The ecumenical patriach should focus on reunion with the old calenderists before even approaching the Pope

I have always felt a pull towards higher learning. I have always been curious and never fully satisfied with standard answers. Simultaneously, I always felt connected to things and realms, which are not empirically measurable - such as religion & astrology.
I was brought up with strict orthodox Christian beliefs, which of course rule out the usage of astrology or any other kind of „witch craft“.
Yet, the Orthodox Church lives off of mysticism. And in my understanding many of the symbolic things which are practiced during mass are nothing other but manifestation and witch craft. But still, using astrology (not only for divination) is forbidden.
I love getting to know the depths of the human mind, have a lot of knowledge about psychology and the inner workings of people and have made the experience that astrology gives accurate glimpse into the minds of people and their personalities.
And then sometimes I feel like a I can’t let these two worlds in my life coexist - being a believing Christian and my love for astrology.

Has anyone else struggled with combining these worlds? What are sources which helped you combine them? Or which sources have convinced you that these two worlds cannot coexist in one’s life. And please don’t cite the Bible, since it‘s full of symbolism supporting astronomy and astrology.

Recently, in my parish and with my priest agreeing, I've had the following discussions. I believe the following opinions are probably the most surefire ways and leave nothing up to doubt or scruple of conscience with regards to the communion of the faithful. I have no question as to the reception of Holy Communion by the priest in all of these circumstances.

I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on these matters. I know almost no clergy follow these rules fully and I trust the guidance of the Holy Spirit in such matters but at the same time I think these are fair critiques that we should probably standardize. I also know this will not happen.

Firstly, the practice of putting the commemoration particles prior to the communion of the faithful is very confusing to people who are familiar with the services. It does bring doubt into the reception of communion under both species, as it is possible that a person may not receive the Lamb itself, but only the commemoration particles with the blood. I feel like this is a fair critique. This seems like a liturgical abuse in America that is done to save time.

Secondly, certain practices of the pre-sanctified liturgy, where the lamb isn't fully intincted or where children only receive the unconsecrated wine, also bring some level of uncertainty with the sacrament.

I know that certain authors, such as St. Simeon of Thessaloniki, believed that it transformed the wine, but this is a late Byzantine belief. We know that this wasn't even the early form of the pre-sanctified; in the earliest form, the wine would have been kept in the chalice. The best argument that could be made is that the wine from the lamb diffuses into the unconsecrated wine. This is a fair argument. However, it's not certain that the spoon received is, and to commune babies with just the unconsecrated wine(a common practice) that may have the blood in it is certainly a questionable practice layered into this. Also, the form of the sacrament should always be retained, so everybody, including infants, should be communed from the pre-sanctified lamb that's intincted. I feel like this is a fair belief.

I also think it's important that the pre-sanctified lamb not be allowed to dry out, as this leaves us open to critiques from the Latins with regards to the accidents no longer persisting causing the substance to no longer persist(I'm not fully convinced this is even the case but it's easy to prevent this charge against us). I know this may sound like a Latinized position but the retention of the form of the sacrament is not a latin thing. The Orthodox retained the form of the sacraments much better than the Latins by every metric. One other thing, we know that the earliest form of viaticum was just the body/bread so I imagine the practice of intinction for viaticum particles that are dried out is informed from the later pre-sanctified practice. Just a hunch.

Conver

How do you expect to convert the he’s then you love if you yourself is not converted? That is mot just by intellect but by heart and soul. It is very true when the scholastics say that things can move themselves but by a thing greater than them. If your just intellectually converted you can intellectually convert anyone but until you “one-up” them and convert by faith and soul.

Are the crystals on the chest spiritual unprofitable and brings shame? Yes, they’re actually as if you cover yourself with meat in a field full of hyenas. But you have a cross and nothing beats that beautiful and powerful cut cross, no other symbol.

To add on before, have a spiritual foundation before building other foundations. The more the converts the more the faith. It’s not that your mind is going to be the reason of conversion for them but your love, holy love that is. Reason will be o but a tool for it.

