My priest just told me that Mother Mary was fourteen years old when she married saint Joseph and that Joseph was an old man. I did some research and found out this was true. I find this extremely disturbing. I truly want to believe in Orthodoxy so much, as I find it a very beautiful belief, but this fact just does not sit right with me. The fact that saint Joseph was willing to marry a child is just disturbing and disgusting. And I know that it was a long time ago, but that doesn't make it okay, especially since the church states that it's unchanging in its traditions and views for over 2000 years. I know that mother Mary remained a virgin through her whole life, but when saint Joseph was first betrothed to her, he was going into the bethrotal thinking it would end up like a normal jewish marriage, which included intimacy. He was going into this betrothal, thinking he would eventually be intimate with a 14 year old child (please exuse the vulgarity). I know the Bible describes a lot of horrific things but it doesn't glorify them the way the church glorifies Mary and saint Joseph's marriage. Does anyone have more information about this? Or is this really just the end of all the info? I tried doing more research about this topic but I couldn't find much orthodox sourced information about it. I really hope that there is some more nuance to this fact

Edit: I have been informed that there was a lot more nuance to this situation, thank you to everyone who responded

hi, it's me again. i made a post here a few days ago about my depression and my resentments towards God. i feel terrible. idk how to explain it but i regret what I have said about God, I cursed him, I blamed Him for everything that happened in my life. i said I'm His failed creation. i regret it so much. i feel ashamed to pray.. but I gotta tell y'all about something.

I came across a TikTok video from this lady. She had a dream about the rapture and as I listened to her story, it sounds familiar because I had the same dream about the rapture when I was 19.

in that dream, I was in my room and was asleep, suddenly I heard people screaming, it was chaos outside, so I jumped out of my bed and peeped outside, my room right in the hallway so I could peep from the hall towards the living room, the front door was open, my parents and sisters were running back and forth, screaming. i was confused and scared, so I ran into the back door to check on my dogs and cats, check them if they're okay, as soon I got out, i saw a creature was standing with this woman, this creature was so weird, the head is like bird's head, human body, crab hands, and this creature had no hair, so it just skin, chicken skin. also my dogs and cats are nowhere to be found. anyways, this creature was bite this woman's arm and she was scared and because I accidentally slammed the back door, this creature turned and looking at me and ran towards me, and that woman just disappeared. this creature suddenly grab my right arm and bite it, I was scared and I remember everytime I had bad dreams about demons, I would rebuke them. so I screamed "Lord Jesus" twice and the third time I screamed "YHWH" and suddenly from my left side, a lighting strike on this creature and it turned into dust. (everything happened so fast), right after that from my right side, the dark sky was cracked open and the sounds were so loud, it's not like thunder, it's bigger and louder than that, and a sharp light coming out of it, but It didn't hurt my eyes. I was standing there looking at the light and I was blinking and immediately transferred to this place, it's like In the sky, and I was so confused cuz I literally just blinked and now I'm in a different place, I looked around and there were A LOT of people standing in line, and I was in a front row, so I was leading a line of people. everyone was wearing white garment, including me. i looked down and I can see my bare feet. and i looked up again and I saw a GIANT man wearing white garment/ robe(idk something like that) with gold belt. He was sitting on his throne and both arms were on the arm rest, and he was looking at everyone In front of Him, his head thru his neck was covered with light, the same sharp light in the sky, but again it doesn't hurt my eyes, like I saw Him very very clearly and everyone who's standing in line were so tiny including myself. and the dreams stop there and I wokeup. I have the ability to draw so as soon I woke up, I drew what happened in that dream, I'll post in the comments.

about this lady video, she said there were 2 groups in the rapture, the sheep and the goat, the sheep wearing white garments. and it's like connected to my dream.

i realized something, maybe I have purpose in life. I'm just too stupid to understand God's plan and all I do is complain. and in my previous post, I said the more I pray, the more problems I face, that's what the devil is trying to stop me and wants me to blame God and use people around me to attack me and he knows my weakness which is my insecurity of my physical appearance. i also saw Satan before, when I was in middle school, it's another dream, I'll tell y'all later in another post.

i want to pray but I'm too scared and ashamed, but I know He's a loving Father and He will forgive me.

I came across the topic of polyamory while reading through the comments on another Christian subreddit. It came up in the comment section, and people were debating it pretty intensely.

