSA.net |
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Thomas
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« Reply #42 on: March 12, 2012, 07:59:49 PM » |
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This Convert Issues topic has been HIJACKED and is closed as imappropriate for the Convert Issues forum and at odds with the public purpose of the Convert Issues Forum.
Thomas
Convert Issues Forum Moderator
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Your brother in Christ ,
Thomas
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