I will check that out but with regards to Confession if we have a one mediator between ourselves and God in Jesus Christ why do we need a Priest or Absolution? I can appreciate a pastors' advice on matters of sin but it's the absolution part which appears to me to stand on shaky ground.
In John 20:22-23, Jesus appears to the disciples and empowered them to forgive sins,
"Peace be with you. As the Father has sent Me, so I send you. And when He had said this, He breathed on them and said to them, 'Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.'"
This took place between the disciples and Jesus, privately. This was not given to anyone else. Through the sacrament of Holy Orders, this anointing is passed on down through the generations to the priests of this day.
drs2
Prayers and a moderate Orthodox education seem to be the only tools I have. Though I will attempt to explain our faith to her mother I have little faith that it will bear any fruit. If any one thinks this approach is illadvised at this point please let me know. I am taking everything into consideration.
Dear brother drs2, this truly is a painful dilemma, and one that could easily escalate into an issue.
I agree that you have prayer as a tool, it is a very powerful tool. And there is also your love for your daughter, your empathy with her and willingness to understand and support her in her search for meaning in life. Being there for her, coming along side her, even building her confidence levels by acknowledging times when she has shown Godly wisdom in her choices.
By supporting her in her search, and
knowing the real issues in her life, acknowledging them and not showing any presumption, her trust and respect for you will deepen. As it deepens, she will look to you for more wisdom. She will want to be around you more because you
strengthen rather than threaten her.
Teenagers have a way of telling parents what they want to hear, and keeping the things that they are really struggling with private. So when she begins to ask you questions about the faith, that is a
real sign that she is ready to listen.
Until she is ready to listen, and
really wants to know, not because she wants dad's love and approval, but because she needs answers, you may get only superficial interest.
When she begins to show even a slight interest, be prepared to give her what she asks for, but don't go overboard, just enough to satisfy her curiosity. Be innovative in presenting opportunities that may appeal to her.
Her peers are exerting a very strong influence on her at this age, and if there is a good Orthodox youth group she might be able to find friends she could relate to enough to ask her own questions, things she might not want to ask you. Possibly there are some teens in your church who share common interests, art, music, etc., that you could introduce her to and have over to your house.
If she is interested at all in travel, taking a trip to Greece, or Russia, or making a pilgrimage, even in this country, where she might connect with other Orthodox youth who could be influential in her life, by sharing their faith, might be an option. Arranging a few contacts in advance could make a big difference here, although the Holy Spirit knows how to bring the right person along at just the right time. This is why prayer is your most powerful tool. Most teens don't want to travel alone with a parent, they'd be more excited if their best friend came along.
Also, I would scour the Orthodox catalogs looking for anything that would appeal to a teenager, in the way of videos and books. Most teenagers are going through the same issues at this time in their lives and much has been written that will appeal to them. Have those things on hand, but don't force them on her. You might even wait until she asks before you even tell her about them. The lives of Orthodox saints written for her age group could touch her with inspiration and spark genuine interest.
As far as mom is concerned. I think prayer is your best recourse. The Holy Spirit will have to work in her life to soften her heart. And if she's that antagonistic (about RC), she may react unpleasantly to any attempts to convert her daughter to Orthodoxy.
If you are scrupulous about being non-threatening, I think she will be pleasantly surprised and perhaps let her guard down and be more open to what your daughter is being exposed to, maybe even showing some interest.
I hope this helps, we will be praying for you.
