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Hi, I'm new here. I was raised Roman Catholic and am currently a catechumen in the Orthodox Church, but still have many doubts about entering the EO Church.
Can someone explain the differences in doctrine, practices and beliefs between the Eastern Catholics and the Eastern Orthodox Church? Thanks!
SAHMommy

SAHMommy, welcome to the forum. I am also a catechumen in the Orthodox Church and will be chrismated Theophany of 2007. I was a Melkite Catholic for 12 years. Please feel free to send me a private message if you would like to chat of if you have any questions.

There are lots of great folks on this forum, Catholic & Orthodox. I think that the fundamental difference, that any one would mention, is that the Orthodox do not accept the supremacy of the Pope over the Church. We accept that the Pope can be the first bishop among equals and can have a primacy of honor. But we reject universal jurisdiction and papal infallibility. That is the most important difference, I think. When I was eastern Catholic, I discovered that there was no unified position on exactly what communion with Rome entailed. Most of the Melkite hierarchs I've known, or known about, reject papal jurisdiction over the east and papal infallibility as well. How this is a position compatible with being in union with Rome is unclear to me, since Rome holds as a Dogma that the pope has complete & immediate authority over every church and every Christian and is infallible in proclaiming matters of dogma. I could no longer hold to that position, so I left. Peace in Christ,

Joe

But without the Pope, isn't the Orthodox Church a rudderless ship? There are so many groups, all claiming to the cannonical and all bickering about who's in communion with whom.

SAHMommy, you ask a good question. I'm afraid that any answer that I give, or that anyone gives, is going to spur a debate. I have no problem giving my personal answer to this question as long as it is okay with the administrators. I will do so and let the administrators decide if I am doing anything inappropriate.

I would simply say this: Empirically, look at the fact that the Orthodox are united in faith even if organizationally, the unity is "loose" so to speak. Now, the Roman Catholic Church has a highly authoritarian Church structure and invests all authority ultimately with the Pope. Yet, how much unity of faith is there? If a pope were necessary to preserve the unity of faith, you would think that the Roman Catholic Church would be much more united than the Orthodox. But, I don't see it.

There are always going to be scuffles in all Churches. Sure, the Orthodox have scuffles over ethnic problems and political issues. But what Church is immune to that? Ethnic problems have always been a reality in both the Catholic and Orthodox Churches and in some protestant churches. We see it in the New Testament in the book of Acts. But, if we are talking about unity of faith, I know that when I go to any Orthodox Church, the faith is the same. No offense to anyone here, but I do not feel that way if I go to a Roman Catholic Mass, because I've experienced just about everything under the sun taught at the Mass and in Catholic universities. So, what is more important? An abstract principle of unity that does not exist in reality? Or, a Church that has real, concrete doctrinal unity from the Bishops going all the way down to the laity? Again, this is just my opinion on the matter and I am only a layman. Peace in Christ,

Joe

Hello Mommy, Welcome to the Forum!

First let me say that if you have any doubts about such a move, don't do it!

Now to answer your post directly I must say that I don't see it. The Orthodox church is not rudderless by any stretch of the imagination, the church has the Holy Spirit and upon Him we rely totally. It is funny (as in ironic) that you should use this terminology, the collection of Canons itself is called just that, The "Pedalion" (the Rudder [theandros.com] ).

Such "bickering" as you mention are the public media reporting of the church dealing with it's issues. There will always be issues and the bishops will always have to deal with them. We have the Canons and bishops with real authority. They are gathered into Synods with the guidence of the Holy Spirit and that is how the church has done things since time beyond reconning. Sure, it can seem like a messy business at times, that's how it is. The closer you look the messier it will be. We are fallible people doing Christ's work, it's a challenge, it is bound to get kind of messy.

Remember, every Orthodox bishop has the same authority within his diocese that the Pope has within his diocese. No more or less.

If this is an uncomfortable place for you to be, then don't do it. Wait and think about it.

Michael

No, it's not the SCOBA bishops that concern me. It's all the little 2-3 parish "churches" that call themselves Orthodox and use a round about way to claim their Apostolic Succession, while leading the laity astray. It pretty easy to determine who is really Catholic. I'm also having issues with the whole OCA thing and how it was discussed at a recent parish meeting. I just can't imagine the laity doing some of the things suggested.