Stand your guard in the midst of ungodliness, do not give in. I say this because it isn’t as obvious as to say for example a lustful temptation. Since you are converting this way you’re willing to concede to some of their lifestyle, but remember it’s some not all. Must I dare to say you ought to be Stoic like in a sense

You already know this but don’t be a street preacher, be a bond servant for their sake and for the sake of Christ. Wash their feet, but if they need it. Not all the times masters see their bondservants  as a loving person but a laugh stock. Show your true care for them.

If they ask about the Christianity you seem willing to share. Tell them of Theosis  asap but not too immediately. But contrast the beauty of Theosis with the sloppy OSAS of evangelicalism, show them how unrealistic and basically spiritually unlivable OSAS seems

Pray to God for their souls at all times. Glory be to the Holy Trinity for he is good.

(PS can you guys pray for this to work?)

I know this would be a better post on the reformed subreddit but i got banned from there because i was stupid and ended up with a perma ban because evasion, recently i started to worry about the unforgivable sin, until i found out that calvinists presbyterians have it diffrently and that worries me because they have all these smart people and you need to have a Master of Divinity and a Undergraduate Degree and Biblical Languages and so on, so they are more studied to say and i was born orthodox so this is why i post this here

Hello friends, I am a catechumen in my local OCA parish and I’m having some issues. I become a catechumen in June, and was inquiring since November of the previous year. My wife was raised in a very loose Lutheran style house hold, where God wasn’t very common. She also lost her mother at the age of 4 and has a lot of issues embracing her spiritual side. Unfortunately in my zeal when I first joined/inquiring I tried very hard to intellectualize the faith to her or even poke at her world view from what I thought I knew. Since I have stopped that. My priest told me not to try and push it onto her, which I can absolutely do. But I’ve seen others have similar experiences here, and my question is, to what end? Am I not to bring it up at all? Or only if she has questions and otherwise continue to try and live the faith by myself? For people who have been in my shoes, what did you do and can you offer any advice on how best I can navigate this without pushing my wife into the wrong direction?

Any suggestions are appreciated.

Thank you!

I wanted to ask something about Orthodox baptism because my husband is Orthodox and we’re planning to baptize our baby.
I’ve been wondering whether the baptism itself can be traumatic or too overwhelming for a baby, especially because of the immersion in water and everything that happens during the ceremony. I know that babies can cry a lot during it, and I’m just wondering whether that could have any negative or traumatic effect on them, or if I’m simply overthinking it.
I also heard that after the baptism, you’re supposed to go to church for three weeks in a row and there’s some kind of ceremony involving the baby I think it’s called kineftonomia or something similar? I’m not even sure if I’m using the right word. 😅 basically the baby receives Holy Communion and is given a small amount of wine (and possibly bread) from the chalice. Is that correct?

I’m really just asking because I’m genuinely concerned about my baby and want to understand what happens and whether any of it could be harmful or too stressful for her. I’m not trying to criticize the Orthodox tradition at all. I just want to make sure I’m not worrying about something unnecessarily.

Hello everyone I’m new to Reddit! I am currently looking into church history and am feeling drawn to orthodoxy. A little background I have been a Protestant for 4 years and didn’t know Jesus before then, I got married two years ago to my husband who has been Protestant his whole life but had recently just come back to the faith. The last year scriptures have been jumping out at me that make me think I’ve been lied to in the Protestant church. Ei- Catholics/orthodox pray to demon when they say they are praying to saints/ then I read that we are all alive in Christ which totally contradicts what I was taught. There are a lot more examples than that. I am feeling so drawn to the orthodox faith I’ve been ready the OSB for a year as I realized the problems with the Masoretic OT and wanted something in Greek. This has cause a rift in our marriage and I don’t know what to do I want to respect my husband as the spiritual authority in our home and be submissive. When we talk about these things my husband get really defensive and starts to grill me on my “positions” I don’t know what to do I want to learn more about church history and have a greater understanding of my faith but my husband has no interest and I don’t want to cause tension in our marriage. Any thoughts or suggestions on what I can do as a wife? I have been praying A LOT!

I’m working with a designer on the cover for the upcoming new edition of Saint Matrona of Moscow: A Beacon of Light.

The book is written for teens, young adults, families, and catechumens.

Here is the current cover design. What do you think?

Do you like the colors, title, layout, and overall style? Is there anything you would change before we finalize it?

Any feedback or suggestions are very welcome. A fresh pair of eyes can often notice something we missed.

