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I have a simple (may even seem a little dumb) question.

Where do you find a spiritual father?! Is it usually the priest at your church?

(I ask as someone who is about to join the Byzantine Church)

Thanks!

Hello Nathan,

Your question is very difficult. Surely a spiritual Father is in Church, Catholic, Byzantine, Orthodox, Eastern Churches...

Here in Romania, in general in Orthodoxy, we find spiritual Fathers, especially, in monasteries. But a parish priest can be too. A spiritual Father is usually the Father Confessor too.

Just look for and you will find. You know the Scripture.

In the 18th century it was a monk, St. Paisie Velicikovski. He couldn't find a spiritual father, the Church conditions were special that time. (Of course he had a Father Confessor)
Therefore he decided to follow the teachings of the Church Fathers. Of course, on first place is our Lord Jesus Christ. He continued to learn and to look for, and he found finally St. Basil from Poiana Marului, Romania.
In a final he was spiritual father for thousands of monks, and many laic people.
All about the prayer of the heart, the movements in soul and mind, and other teachings. He translated also Philokalia (a great and wonderful collection) into the Slav language, Dobrotoliubie.

Just look for.

May God have mercy on us. Amin.

In Christ, brotherly, Marian

It's normal for it now to be your parish priest. I know of a couple people in my parish who have a hieromonk as a spritual father and confessor. Our priest is fine with that and encourages people to go to monasteries.

I believe in Russia before the Revolution there was also a tradition of lay elders who could act as spiritual fathers, though sadly I believe that has died out.

Andrew

Dear Nathan,

Believe it or not, I am now a "spiritual father" to someone.

I was actually "ordered" to do it by a priest (who should know better).

Alex

I would like a monk for a spiritual father if God wills it.

If you are EC can an Orthodox person be a spiritual father?

So many questions....

Nathan,

As has been noted, spiritual fathers are usually the parish priest (or deacon). There is nothing to preclude using an Orthodox priest or monk -- but then you eliminate the possibilty of using your spiritual father as your confessor (which is also the case if you choose a deacon or layman).

Fr. Deacon Edward

Ok, that makes sense. The only reason I asked was because there is an Orthodox Monastery relatively close by.

Thanks,

Nathan