It's been a while, and thought I was ready. We picked out sponsors and father said we could pick a date. Everyone at coffee hour has been asking when I'll be chrismated. There have been people chrismated before me that became catechumens after I did. I am started to feel pressured.
SAHMommy

I am not familiar with the OCA issue that you are speaking of. There is no need to go into it here. If there is scandal, I don't want to dwell on it. But I would simply say that if you do, in the end, decide to become Orthodox, then stick with one of the main jurisdictions, Antiochian, OCA, Greek, etc. I'm sure there are tiny fringe groups of 2 or 3 parishes off by themselves. But then again, the Roman Catholic Church has the same problem. There are lots of tiny little "traditionalist" groups. There is even one in Montana claiming that it has the true pope, Pope Pius XIII.

My recommendation is just to focus on worshipping Christ. I agree with the advice given earlier that you should not make the final step until you are sure. If you are not ready yet, then it is best to simply continue worshipping Christ and exploring your options. I will tell you one thing. There is no Church out there that does not have problems, sometimes very serious problems. Also, I find that I will never have certitude about the decisions I make. It is always possible for me to find one more reason either to convert or not to convert. But, I think that to dwell on it too much is to potentially miss out on a real, personal relationship with Christ (I know, I'm sounding baptist here). I mean by that, that the Church is the body of CHrist, but the Church should not be the object of worship, a kind of replacement for Christ. Really, I find in myself that I spent many years talking far more about this church and that church and the Church than I did about Jesus. Now, I am resolved simply to worship Christ wherever I am at and to try to become more holy by God's grace. Love God and love your neighbor. That is the essence of Christianity. Everything else is just commentary. Peace in Christ,

Joe

Shlomo SAHMommy,

First thing that you must understand about the Eastern Catholic Churches, is that they are more just Byzantine. We also follow the Antiochene, Alexandrian, and Armenian.

Depending on where in Maryland you are, I believe you have several eastern Catholic churches around you that you could go visit. If you are interested, please let me know and I could compile a list of them for you. You could see the differences in practice first hand.

I know of several people, going all directions, who were in similar situations to your own and feeling social pressure to make a decision already who quickly re-made their decision in the following months or years to the other option. It is imperative that you feel like you know all there is to know and that you have no more questions that need to be answered and you are at peace with yourself before you make a decision on which fork in the road to take. Your children can understand you saying that this is a major decision and something you don't want to enter into lightly. They can understand you saying you are looking into your options so you enter into your decision with eyes wide open. Children won't bounce back so quickly if you go through with it and tell them that this is it and where they will be then later start looking around again to answer those nagging questions or doubts. So get them answered now before you head off on your journey and wait around however long it takes. If you feel the heat and are willing to compromise for yourself, think of the possible effects an unpeaceful or unprepared decision could have on your kids.

See, I do worry about my children. They are attending Sunday School and have made friends. When we were going to Mass, our church had children's activities (too young for CCD at the time) and they hated going. I took them to a couple different churches, hoping to find one with something for kids. They're really happy where we are now. I'm happy with the priest. This is the first time I've really developed a relationship with a priest. Growing up, we attended Mass, then left. We never got involved with the parish at all, beside CCD.

There's only one church, a mission, in my county. The rest are too far away, unless there's one in downtown DC, near a metro station.

Here's the problem, though. I left the RCC because I disagreed with certain issues. If I go to an EC church, I would be returning to those conflicts.

Whenever I have had to make monumentous decisions in my life, I would say the Akafist to the Mother of God "Joy of All Who Sorrow". She has never let me down.

Alexandr

Akafist to the Mother of God "Joy of All Who Sorrow"

Kontakion 1

To Thee, the champion leader, do we Thy servants dedicate a hymn of victory and thanksgiving, as ones who have been delivered from eternal death by the Grace of Christ our God Who was born of Thee and by Thy maternal mediation before Him. As Thou dost have invincible might, free us from all misfortunes and sorrowful circumstances who cry aloud:

Rejoice, O Virgin Theotokos, full of Grace, Joy of all who sorrow!