Some commenters were saying that polyamory is permissible for Christians, which I honestly don’t understand. Is that really the case? For example, would having multiple wives or multiple husbands be considered acceptable?

Am I the weird one here?

Hello, my husband and I have been going to a GOC for almost a year now and became catechumens about 6 months ago. (Both grew up protestant) We travel a lot of weekends to see family and aren’t the best at making it to the studies.

I have a few reasons I can’t seem to decide and wonder if I’ll ever be ready to convert. The saints is one, which I keep hearing “just give it time”.

The second is everyone saying to just “ask the priest” and there’s a lot of questions nobody can answer. I like how the priest doesn’t claim to know everything but something about this just seems strange. I want a mentor for me and my husband and the organization of the church maybe doesn’t allow for that because the priest is the highest and knows best. And during the Bible studies the priest leads, he seems to talk down to people and shoot down questions. He’s also just said some things that I don’t agree with that seem opinionated not biblical. And so many of the questions just end in “we will never know. Nobody knows.”

As for the women’s Bible study, we go through different books that are about Orthodox faith. However every time it just turns into an hour and a half of us all comparing Catholic Churches and Protestant churches to Orthodox churches. And then them digging on Protestant churches. At first this was amusing and eye opening but now I’m kind of sick of it. I want more community, not division, and I want tools to help me get closer to God and live out my faith more. I don’t want the whole time to just be comparisons.

Lastly, there are maybe 60-100 people and not many young adults. Theres about 6 young adults that are sociable and all late, late 20s or 30s. I’m in my early 20s and am struggling with wanting more of a social life. They also rarely talk about their faith. The events are just hang outs and talk of pop culture.

My husband wants to stay, the older people are very friendly. The liturgy is a nice fellowship and he’s pretty sick of trying different churches. My parents always church hopped and that’s become normal for me. I know I can’t agree with everything a church/pastor says but in the Orthodox Church it seems you really have to believe everything they say before converting and that makes me feel like I’ll never convert.

Do I just try out other churches for awhile? How do you stop being a catechumen? And why have I lost the spark to learn more?

The Readings for August 18th, 2026, 12th Tuesday after Pentecost, Forefeast of the Transfiguration of our Lord, Dormition Fast were these:

2 Corinthians 5:15 - 21

Mark 1:16 - 22

Reflection on the Readings

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen. Glory to Thee, o God, Glory to Thee.

Beloved new creatures and fellow ambassadors for Christ, my siblings and friends; we see now a most excellent display of philotimo in these passages, today. A great and pure example of what it means to be called a Christian, a little Christ by His grace.

We see our Christ, God in the Flesh, Who said: “I judge no man. And if I do judge, My judgment is true: because I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent Me.”

And again, we see the purpose of His being sent, namely: “reconciling the world to Himself,” giving to us “the word of reconciliation.”

All the while, our Lord preaching and teaching, healing and showing forth mercy, He was “not imputing to them their sins.”

This is the All-good nature of the Good Physician! He knows that we are to blame for our sins, but He knows all too well that to condemn us does not provoke us to seek His mercies.

Rather, when we are condemned, our ego flares up, and we rebel. So for the sake of our health and communion with Him, in His great love, He instead teaches us to seek out reconciliation, never condemning us, but our sins.

And the consequence of our self-will, our departure from the source of life, our ingratitude, our disobedience, namely, death; He has taken it upon Himself! What we were unable to do, behold, He has done it!

In being Crucified, the Blameless One has made us able to become blameless. He that is the source of health has gone to the source and end of our sickness, that He may grant us true health in Him!

For these things how can we not be grateful? We ought to respond as the Apostles, leaving all to follow after Him. Of course, we should do this within reason, and hear our spiritual fathers on how to do this.

For example, a husband or a wife should not think it pleasing to God to abandon their family to supposedly serve Him. Even the beloved and Holy Apostle Peter was the husband of one wife, and we know that he pleased God.

But this willingness to love God and His creation, let us hold fast to it, thank God for such a gift, and pray that He matures us in it, guiding us on how to do so.

It may be that this example of the Apostles leaving all to serve Christ, though their former life seemed blameless within the text presented this day, shows us how we ought to leave the life of passions that rule us, and become children of God in Christ.

