Author Topic: Please don't dismiss (Read 8136 times)

militantsparrow · « **on:** February 11, 2011, 10:53:53 PM »

I know I'm an off again on again inquirer, but please don't dismiss my intentions because of it. I need prayers now more than ever.

I finally told my RCC priest of my desire to join the Orthodox Church. This is actually a very large step for me. I haven't made the final decision, but I've never felt this sure before. And I have never felt strongly enough to let my RCC priest know.

I've been split between both Churches for two years now. I couldn't figure out whether I was being tempted by the Devil or moved by the Holy Spirit. I know now that the Devil had nothing to do with any of it. And I'm ashamed that I couldn't see it before.

I say all of this for only one reason, prayers.

ialmisry · « **Reply #1 on:** February 11, 2011, 11:02:57 PM »

Lord have mercy!

Shiny · « **Reply #2 on:** February 11, 2011, 11:07:38 PM »

What was his reaction to it?

"666" speak of the devil...

FormerReformer · « **Reply #3 on:** February 11, 2011, 11:10:21 PM »

Lord, have mercy.

NMHS · « **Reply #4 on:** February 11, 2011, 11:14:02 PM »

Quote from: militantsparrow on February 11, 2011, 10:53:53 PM

I finally told my RCC priest of my desire to join the Orthodox Church. This is actually a very large step for me. I haven't made the final decision, but I've never felt this sure before. And I have never felt strongly enough to let my RCC priest know.

Lawrence, how did this go for you? I see myself doing this very soon as well. It tough being in your these situations.

Lord have mercy!

Alveus Lacuna · « **Reply #5 on:** February 11, 2011, 11:18:17 PM »

Thanks for sharing Lawrence. Do keep that as your Christian name when you are received!

We're all dying to know how everything went, some of us just because we're nosey (i.e. me).

militantsparrow · « **Reply #6 on:** February 11, 2011, 11:24:59 PM »

Quote from: Aposphet on February 11, 2011, 11:07:38 PM

What was his reaction to it?

"666" speak of the devil...

He is a good man and a good priest. I also consider him a friend. He thanked me for my openness and wants to discuss it further in person. Hopefully we meet soon. I feel a little like a traitor.

lol The 666 thing. is Creepy!

militantsparrow · « **Reply #7 on:** February 11, 2011, 11:33:59 PM »

Quote from: NMHS on February 11, 2011, 11:14:02 PM

Quote from: militantsparrow on February 11, 2011, 10:53:53 PM
I finally told my RCC priest of my desire to join the Orthodox Church. This is actually a very large step for me. I haven't made the final decision, but I've never felt this sure before. And I have never felt strongly enough to let my RCC priest know.

Lawrence, how did this go for you? I see myself doing this very soon as well. It tough being in your these situations.

Lord have mercy!

Caleb,
I haven't met with him on it yet. It's just been email so far. We're going to meet soon. I will keep you posted. I feel relieved and afraid at the same time. But the relief is well worth it. I've learned (or maybe decided to live out what I learned) to not be afraid of the Holy Spirit. I was too afraid of letting people down or having them think less of me. I decided I would pursue what God wanted (what I think He wants) despite the consequences. Not easy. But I know it was worth it.

militantsparrow · « **Reply #8 on:** February 11, 2011, 11:35:07 PM »

Quote from: Alveus Lacuna on February 11, 2011, 11:18:17 PM

Thanks for sharing Lawrence. Do keep that as your Christian name when you are received!

We're all dying to know how everything went, some of us just because we're nosey (i.e. me).

Thanks.

I will keep posting here as things progress.

smithakd · « **Reply #9 on:** February 12, 2011, 02:14:35 AM »

May God preserve you as you walk in His way!

IssacTheSyrian · « **Reply #10 on:** February 12, 2011, 02:46:34 AM »

Quote from: militantsparrow on February 11, 2011, 10:53:53 PM

I know I'm an off again on again inquirer, but please don't dismiss my intentions because of it. I need prayers now more than ever.

I finally told my RCC priest of my desire to join the Orthodox Church. This is actually a very large step for me. I haven't made the final decision, but I've never felt this sure before. And I have never felt strongly enough to let my RCC priest know.