Ikos 1

An archangel was sent from Heaven to declare unto the Theotokos: Rejoice, announcing the divine Incarnation of Christ, Who desired to be born of Her, the Joy of the whole world which was languishing in sorrow. Wherefore, heavy laden with sins, but having obtained the hope of salvation in Thee, we cry out to Thee with compunction:

Rejoice, goodwill of God toward sinners!
Rejoice, strong help for those who repent before the Lord God!
Rejoice, restoration of fallen Adam!
Rejoice, redemption of the tears of Eve!
Rejoice, Thou that dost remove the stain of sin!
Rejoice, laver that dost wash the conscience clean!
Rejoice, Thou that didst bear the Redeemer Who freely cleanseth us of our transgressions!
Rejoice, all-wonderous reconciliation of all with God!
Rejoice, bridge that dost truly lead us from death to life!
Rejoice, Thou that savest the world from the flood of sin!
Rejoice, heavenly ladder by which the Lord descended to us!
Rejoice, cause of deification for all!
Rejoice, O Virgin Theotokos, full of Grace, Joy of all who sorrow!

Kontakion 2

Beholding the streams of wonders which pour forth from Thy holy icon, O most blessed Mother of God, in that Thou art the good helper of them that pray, the support of the oppressed, the hope of the hopeless, the consolation of them that grieve, the nourisher of the hungry, the raiment of the naked, the chastity of virgins, the guide of strangers, the assistance of them that labor, the restoration of sight for the blind, the clear hearing of the deaf, and the healing of the sick, in Thee do we thankfully chant unto God: Alleluia!

Ikos 2

Seeking to understand the incomprehensible reason for the bitter sorrows that assail us, in need of consolation we flee to Thee, O Mother and Virgin. And in that Thou art good, teach us to see in them the merciful providence of Thy good Son for the salvation of our souls and the cleansing of our many transgressions, that we may joyfully cry to Thee:

Rejoice, calm haven of the tempest-tossed!
Rejoice, sure confirmation of them in doubt!
Rejoice, only mother of loving-kindness!
Rejoice, ready helper of them in misfortunes and temptations!
Rejoice, Thou that dost wash away the sorrows of our sins!
Rejoice, Thou that healest the grief of our spiritual infirmity!
Rejoice, Thou that dost teach us to disdain the vain joys of this world!
Rejoice, Thou that leadest our minds from the world to that which transcendeth it!
Rejoice, Thou that drawest us from the love of things earthly to the heavenly love of God!
Rejoice, Thou that grantest us consolation and a life of Grace amid our very sorrows!
Rejoice, pledge of eternal blessings!
Rejoice, mediatress of everlasting joy!
Rejoice, O Virgin Theotokos, full of Grace, Joy of all who sorrow!

Kontakion 3

With power from on high, do Thou strengthen me, who am afflicted in body and soul, O good Lady, and vouchsafe me Thy visitation and provident care, dispelling the gloom of despondency and sorrow which enfold me, that saved by Thee I may unceasingly cry out to God: Alleluia!

Ikos 3

O Thou that hast an ineffable wealth of loving-kindness, that dost stretch forth the hand of Thine assistance unto all that sorrow, that curest infirmities and healest the passions: disdain not even me, O blessed Lady, as I lie upon the bed of mine affliction and cry unto Thee:

Rejoice, priceless treasury of mercy!
Rejoice, sole hope of the despairing!
Rejoice, healing of my body!
Rejoice, salvation of my soul!
Rejoice, unfailing strength of the infirm!
Rejoice, aid and strengthening of the disabled!
Rejoice, Thou that quickly assuagest the wrath of God by Thy supplication!
Rejoice, Thou that dost tame our passions by the power of Thy prayers!
Rejoice, sight for the blind and hearing for the deaf!
Rejoice, feet for the lame, speech for the dumb!
Rejoice, visitation of good cheer for the sick!
Rejoice, for through Thee are Grace-filled healings granted to the infirm, according to the measure of their faith!
Rejoice, O Virgin Theotokos, full of Grace, Joy of all who sorrow!

