www.byzcath.org Forums General Discussions Town Hall a little announcement

During the course of Great Lent and prayer and fasting, I decided that Christ would prefer me to be part of the Catholic Church.

This was mostly for personal reasons. They became much more clear to me because of the prayer and fasting during Lent. Usually, I don't talk about my personal life here. However, I had mentioned my decision to join the Orthodox Church here at the Byzcath Forum, so I thought I should mention this decision to stay Catholic here too.

There is one part that I can share here. It is pertinent to many discussions and discernments that are taking place at this Forum.

I had equated Orthodox praxis with holiness. That was a mistake.

I realized my mistake after witnessing some examples in the Orthodox Church of exact praxis but less than perfect charity. I also experienced many examples of wonderful charity. And I concluded that I didn't need to leave my own church for this, that the good and bad in the Catholic Church are also in the Orthodox Church (and vice versa). So I might as well stay in my own Church (where I feel called) and be of service.

I came to realize that spirituality is not the same thing as holiness. Praxis, I have come to realize, is simply exercises. Holiness, however, comes from grace in the heart and is living in union with God: directly and with the neighbor. Spirituality can help a person become more holy, but it is not the same thing as holiness. For holiness, what is required is the Gospel; and praxis is only a means of helping a person to keep and to live the Gospel.

I wanted to share that because I and others have been groping for a way to become holy. The praxis of the Eastern Church looks attractive because it is so spiritual. And, it can help a person become more holy. But, as I learned this Lent, praxis / spirituality is only a means to an end; it is not the end itself: which is loving God and loving the neighbor.

Hopefully, this experience will help me do so more; and I ask your forgiveness for the times when I failed to do so here.

a sinner,

-- John

Christ is Risen!

The Blessing of the Lord!

Dear John,

We rejoice with gladness, and I am confident that many of us will pray for you and with you. Catholicism is not always easy, especially in the short term, but then nobody ever said that it is supposed to be!

Asking your own good prayers, with every blessing,

Fr. Serge

John,

Thank you for your "little announcement". It was very spiritually uplifting and good fodder for my own spiritual walk. We are blessed to have you - both here on the forum and in our communion.

Christ is Risen!

Gordo

Bloom where you're planted. It's something I've thought about recently as well.

Dear John,

I am glad that you decided to share this decision with the forum.
I especially love your meditation that spirituality isn't always the same as holiness.


This is a very enlightened thought. Thank you for it. I am going to keep it in my 'memory banks' along with Anthony Dragani's enlightened thought: "there is no schism in heaven". May I quote you, if the occasion arises?

All blessings always,
Alice

P.S. Andrew:

I also love your saying "bloom where you are planted"....that is quite profound and brilliant. Thank YOU too!

John,

God bless you. I am always happy to hear when anyone makes a conscientious decision after taking time to think, pray, and fast. I've made it no secret that I think the answer to whether one should be in communion with Rome or not is not self-evident and that very good and holy people can come to different conclusions.

Alice, I too like Andrew's words, "bloom where you are planted." I think that trying to be the best Christian you can be wherever you are is what is most important. In fact, if all of us were more conscientious and put more effort into being better Christians, then we would facilitate unity more than any Church dialogue or theological commission. Blessings to you and your family.

Joe

John, thank you for your honesty!

Christ is risen!

Blessings on your journey. May the Blessed Theotokos keep you safe and close to her Son, our Lord and Saviour. And may some of the praxis you have picked up "here" help you find holiness "there."

I like this quote as well, and it has been a good thing to ponder.

I will say, though, as a transfer from the West, the seed of the East became deeply planted in my own soul over the years until I finally reached a point where I needed to be transplanted into a different part of the garden.

So sometimes a move can be a good - even necessary - thing.

God bless,

Gordo

John...

I wish you well. I liked your comment about the importance of pursuing holiness with the help of whatever it is that will help you achieve it (i.e. Praxis).

It took me a very long time to realize that too. It is only until very recently I kind of understood it which led me to make my decision for myself.

A friend said that it depends on where people are at in their lives...may it be in the Catholic Church, Orthodox, Judaism, Lutheranism, whatever it is that will HELP them achieve holiness.

Now, my question...just out of curiousity because of my ignorance...what is the differene between the Byzantine Catholic praxis and Orthodox praxis? Are they identical?

My definition of praxis is the customs or practices??? Is that right?

Thanks.

SPDundas
Deaf Byzantine

My prayers are continued for you John.

That was a very nice post.

Thank you, all, for your very warm replies.



Well said; well said indeed.

-- John

I would be honored.



It is good to be back. I had to straighten out a few things in my heart first; then, I missed this Forum too much to stay away. Although I haven't met any of you, you all have become friends as well as teachers; and I am honored to know you.

Much Love,

-- John

Dear SPDundas,

Off the cuff, I would say that Byzantine praxis is the customs and practices that developed in the Byzantine Empire and which were later transmitted and adopted (and adapted) by Eastern Europe.

Orthodox praxis includes Byzantine praxis as well as the praxis that developed in other cultures (Syria / Palestine, Egypt, India, etc.).

The Byzantine praxis of Byzantine Catholics is currently being revived (to varying degrees) to more closely resemble their Tradition of long ago. In my opinion, the Orthodox Church is a good example in many (but not all) things for Byzantine Catholics who are trying to revive their Tradition.

-- John

Thanks, John! I appreciate your explanation.

Is there a easy read book that would elaborate more on that?

It's just out of my intention to understand and appreciate the Byzantine Tradition based on the Byzantine Empire and various cultures (Byzantine Praxis as you mentioned).

SPDundas
Deaf Byzantine