I've been split between both Churches for two years now. I couldn't figure out whether I was being tempted by the Devil or moved by the Holy Spirit. I know now that the Devil had nothing to do with any of it. And I'm ashamed that I couldn't see it before.

I say all of this for only one reason, prayers.

The Catholics have lost the essence of being "a new creature in Christ" (2 Corinthians 2:17), that is Theosis. Read this for more information: http://orthodoxinfo.com/general/theosis.aspx

Preface

"It is very daring for someone to talk about Theosis without first having tasted it. But we have dared what is beyond our power because we have faith in the mercy of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ.

This is done so as not to hide from our Christian brothers the highest and ultimate purpose of our life; that for which we were created.

This is done so that it will become clear that the only truly Orthodox form of pastoral guidance is that which is intended to lead to Theosis, and is not, as in Western Christianity, aimed at a moral perfection for man which does not depend on God’s Grace.

This is done so that all may desire what is best and struggle for the highest. This is the only thing able to quench the depth of the psyche’s thirst for the Absolute, the Triune God.

This is done so that we will overflow with gratitude towards our Maker and Creator for His great gift to us, Theosis by Grace.

This is done so that we realise the irreplaceability of our Holy Church as the only community of Theosis on earth.

This is done so that the magnificence and truth of our Orthodox Faith should be revealed as the only faith that teaches and provides Theosis to its members.

This is done so that our psyches should be consoled, for regardless of the degree to which they have been poisoned and darkened by sin, they yearn for the light of Christ’s face.

Merciful Lord, in Your boundless love, be pleased to make us worthy to enter the path of Theosis before we leave the present temporal world.

Merciful Lord, in their quest for Theosis, guide those of our Orthodox brethren who do not rejoice because they are unaware of the magnificence of the fact that they are “called to be gods.”

Merciful Lord, also guide the steps of heterodox Christians to become aware of Your Truth, so that they are not left outside Your Bridechamber, deprived of the Grace of Theosis.

Merciful Lord, have mercy on us and on Your world! Amen."

The Abbot of the Holy Monastery of St. Gregorios of the Holy Mountain Athos
† Archimandrite George
March 1997

Gebre Menfes Kidus · « **Reply #11 on:** February 12, 2011, 06:35:48 AM »

I am happy for you. Take joy in the struggle and persevere!

"Lord have mercy."

Selam

Alpo · « **Reply #12 on:** February 12, 2011, 07:03:55 AM »

Kyrie eleison!

Shiranui117 · « **Reply #13 on:** February 12, 2011, 08:01:57 AM »

Brave! I can only imagine the guts that took, to come out and finally tell the priest; I'm nowhere near the point of doing that yet.

May the Lord guide you and smile upon you for your faith and courage!

militantsparrow · « **Reply #14 on:** February 12, 2011, 08:59:20 AM »

Quote from: Wandering Sheep on February 12, 2011, 08:01:57 AM

Brave! I can only imagine the guts that took, to come out and finally tell the priest; I'm nowhere near the point of doing that yet.

May the Lord guide you and smile upon you for your faith and courage!

Thank you. In the end, I didn't have the guts. But I kept praying for the strength. Then the other day I woke up knowing what I had to do and that it would be okay because I knew it was God's will. It was still nerve racking though.

Ortho_cat · « **Reply #15 on:** February 12, 2011, 12:30:45 PM »

Glory to God! I knew you'd come around

JimCBrooklyn · « **Reply #16 on:** February 12, 2011, 04:01:57 PM »

Quote from: militantsparrow on February 11, 2011, 11:24:59 PM

Quote from: Aposphet on February 11, 2011, 11:07:38 PM
What was his reaction to it?

"666" speak of the devil...

He is a good man and a good priest. I also consider him a friend. He thanked me for my openness and wants to discuss it further in person. Hopefully we meet soon. I feel a little like a traitor.

lol The 666 thing. is Creepy!

I had a similar discussion with my RC priest in the Fall. It was also quite tough, and I completely identify with feeling like a "traitor". We had a nice conversation, he's also a friend, but I've been so uneasy about it that I've avoided him, and feel awful about it, even though I'm now about 3,000 miles away from him.

