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Author Topic: I'm heading back to Church  (Read 513 times) Average Rating: 0
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Tikhon.of.Colorado
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« on: January 14, 2013, 03:01:08 AM »

I could use your prayers, everyone.

I find that I'm often too enthusiastic to share intimate details here, so to keep a long story short, I'm going back to Church. 

Please pray for me that my return will be permanent, that my confession will be sincere, and that I will get through whatever comes from the parishioners that I haven't seen in nearly one year.

(Also asking my three favorite saints, St. Tikhon, St. Petka, and St. Silouan for help.)

Thank you for your prayers!
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NicholasMyra
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« Reply #1 on: January 14, 2013, 03:22:23 AM »

Please pray for me that my return will be permanent
I pray that it will be to your salvation and joy.

Most people run away from the Father's House several times a day. I've found it destructive to say to myself: "this time, I've made a declaration to be forever different/doing the right thing/faithful". Instead, trust in God's love and friendship toward mankind.
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« Reply #2 on: January 14, 2013, 03:54:05 AM »

Glory to God!
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« Reply #3 on: January 14, 2013, 06:41:27 AM »

Lord have mercy!
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« Reply #4 on: January 14, 2013, 08:59:45 AM »

Welcome back. Smiley
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« Reply #5 on: January 14, 2013, 09:15:52 AM »

Lord Have Mercy Lord Have Mercy Lord Have Mercy
Most Holy Theotokos Save Us
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« Reply #6 on: January 14, 2013, 10:14:58 AM »

Welcome back home!  Wink

Lord have mercy!
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« Reply #7 on: January 14, 2013, 10:39:53 AM »

Lord, have mercy!
You continue in my prayers, Trevor.
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« Reply #8 on: January 14, 2013, 10:43:38 AM »

Lord have mercy!
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« Reply #9 on: January 14, 2013, 10:44:52 AM »

I've found it destructive to say to myself: "this time, I've made a declaration to be forever different/doing the right thing/faithful". Instead, trust in God's love and friendship toward mankind.

Great advice.  Smiley
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"...A broken and contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise."--Psalm 51:17
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« Reply #10 on: January 14, 2013, 11:04:26 AM »

I've found it destructive to say to myself: "this time, I've made a declaration to be forever different/doing the right thing/faithful". Instead, trust in God's love and friendship toward mankind.

Great advice.  Smiley

absolutely!

Trevor +Hug+

you will remain in my prayers as well my dear.
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Tikhon.of.Colorado
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« Reply #11 on: January 14, 2013, 11:11:33 AM »

Thank you for the support, everyone!!!   Smiley
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« Reply #12 on: January 14, 2013, 11:18:38 AM »

You are in my prayers.  May God strengthen you.
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« Reply #13 on: January 14, 2013, 11:42:18 AM »

Thanks be to God.
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« Reply #14 on: January 14, 2013, 01:01:34 PM »

Lord have mercy!
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« Reply #15 on: January 14, 2013, 01:23:33 PM »

God be with you!
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« Reply #16 on: January 14, 2013, 01:55:58 PM »

Wherever you are, God is present. It's just that His love and grace are profoundly and mystically experienced in paticipation in the Divine Liturgy. I myself still struggle with my former Evangelical guilt. I miss Liturgy too often, but not because I want to. Yet I feel guilty and worry what others will think about me. But God knows our hearts, and we strive to do the best we can. If we really understood divine grace, we would never flee it.

And by the way, let me say this to you... I have been greatly encouraged by your honesty and openess on this forum. I wish I'd had your spiritual thirst and understanding when I was your age. You and I may have some profound differences on various issues, but I sense that you have a sincere heart and a compassionate spirit. God works wondrous things through such humble and honest folks.

"Lord have mercy."



Selam
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« Reply #17 on: January 14, 2013, 02:15:42 PM »


Welcome Home, Trevor Tikhon!

I pray that you find whatever you were missing before and are content and happy!!!

This is great news!

May God help you, guide you and comfort you, always!



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Tikhon.of.Colorado
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« Reply #18 on: January 14, 2013, 06:35:54 PM »

Wherever you are, God is present. It's just that His love and grace are profoundly and mystically experienced in paticipation in the Divine Liturgy. I myself still struggle with my former Evangelical guilt. I miss Liturgy too often, but not because I want to. Yet I feel guilty and worry what others will think about me. But God knows our hearts, and we strive to do the best we can. If we really understood divine grace, we would never flee it.

And by the way, let me say this to you... I have been greatly encouraged by your honesty and openess on this forum. I wish I'd had your spiritual thirst and understanding when I was your age. You and I may have some profound differences on various issues, but I sense that you have a sincere heart and a compassionate spirit. God works wondrous things through such humble and honest folks.

"Lord have mercy."