Kontakion 4

A tempest of many misfortunes and temptations doth beset me, and no longer can I endure its ragings. But as Thou art the merciful mother of my Savior and God, lift up Thy hands to Thy Son, beseeching Him to regard the bitter sorrow of my heart and to raise me up from the abyss of despair, who cry to Him: Alleluia!

Ikos 4

O most holy Virgin and Mother, hearing the prophecy of the righteous Simeon: A sword shall pierce through Thine own soul, Thou didst keep all these sayings in Thy heart, understanding that the joy of a mother's heart over her children can be accompanied with much grief in this world. Wherefore, as one tried in everything and able to commiserate with a mother's sorrows, we cry to Thee:

Rejoice, Thou that didst bear the Savior Christ, the Joy of the world!
Rejoice, Thou that deliverest the world from sorrows!
Rejoice, Thou that didst endure the blasphemies and slanders hurled at Thy Son!
Rejoice, Thou that didst suffer together with Him through His suffering!
Rejoice, consolation of the sorrows of mothers!
Rejoice, gracious preservation of their children!
Rejoice, speedy help amid misfortunes!
Rejoice, correction of the erring!
Rejoice, nourishment of infants!
Rejoice, guidance of the young!
Rejoice, mother of the orphaned!
Rejoice, help of widows!
Rejoice, O Virgin Theotokos, full of Grace, Joy of all who sorrow!

Kontakion 5

Beholding the divinely-flowing blood of Thy Son poured forth upon the Cross of our salvation, as the handmaiden of the Lord Who didst humbly subject Thyself to the will of the Father Who is in the heavens, Thou didst give us an example of endurance and of patience, that amid the furnace of temptations and present misfortunes we may cry aloud to God: Alleluia!

Ikos 5

Beholding Thee crucified with Him in Thy heart and standing with His beloved disciple by the Cross, Thy Son and God did say: Woman, behold Thy son, and to His disciple: Behold thy mother, thereby giving Thee as sons all that believe in Him. And having in Thee a good mother, placing all our hope in Thee amid our sorrow, as partakers of the sorrows and sufferings of Thy Son, we cry to Thee:

Rejoice, mother of the Christian race!
Rejoice, Thou that didst adopt us at the Cross of Thy Son!
Rejoice, Thou that didst unite God with mankind!
Rejoice, Thou that didst join the faithful to the Lord!
Rejoice, ewe that didst bear the Lamb that taketh away the sin of the world!
Rejoice, cup that drawest joy for us from the Fountain of Immortality!
Rejoice, surety of the salvation of sinners!
Rejoice, search for the perishing!
Rejoice, unexpected joy of sinners!
Rejoice, raising up of all the fallen!
Rejoice, healer of all infirmities!
Rejoice, alleviation of every sorrow!
Rejoice, O Virgin Theotokos, full of Grace, Joy of all who sorrow!

Kontakion 6

O Mother of God, all the ends of the earth proclaim Thy mercies, for by Thy sacred protection Thou dost shelter the whole Christian race for which Thou dost supplicate Christ our Savior and dost deliver from all misfortune Thy pious and God-fearing servants who faithfully cry out to God: Alleluia!

Ikos 6

Beholding the radiant Grace which shineth forth from Thy most wondrous icon, O Mother of God, falling down before it with tears, we beseech Thee: disperse the clouds of temptations which have come upon us, that we may cry out to Thee with joy:

Rejoice, Thou that bearest the supplications of the faithful unto Thy Son and God!
Rejoice, Thou that thyself dost pray for us at the throne of Thy Son!
Rejoice, intercessor before God that dost save the world from calamities!
Rejoice, help of the Christian race, given us by God!
Rejoice, tree of goodly shade, whereby many are sheltered!
Rejoice, tree bearing radiant fruit, whereby the faithful are nourished!
Rejoice, shelter of the world, more spacious than a cloud!
Rejoice, land of promise whence floweth milk and honey!
Rejoice, radiant cloud, unceasingly illuminating the faithful!
Rejoice, pillar of fire, guiding the elect to their heavenly inheritance!
Rejoice, field that yieldest an abundance of compassion!
Rejoice, bestower of every blessing!
Rejoice, O Virgin Theotokos, full of Grace, Joy of all who sorrow!

