Antidoron

[sue57]

Well, there's a new one for everybody! As I stated when I first posted here, I am not Orthodox, but I have been attending a ROCOR church. At Penecost, an old Russian woman told me to go up and take the antidoron, which I've been doing since then. I checked online, and it seemed to be ok for non-Orthodox to participate in "instead of gift". Today, Father said no, it's not. Of course, I feel horribly embarassed! He told me to come in and talk, but I'm really not ready to do that at this point. I can't believe I made this mistake! Can anyone give me any advice? I feel so stupid. I try, as a visitor/observor to be unobstrusive, so to me, this is the worst thing possible. (I know, it probably isn't , but I feel so bad.)
Thank you for letting me discuss this ('cause I feel REALLY BAD!) I thought of maybe writing Father a letter and explaining this, which I would prefer to speaking face to face.

Suzanne

[Justin Kissel]

Please don't be sad (anymore)! People make mistakes, and in this case I think the mistake was definately not yours. Or if it was your mistake, it was done in ignorance... which is one reason the Orthodox pray many times for forgiveness of sins done "in ignorance". It's not he who follows the rules that God loves, but "a humble and contrite heart God will not despise."

Different churches, and apparently even different people within the same church, have different views regarding antidoran. It's ok, just make sure to not do it again... that's not meant to be a slap on the wrist, just stating the obvious! I remember when I accidentally asked a non-priest (a monk who introduced himself as "father so and so") for a blessing. He half blessed me, and then I kissed his hand (which was attached to a very confused face) and then we both got really embarrassed as the reality of the situation was being explained to me. It happens to all of us, I don't think there's any harm as long as your motives are right (we aren't, after all, talking about accidentally taking the eucharist or anything like that).

[Seraphim Reeves]

Don't feel bad, I've been told conflicting things about this as well. The problem seems to be that in many Orthodox juristictions, the antidoron is often used to further "ecumenical relations"; the clerics know clear cut they're not allowed to give Holy Communion to non-Orthodox, but for them this is the next best thing.

However, traditional Orthodox sources I've read have (as far as I've read and been told) say this is not proper, since the antidoron really is "instead of gifts", thus is meant for those who have any possibility of receiving the Holy Gifts in the first place. In fact, they are often taken away and consumed daily by pious Orthodox in the same way Holy Communion once was taken away by catacomb Christians in the early Church, where they would communicate themselves in situations where gatherings of believers could be infrequent due to persecution.

I'd be interested, however, if anyone has heard anything contrary to this, since I've been told that the antidoron is meant only for Orthodox Christians.

[rebecca]

In our parish, rather than distributing the real antidoron, my priest gives out regular blessed bread, which anyone can take. I don't know how many other parishes do this, but I can see how one may get confused.

You're still allowed to kiss the cross and get a blessing from the priest, even if you're not Orthodox.

Don't feel bad; up until a few years ago, I thought I was allowed to share my prosfora with non-Orthodox people! :ohvey: No one will hold it against you; there's a lot to learn.

[sue57]

This certainly makes things clearer, especially the idea of "instead of gifts" being for those who cannot take Holy Communion. Honestly, I think the whole thing started when when nice, elderly Russian woman told me to kiss the cross and get Father's blessing, then someone handed me a piece of the antidoron, and that is what happened. Today though, another woman gave me a wrapped piece, but I gave it back to Father, of course, when he spoke to me.
Not to get into a big digression, but converts to Orthodoxy sometimes complain "it's SO Greek, or SO Russian." I love that! It would take pages to explain why I feel that way, but I know some Protestant churches treat visitors like when you walk into a store in the mall, and everyone jumps down your throat. (What a great view of Christian Fellowship, huh?) I just mean, I like feeling rather "outside." I find it comforting, at this point at least. I also see the point about the antidoron being used in a "ecumenical" sense, which is why a ROCOR priest would point out the error of what I did (he was really nice about it, of course.) I still would like to offer some explanation though, because I don't want to seem as if I am totally ignorant of proper conduct.

[OrthodoxyOrDeath]

sue,

I would like to add my voice - don't feel embarrased or sad. I have been embarrassed and sad for a good many things which I didn't know any better. It's the "salt" of the Church which makes it the Church.

If you are anything like me, you'll be embarrased many more times.

btw - I didn't read everything above, but if the day every does come, God-willing, that you are received and take antidoron, you also have to fast to take it. And you don't have to take it if you take communion, at which time you shouldn't kiss icons either. And when you do receive antidoron, don't drop the crumbs!

[sue57]

I just wanted to post this for the people who were nice enough to reply when I felt so bad about mistakenly taking the antidoron at the ROCOR church I attend (I am not Orthodox.)
Feeling that I needed to explain my mistake, I wrote a letter to Father, asking a few questions about Orthodoxy as well. This was over a month ago. Yesterday, I recieved a very kind letter from him and Ifeelmuch better about the entire situation. He also answered one of my questions that had confused me, but he made everything seem clear.
So, all in all a good end to a troubling incident. Thanks to everyone for your advice.