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JamesR
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« on: June 24, 2012, 05:26:52 PM » |
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Well, yesterday (June 23rd) I was finally Baptised and Chrismated into the Church and so I feel like I should probably make some bloggish post here about my story so here goes. Well, I was extremely nervous yesterday, but I kept my composure. I got a haircut in the morning, wore new clothes, got all my stuff ready and at around 4:30PM I showed up at my Church with my family and we immediately started because I was like twenty minutes late and they still had to do Vespers that night.
I introduced my parents to my godparents and they surprisingly got along quite well, and my godparents shined some light upon Orthodoxy for them. As my Baptismal service began, I was extremely nervous; nervous because of my parents. I was not sure at all how they were going to react to this and I knew that they already disapproved of and/or had negative feelings about my Baptism. Either way, there was no going back.
Surprisingly, they took it greater than I thought, and I think that they may not be as hostile anymore toward Orthodoxy. They at least seem more open minded. Anyway, I kept looking back toward my mother several times in between everything because I was nervous and she smiled at me every time. So, her support felt nice for once. She also seemed to like the Icons and setting of the room, the 'decorations' as she phrased them.
When the Baptism moment finally came and I got into the tank, it really took me by surprise; I never had a moment to inhale a big breath in preparation before going under. My Priest immediately dunked me the first and second time, and then on the final third time I felt afraid because I really wanted air. The whole thing was rather humorous. I came up hysterically gasping for air and the first thing I hear my Priest say is 'It is done James! Are you excited?' with everyone laughing at my in the background.
I felt pretty happy at that moment, but I was in a hurry to get back into my clothes. Seeing that I'm about five to fifteen pounds overweight (something I need to work on losing) I felt rather insecure about exposing myself without a shirt on. So I got out of the tank, dried myself off with a towel an alter server gave me and then went over to the bathroom to dry off and change back into my clothes. I then put on my white Baptismal gown (which was pretty comfortable by the way; I could have fallen asleep in it) and returned back and we began the Chrismation process.
I was feeling pretty pumped by this time, and less nervous about my parents. They seemed awe struck by everything at this time, but in a good way. The Chrismation was something that bothered me. My Priest really took his time with this and the olive oil all over my face and neck began to bother me. I don't know how many times I wanted to wipe it off and almost did indeed wipe it off by mistake. Anyway, when that was finished we processed around the alter a few times, then my Priest went up on the alter, gave me one final lesson about keeping my garment clean in the day of judgment, and then it was done. I am an Orthodox Christian.
Afterward, we spent about half an hour at Church before we left. I introduced my family to all of my friends and I have to say, I really appreciate how out of their way everyone in my Church went to be kind and friendly to my family in hopes of giving them a good impression of Orthodoxy. Everybody gave me a hug and congratulated me and all, we all took a lot of pictures and I even got a few cards and presents from my friends. All in all, I got a prayer rope, $50, a few cards, an icon of St. George from Moscow, engraved money clip and of course my Baptismal cross. My Icon of my patron won't be here for a few weeks because my Priest and godfather had to order it online from somewhere far away.
After we left the Church, said good byes and everything, my mother drove me to this nice steakhouse which was about an hour away and we celebrated with a nice dinner. All in all, it was a good day. Earlier this morning I also received the Eucharist for the first time and that was perhaps the most anticipated moment in my life. I was looking more forward to this than the actual Baptism.
During the Liturgy, my father unexpectedly showed up halfway in between because he said that he wanted to watch me commune for the first time. I was pretty nervous, but, he actually seemed happy and unlike in the past where he seemed to hate Orthodox services, he seemed pretty happy and curious. And told me that he was in no rush and to calm down. When the Anaphora began, the suspense was killing me. Minutes felt like hours and seconds like minutes. Time seemed so slow. I was nervous because I wanted the moment to finally come, yet at the same time I did not want it to because of fear. When it finally did come, I was shaking and stuttering from the fear and nervousness when I approached with my godparents to receive the Eucharist, and it was pretty amazing.
James
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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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SolEX01
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« Reply #1 on: June 24, 2012, 05:28:51 PM » |
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Congratulations and Many Years!!
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Ionnis
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« Reply #2 on: June 24, 2012, 05:33:36 PM » |
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I am VERY happy for you. God grant you many years!
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“Till we can become divine, we must be content to be human, lest in our hurry for change we sink to something lower.” -Anthony Trollope
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biro
Ursus maritimus
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Και κλήρονομον δείξον με, ζωής της αιωνίου
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« Reply #3 on: June 24, 2012, 05:41:49 PM » |
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Mazel tov.  |
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phthalyl.podomatic.com | the-cornet.blogspot.com | https://soundcloud.com/meteor___ Charlie Rose: If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be? Fran Lebowitz: Everything. There is not one thing with which I am satisfied. |
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Priolo Gargallo
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« Reply #4 on: June 24, 2012, 06:00:27 PM » |
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Tant' Aguri allu servu di Diu, JamesR! AXIOS AXIOS AXIOS!
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Most holy Theotokos, save us!
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Gorazd
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« Reply #5 on: June 24, 2012, 06:06:36 PM » |
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Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory forever!
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akimori makoto
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« Reply #6 on: June 24, 2012, 06:14:13 PM » |
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God grant you many years, James!