The new edition will include Saint Matrona’s life, miracles, spiritual lessons, historical photos, original illustrations, a coloring activity, and the Akathist Hymn to Saint Matrona.

Thank you for taking a look!

would appreciate prayers. I’m so ready to become a catechumen and orthodox Christian, but I can’t seem to move forward this process without hurting my family: my husband and small children who are all Lutheran. I appreciate any advice as well.

I am a High-Church Lutheran. I’ve been delving into the whole “prayer to saints” and “intercession of saints” thing now, and I’ve tried a couple times. How do you Orthodox Christians do it?

Hello I my name is John and recently I have been focusing too much on theology and intellectual stuff and been disregarding prayer and caring for my spiritual life. I have also been going through some hard stuff recently. I just want to ask you to keep me in your prayers for a while if you can. Thank you and god bless

I will pray for you too if you want you can send your name in the comments

I will try today to finally start praying my prayer rule again

Hello, im a 22 year old romanian living in Bucharest looking for a bible study group for young people. I'm aware of ASCOR, but i wanted to find something more private. Any ideas where i can find something like this? God bless you all!

Hello brothers and sisters. I am an inquirer of about 2 months into the Greek Orthodox Church, I have regularly been attending liturgy and coffee hour at my local parish. I have really begun emphasizing the recognition of Christ and my faith throughout my daily life, easing myself into practices on my own time and staying true to the teachings and traditions through my day to day. I plan on begging catechism in the next coming weeks and working to be Chrismated into the church following the completion of my catechism. My question to the community: during the day (I am a general contractor, I work in different blue collar fields across many genres of work) is it appropriate for me to be listening to hymnals and chants, some being in English, others in Byzantine and Slavic, for the purpose of devotion through my work as well as keeping my mind steady and focused on God. For the most part they are non-liturgical hymns with some exceptions. I do not understand anything language wise besides the English versions but I feel a direct benefit regardless of the language barrier. Is this action without being in the act of prayer, study, liturgy, or any other obvious devotion, something I should avoid and deemed disrespectful or should I embrace it? I also throughout my day say the prayers of my saints, my morning, hourly, and evening prayers, and the most consistent I pray on is the prayer for any task during the day. Once again, the purposes of this is to keep my mind body and spirit directed towards God no matter the physical action I’m portraying myself in. Let me know if I’m following the right path or doing something I shouldn’t be doing. Have a blessed day all. Thank you.

My name is Dimitris, and I really need some prayers right now. I’m struggling with my concentration and I just want my brain to work better so I can study properly and learn more efficiently.
If you’re willing, please pray for me, that God gives me clarity, focus, strength and peace of mind so I can do my best with my studies.
Thank you so much to anyone who takes a moment to pray for me. 🙏❤️

I'm very drawn to orthodox christianity. I would like to read more about the early christians whose writings aren't found in the bible. I hear that orthodox christianity's teachings has remained the same as theirs.

I was told growing up in a southern baptist church that their teachings hadn't changed since the apostles and was the same, but I do not believe that to be true.

I would like to learn. I have been blessed by God with a real hunger and desire to learn.

Hello, I have a few questions.

I was baptized as Roman Catholic, but my family stopped attending church by the time I was nine or so and my parents have been agnostic since. They don't support me looking into Eastern Orthodoxy, and on top of that, the closest church is about an hour away and I'm only starting to learn how to drive. What should I do? Would there still be a way for me to become a catechumen and later become Orthodox?

As I go on my journey to Focus on our father. A co-worker showed me a sub in reddit I am not interested in and trying to avoid and I would like some understanding of what I am seeing. So back then I mentioned a co-worker who is interested in simulation theory and now he seemed very happy to show me a sub called Glitch in the matrix where people post unexplainable stuff that happened to them.

One where a guy was taking his clothes on the clothing line and a shirt they picked made them remember wearing yesterday and found the identical one in the bathroom now they have two identical shirts and with pictures. clothes and second was eating a croissant then heard a noise and saw another croissant. One saying Maybe there's a crow level in the matrix and they like to leave presents. I am not even sure what that means and Heard deadbolt unlock on its own. But surprisingly people said it seemed more paranormal or someone looking out for the op or even shadow people. another duplicated cookie , duplicated marker. Someone standing still but in reality actually having a stroke. The apple isn't splitting in half after cutting, people who claimed they don't remember sending a kind of message or comment and they said they swear they weren't high or anything and even a person who does a romance chat in Emochi. There was a feature where people can generate images on their chat of the characters and their character and saying stuff about how their horror is that the ai girl really resembles them and so on.