Kontakion 7

Desiring to produce streams of wonders from Thine icon, "The Joy of All Who Sorrow," Thou, O Lady, didst command the ailing Euphemia to have a moleben served before it, and having received healing, to proclaim to all the mercies bestowed through this icon, that the source of gracious healings be not hid from those in need. Wherefore, we hide not Thy good deeds, but thankfully glorifying God, we cry to Him: Alleluia!

Ikos 7

Thy temple, in which we bow down before Thy wonder-working icon, is shown to be a new pool of Siloam, surpassing the one of old, O Most-pure Lady; for health of body is given not once a year and only to the first-come, but Thou dost always heal every ailment and every disease of soul and body of them that hasten to Thee with faith and love. Wherefore we cry to Thee:

Rejoice, font wherein our sorrows are drowned!
Rejoice, cup whereby we partake of joy and salvation!
Rejoice, rock that givest drink to them that thirst for life!
Rejoice, tree that dost sweeten the salty waters of the sea of life!
Rejoice, inexhaustible fountain of life-giving waters!
Rejoice, laver that dost wash away the stain of sin!
Rejoice, sweetening of our sorrows!
Rejoice, assuagement of our sorrows!
Rejoice, healing of our afflictions!
Rejoice, deliverance from misfortune!
Rejoice, trampling down of demons!
Rejoice, humiliation of enemies!
Rejoice, O Virgin Theotokos, full of Grace, Joy of all who sorrow!

Kontakion 8

Strangers and pilgrims are we upon this earth, in the words of the Apostle: enduring perils at the hands of enemies, perils at the hands of relatives, perils at the hands of false brethren, in much want and sorrow. And in that Thou art the good Directress, O Lady, do Thou grant us remission of our transgressions before the end, that we may unceasingly cry to God: Alleluia!

Ikos 8

Our whole life on earth is painful and filled with grief because of false accusations, reproaches, insults, and various other misfortunes and temptations, for the flesh is weak and our spirit faileth. Therefore, to Thee do we flee, O Mother of God, falling down before Thine all-pure icon. Fill our sorrowful hearts with joy and gladness, that we my cry to Thee:

Rejoice, guide that dost direct us to the heavenly fatherland!
Rejoice, queen of Heaven and earth Who dost open unto us the gates of Paradise!
Rejoice, merciful one that hast mercy upon us!
Rejoice, steward that orderest well our life!
Rejoice, fleece bedewed, which Gideon didst foresee!
Rejoice, blessed womb which didst contain the uncontainable God of all!
Rejoice, bush that burned and yet remained unconsumed!
Rejoice, unassailable wall!
Rejoice, life-giving fountain!
Rejoice, never-fading bloom!
Rejoice, softening of the hearts of the wicked!
Rejoice, compunction of the good!
Rejoice, O Virgin Theotokos, full of Grace, Joy of all who sorrow!

Kontakion 9

Every sweetness of life in this world partaketh of sorrow: glory endureth not, wealth passeth, beauty and health fade away, and friends and neighbors are taken away by death. Wherefore, sweeten our sorrows, Thou cause of every good thing, bestowing Thine incorruptible joy upon us that cry out to God: Alleluia!

Ikos 9

The most eloquent orators know not with what words to console the sorrowful; bud do Thou Thyself, O Lady, speak consolation to our hearts, dispersing the cloud of our sorrow and the gloom of despair with the rays of Thy Grace, that we may cry out to Thee:

Rejoice, Thou that hast made glad all Christians that have confidence in Thee!
Rejoice, joy and tranquility of the world!
Rejoice, bestower of divine goodness!
Rejoice, hope of eternal blessings!
Rejoice, ship of them that wish to be saved!
Rejoice, harbor for the voyages of life!
Rejoice, faithful preserver of them that, after God, do trust in Thee!
Rejoice, vesture of them that are stripped of boldness!
Rejoice, preserver and confirmation for all!
Rejoice, fortification and sacred refuge of all the faithful!
Rejoice, help of them that faithfully pray to Thee!
Rejoice, radiant knowledge of Grace!
Rejoice, O Virgin Theotokos, full of Grace, Joy of all who sorrow!

