www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life Faith & Theology ?communion in BC services

You know the only thing that scares me is the ethnic part of the whole BC and OC thing. I recently found out that one side of my family is Carpathian-Russ. I grew up with my Irish side. I literally live one block from a wonderful Carpathian-Russ Orthodox Church. I went there and spoke to the Father. He was very nice but he took on look at me and said,"you don't look very Carpathian to me." So, I had to explain to him that I was, in fact, Carpathian. The family name was Smar. And, that most of my relatives were either Byzantine or Orthodox church members. After he took one look at my Irish face, he basically dismissed me. I felt very discouraged from joining that church. Now, I am not saying that he did anything wrong or even meant to discourage me but it does concern me. The BC seems to really be on the path to God but do I have to look Russian to walk that path?
Gabriellec

They do this with the release of their own spiritual father?

Gabriellec,

Unfortunately, you will find insensitivity no matter where you go. The ethnic pedigree thing is slowly dying, but some cling to it. Unfortunately, that priest may be a classmate of mine, and if so I am very dissapointed in how he treated you because he was not trained that way. Remember if you are seeking a church, I have never let the ethnic thing bother me who is what the Greeks call an "Xeno" or foreigner. I am a convert, and I am because I believe, not for the food or dancing. Though I have to admit I like the food .

Keep seeking and ask and pray. God will help you know where you need to be in your spiritual life.

In IC XC,
Father Anthony+

.

You mean that you didn't convert because of Greek food and dancing?!?!?!?!

JUST KIDDING! :p

I think that we are very fortunate to have a 'xenos' like you to imbue us with new blood and enthusiasm for Orthodoxy!

With respect and love in Christ,
Alice

Xeno... give me any word and I can show you it comes from Greek... xenophobia.. fear of outsiders.... Hey, at least you found out that parish was xenophobic up front That's my word of the day:)

Experience certainly can vary. I didn't get the impression that Holy Ghost is exclusivist at all (assuming that the parish in question is that one) and Fr. Fedornock is highly respected. We have a friend, who is cradle Orthodox but not Carpatho-Russian, who attends the parish specifically for this reason. She had issues with her priest after marrying outside of her ethnic group. We also know one couple who used to go there that said people really went out of their way to make them feel welcome when they first started attending.

Rilian,
Like I said, I don't think that the priest that I encountered went out of his way to make me feel funny. Maybe I just didn't know enough about what I was about to encounter to really understand his meaning. But, I was definitely left with the impression that his church was for full blooded Carpathians only (and not red-headed Irish girls ). Again, I could be wrong. His church was beautiful, his paritioners LOVED him, and they were absolutely wonderful to me. Maybe if I went back a second time it wouldn't be so overwhelming to me. But, it is great to have a place like this forum where I can ask questions and not feel funny about it (especially since I am the only Catholic among my family or friends). Thanks for all of the help and understanding!
sincerely,
Gabriellec

Rilian,
I just re-read your post. No, the parish that you mentioned was not the one that I was reffering to. I just didn't want there to be any misconceptions out there about the mentioned Parish.
Thanks,
GabrielleC

Okay, apologies for the mix up. You should stop by Holy Ghost if you ever get a chance, even if just for some Halushki.

Oh, again with the food! Where are my rolaids?

Father Anthony+
(Who truly loves a lot of the foods)

Rilian,
Ok, I just have to know, where did you think that I was located? I have no knowledge of this Holy Ghost Church that you are referring but I would love to have some of that food!! I just can't spell it
Gabrielle

From one Irish blooded sister to another, I am a convert to the Byzantine Church. I was also drawn to the Eastern Church and I am so very happy here. No need to worry about your ethnic background. There are alot more "foreigners" like you and me in the Eastern Church than you may think! The more you experience Divine Liturgy, the more comfortable you will become. Attend Divine Liturgy and experience the beauty.
Tari

Apologies are due on my part. I assumed by your location that the church you went to was Holy Ghost in Phoenixville. The web site is here [hgoc.org] .

It is located at Starr and Bridge in downtown Phoenixville. It's just across the river from the Byzantine church in Mont Clare.

I should also add that I am a visitor on this board and that my suggesting Holy Ghost was not a solicitation to visit an Orthodox service, and that you should only go with the express consent and knowledge of your spiritual father.

Andrew

Rilian, no apology needed!!! The Orthodox Church is a wonderful institution. In fact, my father (biological, not spiritual), who has been a Buddhist all of my life, felt that the only Chrisitan church that was "worth" getting involved with was the Orthodox Church. Apparently they have a Monastery near his home town of Honsdale,PA that he often likes to go and meditate at. Dad says that the monks there are very respectful and kind. Big praise from my pops indeed!!
GabrielleC

Getting back to the topic of a Latin Catholic (LC) receivng Holy Communion in a EC Church.
It is my understanding that the LC does not need to follow the EC rules of fasting prior to receiving (though I would recommend it) Every ECDL I've attended I've fasted according to the EC practice. It truly makes one feel a bit more worthy of receiving the Precious Gifts.

Brad - who gets embarrased at an ECDL when my stomach grumbles loudly for food.