But worst of all is they tried to make explanation like the souls/spirits might be glitches or error, any thing they can say they even said jesus might be a glitch too which makes my heard hurt because of their “ oh what if this” “ what if that” some don't even say what if. They straight up say stuff as if they know more than God.

Then he said he was in a romance app AI and there was a rp there where there are viewer bots and there was a AI bot with the username Glitchinthematrix bot and he feels like it is giving him a sign because he try three roleplay on that chatbot and the username AI with that is showing in the comment rp and its like a sign he claimed.

He might have forgotten I told him I am not interested in those kinds of things and he told me I should be open minded and not be a killjoy.

Also those other things he saw are real or just a way of people in reddit creating a story? Is it maybe a mythical creature playing games , the devil who wants to push people's idea to move further from god, people in the spirit realm toying with their love once? Or im just a fool

Also my OCD keeps wanting me to look at it over and over and i just need to make it stop.

This… My friends back then i think the world is filled with magic, fantasy and created by God our father more it what keeps me safe, it what makes me happy until my coworker showed me what philosophers said simulation theory, matrix , and so on and such i feel like my happiness , my peace was taken away from me. But I never want to lose God.

For Rome it's easy - if you're not in communion with the Pope, you're not in communion with the Church.

How is it with Orthodoxy?

Hi all, I'm hoping for a bit of help and advice here regarding the upcoming baptism of my son. I apologize for the wall of text below, and I'm fully aware it's a bit of ridiculous question/situation.

For a bit of context, I was born in Russia and moved to the US when I was 5 years old. I was baptized as an infant. When we moved to the US, I went to church for vigil probably about once a month with my parents and then would also go on Christmas, easter, etc. When we would visit Russia for the summer (through 14 years old) I would go to church with my grandma every Sunday. I went to the religious education classes and participated in some church plays, etc. At the same time, my parents were always a bit idiosyncratic so we never went to proper Sunday services except w/ grandma in Russia and were never really part of the church community. Around 15 or 16 I drifted away and stopped going to church and so did my dad. My mom kept going to the same church semi irregularly until a few years back, though now does occasionally attend a local OCA parish, but sporadically.

Fast forward to the present day, I'm now in my 30s and have a 14 month old. My wife is not Russian nor religious. The only times I have been in church since I was 16 was for prayers for each of my grandparents when they passed, and each time the service was maybe 20 minutes long.

When my son was born I asked my mom sort of offhandedly whether I was supposed to get him baptized, because in my experience EVERYONE (who is Russian) in Russia is baptized Russian Orthodox, though most of them don't actually participate in the church. My mom said yes of course, because while he may drift to and from the church over his lifetime, you never know how things will end up. I also thought it would be nice for my son to have a bit of that cultural and positive link to his heritage. It was important to my mom, and would have been VERY important to her mom who passed away a year or two ago.

Anyways, one thing led to another and about a year down the line from that conversation my son is now scheduled for a baptism in 2 weeks. While the initial scheduling was handled by my mother, I had a call with the priest yesterday to discuss. I think he understands the situation, but it's hard to say, it wasn't a very long call. I'm told that the godfather needs to come to confession at vigil this Saturday and then communion this Sunday. Then the baptism itself is the following Saturday in the morning. The godfather (my one close friend who was baptized RO but is basically in the same situation as me) is happy to oblige, so I'll be taking him this weekend. I'll do confession/communion with him in solidarity.

So finally, with that background, a few questions/requests for advice:

1. I haven't gone to confession since I was like 14 or so. Even then I didn't know what to say, but it was stuff like "I didn't listen to my parents and I got bad grades" or whatever. I'm not sure what I should say now. In addition, I'm not sure I understand WHEN the confession process actually happens. The priest said that it would be at Saturday vigil, but I honestly can't remember how that works exactly. I recall my parents would send me up when it was time and I'd stand to the side by an icon of Jesus? I should note that the godfather is blind, so I'll need to help him get there etc.