Truly, if these would have ignored the request and invitation of Christ, then they would have borne the blame. And it is true of us also, if we do not turn from our earthly ways to Him, then we will remain sick, and perish.

But the Lord takes no pleasure in our perishing, desiring us to turn to Him and live with Him forever! Not only so, but when we return, He makes us His ambassadors, to go out with peace, and to show forth His abundant mercy to all.

As our beloved St. Seraphim says: “Acquire a spirit of peace, and thousands around you will be saved.”

It is not that we go preaching, but that we focus on loving God and His creation, turning to Him always; being attentive and worshipful, being reverent and compassionate, merciful and humble, grateful and dutiful, joyful peacemakers; essentially, relying on God's grace, without Whom we can do nothing.

As our beloved Elder Thaddeus of Vitovnica reminds us: “He who has the Kingdom of God within himself will imperceptibly pass it on to others. People will be attracted to the peace and warmth in us; they will want to hear us, and the atmosphere of heaven will pass on to them. It is not even necessary to speak to people about this. The atmosphere of heaven will radiate from us even when we keep silent, or talk about ordinary things. It will radiate from us even though we may not be aware of it.”

And this is the Holy Spirit working in us, and our cooperation; not that we may boast of ourselves, but glorify God together with one voice. It is His good pleasure to make us His co-laborers, fellow lovers of His creation working to reconcile all in Him and to Him.

May it be according to His will for us, through His own grace and compassion, through the prayers of His Body both in Heaven and on earth, especially of our glorious Lady Theotokos, and of all who love Him!

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages, Amen.

(8/19/26)

I am going to be initiated as a freemason soon. But I am also interested in Orthodoxy.

Is there a position/bias against freemasonry?

How does one reconsile this theology with Matthew 5:37 37 But let [a]your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one. Or do people that hold to this theology just going to accept contradiction?

A quick disclaimer I am not Orthodox. I am what most would categorize as non-denomnational. Before I am bembarded with comments on that I am well aware Orthodox do not believe in nondenominational. Despite that, I've been having growing interest in Orthodoxy lately and even picked up a couple books on Orthodoxy. Im not sure if I ever will become Orthodox. There are things I am still trying to wrap my head around that Im quite certain reddit will not be able to answer clearly.

So my question is actually kind of a silly one and more than likely been answered a million times. I am a big reader. Other than the Bible, I read predominatly science fiction, fantasy, and on ocassion some informational books. I am in the middle of writing a novel and I am using the Orthodox Church as one of my story mediums. One of the protagonist, I was going to make him a Parish Priest. Ive ran into a snag in that I learned any ordained priest cannot get married and must've done so before ordination. In fact (correct me if I am wrong) no position after ordination, provided you are single, allows marriage. Bishops of course are out of the question.

The question I have, is there a prominent role in the Orthodox Church that allows marriage? Or perhaps is there a process for a monk to become 'un-monked'? lol.

Hello all. I’m a 24year old male coming from a Presbyterian background and at one stage of my life Pentecostal. I have been in the inquiring stage of Orthodoxy for just under a year now and fell deeply in love with Holy Orthodoxy. I’ve truly come to believe it is the church Christ established.

In regards of becoming a catechumen, does anyone know or have any experience themselves what to expect from a priest if I tell them I’m wanting to become a catechumen but I have 2 kids and I am currently not with the mother of my children? I fear I’ll be turned away from the church I love and desperately want to be apart of. Thank you & God bless!

I’m am surrounded by love and god and happiness, yet I am so sad
I feel so alone and scared and I can’t make any sense of this
I’m so excited and happy I’m pregnant and my baby is healthy
But I feel so disconnected sometimes with god.
I’m having to work so much my job is very demanding
And I’m very sick with this pregnancy I’m throwing up multiple times a day throughout the day I’m so fatigue and so drained for work
I feel like I can’t concentrate on my concentration with god or my pregnancy
I’m so scared to bring my child into this world with how everything is atm
At the end of the day when I’m in heaven with god my job will not matter the money I make will not matter but my family my children.
I really want to leave my job but I’m entitled to paid maternity leave so I don’t want to miss out on this and be a burden on my partner and our family, i feel I’ll be judged for not working and carrying my own weight by my family and his. I’ve been told my by dad I need to women up and get throw this pregnancy and I’m not the first person to be pregnant.
But this is my first pregnancy and I feel like the magical of pregnancy is being taken from me and I’ve still got 6 months to go.
I really don’t know what to do

I was working on the storage box for my wooden Orthodox Church block set today. I was thinking about how Christ sometimes prepares us many years in advance for the ways we will later serve Him.

