What if there are only modernist parishes in my area?

[Vasily]

Most Orthodox see the modernist jurisdictions as fully canonical, but I find myself very unsatisfied with the way my parish is spiritually (and myself also). I have attened a ROCOR parish a couple of times and was floored by how seriously the parishoners took their faith. They actually bowed when they entered the temple venerated the icons in the church and the gospel after it was read. They stood during the service and the men and women stood on different sides of the church. Wow.

I would love to attend a ROCOR parish, but the nearest one is nearly a two hour drive away in Oklahoma City (I live in Tulsa). What would any of you advise I do? Should I continue attending the Antiochian parish in my city, or what? I can't see making it to the OKC parish except maybe once every couple of months . . .

[bogoliubtsy]

How about attending the Antiochian parish 3 weekends a month, then on a forth weekend make the trek to the ROCOR parish and confess and commune. Just a thought.

[Vasily]

I have considered that, but the priest in OKC, who I respect highly, would not really encourage that. He accepts the Antiochians as canonical, but I think he realizes the modernist condition of the Antiochians makes that atmosphere unhealthy. I guess I could ask him about irregular attendance.

To be honest, I have two small children and making that drive to OKC at all would be difficult financially and because of the children.

[Natasha]

Welcome to my world. It is a difficult situation to say the least. The sad thing is that we are shocked when we encounter the correct things being done in churches.

As for my situation, my family and I plan to move to a different area as soon as we sell our house. Please pray for a quick sale!

[PFC Nektarios]

I have the opposite situation, my parish is a very traditional one, its great. My priest allows me to visit other parishes alot. I usally go to another antiochian parish at least 2xs a month. How far is the ROCOR parish from you?

In Christ
Nektarios

[TomS]

What would any of you advise I do?

I would advise you attend the Liturgy.

Where, is not really that important. What is important is the state of your heart when you attend.

[PFC Nektarios]

Thats what any priest would say. I suggest you do that to.

In Christ
Nektarios