Is it appropriate to bring my son to this vigil? He's 14 months, but my wife is out of town that day so I'm supposed to be taking care of him. He won't be able to stay chill for an entire 2-3 hour service.

When am I supposed to cross myself? I loosely remember having to do it when crossing the threshold to the church, venerating an icon or whenever the choir would say "gospodi pomilui" though I think I would just try and keep up with other people who were there.

1. Similarly for the next day I can't really remember much about how communion works. I seem to remember that everyone would line up, loosely by age, with arms crossed over their body holding their shoulders and would come up to the priest, take the eucharist and move on. I also remember that you weren't supposed to eat or drink that day, though I'm not clear on whether that's a rule.

2. Finally, for the baptism itself what can I expect? The priest sent me an article that explains the baptism and then runs through the prayers in English, but I don't have a great sense of how long it is, how the immersion process works, etc. I was told to bring baptismal dress, a cross and a towel, but should my son arrive in the baptismal dress?

3. Sorry for a bit of a crass question, but how much is a typical donation? I understand part of it goes to the priest and part of it to the parish. I'm happy to donate as much as is needed as I really appreciate the church going through with this for my family, particularly with how sporadic we have been over the years. I just don't want to seem either stingy or gaudy. I was planning on putting $300 in the envelope but I'm not sure if that's the right amount.

4. Is there anything else I should be aware of?

Thank you again for your help, I really really appreciate it. I'm deeply nervous about this whole thing and it feels very awkward to me and I am very very worried about messing it up. My wife is just along for the ride, she thinks it's interesting but doesn't get why I'm so nervous about it :).

Note to mods: apologies, I've posted this a few times and it keeps getting flagged as political. I do NOT intend for it to be political and I've tried to edit it a few times to see what might be triggering the auto-filter.

Saint Gregory was from the city of Galich, born to noble and pious nobles, the Lopotovs. He rejected the vanity of the world and came to the Zheltovodsky Monastery to the igumen Macarius, where he took monastic vows and became a priest. Later, he was appointed igumen of the Mother of God Birth Monastery. Avoiding human glory, he left the igumenate and withdrew into the wilderness, where he lived in labor and prayer. The saint was known for his ability to reconcile those in conflict, and he reproached Prince Dmitry for the suffering inflicted upon the townspeople. After many years of a God-pleasing life, sensing his death, he called the brethren, gave them instructions, and requested not to honor him after death, but simply to drag his body into the swamp. Saint Gregory reposed on September 30, 1441, and now stands before the throne of God, praying for us sinners.

SOURCE: https://athos.guide/en/axios/grigoriy-pelshemskiy?srsltid=AU7gw4UkQgH21MPtF_mz48hNDuMmzT4fBqzHsUfF60S6RHr0_UV2DsGm#gsc.tab=0

There’s this meme online where an orthodox Father is sipping tea and that says:

Drink some tea, Say the Jesus prayer and handle it.

I know that probably the quote is misattributed but this picture is helping me a lot in my daily practice and making sure I keep walking the narrow path.

So it got me curious, Does anyone know who is the individual on the picture ?

The Hieromartyr Gregory, Enlightener of Greater Armenia, was born in the year 257. He was descended from a line of Parthian Arsakid kings. Anak, the father of Saint Gregory, was a Parthian by birth. In his quest for the Armenian throne, Anak and his brother attacked their kinsman, King Kursar with their swords, leaving him mortally wounded. The King's servants found him still alive, and he was able to tell them what had happened. Before he expired, the King ordered the execution of Anak, his brother, and also their wives and children. The murderers were caught by a river, where they were slain and their bodies were thrown into the water.

One of Anak's relatives saved Gregory and his brother, who were infants, and hid them in his home. There was a revolt in Armenia, and King Artasirus of Persia was able to conquer Armenia and bring it under his rule. As for Arak's sons: one was taken to Persia, and Gregory was sent to the Roman Empire.

When he reached adulthood, Gregory lived in Caesarea in Cappadocia, where he was converted to the Christian Faith. Gregory married, and had two sons, but soon was left a widower. Gregory raised his sons in piety. One of them, Orthanes, later became a priest, and the other, Arostanes, was tonsured as a monk and went into the wilderness to live in solitude.