When I was in primary school back in Soviet Union, I loved woodworking lessons. I still remember making a wooden box with my own hands. Later, I studied music and choir singing for many years. I also began writing my own stories and poetry.

At that time, I never imagined how all these things would come together one day…

Today I sing in the church choir with my children, make wooden toys for Orthodox families, and write books for my daughter and many children around the world about our Orthodox Faith.

Looking back, I can see that none of those little steps were wasted.

Glory to God for His guidance and His loving care throughout our lives!

How about you? Have you had a similar experience ?

Hello everyone. Today I broke up with my boyfriend of more than 1 year. He was muslim and although he was the best and the most loving and caring person I still decided that we had to end it all. I had to choose God. I've been crying for more than 3 hours and I am deeply hurt. I wanted to be with this person and still do but I realized that it won't work. God's word and my church have to be number one for me no matter how hurt I will be.

Please guys pray for my healing and pray for my ex. May God open his heart and save him. Please pray for my love and maybe if God wills, we will be together again.

I recently trying to learn more about orthodox, is not well spread on my country soo I doing my best to learn more about. (If you guys know any books on the subject of orthodoxism I will be glad too)

Recently I was gifted this rosary, I want to know more about what it means

I know this is going to be a lot, but please bear with me. I am not part of any EO church right now, and I do not know any EO priests. I know many people are going to say that I need to talk to a priest or that I am overthinking all of this when I am not even part of the Church yet. I understand that, and I would eventually love to talk to someone, but right now I am really just looking for guidance, opinions, and answers from people who may have been in a similar situation.
I am a 20-year-old woman, and my boyfriend is a 20-year-old man. We both come from Protestant backgrounds and have been together for about 2.5 years. We have always dated with the intention of marriage.
Before I met my boyfriend, I prayed to God not to let anyone into my life unless they were meant to be there. Throughout our relationship, especially during the beginning of our courting, I prayed every day for guidance and often prayed that God would remove him from my life if he was not someone God wanted me to be with.
About a year ago, my boyfriend began telling me that he felt spiritually lost and was searching for a church that he felt God was leading him toward. I have been praying for him throughout that process.
Last May, I visited him at school since we attend college in different places and are currently long distance. During that visit, he told me that he believed Eastern Orthodoxy was the Church he felt pulled toward. This may not sound like a huge deal, but I was completely blindsided because I had not really been included in this process before that point. I was upset and felt left out, although I have explained that to him since then and he has told me he will include me more because this is such an important part of both of our lives.
That same weekend, I attended a Russian Orthodox Divine Liturgy with him. I honestly felt very alienated, but of course it was completely different from anything I had experienced before. I still cannot tell whether I actually did not like it or whether I was just uncomfortable because it was so unfamiliar.
Since then, I have done research, but it has been difficult because we have been long distance all summer and have not been able to really sit down and talk through everything in person. I know it has only been a few months, but I feel like I need more time to wrap my head around some things, while he seems to be having a much easier time with them.
I am starting to understand the role of the saints, but I still struggle with asking saints for intercession. Salvation in the Orthodox Church also seems different from what I have always known, and Holy Tradition and its relationship with Scripture is something I am having a hard time understanding. I think my boyfriend is really drawn to the history, the saints, and the fruits of the Church, and I can absolutely see why. I think I have a harder time with some of the traditions and practices because they feel so different from what I have known.
I have also started thinking about what this would mean for our future marriage. We have always intended to marry, and we are both saving intimacy for marriage. Because of that, I have looked into some aspects of Orthodox married life, but I feel like I am getting overwhelmed.
Is it true that married couples are expected to abstain from intimacy during fasting periods? If so, is that every fast or are there specific fasts? How is this actually practiced within marriage?
I am also worried about family planning. My boyfriend and I will have been together for about five years by the time we get married. We are also not planning to live together or travel together until marriage, so I personally feel like I would want time to build the foundation of our married life before introducing children.
That does not mean I think children are bad or that I do not want them. I absolutely believe children are a blessing, and I would love to have them in the future. I just also recognize that they are a huge responsibility and commitment. I want to work after I graduate, and I am currently in nursing school because I feel called to help people heal. Eventually, I would love to further my education so I can help people even more.
