Your post gives me flashbacks of interactions I've had regarding the single life with various family members and church folks. The only conversation I had about it with a bishop led to a markedly different conclusion than the one you had... no disrespect to Met. Laurus meant. Maybe he sees something different in you than the other bishop saw in me.
My spiritual father has actively encouraged me to stay celibate until I meet the right person or I feel moved towards monasticism. I do feel moved towards monasticism, but only theoretically, or when other people do it. :)
Perhaps... a few clergymen, including another bishop, have expressed their support of my becoming a deacon, but of course that requires first finding a significant other, considering I dont' have an inclination to monasticism.
So you've had a very active, fascinating schedule! Wonderful!
When I was back home elderly ladies (relatives, neighbors, acquaintances...) used to ask me when I was going to get married.
Some friends of mine from church went to Holy Cross this past spring, for Lazarus Saturday and Palm Sunday. They loved the traditional Russian chant! I didn't know a miraculous icon was going to be there!!!
Russia must be very beautiful. I'm curious about how it challenged your ideas.
Yes, youre exactly right- its a nice "old world custom" to hassle young folk about getting married as soon as possible. There's a good reason for it, I think, and supported by the Holy Fathers, but it is also partly contingent on another age & another way of living.
Whenever you get the chance, *visit Holy Cross*! It is worth it, and I'm sure you will love it. From time to time, some of the monks come & visit St. George's Russian church in Cincinnatti. Do you have any contacts there? The miraculous icon, usually located in Philadelphia, always vists the monastery for it's feastday, which is always celebrated the last Sunday of September.
As for Russia, it was gorgeous at times, and at other times, rather ugly, actually. My ideas, and the ways in which they were challenged, will be the topics of upcoming posts...
I've never been to St. George's, but this week our priest is away, so we won't have Vespers on Sunday. This is a good excuse to go there.
I will surely go to Holy Cross as soon the occasion comes up! I would have gone this spring, but I was seriously jet lagged and extremely tired after spending way too much time in airports, coming back from Romania.
Sometimes I think communists uglified the cities and the landscape on purpose.
what is the name of the children's book?? that's fantastic! congrats! :) i wanna buy it.
you should definately delve more into what challenged which ideas when you were in russia. you can't bring that up and not elaborate!! :)
the marriage question is a sore spot for me too, although i've never been interrogated by clergy...sorry it upset you!! luckily for me, no one asks me that anymore. *shrug*
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When I was back home elderly ladies (relatives, neighbors, acquaintances...) used to ask me when I was going to get married.
Some friends of mine from church went to Holy Cross this past spring, for Lazarus Saturday and Palm Sunday. They loved the traditional Russian chant! I didn't know a miraculous icon was going to be there!!!
Russia must be very beautiful. I'm curious about how it challenged your ideas.
Reply
Whenever you get the chance, *visit Holy Cross*! It is worth it, and I'm sure you will love it. From time to time, some of the monks come & visit St. George's Russian church in Cincinnatti. Do you have any contacts there? The miraculous icon, usually located in Philadelphia, always vists the monastery for it's feastday, which is always celebrated the last Sunday of September.
As for Russia, it was gorgeous at times, and at other times, rather ugly, actually. My ideas, and the ways in which they were challenged, will be the topics of upcoming posts...
Reply
I will surely go to Holy Cross as soon the occasion comes up! I would have gone this spring, but I was seriously jet lagged and extremely tired after spending way too much time in airports, coming back from Romania.
Sometimes I think communists uglified the cities and the landscape on purpose.
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what is the name of the children's book?? that's fantastic! congrats! :) i wanna buy it.
you should definately delve more into what challenged which ideas when you were in russia. you can't bring that up and not elaborate!! :)
the marriage question is a sore spot for me too, although i've never been interrogated by clergy...sorry it upset you!! luckily for me, no one asks me that anymore. *shrug*
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Good entry, Mr RedHeat aka Karma Chameleon.
btw, those are my two new nicknames for you. Enjoy :)
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