correct protocol when writing to church

[Stray]

Hi friends,
I have been reading and thinking of Orthodoxy for a while now. I haven't committed myself any further because I don't want to act too impulsively... I'm giving myself a "coolling off period"
However, I have recently found the address of a Free Serbian Orthodox church within driving distance of where I live.
Now, trembling with anticipation, I am thinking of writing to them.Would it be right to start "Dear Father....."?
One of my worries is the ethnic issue. How important is this in the church in Australia? I am worried that they might tell me to go to an "Australian" church like the Anglicans or R.C.s
Thanks, Stray.

[Fr. David]

Hi, Stray.

Usually, the way to greet a priest is, "Father, bless."

I have no clue as to the percentage of ethnic Orthodox in Australia.  I would be willing to bet, though, that, if they're worth their salt, they wouldn't have you go anywhere else.

Welcome to the board!

Pedro

[Asteriktos]

I'm afraid I can't be of much help, being a Yank I sincerely doubt they would have a problem as far as ethnicity though. Normally I start formal addresses (emails, letters, though not chat messages, etc.) with

Father X,

Father, Bless

[Christ is Born! --or whatever might be appropriate, if anything]

I'm so and so. I'm from such and such a place. I'm a part of such and such a group/parish [or this is my ecclesiastical situation]. Why I'm writing... yada yada yada. Thank you.

In Christ,

Justin Kissel


The only significant difference if I am writing to a bishop is that I say something like "Master, Bless" instead of "Father, Bless". Some of the links in this thread might be of some help if you really want to get the proper names, addresses, etc. down.

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