Orthodox Outsider

12/07/2021

Always liked this one ...resonates deeply, within 🙏❤️

06/30/2021

we attended church Sunday at our normal east coast FL parish. It seems the use of English has decreased and the chanter's microphone seems to have been turned up so the priest can hardly be heard - let alone understood considering it's in a foreign language. Then towards the end of liturgy, the priest talks about the upcoming 4th of July and enters into prayer about the date - how exciting that it was done in a foreign language!! Why do I keep whining about everything being done in a foreign language? It has been suggested to me by posts that perhaps Orthodoxy isn't the church for me?!!!?!!?! I am in AMERICA where we speak ENGLISH - Orthodoxy is NOT a social club for those longing for the days back home. Scripture is clear about preaching in languages that no one can understand; that it's sinful ...not to mention useless, selfish and inappropriate! Yes, today I am a tad riled up. Are the words "one Holy, Catholic Apostolic Church" a lie? Because the words are truly NOT TRUE here in America (well, perhaps worldwide) considering conducting church services in a language not understood by the local population AND changing words/passages and more. Little "T" or Big "T" for traditions and so much more. To those who find this page distasteful or uncomfortable - move on and perhaps look deeply into the mirror. This page is about opening a dialogue to find a way to truly reunite Orthodoxy as ONE church. It's WAY past time to stop excluding a huge number of congregants from truly participating in the work of the Church. It hurts too deeply for too many to be silent and continue being victimized. =stepping off my soapbox=

06/17/2021

I'm just curious .....does anyone have anything to add to the posts I've already provided? Questions? Discussion? Don't be shy - this isn't about judgment but rather, it's about unity, understanding and love

06/09/2021

Blessings upon you and yours

05/02/2021

Christos Anesti

04/05/2021

I find it interesting when I post comments about this entire subject, how quickly I get attacked. Telling me to get a Divine Liturgy book in dual languages and just listen - what do they think we've BEEN doing for 15+ years? Others tell me they've seen no problems so I must have other issues. Still others share with me how ALL liturgies, regardless of language or whether OCA, Antiochian, Greek, Russian, etc are the same and sound the same -- NOT! We've been to numerous (over a dozen) parishes of all manner and every one is DIFFERENT!! Different words, different songs, different tones and more. Out of hand telling me it's MY issue is truly ignorant, uncaring and quite frankly - offensive ....which is symptomatic of the problem throughout the United States. For 15yrs we went along, following the books while being shut out from true participation. The Orthodox Church does NOT belong to the Greeks ....or Russians or any other ethnicity -- it belongs to Orthodox Christians and current treatment is sinful and unacceptable on numerous levels ...stepping off my soapbox; just a tad overwhelmed by it all and the comments/behavior of far too many ..most of which should know better. Shameful

04/04/2021

Such a beautiful rendition of an already incredible song

Cassandra Star (10) & her big sister Callahan (19) sing this beautiful & meaningful Easter version of Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah. These Easter lyrics were wr...

04/03/2021

Tell me, sweet souls ...what Questions do you have? Comments? Suggestions? This page is a safe place to share anything relative to your Orthodox journey and how it can be improved, strengthened, inspired, more joyful, peaceful and loving ...don't be shy, no judgment here - only love

04/03/2021