The toughest thing of all for me is my dealings with my godfather in the RC church, who is really closest to me of all, and feelings of being a traitor to him. I still haven't really figured out how to deal with this one...

Ortho_cat · « **Reply #17 on:** February 12, 2011, 06:34:38 PM »

^Well, if he's half as ecumenical as some of these orthodox priests you've spoken with recently, you shouldn't have too much to worry about!

JimCBrooklyn · « **Reply #18 on:** February 12, 2011, 06:59:58 PM »

Quote from: Ortho_cat on February 12, 2011, 06:34:38 PM

^Well, if he's half as ecumenical as some of these orthodox priests you've spoken with recently, you shouldn't have too much to worry about!

quietmorning · « **Reply #19 on:** February 12, 2011, 07:06:00 PM »

Lord have mercy!! There is no betrayal in Truth.

dcommini · « **Reply #20 on:** February 12, 2011, 07:14:37 PM »

Lord, have mercy!

Altar Server · « **Reply #21 on:** February 13, 2011, 06:00:34 PM »

Lord Have Mercy!

Please do let us know how things are going.

David

Dimitrios-Georgios · « **Reply #22 on:** February 13, 2011, 06:50:05 PM »

Lord, have mercy!
Κύριε ελέησον!

militantsparrow · « **Reply #23 on:** February 15, 2011, 04:03:50 PM »

Quote from: Altar Server on February 13, 2011, 06:00:34 PM

Lord Have Mercy!

Please do let us know how things are going.

David

I'm meeting my RC priest next week. I've already informed him that I am looking for an EO priest to provide with spiritual direction. I'm hoping I'll know what the next step is soon.

katherineofdixie · « **Reply #24 on:** February 15, 2011, 04:07:51 PM »

Quote from: militantsparrow on February 12, 2011, 08:59:20 AM

Then the other day I woke up knowing what I had to do and that it would be okay because I knew it was God's will. It was still nerve racking though.

When I was dithering around about converting to Orthodoxy, I had a similar experience. I prayed for guidance and woke up one morning knowing what I had to do. The moral of this story is: don't pray for guidance if you're not willing to do whatever it takes. When God answers you like this, there's not much wiggle room!

Altar Server · « **Reply #25 on:** February 16, 2011, 12:15:01 AM »

Quote from: militantsparrow on February 15, 2011, 04:03:50 PM

Quote from: Altar Server on February 13, 2011, 06:00:34 PM
Lord Have Mercy!

Please do let us know how things are going.

David

I'm meeting my RC priest next week. I've already informed him that I am looking for an EO priest to provide with spiritual direction. I'm hoping I'll know what the next step is soon.

Great you'll be in my prayers

Agabus · « **Reply #26 on:** February 16, 2011, 11:49:27 AM »

After our old pastor was told our intentions (actually, my wife told his wife, so...), they weren't supportive, per se, but they remained pleasant as we transitioned and a few times asked us how things were, what services were like, etc.

It doesn't always end badly.

militantsparrow · « **Reply #27 on:** February 17, 2011, 09:27:49 PM »

I wouldn't call it cold feet, but I'm feeling a little empty and anxious and lacking. The past few weeks I've felt in love, but the past two days I feel stale or something. I'm not sure what to call it. I guess it might just be that I'm in a holding pattern right now waiting to find an EO priest and meeting one-on-one with my RCC priest. Good news, I'm going to see Met. Kalistos Ware speak this weekend.

Ortho_cat · « **Reply #28 on:** February 17, 2011, 11:22:03 PM »

Quote from: militantsparrow on February 17, 2011, 09:27:49 PM

I wouldn't call it cold feet, but I'm feeling a little empty and anxious and lacking. The past few weeks I've felt in love, but the past two days I feel stale or something. I'm not sure what to call it. I guess it might just be that I'm in a holding pattern right now waiting to find an EO priest and meeting one-on-one with my RCC priest. Good news, I'm going to see Met. Kalistos Ware speak this weekend.

