Hello,
I stumbled upon this forum and just joined. I was looking for a forum of introductions, but didn't see one, so I would just like to say hello and introduce myself.
I was raised Roman Catholic. My family was very serious about always attending mass and receiving the sacraments. On the other hand, I was never encouraged to study the Bible, pray the Rosary or things like that, but I always felt very close to God.
My husband is Greek Orthodox and the differences in our churches (and cultures) caused us some trouble when we were becoming serious enough to consider marriage. My husband is less devout, but in the Greek culture, the family does not want a child to marry outside the church. Finally, it was clear that if I didn't agree to marry in the Greek Orthodox Church and raise our children there, we would never marry, so I agreed to it. Of course, my family didn't prefer it that way, but my parents were gracious enough to accept it.
At first it was very difficult for me because I always felt like somewhat of an outcast. Gradually, I grew to love many things about the Orthodox church, particularly the Anastasi service for Pascha. We have raised 5 beautiful children, ages 9 to 21, and thank God for His help.
Over the years I have studied a great deal about the two churches and tried to make sense of our division. Since we have been married, we have only attended Orthodox liturgies and about 18 years ago, I decided to be chrismated in the Orthodox church, mainly because it pained me greatly that I was not allowed to receive communion in the Church. I also felt a disunity in our family. I was not sure if these were good reasons to "convert" and I spoke to a priest who agreed that they were.
I still have a great love for the Catholic faith, though I don't not consider it a departure for the Orthodox faith, but rather a difference in style. I know the theological differences, but I fervently pray that we can someday be reunited, because I believe we can better honor God and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ by being united as Christians.
Sorry for the long post, but I am excited to find this forum and look forward to learning more about the Eastern Catholic Church.
In Christ,
Alicia