Kontakion 10

Desiring to save the human race from eternal torment and unending sorrow, the Lord Who loveth mankind dwelt in Thine ever-virgin womb, and gave Thee, His own mother, to the perishing as a help, protection, and defense, that Thou mightest be the consolation of the grieving, the rejoicing of the sorrowful, the hope of the despairing, releasing them from eternal torment by Thine intercession, and leading to heavenly gladness all that faithfully cry to Thy Son and our God: Alleluia!

Ikos 10

Thou art the bulwark of virgins, O Virgin Theotokos, and of all that flee to Thy protection. Wherefore do we beseech Thee: help, protect, and preserve from temptations, afflictions, and misfortunes all the orphans and helpless ones who cry out to Thee with love:

Rejoice, pillar of virginity!
Rejoice, chosen vessel of purity and chastity!
Rejoice, special crowning of them that by chastity make war upon the flesh!
Rejoice, bestower of eternal rejoicing upon them that mourn profitably in monasticism!
Rejoice, Thou that dost quench the flame of the passions!
Rejoice, Thou that dost dispel the darkness of temptations!
Rejoice, guide to chastity!
Rejoice, rampart of purity!
Rejoice, reformation of mankind!
Rejoice, Thou by whom we are raised up from the fall!
Rejoice, steadfast affirmation of the Faith!
Rejoice, pleasing incense of prayer!
Rejoice, O Virgin Theotokos, full of Grace, Joy of all who sorrow!

Kontakion 11

We, Thy servants, offer Thee a hymn of compunction, O Theotokos, for Thou art the all-powerful helper of our race. Assuage the pains of those who flee to Thee; appease the wrath of God which hath been justly aroused against us because of our sins; deliver us from every bitter pain and sorrow, who cry through Thee to God: Alleluia!

Ikos 11

O Lady, Thy most honored icon, a light-bearing lamp lit by the ember of the Grace of God, hath appeared unto us for our sanctification and consolation. And we, honoring it with love and falling down before it with faith, cry out to Thee:

Rejoice, Thou that by Thy mighty assistance dost deliver us from all calamities!
Rejoice, Thou that dost defend us from earthquake and flood!
Rejoice, Thou that dost provide for us against hunger of body and soul!
Rejoice, Thou that dost extinguish the fire by the dew of Thy prayers!
Rejoice, Thou that dost save us from deadly pestilence!
Rejoice, mighty helper in battles!
Rejoice, Thou that defendest us from the invasions of foreigners!
Rejoice, Thou that dost preserve us from civil strife!
Rejoice, easy passage of them that sail upon the water!
Rejoice, good guide of them that travel!
Rejoice, liberation of captives!
Rejoice, speedy deliverance from the righteous wrath of God that threateneth us!
Rejoice, O Virgin Theotokos, full of Grace, Joy of all who sorrow!

Kontakion 12

Wishing to give a pledge of Grace to mankind, Thou didst reveal Thy healing icon to us, O Mother of God, from which streams of wonders are poured forth for them that approach with faith - infirmities are healed and sorrows assuaged. Wherefore do we cry in Thee to God: Alleluia!

Ikos 12

Lauding Thy mercies and wonders, O Theotokos, we all praise Thee as our steadfast mediatress, and we bow down with compunction before Thee that prayest for us, and we implore: lift up Thy hands to Thy Son, that always in this life and after our death His mercy may continually be upon us that cry out to Thee:

Rejoice, our unashamed hope in life and after our repose!
Rejoice, Thou that dost grant a peaceful end of this life to them that trust in Thee!
Rejoice, our hope and defense on the day of judgment!
Rejoice, supplication of the just Judge!
Rejoice, deliverance from everlasting Gehenna!
Rejoice, hope of eternal salvation!
Rejoice, key to the Kingdom of Christ!
Rejoice, portal of Paradise!
Rejoice, bridge leading to the heavens!
Rejoice, refuge and good intercessor for all repentant sinners!
Rejoice, joy of the angels!
Rejoice, glory and consolation of all the righteous!
Rejoice, O Virgin Theotokos, full of Grace, Joy of all who sorrow!

