I was baptized in the Greek Orthodox Church at 17. I before then, and since then, never found a Church I felt comfortable in.
I guess it stems from how don't know how to truly start. I'm not sure how to approach the Priest. I usually see a language barrier. Seeing how I speak only English. So it's hard for me to feel apart of things.
So does anybody have any advice for me?
joasia wrote:What about the church you got baptised in? Why didn't you stay there? The priest let you get baptised, so that's not so bad, is it?
He was great. But he didn't seem to be able to work with me, due to the language barrier. Lots of my questions, had him leading me to other people. But I need more of a Priest's care, than a theologian's care.
I did get Baptized. But I only met the father on the day of my baptismal. My grandfater is a member of the Greek community, so he was kind enough to set it up for me. That's why I was baptized there.
Orthodox6 wrote:Where, then were you catechized? Consult the priest of that parish. You must have received instruction at somewhere. A priest could/would not baptize a seventeen-year-old who had not been catechized. . . . We here don't know a timeframe. either. Are you still seventeen?
English is my native language, too; however, foreign languages (either in a service or when spoken by people) do not make me uncomfortable. So I don't see the language as being a legitimate barrier. Perhaps you just are of a shy/retiring personality. Only in one particular nationality setting have I ever thought it impossible for a generic American convert to "fit in." All other settings always have had at least several people who combined the faith with true friendliness.
Why not attend your grandfather's parish? (Unless he lives in another city, making that impossible.)
I'm 19 and I was never catechized. I was not given any instruction. The Priest didn't really expect me to know anything about Orthodoxy. I could tell by the way he was telling me about the simplest aspects of the Church. I was allowed to get baptized due to be halfing Greek, and having my grandparents as members of the Church (although they are not religious).
The Church were I got Baptized is a bit out of the way. And I can't really attend it for family reasons, anyway.
Which nationality setting did you find it imposible to fit in?
