Prayer with Heterodox Family and Friends

David · Post by **David** » Sun 21 December 2003 9:39 pm

Here is something I have often wondered about (probably because I don't spend enough time simply trying to overcome my passions-
I am often asked to say grace over the food at family gatherings or eating out with friends where I or my wife and I are the only Orthodox present.
Do the canons which forbid "praying with heretics" apply only to formal church situations or to every situation of our life?
How do the Orthodox here handle these situations? What do you do when asked to give a short extemporaneous prayer rather than the whole mealtime prayer? Or when the family wants to join hands and have a heterodox member lead?
I never want to compromise any aspect of my Faith but I also don't want to give needless offence and cause my loved ones to run away either.
Any thoughts out there on this subject?

God bless!
David

尼古拉前执事 · Sun 21 December 2003 9:46 pm

I have been taught that you can lead the prayers as you are praying and you cannot control others joining in, but if a heterodox person is praying, just keep your hands at your sides and say your own prayer while they are doing theirs as to not cause unneeded friction. I hope this has been of some help.

Jakub · Post by **Jakub** » Tue 23 December 2003 8:29 pm

You guys are welcome anytime to pray when I barbecue, be it for the cooking / burning of the meat, or to thank the Lord, or both.

I don't think I'm in the same league as those tax collectors.

Seasons blessings,
james

Liudmilla · Post by **Liudmilla** » Thu 25 December 2003 6:10 am

I never turn down any opportunity for prayers, regardless of who says it. I figure if a non-orthodox prayers before my icon (we all stand and face the icons anyway) then who knows what miracles God will perform.. And the same goes when I am away from home.... If asked to say the blessing, I do it as I know how and the host is rarely offended...otherwise they wouldn't ask.

PFC Nektarios · Post by **PFC Nektarios** » Mon 29 December 2003 8:46 pm

I was wondering the same thing you guys were, thanks for answering my question. Before I even got to ask it

In Christ
OL

user_245 · Post by **user_245** » Fri 9 January 2004 8:28 am

I am new to this board but a cradle Orthodox. I work at a Catholic hospital, which is nice in the sense that I am able to have an icon in my office without retribution. We have an invocation before all meetings, and I have been wondering the same thing, and am glad to have an answer.