What's Your Past And Present?

Anastasios · Post by **Anastasios** » Mon 21 July 2003 11:29 am

To those who defended me, I thank you. I am a sincere person who is attemping to probe these issues in a spirit of humilty, but sometimes I fail at that . It is hard to sort through the truth when one's nous is darkened. Yes, as some pointed out, I have provoked some controversy at times. But never in the spirit of meaness did I post what I posted; occasionaly I was ornery and posted a joke about Juliana's Church, or got harsh with Orthodoc with whom I have a history that predates this forum, but I tried to keep my posts within the bounds of reason. This thread caused me anger and sadness, so I decided it was in my best interest to cease posting here, at least for the time being. I am a "big boy" as one poster pointed out, so I am not quitting because suddenly the tables were turned on me; no, I simply recognize that I both feel bad but cause bad feelings at the same time and think it is better just to cool off.

I was requested by certain posters to contribute my essay on non-Chalcedonians and the branch theory so I have finished that and am posting it. I will read the replies and then continue with my "vacation" from this forum.

Sincerely in Christ,

anastasios

Nektarios14 · Post by **Nektarios14** » Mon 21 July 2003 12:40 pm

-baptized latin Catholic at age four

-hated with a passion everything to do with church

-slowly grew back to the latin church

-became a strong defender of the papacy

-got really fed up with liberalism and modernism

-heard things about "the eastern churches being conservitive"

-quickly discovered that the papacy was not true and many latin teachigns were actually herisies

-started attending local GOA church

became a catechumen on November 14th, 2002
visited Saint Anthony's Monastery for the first time on December 1st, 2002...even though I had intellectually accpeted the Truth of Orthodoxy this is when my heart truly converted
entered Holy Orthodoxy via confession, Holy Chrisimation and Holy Communion on January 4th, 2003
now am still sadly living a sinful life that doesn't reflect the faith I hold

Liudmilla · Post by **Liudmilla** » Mon 21 July 2003 7:22 pm

Welcome Nektarios, to the thorny world of Orthodox striving. Do not despair in your "sinfulness" ... we are all sinful in some way or manner and we are all on that same road to spiritual enlightment and truth. No man is truly sinless, his grace lies in what he choses to do about it. You have embarked on the road of Orthodoxy ... a road at times difficult to travel and at times filled with blessings. We hope for later more than the former. Good luck and God Bless....

I do not have the same kind of story as the rest of you...I am cradle Orthodox, but that does not mean I did not travel a path without enlightment. The rebellion of youth matures into a deeper faith and commitment as time goes on ... it was in fact friendship with a convert that lead me "back" into the faith. Life experiences have tempered that initial zealousness and replaced it something a bit more mature. (I hope. )

Justin Kissel · Post by **Justin Kissel** » Mon 21 July 2003 7:26 pm

Nektarios,

Ditto what Liudmilla said

Liudmilla,

Life experiences have tempered that initial zealousness and replaced it something a bit more mature.

Sounds about right to me! Where would we whacky converts be without you being level-headed and bringing us back to reality? :mrgreen: (I am being serious, of course $/\$ )

Liudmilla · Post by **Liudmilla** » Mon 21 July 2003 7:51 pm

Justin....

Weeeelllllll, SOMEONE has to be a bit level-headed....boy, would people laugh if they only knew.. :mrgreen: .... thanks for the compliment...

Nektarios14 · Post by **Nektarios14** » Mon 21 July 2003 11:32 pm

Thanks for the welcome

I did many stupid things to predispose myself to many passions and sins, but this is the essence of Orthodoxy- redemption...this is the only way to purification and living in true freedom.