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primuspilus
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« on: May 27, 2011, 12:26:56 PM » |
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Greetings!
This is my first post on here, however I feel as if I know many fo you as I have been reading the forums for the last 6 months. In a very small nutshell, I have decided that being a baptist is not for me any longer. As a historian, I know much concerning the early fathers but never delved into their writings outside of a historical perspective.
Upon REALLY reading these fathers writings, prayer, and scripture, I decided to speak to a local parish priest and I believe Orthodoxy is the true church. My wife is rather hesitant and I feel, somewhat skeptical concerning the Orthodox Church.
I ask that you pray for me in my journey. I'm sure it will be quite a ride.
primuspilus
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"I confidently affirm that whoever calls himself Universal Bishop is the precursor of Antichrist"
Gregory the Great
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IsmiLiora
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« Reply #1 on: May 27, 2011, 12:58:01 PM » |
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That is so great to hear, and welcome to the board! As someone who just really discovered Orthodoxy fairly recently (and coming from a Baptist church no less), the journey is amazing and I hope that yours will be as spiritually uplifting.
Lord have mercy and may you and your wife receive the proper guidance throughout the process.
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She's touring the facility/and picking up slack.
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"For in much wisdom is much grief, and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow." Ecclesiastes 1:18
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I once believed in causes too, I had my pointless point of view --
Life went on no matter who was wrong or right
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Shanghaiski
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« Reply #2 on: May 27, 2011, 01:01:30 PM » |
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May God help and be with both of you on your journey.
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O Master Lord our God...who are wondrous in glory; who keeps his covenant and his mercy to them who love him with all their heart; who has given us redemption...through his only-begotten son, Jesus Christ...the life of everyone, the help of those who flee to him, the hope of those who cry to him.
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primuspilus
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« Reply #3 on: May 27, 2011, 01:20:51 PM » |
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I do appreciate it...I do think it wil be only me taking this journey. I wouldnt ask my wife to follow me unless she felt God leading her as I do.
primuspilus
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"I confidently affirm that whoever calls himself Universal Bishop is the precursor of Antichrist"
Gregory the Great
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CBGardner
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Ask w/ tears, seek w/ obedience, knock w/ patience
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« Reply #4 on: May 27, 2011, 01:24:28 PM » |
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Praise the Lord! By the prayers of the saints you have found the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic church. Be the truth to your wife and the Holy Spirit will confirm it in her heart. Welcome to the board  |
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Authentic zeal is not directed towards anything but union in Christ, or against anything but our own fallenness.
"Beardliness is next to Godliness."- Asteriktos
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LizaSymonenko
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« Reply #5 on: May 27, 2011, 01:32:28 PM » |
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Good to have you on the forum!
I hope you find it a place where you can solidify your beliefs and find answers to your questions.
Welcome!
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Conquer evil men by your gentle kindness, and make zealous men wonder at your goodness. Put the lover of legality to shame by your compassion. With the afflicted be afflicted in mind. Love all men, but keep distant from all men.
—St. Isaac of Syria
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primuspilus
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« Reply #6 on: May 27, 2011, 01:45:27 PM » |
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Although I have been reading alot online and talking with the priest locally, I do not want to go into this with any pretense...is there a good starting point literature-wise?
primuspilus
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"I confidently affirm that whoever calls himself Universal Bishop is the precursor of Antichrist"
Gregory the Great
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Carl Kraeff (Second Chance)
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« Reply #7 on: May 27, 2011, 02:29:43 PM » |
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Although I have been reading alot online and talking with the priest locally, I do not want to go into this with any pretense...is there a good starting point literature-wise?
primuspilus
Introductory: The Orthodox Church by Timothy Ware (now Metropolitan Kallistos); books by Father Thomas Hopko at the Saint Vladimir's Press. http://www.svspress.com/Converts' Perspective: Check out Frederica Mathewes-Greene site first http://www.frederica.com/. Also Conciliar Press publishes many books and very concise pamphlets. http://www.conciliarpress.com/ |
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Marc1152
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« Reply #8 on: May 27, 2011, 02:54:48 PM » |
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Although I have been reading alot online and talking with the priest locally, I do not want to go into this with any pretense...is there a good starting point literature-wise?
primuspilus
Introductory: The Orthodox Church by Timothy Ware (now Metropolitan Kallistos); books by Father Thomas Hopko at the Saint Vladimir's Press. http://www.svspress.com/Converts' Perspective: Check out Frederica Mathewes-Greene site first http://www.frederica.com/. Also Conciliar Press publishes many books and very concise pamphlets. http://www.conciliarpress.com/Those are both great. In addition if you want something more heavy duty I would reccomend: "Orthodox Dogmatic Theology: A Concise Exposition " by Michael Pomazansky It is available on Amazon |
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« Last Edit: May 27, 2011, 02:55:33 PM by Marc1152 »
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\"Why were so many Civil War battles fought in National Parks? \"
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orthonorm
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« Reply #9 on: May 27, 2011, 02:58:52 PM » |
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Although I have been reading alot online and talking with the priest locally, I do not want to go into this with any pretense...is there a good starting point literature-wise?
