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One day I would like to be a priest.

[ 01-29-2002: Message edited by: Broric ]

Dear Broric:

Are you challenging God? You say that ever since you were a child, your heart has burned with desire for the priesthood. Yet, you were a protestant for five years, and are now married?

What does the priesthood mean to you?

There is a difference between "desire for" and a "calling for."

But with those issues aside, the way to prepare for a possible ordination to the priesthood is by being a faithful and devoted husband and father (I assume you are not a father yet). Both of these require true sacrifice of self. I must become We. This is what the priesthood is about. It is the sacrifice of self, not for one in particular, such as a spouse, but for all. If you are not capable of this within your own family, you are not capable of this within the church.

With prayers for your life's discernment,

Fr. Dcn. John

By no means Am I challenging the Lord. I had no understanding growing up in a houshold where there was no Jesus. I only had bits and pieces from what people talked about God. When I grew up I searched for him in what was presented to me and now I have truth and I happen to have a child.

Also, Im would like to add in response to call. As a child I heard the call. Upon conversion into Chritianity I sought the Call. However, in the denomination I was with there was a something missing. I was a very succesful missionary in my Church but never felt at home. Eventually, I found my home and the desire for priesthood became a reality and a truth. I considered other options besides priesthood, but my heart became heavy. As of know I am on fire and doing my best to prepare for what I believe is of God.

If the priesthood is God's will for you, than it is in the scope of possibility for all things are possible with God.

Father Deacon gives you excellent advise.

One thing to remember, though, is that often times God does not work according to our preconceived plans and time tables. His will is mysterious and often beyond our human understanding. It may appear than a good many things "go wrong" as we actually accomplish God's will, and we grow holier from these experiences.

God Bless you!
Stefan

My suggestion to you is this:

1) Learn the chants of the church perfectly. Cantors John Vernoski and J. Michael Thompson have some good basic material if you don't have the resources in your parish available to you. In this way you will be participating liturgically in the life of the church in a more active way.

2) Pray a lot. Byzantine Daily Worship by Raya or Let us Pray to the Lord series are good to use.

3) Help out at all church fundraisers/festivals/projects that you can to make sure you are well known and liked by the community. You will NOT get ordained if no one knows you or if people perceive you as an outsider.

best wishes, and Christ's love,

anastasios

My Dear Broric,

May God be with you on your journey. I, myself, am praying about a monastic vocation (and could use some prayers if possible). But, I too have situations in my life that would have to be solved before making any permanent decisions. Personnaly, I am leaving it in the hands of God as I know too well that I can't solve them on my own. His Will will be done regardless of how I interfere.

Dmitri.

Thank you all for your encouraging words. From what I understand it will be difficult to be selected do to my back ground. God be with you all

Dear Broric,

I know what you said on another thread, but do entrust your vocation to the Mother of God.

Allow yourself to be shaped by the Holy Spirit and by Her into the image of Jesus Christ, which is what every Priest (and Christian) is called to be.

Alex

My prayers are also with you for your discernment; please pray for mine too...if God wills it, we just might be in the same line of work one day...

[ 01-25-2002: Message edited by: Mor Ephrem ]