In the wake of the LEM thread, I would like to ask everyone, (esp. Kurt and Serge, two contributors who I highly value) to please calm down and don't leave. I really like this forum, and it is the only religuous forum on the net that I feel comfortable posting in.
For the record, I am in the OCA, but I have thought about becoming Catholic, quite seriously.
Needless to say, my viewpoints on the validity of Catholic sacraments, for example, wouldn't fit in well in other Orthodox forums, I think everyone here can guess which ones. Having converts from both Churches here really adds to the diversity, and I don't wan't anyone permanently upset because of a silly topic like Lay Eucharistic Ministers.

Hey, aren't we in a 40 day penitential period now?

St. John Fisher pray to God for us!

Michael

Michael,

Thanks. Our affiliations and views are very similar. Don't worry — this is my favorite online forum and I have no intention of quitting! I'm just trying out the filter option for peace of mind.

http://oldworldrus.com

Yuppers, that's a go, Houston.

Although we get heated sometimes, and even say things that are somewhat unkind, you are right, Brother Michael, that this is the place where RCs, Orthodoxes, Moslems, Questioners, and even Byzantine Catholics can post freely without fear of being excised from the community of posters.

I sometimes jokingly refer to this Forum as an Internet parish or diocese where folks can come and interact without fear of being 'anathematized' by one group or another. And this, to me, indicates that we are doing God's will by just being present to each other. Perhaps this is the 'dreaded Ecumenism' that strikes fear into the hearts of the "truly faithful" who cannot afford to be tainted by contact with the "unclean". I guess they should avoid contact with the "unkosher" folks who post here. But, I think that Our Lord would be very comfortable -- you know, tax collectors, harlots, etc., just like the folks who post here (<evil grin&gt

It is my understanding that there are lots of 'lurkers' who visit this site daily or at least several times a week. Perhaps they are somewhat skittish or even afraid to post for fear of retaliation from some "power" or another. That's OK.

But the ongoing interaction among the registered posters serves as a witness (for me, anyway) that when people of good-will come together, then there is potential for grace for everybody -- including Orthodox, Catholics, Moslems, Jews, Questioners, etc.

Don't sweat it, Brother! And PLEASE, remain an active part of our parish/community/diocese here on the Internet.

Blessings to ALL!

Michael, I haven't followed the LEM thread much since it started, but I thank you for the reminder of this present pentitential season. I do so often need reminders. Thank you!

Lord, have mercy!