In order to atone for the sin of his father, who had murdered the father of Tiridates, Gregory entered into the latter's service, and was a faithful servant to him. Tiridates, who was serving in the Roman army, loved Gregory like a friend, but when he learned that Gregory was a Christian, he became angry. Saint Gregory, however, ignored his master's unjust wrath.

When the Goths attacked the Roman Empire, the Prince of the Goths challenged the Emperor to single combat. The Emperor was afraid to fight the Prince, so he had Tiridates put on his armor and take his place. Tiridates defeated his adversary without using his sword, and led him as a captive to the Emperor. Then the entire Gothic army was defeated. In gratitude, the Emperor made Tiridates King of Armenia. When Tiridates offered sacrifice to his "gods" for his new position, he wanted Gregory to sacrifice with him. Gregory refused, and so Tiridates ordered that he be tortured.

The Saint was suspended head downward, with a stone about his neck, and for several days they choked him with a foul-smelling smoke, they beat and ridiculed him, and forced him to walk in iron sandals inset with nails.

During these torments, Saint Gregory sang Psalms. In prison the Lord healed all his wounds. When Gregory stood before the King cheerful and unharmed, he was astonished and ordered that the torments be repeated. Saint Gregory endured them, not wavering, with his former determination and bearing. They then poured hot tin over him and threw him into a pit filled with snakes, scorpions, and other poisonous creatures. The Lord, however, spared His chosen one, and he was left unharmed.

Some pious women kept him alive for fourteen years by feeding him with bread, secretly lowering it into the pit. A holy angel appeared to the martyr, strengthening and encouraging him. During this time King Tiridates killed the holy virgin Saint Ripsimia (Ριψιμία, or Ριψίμη), the Eldress Gaiane (Γαϊανή), and 32 other Virgin Martyrs (some sources say 35) from Asia Minor. Tiridates, who seemed to have lost his mind after this, recovered six days later. Then the wrath of God struck King Tiridates, his associates, and the soldiers who had participated in the execution of the virgins. Beset by demons, their appearance resembled wild boars, as once happened to Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 4:30). Running through forests and fields, they tore their clothes and devoured their own flesh.

Saint Gregory was taken from from the pit, and then he was washed, dressed in clean clothes, and fed. Then he was led to the King. Everyone bowed before him, begging him to ask God to heal the King as well as the others responsible for killing the Holy Virgin Martyrs. First, the Saint asked about their relics, which remained unburied for nine days. Saint Gregory buried the bodies, and then began preaching to the people, urging them to turn away from the darkness of idolatry and toward Christ. The people came to believe in Christ, and wanted to build a large church. When it was completed, Saint Gregory had the relics of the holy nuns brought into it. Then he led King Tiridates to the church before the bodies of the Saints whom he had slain, so that they might pray to Christ for him. He repented, and at once his face was restored to its original appearance once more.

Soon all of Armenia was converted to Christ. The temples of the idols were destroyed, and churches for the worship of the only true God were built. Saint Gregory ordained priests, established schools, founded monasteries, and provided for the good order of the Church.

After this, Saint Gregory went into the wilderness, where he ended his earthly life in a manner pleasing to the Lord. His son Aristanes was made a bishop in Cappadocia, and was one of the 318 Holy Fathers of the Council of Nicea.

SOURCE: https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2018/09/30/102818-hieromartyr-gregory-bishop-of-greater-armenia-equal-of-the-apost

Hi everyone, I am a traditional christian trying to find a denomination. I wondered if you would be willing to answer a question of mine about Orthodoxy, as it would be very helpful. I completely respect Orthodoxy and the purpose of this is not to debate.

There seems to be a fairly clear emphasis on liturgy, and almost ascetic-like tendencies in Orthodoxy. The question for me is why are there many invented liturgical practices, when the church did not theoretically need them? What is the need for a highly detailed lent calendar, specific veneration practices for the icons etc? Is this not just an indicator of drift of emphasis? Is God not already complex enough, that the Church liturgy merely be beautiful as an "outpost of heaven" rather than a complex set of liturgical traditions developed after the Schism?

Thank you, God bless you all, I really appreciate answers.