That should be a very enjoyable (and entertaining!) lecture. Remind me, do you have any O-dox parishes nearby?

militantsparrow · « **Reply #29 on:** February 17, 2011, 11:32:06 PM »

Quote from: Ortho_cat on February 17, 2011, 11:22:03 PM

Quote from: militantsparrow on February 17, 2011, 09:27:49 PM
I wouldn't call it cold feet, but I'm feeling a little empty and anxious and lacking. The past few weeks I've felt in love, but the past two days I feel stale or something. I'm not sure what to call it. I guess it might just be that I'm in a holding pattern right now waiting to find an EO priest and meeting one-on-one with my RCC priest. Good news, I'm going to see Met. Kalistos Ware speak this weekend.

That should be a very enjoyable (and entertaining!) lecture. Remind me, do you have any O-dox parishes nearby?

Yes. 16 within 10 miles. I'm very lucky.

Ortho_cat · « **Reply #30 on:** February 17, 2011, 11:33:31 PM »

Quote from: militantsparrow on February 17, 2011, 11:32:06 PM

Quote from: Ortho_cat on February 17, 2011, 11:22:03 PM
Quote from: militantsparrow on February 17, 2011, 09:27:49 PM
I wouldn't call it cold feet, but I'm feeling a little empty and anxious and lacking. The past few weeks I've felt in love, but the past two days I feel stale or something. I'm not sure what to call it. I guess it might just be that I'm in a holding pattern right now waiting to find an EO priest and meeting one-on-one with my RCC priest. Good news, I'm going to see Met. Kalistos Ware speak this weekend.

That should be a very enjoyable (and entertaining!) lecture. Remind me, do you have any O-dox parishes nearby?

Yes. 16 within 10 miles. I'm very lucky.

Glad to hear it. Anyways, keep us posted, i'm eager to hear how your experiences go.

militantsparrow · « **Reply #31 on:** February 17, 2011, 11:37:01 PM »

Quote from: Ortho_cat on February 17, 2011, 11:33:31 PM

Quote from: militantsparrow on February 17, 2011, 11:32:06 PM
Quote from: Ortho_cat on February 17, 2011, 11:22:03 PM
Quote from: militantsparrow on February 17, 2011, 09:27:49 PM
I wouldn't call it cold feet, but I'm feeling a little empty and anxious and lacking. The past few weeks I've felt in love, but the past two days I feel stale or something. I'm not sure what to call it. I guess it might just be that I'm in a holding pattern right now waiting to find an EO priest and meeting one-on-one with my RCC priest. Good news, I'm going to see Met. Kalistos Ware speak this weekend.

That should be a very enjoyable (and entertaining!) lecture. Remind me, do you have any O-dox parishes nearby?

Yes. 16 within 10 miles. I'm very lucky.

Glad to hear it. Anyways, keep us posted, i'm eager to hear how your experiences go.

I will. And thanks to you and everyone for the prayers.

aquaticus · « **Reply #32 on:** February 18, 2011, 12:12:22 AM »

Lord have Mercy!

As one who has already tread this path I know your anxiety. Don't worry, pray and follow this path. In time all will fall in place and the peace you seek will be yours.

In Christ

PeaceSerenity · « **Reply #33 on:** February 19, 2011, 03:12:29 PM »

Quote from: militantsparrow on February 17, 2011, 09:27:49 PM

I wouldn't call it cold feet, but I'm feeling a little empty and anxious and lacking. The past few weeks I've felt in love, but the past two days I feel stale or something. I'm not sure what to call it. I guess it might just be that I'm in a holding pattern right now waiting to find an EO priest and meeting one-on-one with my RCC priest. Good news, I'm going to see Met. Kalistos Ware speak this weekend.

I think we all go through booms and busts (I like to call them, business cycles

) in our faith. God gives us strength to do what we need to do but then allows us to feel more alone so that we will learn to follow him even through the rough patches.

Lord have mercy!

NMHS · « **Reply #34 on:** February 19, 2011, 07:01:10 PM »

Quote

don't pray for guidance if you're not willing to do whatever it takes. When God answers you like this, there's not much wiggle room!

That's the truth!

peteprint · « **Reply #35 on:** February 19, 2011, 07:27:17 PM »

You are in my prayers as well. I converted last Holy Saturday so I will be coming up on one year as an Orthodox Christian soon. You are making the correct choice. :-)

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Author Topic: Please don't dismiss (Read 8136 times)