Re: Non-Christian Inquirer
Then we can understand better how very well Fr Irineos is doing. Father has taken a lot of initative ; he has a nice website and produces internet videos about Orthodoxy. It's impressive.
I didn't realize about the demographics in Austin. Nor did I know El Paso is small. I thought it was a booming metropolis !
I quite agree about a large Catholic population base being vastly more helpful. Catholics are sympathetic to Orthodoxy to start with. Unlike Protestants who argue about every last thing. It's tiresome to explain. I could not EVER do that myself. Those who have the patience to take on that podvig deserve praise.
With the increasing pace of abominations in the Vatican II Church, a steady stream of disillusioned Catholics will be likely to discover Orthodoxy.
So you are already attending a Greek Church ? I didn't realize that. You want to hurry, then, to find an ideal setting for your True Orthodox budding parish. The GOA is too liberal ; you don't want to linger there longer than necessary.
By the way, did you feel comfortable to say "Christ Is Risen" and exchange the Paschal greeting with the parishioners ?
Why does your wife want to go a bigger city ? Philadelphia might be a little overwhelming, but the name is of course New Testament !