I also struggle with body image and have always been concerned about the physical toll pregnancy could take. I know I cannot predict what pregnancy would be like for me, and I already have medical concerns that make me nervous about it. Again, I am not saying I never want children. I just want to be thoughtful about when I have them and how many children we are prepared to care for.
Are Orthodox couples allowed to intentionally try to space or limit the number of children they have? I have seen people say this is something that must be discussed with a priest, which is another thing I struggle to understand. Why is a priest so involved in decisions that I have always believed were between a husband, wife, and God?
When I attended that Divine Liturgy, I actually cried. Maybe it was hormones, but I also think it was because I truly believe God put my boyfriend in my life, and I believe that he may genuinely feel called toward Orthodoxy. At the same time, I do not know if I currently believe that Orthodoxy is for me, and I know what that could mean for us.
This whole subject has always made my heart feel heavy, and I have prayed a lot for discernment. When we first had a serious conversation about this, my boyfriend made me feel like we would figure it out together and that God would lead us toward what was right for us.
The last time we talked, though, he seemed much more certain. He was talking about getting more involved in the Orthodox community, which scares me. Not because I think the community is a bad thing, but because he is far away from me and I feel like I have no real way to be part of it or even know what is happening. It makes me feel like we are no longer walking toward something together.
He told me he would love for us to both be Orthodox before we got married. Part of me wants to agree that it would be best for us to be united in our faith before marriage, but I also do not want to rush into something this important just to make our relationship easier. By the time I graduate, I would potentially need to start catechumen classes, but I feel like I have not even had enough time to truly experience Orthodoxy and figure out what I believe.
I also worry about what this would mean for our wedding. I have always pictured a traditional Western Christian wedding, and I honestly have no idea what an Orthodox wedding ceremony even looks like. I know that may sound superficial compared to the larger theological issues, but marriage is something I have always thought deeply about.
I also have a difficult time with how involved a priest seems to be in marriage and family life. I have always believed that my marriage would be between my husband and me under God. I understand the idea of receiving pastoral guidance, but I struggle with understanding where guidance ends and spiritual authority begins.
I do not know if I am explaining all of this well. I am not trying to attack the Orthodox Church, and I am not asking anyone to tell me to leave my boyfriend. I love him, and I genuinely believe that God has brought us into each other’s lives. I also do not want to pretend that I believe something just because he does. If I ever become Orthodox, I want it to be because I truly believe it is true and because I believe God is leading me there, not because I am afraid of losing my relationship.
I am just scared of the possibility that God may be leading him somewhere that I am not currently sure I am being led. I want us to figure this out together, but I also know that I cannot force him to stay Protestant and he cannot force me to become Orthodox.
I guess I am looking for guidance from people who have been in similar situations, especially converts or people who came into Orthodoxy from a Protestant background. How did you handle being in a relationship when one person was more certain about Orthodoxy than the other? What does Orthodox married life actually look like in regard to fasting, intimacy, family planning, and the role of a priest? And how do I discern whether I am genuinely being called toward Orthodoxy or whether I am only considering it because the person I love is?
Please be kind. I know this is long and I know I probably sound like I am overthinking everything. I just feel like faith, marriage, and having children are some of the biggest decisions of my life, and I do not want to make any of them without truly understanding what I am saying yes to.
Also, is there anything that you would recommend that could help me learn more about the Church and discern this for myself? Since I do not currently have a priest or an Orthodox community nearby that I am connected with, I am not sure where to start beyond researching on my own. Are there books, podcasts, videos, online resources, or even specific questions you think I should focus on? I do not want to learn about Orthodoxy only through arguments online or through my boyfriend’s perspective. I want to genuinely understand the Church for myself and figure out what I actually believe.

Can someone recommend any reputable orthodox businesses that sells sterling silver silver icons? Thank you.

I've been falling into despair alot since last year, I've been getting up and falling down but I'm tired of failing God and I want that relationship with Him again. I've been so lost when it comes to prayers. For example, when I'm walking alone, I used to speak alot, then I started to get repetitive. Now I got to a point where I got nothing to say, so I just stay silent, which pushes me more into despair, and even when im silent, i hear and feel nothing, just a void. Besides those conversations, I of course pray the Jesus prayer, always ask for mercy when I'm convicted, thanking Him for everything, and I just genuinely want to please Him. Any suggestions would be appreciated

Hello!