Kontakion 13

O all-hymned, divinely favored Mother, Thou that didst bear Christ the King, our God, to the joy of Heaven and earth: hearken unto the voice of Thy sorrowing servants and having received this our small supplication, deliver us from every affliction, sorrow, and temptation; heal our infirmities, destroy vicious slanders, drive far from us every evil and enemy, and deliver from future torment them that cry in Thee: Alleluia!

Kontakion 13 is chanted thrice;
whereupon Ikos 1 and Kontakion 1 are repeated;

First Prayer

O Lady most holy and Theotokos, Thou that art more exalted than the Cherubim and more honorable than the Seraphim, O divinely-chosen Maiden, Joe of all who sorrow; grant consolation even unto us that are sunk in sorrow, for apart from Thee we have no refuge or assistance. Thou alone are the Mediatress of our joy and, in that Thou art the Mother of God and Mother of mercy, standing at the throne of the All-holy Trinity, Thou art able to help us, for none that doth flee to Thee departeth ashamed. Therefore, hearken now in the day of our sorrow unto us who fall down before Thine icon and supplicate Thee with tears: drive away from us the sorrows and griefs that assail us in this temporal life, and by Thine omnipotent intercession may we not be deprived of eternal and never-ending joy in the Kingdom of Thy Son and our God. Amen.



Second Prayer

O my most blessed Queen, O Theotokos my hope, guardian of orphans and intercessor for strangers, Joy of the sorrowful, Protectress of the oppressed; Thou beholdest my misfortune, Thou seest my sorrow. Help me, for I am infirm; feed me, for I am a stranger. Thou knowest mine offense: do Thou loose it, as Thou dost will, for I have none other help but Thee, nor any other intercessor save Thee, O Mother of God. Do Thou preserve and protect me unto the ages of ages. Amen.



Third Prayer

O most holy Virgin, Mother of the Lord of the hosts on high, Queen of Heaven and earth, almighty intercessor of our city and country: receive this hymn of praise and thanksgiving from us, Thine unworthy servants, and bear our prayers to the throne of God, Thy Son, that He may be merciful towards our unrighteousness and extend His Grace to them that honor Thine All-honorable name and bow down before Thy wonder-working icon with faith and love. For we are not worthy to be pitied by Him. Wherefore we flee to Thee as our undoubted and speedy intercessor: hearken Thou unto us that supplicate Thee. Overshadow us with Thine almighty protection, and request of God Thy Son: zeal and vigilance concerning souls for our pastors, wisdom and strength for civil authorities, justice and equity for judges; knowledge and humility for them that teach; love and concord between husbands and wives, obedience for children; patience for the oppressed; fear of God for the oppressors; strength of spirit for the sorrowful; moderation for the joyful; and for all of us: the spirit of understanding and piety, the spiritu of mercy and meekness, the spirit of purity and righteousness. Yea, O most holy Lady, take pity on Thine afflicted people: gather the dispersed, guide to the right path them that are astray, support the aged, teach the young sober-mindedness, nourish the infants, and look down with the gaze of Thy merciful assistance upon us all. Raise us up from the abyss of sin and open the eyes of our hearts to the vision of salvation. Take pity on us here and now - both in the land of our earthly sojourn and at the dread judgment of Thy Son. Cause our fathers and brethren who have passed from this life in faith and repentance to abide in eternal life with the angels and all the saints, for Thou, O Lady, art the glory of them in Heaven and the hope of them upon the earth. After God Thou art our hope an the helper of all that flee to Thee with faith. Therefore, to Thee do we pray, and as to an all-powerful helper, to Thee do we commend ourselves and each other and all our life, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

SAHMommy:

You've received some excellent counsel from my fellow Orthodox. Your readiness for chrismation will come, if at all, in God's time and both you and your spiritual father will know when that time has come.

Do try not to focus on scandals. Unfortunately, those will always be with us. Holiness attracts the minions of the Evil One. The Desert Fathers and monastics to this day tell of demons howling outside monasteries. Remember too, that, as +John Chrysostomos said, the floor of hell is paved with the skulls of bishops. But Orthodoxy survives and thrives.