Inquiring into "Traditional" Orthodoxy

[Barbara]

^ That answer should be FRAMED and put on the wall !

It's perfect.

[Mark Templet]

James,
The World Orthodox are bigger, but that is because they pretend to be the True Church. They fool thousands of people just like you and they have many in their parishes that feel stuck just like you. What being a Christian means is that you forsake the Pharisees, take up the cross and follow Christ. If you love anything, even numerous people and big churches, more than Christ then you are not worthy of Him, as He says. You know deep down that these people are paving the path of the Antichrist with their "good intentions." Don't let the Evil One steal your zeal for the truth.

The RTOC community is a great place to link yourself to. Then get hooked with a good spiritual father or mother and start trying to pray and fast. In the end, large organizations and fancy digs do not help us pray and they certainly don't keep us from sin.

MY FRIEND, COME HELP US MAKE IT BIGGER!

[Barbara]

Excellent answer, too, Fr Mark !
Glad to see your good comments here and other sections.

That is generous of you to recommend RTOC. Of course, that is the only TOC parish in the region where JamesR lives.
It is nice if we all can collaborate well like this.

There are presently no American ROAC parishes west of your Church, right ? I know ROAC is busy with many serious problems in Suzdal,
has little time for expanding US parishes.

[Mark Templet]

There are presently no American ROAC parishes west of your Church, right ? I know ROAC is busy with many serious problems in Suzdal,
has little time for expanding US parishes.

Thank you Barbara. Yes, our parish is the furthest west. Our bishops are indeed quite occupied with the situations in Russia. I can't really speak for any future directions of our jurisdictions. I am thankful that our little parish is growing, slowly, but nonetheless growing.

[Barbara]

You really deserve the praise, Fr Mark.

Really, your parish is growing ? That is really admirable. It's very hard especially in these times when SO MANY are deluded
that it's impossible to find people can see clearly enough about the truth.
And too, to have the spirit of obedience in the midst of widespread rebellion against God.

I am GLAD to hear that. Even to keep going despite all the obstacles is a victory !

JamesR sounds strong and daring enough to be different than the masses ; I hope he is working on considering to add to
either one of our parishes or take the monastic route, as soon as he feels ready, of course.
No one should feel pushed or they will be resentful at some time later : the Devil will be sure to bring it up in their minds and
nag them with such thoughts.