www.byzcath.org Forums General Discussions Town Hall Some things I have learned on this forum.

It's been just over a week since I came to this forum. I've made some mistakes and been learning a lot. I thought I'd share some of the things I have learned ABOUT this forum and how it differs from other Boards, Forums and Blogs I have followed before.

The Byz Forum has at once been at once a wonderful experience and an introduction to a foreign land. It has struck me how well I have gotten to know some of you in the past week and how much I still have to learn about the Eastern Churches.

This list is idiosyncratic, not systematic. I'm sure there are more profound things to say, but here is what this Latin is finding so far:

1. That there is a prevailing anti-Roman spirit--which I had not expected among those calling themselves Catholic--but I am trying to accept it.

2. That those calling themselves Orthodox are sometimes more generous toward Rome than I had expected.

2. That there is a rather loose concept of what is "on topic"

3. That there is a tendency to jump back 16 centuries when discussing the future.

4. That there are generally friendly relationships and community spirit that exist through PM's behind the sometimes strident differences on the public boards.

5. That there is a personal interest members take in one another in addition to lofty or weighty topics

6. That emotions can run high and be more important than making the better philosophical/theological argument. That sometimes past hurts ARE the argument.

7. That Latins can be just as emotional and protective as Easterners.

8. That Eastern Christianity is still a territorial/ ethnic/ national religion and that Western Christianity is more a matter of individual conscience.

9. That discussion of theological matters is always embedded in the larger East-West political history. Theological discussion almost never remains exclusively theological but turns on history.

10. That the presumption in favor of unity is not shared by all. And that the idea of unity is an open one.


On a personal note, I had lunch with the local UGCC pastor. He is a good and generous man. He has invited me to concelebrate with him on the feast of St. Michael. I have no confidence that I can chant a litanty well or even the Trisagion, but he seems willing to teach. I will even have to practice the Eastern way of swinging a censer!

Anyway, thanks to everyone for the welcome and apologies for any toes I have stepped upon.

In Christ,
Fr. J.

Dear Father J.,

Thank you for your observations. I hope that you are not leaving us!

Happy censer swinging next week!

In Christ,
Alice, Moderator

Fr. Steele,

I also hope you "stop back" soon. Your thoughts are appreciated, as well as your wry sense of humor:


Best regards,
Michael

Father

you missed somethings of your list

1) An appreciation of the good things in life is an essential - dark chocolate is not a luxury - it is an essential food - even during fast periods - just wait and see

2) Byzcath is a family - we are like all familes - we have our wee spats and disagreements BUT like all families we support each other in times of trials - believe me - I know

Anhelyna - the non ukrainian speaking Ukrainian Catholic

Dear Father,

Am enjoying your coments immensely. But in the tradition of the Forum, here are a few comments on the comments:



Well, naturally. We know from experience that the present - and therefore the future - have their roots in the past, and that those who ignore the past are condemned to repeat it!



This is true. With that comes the parallel observation that we tend to be far more conscious of the communitarian aspect of the Church, in a great many ways. A lot of us are amused by the self-conscious efforts of the Christian West to "make community" - which cannot be done; but we can and should become part of the communities which God has made for us and still makes for us. This can be expanded at great length.



A great truth. Theology divorced from life is seldom if ever worth the bother.


Hope you have an enjoyable time on the Feast of Saint Michael and manage to cope with I'm a life-long opponent of censorship, so if you learn how its done, I'll gladly provide a list of censors who should be swung from the yardarm!

Please be sure that you are very welcome here. Anyone with your insight and your sense of humor is sure to make excellent contributions to the conversations.

Fr. Serge

Thanks to everyone for the comments. I did not mean to give the impression that I am leaving. I was just realizing that it has only been a week and I already feel I have learned so much. I just thought I'd give y'all a sense of the impressions you have made on me so far. I should add that I think all of them are good.

Fr. J.

You mean aside from our games of "Pin the tail on the Pope" and "Errors of the Vatican -- Home Edition" I assume.

Your impression of the forum may even out in a month or two. I hope the learning you have or will have is positive.

Personally, I try to keep away from the East vs. West discussion forum. I don't know enough about the West to make claims involving the Eastern sense Church, or enough about the East to carry a reasoned tone to the first thought that comes to my head. Maybe after decades of researching the history or involving myself in the dialogue, but my impression of the East is far too young. (I am not implying that this is related to your situation.)

Terry

Some days I just get some good dark chocolate, kick back, and watch as the Orthodox/Catholic, Slav/non-Slav wrangles proceed. Of course, you know the west is full of errors, the east is stuck in the 9th century, and no one in the Russian church ever committed a sin.

I love this post! It gave me a much needed chuckle. There is nothing funnier and more refreshing than poking fun at oneself...in this case, all of us!

Regards,
Alice

Enjoy the chocolate!

Speaking of chocolate, I have a new love. http://www.nokachocolate.com/

You have to try this stuff! Makes other chocolates taste like kasha.

I'm sitting here with a pound of their unadulterated dark and a steaming cup of espresso, and life is good!

Alexandr

ESPRESSO?!?!?!

This is what you need my friend - http://tinyurl.com/2xy4v3

Kvas! I remember those tanks all through Russia! Kvas is good when you're working, but not with dark chockies!

Alexandr

BUT, BUT, IT'S NOT GREAT AND HOLY LENT YET, THAT IS WHEN THE DARK CHOCOLATE FEAST BEGINS

Kvas Monastyrsky from Kyiv is still my favorite...

Welcome, Father. I am sure it will be a blessing for you and the community to celebrate at our UGCC parish in Mishawaka on the patronal feast of the parish. Vitaemo and Mnohaja Lita! Welcome and may God grant you many blessed years!
Fr. Deacon Randolph (Diak)