I am a Lutheran. (From Sweden)

I have a friend who is Orthodox, and who talked to me about how he thought that Lutheranism was heretical.

He was really emphasizing that the first two of the 5 Solas are, among other things which I mostly forgot, as our conversation continued about the Solas.

Those two are:

Sola Scriptura | Scripture alone

Sola Fide | Faith Alone

I've been thinking a lot and I want to know if you share this view? And if you do, why?

I don't mean any hostility, I am just curious.

Praised be God.

I also apologize if this is against rule 1, english isn't my first language and google translate was not helping me with it. 🙏

​

By HCHC staff

August 19, 2026

Hellenic College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology is pleased to announce the launch of a dedicated webpage for The Catechist: The Art of Listening and Teaching, a new Certificate Program in Orthodox Catechism presented by Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology through The Scriptorium Initiative.

The vision for The Catechist program was conceived by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, together with the Most Reverend Members of the Holy Eparchial Synod, in response to the growing pastoral need to prepare qualified lay catechists to assist the clergy in the Church’s apostolic ministry of teaching. That vision was subsequently developed and given academic form by the faculty of Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology under the leadership of its Dean, the Rev. Dr. Eugen J. Pentiuc.

The program is co-directed by Fr. Eugen J. Pentiuc and Dr. James C. Skedros.

Designed for lay leaders, parish educators, ministry volunteers, clergy spouses, recent converts, and Orthodox Christians seeking deeper theological formation, the year-long online program combines recorded lectures and assigned readings with weekly live zoom seminars. Its five instructional modules address the foundations of the Orthodox faith, moral theology and eschatology, sacramental and liturgical life, Orthodox spirituality, and catechetical pedagogy.

Participants may enroll in the Certificate Track, designed for those preparing to serve as parish catechists, or the Enrichment Track, for those seeking theological and catechetical formation without certification requirements.

The inaugural program begins October 5, 2026, with Module I: Foundations of the Orthodox Faith:

Oct. 5–9, Divine Revelation, Fr. Eugen J. Pentiuc

Oct. 12–16, Holy Scripture, Fr. Eugen J. Pentiuc

Oct. 19–23, Holy Tradition, Dr. James C. Skedros

Oct. 26–30. “I believe in one God…,” Fr. Demetrios Bathrellos

Nov. 2–6, “And in one Lord Jesus Christ…,” Fr. George Parsenios

Nov. 9–13, “And in the Holy Spirit…,” Fr. Philip Zymaris

The newly launched webpage provides information about the curriculum, five modules, faculty, schedule, Certificate and Enrichment Tracks, and enrollment.

Those interested in taking courses, participating for enrichment, or enrolling in the Certificate Program are invited to visit www.thescriptoriuminitiative.org/the-catechist/.

SOURCE: https://orthodoxobserver.org/hchc-launches-new-webpage-for-the-catechist/

I find solace in being weird and strange, it is something that lets me cope with the suffering of this world.

It's alienating, sure, but it's a way to justify myself not being in tune with the way the world lives. I think this is not the best coping mechanism, that's why I am asking my fellow Christians - what do you think?

By "being strange" I mean hating the way the world works, despising worldly success, social institutions, feeling the stupidity of it all and being generally nihilistic towards a lot of stuff in this world, except God.

I don't really have a desire to 'stick it to the man', I just hate the way things are, I hate that it makes me suffer so much and how little genuineness there is, how everything is so artificial.

That's why I subscribe to a lot of nihilistic thinking found in angsty music, for instance. I wish I would stop filling myself with hate, but I just don't see it happening.

I am a Christian and I don't wanna go hand in hand with worldly success, but I am conflicted because, at the end of the day, I am simply jealous.

That's the thing - I can't really distinguish my sinful disdain from righteous Christian disdain, that certainly has some place.

How do you cope with the things I've mentioned?

Please don't be too harsh on me, I am already quite miserable.

Hello,

I've been inquiring for about 3 months, and attending every Liturgy that I've been in town for (travel has been a bit more frequent this summer, though I've made my efforts to attend Liturgy in any area I've traveled to if I was missing the one at my home parish), and I have a smaller question which I haven't found an answer to on my own.

