Witnessing heterodox services.

[Jean-Serge]

What do you think abou witnessing heterodox services for example your friends or parents' burial, weddings etc. Is this allowed by the canons. Was it theologically appropriate for Orthodo bishops to witness John Paul II's funerals?

[尼古拉前执事]

Techincally it is not canonical, but I think that most bishops will grant you ekonomia for attending family weddings and funerals.

[Jean-Serge]

Could you give me, please the canons? It is not the canon against prayer with heterics because in this case it is about witnessing without praying...

[ioannis]

Our priest only allows it for immediate relatives, and even then advises that we say the Jesus prayer with our prayer rope over and over. And also, if it is possible go to the bathroom as often and for as long as possible.

Under no circumstances can we activley be a part of any "service".

The whole point is that the closer the relative, the less excuses you can make and the more you would scandalize people by not going. And it would be worse for you to cause someone to blaspheme God. Its a balance and no doubt there are other opinions - but never do we pray with them as the canons forbid.

[pjhatala]

Some years ago, I had to make a decision about attending my grandmother's funeral. Perhaps I made the wrong choice; I can't change things now. My grandmother no longer was a Christian, because she had joined the Jehovah's Witnesses. I thought I understood our priest (not where I live now) to draw the line at attending a non-Christian rite. I no longer can remember accurately. At any rate, I did not go, and this angered my parents greatly.

Your all's thoughts?

Thoughts??! Yeah...plenty, but I'll keep it simple and cordial to try and abide by the forum's standards.

It's your grandmother!!!!!! Are you confused as to why your parents would be upset??! What did you gain by not attending? Anything? Would your attendance have disrupted your faith??? Would it have scandalized other Orthodox Christians who look to you for support???
Ah, the fruits of being "correct".

[pjhatala]

Orthodox6,

I don't mean to come down on your personally...just the mentality. Maybe your mentality has changed since the incident.

[Mykael]

I believe there is a large difference in "observing" a heterodox service and "participating" in one. Attending a family funeral, wedding or wahtever is ok as long as one does not actively take part in the service, such as being a palbearer or best man...

For instance: I am attending college, taking a course in World Religions. Part of the course requirement is to "observe" a religous service of a different tradition from my own, and report my perceptions. I have been given a blessing, and encouragment to do so. Because I am observing not participating.

I will not "hold hands" with my Southern Baptist friends, go to church with them, or attend a bible study because the expectation is my "participation" in prayer with them. There is a BIG difference.

Lowly Mykael