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The Episcopallian road is easy and wide, for many go through it to find destruction. lol sorry channeling Isa.
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Margarita
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« Reply #7 on: June 24, 2012, 06:35:28 PM » |
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Congratulations to you James! Many years to you! It sounds like your dad has a growing curiosity  |
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Achronos
Miami's Theme Song (Spongebob): Who lives in Miami right by the sea? LeBron James! Absorbent and bald and selfish is he. LeBron James! If not being clutch be somethin' ya wish. LeBron James! Then drop on the floor and flop like a fish.
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« Reply #8 on: June 24, 2012, 06:45:52 PM » |
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Wow James awesome story, thank you for sharing. Congratulations again and many years!
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It would be helpful if you were born with an OFF switch.
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genesisone
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« Reply #9 on: June 24, 2012, 06:49:54 PM » |
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Many years, JamesR
Now the journey begins. I know we'll continue to hear from you. You will remain in my prayers.
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Manalive
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It is later than we think.
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« Reply #10 on: June 24, 2012, 08:16:43 PM » |
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May God grant you good illumination, Augustine!
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"Lay hold of the pathway... rugged and narrow as it is."- St. John Chrystostom
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Maximum Bob
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« Reply #11 on: June 24, 2012, 09:10:31 PM » |
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Wonderful story, congratulations and again Many Years.  |
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Prov. 3: 5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.
Psalm 37:23 The Lord guides a man safely in the way he should go.
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Schultz
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« Reply #12 on: June 24, 2012, 10:02:26 PM » |
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I know I like to give you a hard time on here, but that still doesn't change the fact that I'm glad you stuck it out and took those last steps. I'm even more elated that your parents have appeared to accept everything as best they can and are being more supportive. May the good Lord bless you and your family on this happy day. |
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"Hearing a nun's confession is like being stoned to death with popcorn." --Abp. Fulton Sheen
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HouseOfGod
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« Reply #13 on: June 24, 2012, 11:58:47 PM » |
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Wow, thanks for sharing! You're truly an inspiration. Many years, God bless you!
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Renewal during the first month of the new ecclesiastical calendar! |
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Alpo
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« Reply #14 on: June 25, 2012, 02:16:16 AM » |
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Monia armorikkaita vuosia!
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Just a little reminder: this forum is not called OrthodoxChristianityUSA.net  |
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Gebre Menfes Kidus
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« Reply #15 on: June 25, 2012, 03:05:59 AM » |
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Glory to God! Thanks for sharing this beautiful story of your Baptism. I rejoice with you, and I am so happy to hear that your parents were supportive. Wonderful! Now the struggle truly begins, but you are equipped with all the spiritual weapons necessary for victory. Many Years!
Selam
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"Salvation is free, but not easy. It is completely dependent upon the grace of God, and yet we must work it out with fear and trembling. It is given to all, but only a few find it. We are saved only by His Cross, and yet not without taking up our own." +GMK+
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primuspilus
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« Reply #16 on: June 25, 2012, 06:54:16 AM » |
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Many years James. Im glad it worked out with your parents PP |
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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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Dominika
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St. Luke, pray for us!
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« Reply #17 on: June 25, 2012, 06:56:35 AM » |
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You've described your receiving into Orthodox Church so beautifully, although it's not so easy to write about so personal and spiritual experience!
Glory to God you're finally baptised without any problems!
I can imagine you're nervous about parents, as I had a little similar situation with my mother before my chrismation.
Many years to you, your priests, godparents and parents!
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Pray for persecuted Christians, especially in Serbian Kosovo and Raška, Egypt and Syria
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jmbejdl
Count-Palatine James the Spurious of Giggleswick on the Naze
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« Reply #18 on: June 25, 2012, 07:50:12 AM » |
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Many years, James! I'm glad your parents seem to be coming around. It is certainly easier (I know from experience) when your parents accept your conversion even if they don't wholeheartedly applaud it.
James
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We owe greater gratitude to those who humble us, wrong us, and douse us with venom, than to those who nurse us with honour and sweet words, or feed us with tasty food and confections, for bile is the best medicine for our soul. - Elder Paisios of Mount Athos
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soderquj
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« Reply #19 on: June 25, 2012, 08:08:15 AM » |
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It was great to hear your family was supportive and receptive. Who knows, due to your example, this could be their first step. Many years and God bless.
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O God, cleanse me a sinner and have mercy on me.
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elephant
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« Reply #20 on: June 25, 2012, 08:10:53 AM » |
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Dear James,
Chronia Polla!
I liked reading your story, and am glad you have joyous memories of the first day of your life in Christ.
love, elephant.
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dcommini
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Beannachd Dia dhuit
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« Reply #21 on: June 25, 2012, 08:23:37 AM » |
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Many years! Great story, and I'm glad that your parents seemed less hostile |
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Gun cuireadh do chupa thairis le slàinte agus sona - May your cup overflow with health and happiness Check out my blog... |
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Hiwot
Christ is Risen!
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Job 19:25-27
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« Reply #22 on: June 26, 2012, 02:29:36 AM » |
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oh WOW! James that was a beautiful and joyous story, I totally enjoyed reading it, Glory be to God! Congratulations and may God grant you many years my brother. |
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To God be the Glory in all things! Amen!
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