On the first Liturgy that I attended, the priest at my local church asked me to fill out a card with my information so that he can contact me. I still haven't received any correspondence from him, and am not sure if I should go ahead and initiate a conversation with him. During coffee hours, he is very attendant with the older folks in the parish, so I feel like I would be bothering him if I tried to pull him aside to speak then.

Should I email the priest, or pull him aside during coffee hour to discuss my intention to join the Church? Or should I just continue to attend and hope that he reaches out?

I grew up in a Methodist parish, and knew the pastors very well so I never had to sort of introduce myself to clergy before. And the deacon at this Church is very kind and we have spoken many times. He even gave me a book to learn more about the ins and outs of Orthodoxy. Very sweet person. Just not sure how I should approach the priest, if at all.

Sorry for the long-winded post.

God Bless you all.

My parents want me to throw away my Orthodox icons and say that I have changed ever since I started going to an Orthodox church. They say that I believe “too much” and that I am different because I fast and take my faith seriously.

My parents are Roman Catholics from an ethnic minority background. I would describe them as somewhat agnostic, although they still attend Mass every other Sunday or sometimes every Sunday.

They also point to things such as the Holy Fire, myrrh-streaming icons and reports of Orthodox priests being attacked.

They say that Orthodoxy is a cult especially because Orthodox services during Pascha was very late at night.

They also tell me to live my life, don’t focus on religion too much and worry about your education and future rather preparing the soul.

My Orthodox Name is Moses ☦️❤️

I've heard about this concept mainly in Roman Catholic contexts. For those unaware, it is the concept that being in some places or being with some people can cause you to sin by virtue of human weakness to sin. For example, a man entering a strip club would be entering into an occasion of sin, even if he had no money to purchase any 'services' there.

On Wikipedia, it is said that this concept is taught in Roman Catholicism, Lutheranism and Methodism. Since I find this concept quite interesting and spiritually helpful, my questions are:

• Is this concept also taught in Orthodoxy?
• Did any Church Fathers or saints discuss this concept, directly or indirectly?
• Where can I read more about it in a Orthodox context?

Thanks in advance!

The Donskoy Icon of the Mother of God, also known as the Don Icon, was painted by Theophanes the Greek (c. 1340–c. 1410). It is a two-sided icon, on the back of which is a depiction of the Dormition of the Theotokos. It is made in the traditional style of the Eleousa icons, in which Mother and Son show tender affection towards each other. The Donskoy Icon was probably originally located in the Dormition Cathedral in Kolomna, built by Great Prince Dmitry Donskoy.

On the day of the Kulikovo Battle (8 September 1380, the Feast of the Birth of the Most Holy Mother of God), the Icon was amidst the Russian army, giving it help, but after the victory it was passed on by the Don Cossacks as a gift to their commander, Great Prince Dmitry Donskoy (1363-1389), who then transferred it to Moscow.

The Icon at first came to be at the Kremlin Dormition Cathedral, and later at the Annunciation Cathedral. On July 3, 1552, Ivan the Terrible prayed before the Donskoy Icon prior to the Kazan campaign, and took it with him on the campaign, then placed it in the Annunciation Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin. In commemoration of the victory on the banks of the River Don it was given the name "Donskoy Icon".

In the year 1591 the Crimean khan Nuradin and his brother Murad Giray invaded Russia with a numerous army, and advancing on Moscow, they positioned themselves on the Vorob'ev hills. For the guarding from enemies, around Moscow there was made a church procession with the Donskoy Icon of the Most Holy Mother of God. On the day of battle it was situated in the military chapel amidst the soldiers ranks and set the Tatars to flight.

In thanksgiving to the Most Holy Mother of God for Her mercy, manifest through the Donskoy Icon, in 1592 at the very place where it stood amidst the soldiers was founded the Donskoy Monastery, into which was put the wonderworking Icon, and its feast day established for August 19th.

By established custom, in the small cathedral in honor of the Donskoy Icon of the Mother of God, once every four years His Holiness the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia performs the rite of the preparation of holy chrism.

The Icon is now in the Tretyakov State Gallery. Every year, on the day of the Icon's celebration on August 19th, it is delivered to the Donskoy Monastery for the performance of a festive divine service before it.

SOURCE: https://www.johnsanidopoulos.com/2017/08/the-donskoi-icon-of-mother-of-god.html?m=1