primuspilus
Mentioned it here many times, this is pretty much what got me where I am. Listening to three following podcasts and doing what was suggested, and listening many times: http://ancientfaith.com/podcasts/hopko/teaching_doctrine_in_the_world_we_live_in_today_part_1http://ancientfaith.com/podcasts/hopko/teaching_doctrine_in_the_world_we_live_in_today_part_twohttp://ancientfaith.com/podcasts/hopko/teaching_doctrine_in_the_world_we_live_in_today_part_threeAnd pretty much the rest of his podcasts in the series. And going to as many services held as possible, even though I didn't care for it at all for some time. Going to Liturgy is of course one of the suggestions Fr. Thomas Hopko makes in the above series. Reading was helpful, but I have done a lot of reading in time around these subjects, so it really didn't carry the weight that doing did. I was not looking for a "church" or a "faith" and wasn't in one. I found the above striking and decided to conduct a 9-12 month "experiment". Intellectually understanding or agreeing was one thing, knowing in my gut another. The latter I gained, again, from doing specific things. And now those texts that are suggested are much richer and make "more sense" in light of doing. FWIW. Welcome. |
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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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biro
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« Reply #10 on: May 27, 2011, 03:03:55 PM » |
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Glad to hear of your interest. May the Lord guide you in all things. |
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phthalyl.podomatic.com
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primuspilus
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« Reply #11 on: May 27, 2011, 03:08:29 PM » |
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Thanks so much1 I appreciate all the advice!
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"I confidently affirm that whoever calls himself Universal Bishop is the precursor of Antichrist"
Gregory the Great
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katherineofdixie
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« Reply #12 on: May 27, 2011, 04:21:42 PM » |
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And going to as many services held as possible, even though I didn't care for it at all for some time. Going to Liturgy is of course one of the suggestions Fr. Thomas Hopko makes in the above series.
Reading was helpful, but I have done a lot of reading in time around these subjects, so it really didn't carry the weight that doing did. I was not looking for a "church" or a "faith" and wasn't in one. I found the above striking and decided to conduct a 9-12 month "experiment".
Intellectually understanding or agreeing was one thing, knowing in my gut another. The latter I gained, again, from doing specific things.
And now those texts that are suggested are much richer and make "more sense" in light of doing.
Excellent advice. Btw, I didn't find Clark Carlton's series The Way, etc. particularly interesting but they resonated with former evangelical and Baptist friends, so you may want to read them as well. |
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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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CBGardner
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« Reply #13 on: May 27, 2011, 05:47:04 PM » |
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I also suggest Fr. Andrew Damick's series Orthodoxy and Heterodoxy from Ancient Faith Radio. For me, coming from a Protestant background, it pointed out not only the major differences between all the "Christian" churches, but also made clear why these differences are important and pertinent to your spiritual life. Also includes just some good history, general knowledge, and is very entertaining/easy to listen to. http://ancientfaith.com/podcasts/orthodoxyheterodoxy |
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Authentic zeal is not directed towards anything but union in Christ, or against anything but our own fallenness.
"Beardliness is next to Godliness."- Asteriktos
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David Garner
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« Reply #14 on: May 27, 2011, 07:51:08 PM » |
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We will pray for you and your wife as you approach the Church. If she isn't on board, my only advice is take it slow and steady.
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Sauron
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« Reply #15 on: May 28, 2011, 08:23:50 PM » |
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I also suggest Fr. Andrew Damick's series Orthodoxy and Heterodoxy from Ancient Faith Radio. For me, coming from a Protestant background, it pointed out not only the major differences between all the "Christian" churches, but also made clear why these differences are important and pertinent to your spiritual life. Also includes just some good history, general knowledge, and is very entertaining/easy to listen to. http://ancientfaith.com/podcasts/orthodoxyheterodoxyI second this wholeheartedly. The two-part lecture on Roman Catholicism was my first real compare and contrast between the two, and the whole series itself it outstanding. I also enjoy Fr. Damick's other lectures series on AFR. |
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asdamick
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« Reply #16 on: June 02, 2011, 02:40:53 PM » |
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I also suggest Fr. Andrew Damick's series Orthodoxy and Heterodoxy from Ancient Faith Radio. For me, coming from a Protestant background, it pointed out not only the major differences between all the "Christian" churches, but also made clear why these differences are important and pertinent to your spiritual life. Also includes just some good history, general knowledge, and is very entertaining/easy to listen to. http://ancientfaith.com/podcasts/orthodoxyheterodoxyI second this wholeheartedly. The two-part lecture on Roman Catholicism was my first real compare and contrast between the two, and the whole series itself it outstanding. I also enjoy Fr. Damick's other lectures series on AFR. And here's the brazenly self-serving part of the thread! But I'll be terse about it and just post these two links: http://www.conciliarpress.com/orthodoxy-and-heterodoxy.htmlhttp://www.amazon.com/Orthodoxy-Heterodoxy-Andrew-Stephen-Damick/dp/1936270137Okay, done. |
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Buy Orthodoxy and Heterodoxy: Exploring Belief Systems Through the Lens of the Ancient Christian Faith via Conciliar Press or Amazon.com! |
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David Garner
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« Reply #17 on: June 02, 2011, 02:48:55 PM » |
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