Selam

Thank you very much, Gebre, for your entire message.  About the part that I've bolded: I'm only a kid, and any "opinions" I have had or currently hold aren't based on very much and are likely to change as I get older and have more life experiences.  I try not to take myself too seriously, and I'm no longer afraid to say that I don't know where I stand on things like social and political issues.  I'm still learning who I am and what I stand for, and I appreciate your patience. Smiley
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« Reply #19 on: January 14, 2013, 07:30:07 PM »

Lord, have mercy on Trevor72694. Grant him strength on his journey.
Dear Trevor, may Saint Tikhon intercede for you always.
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« Reply #20 on: January 14, 2013, 07:54:27 PM »

Wherever you are, God is present. It's just that His love and grace are profoundly and mystically experienced in paticipation in the Divine Liturgy. I myself still struggle with my former Evangelical guilt. I miss Liturgy too often, but not because I want to. Yet I feel guilty and worry what others will think about me. But God knows our hearts, and we strive to do the best we can. If we really understood divine grace, we would never flee it.

And by the way, let me say this to you... I have been greatly encouraged by your honesty and openess on this forum. I wish I'd had your spiritual thirst and understanding when I was your age. You and I may have some profound differences on various issues, but I sense that you have a sincere heart and a compassionate spirit. God works wondrous things through such humble and honest folks.

"Lord have mercy."



Selam

Thank you very much, Gebre, for your entire message.  About the part that I've bolded: I'm only a kid, and any "opinions" I have had or currently hold aren't based on very much and are likely to change as I get older and have more life experiences.  I try not to take myself too seriously, and I'm no longer afraid to say that I don't know where I stand on things like social and political issues.  I'm still learning who I am and what I stand for, and I appreciate your patience. Smiley

Don't ever lose that humble attitude brother. We can't learn and grow if we think we already know everything. One thing I still desperately need to learn is humility. I am an arrogant fool. God help me.


Selam
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Tikhon.of.Colorado
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« Reply #21 on: January 14, 2013, 10:14:30 PM »

Wherever you are, God is present. It's just that His love and grace are profoundly and mystically experienced in paticipation in the Divine Liturgy. I myself still struggle with my former Evangelical guilt. I miss Liturgy too often, but not because I want to. Yet I feel guilty and worry what others will think about me. But God knows our hearts, and we strive to do the best we can. If we really understood divine grace, we would never flee it.

And by the way, let me say this to you... I have been greatly encouraged by your honesty and openess on this forum. I wish I'd had your spiritual thirst and understanding when I was your age. You and I may have some profound differences on various issues, but I sense that you have a sincere heart and a compassionate spirit. God works wondrous things through such humble and honest folks.

"Lord have mercy."



Selam

Thank you very much, Gebre, for your entire message.  About the part that I've bolded: I'm only a kid, and any "opinions" I have had or currently hold aren't based on very much and are likely to change as I get older and have more life experiences.  I try not to take myself too seriously, and I'm no longer afraid to say that I don't know where I stand on things like social and political issues.  I'm still learning who I am and what I stand for, and I appreciate your patience. Smiley

Don't ever lose that humble attitude brother. We can't learn and grow if we think we already know everything. One thing I still desperately need to learn is humility. I am an arrogant fool. God help me.


Selam
All we can do is try and rely on Christ's mercy.

“…in the one who is humble of heart, the degree of piety is equal to the degree of his humility.”
-St. Symeon the New Theologian
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« Reply #22 on: January 15, 2013, 01:38:51 AM »

Glad to hear this. Lord have mercy on Trevor.
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« Reply #23 on: January 19, 2013, 06:14:57 PM »

I went to see Father today.

We started out with a tour of the Church.  It's the same Church, but so new!  There are now hand painted icons out for veneration (on brand new stands,) and the old printed ones are now on lower stands for the children to venerate.  Father is painting the Church, and it looks fantastic.

I had a fantastic talk with father, and I'm so happy to be back in the Church.  we scheduled my confession for after liturgy next Sunday.  I'll be abstaining from holy communion, since I received in the Episcopal Church, for a couple of months.  He and I are of like mind, wanting to make sure that I'm sincere in my return.

I'm really happy.  I'll go to liturgy tomorrow.  It'll be great. Smiley

Thanks for your prayers!
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« Reply #24 on: January 20, 2013, 05:35:11 PM »

i don't normally comment on status updates, but i have been praying and will continue to pray.
it is great to hear of u back in church.
please pray for me too, a sinner.
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« Reply #25 on: January 20, 2013, 06:04:09 PM »

Glory be to Jesus Christ! God grant you good patience!

I went to see Father today.

We started out with a tour of the Church.  It's the same Church, but so new!  There are now hand painted icons out for veneration (on brand new stands,) and the old printed ones are now on lower stands for the children to venerate.  Father is painting the Church, and it looks fantastic.

I had a fantastic talk with father, and I'm so happy to be back in the Church.  we scheduled my confession for after liturgy next Sunday.  I'll be abstaining from holy communion, since I received in the Episcopal Church, for a couple of months.  He and I are of like mind, wanting to make sure that I'm sincere in my return.

I'm really happy.  I'll go to liturgy tomorrow.  It'll be great. Smiley

Thanks for your prayers!
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« Reply #26 on: January 20, 2013, 09:45:24 PM »

Lord have mercy!
Welcome back
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Remember, never to fear the power of evil more than your trust in the power and love of God.
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