www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life The Christian East & West Catholic looking into Eastern Orthodox - need help

Hi all. I just became Catholic this year from Protestantism. During RCIA, there were a few things that I was a little lury of concerning the RCC (Papal Infallability, Papal jurisdiction, etc.) However, I've heard *by rumor) that the EO Church has some issues as well - not being able to come to a consensus on Contracpetion, gay marriage, etc. I'm not sure how much of what I've heard is true or myth.

Is there anyone who'd be willing to have a conversation with me over the phone concerning Catholicism and the Eastern Orthodox Church. I'm NOT looking for a debate. I just want someone to clearly define for me some things.

My email is keithg29@yahoo.com is anyone is interested.

Keith
Colorado

Keith,

I would be happy to discuss these issues with you. I will send you my email in PM.

Joe

A former protestant here that might just have some insight.
You can pv me! Its okay I dont bite, well mostly never.
Stephanos I

I was born Rc, became a member TEC for 5 years, and have been a member of the EOC in all three major branches here in the USA for the last 25 years. Feel free to send me note and perhaps we can talk. As far as your comment, " However, I've heard *by rumor) that the EO Church has some issues as well - not being able to come to a consensus on Contracpetion, gay marriage, etc. I'm not sure how much of what I've heard is true or myth." On major issues such as abortion and certain other hot botton social issues, the EOC is consistent. There is jurisdictional variation in other issues. You will find, in general, that the RCC operates in lock step on most issues, whereas the EOC may seem disorganized to some, the way ancient Christianity was. You pays your money and makes your choice [grammar intended].

Keith I would call your local Eastern Orthodox priest and ask him your questions.

Keith,

The issues you put forth are ones that people have discussed before. However, nonexperts (including myself and many parish priests) on both sides often accidentally misconstrue the other side's positions and also often are unable to appreciate the position opposite them. I am not an expert on many of these issues, so my input may be worth little. However, I would be more than happy to discuss them, and their ramifications with you. I was Protestant, then Orthodox, and I am currently Byzantine Catholic.

As someone who has himself considered many of these issues, I would recommend that you carefully ask youself a few questions:

1. Do these issues really matter in a way that requires me to change my faith again?
2. Have I truly opened myself to the idea that I may not be able to understand some things, despite the fact that these things may be true?
3. Do I trust that the church I am a member of is guarded by the Holy Spirit, and, as such, will not deviate so far from truth that my spiritual growth is in danger?
4. Have I found knowledgeable persons (on both sides of these issues) who can assist me in my consideration?
5. Why am I a member of my church?

Felix

PS - I am in no way implying that we do not have knowledgeable people on this forum.

John I think you are a little confused, that was not my comment at all.
Stephanos I

Fr Stephanos

Johnzonaras was responding using the Quick Reply box underneath the last post - which happened to be yours - therefore it linked to it.

I have never heard of any 'valid' Orthodox Jurisdiction who allows for gay marriage or gay union. That was also never allowed in the early Church.

There are a few groups who claim to be orthodox but who never were really part of us. Some of these cults claim to have apostolic succession through a renegade bishop, but their ordination of women, and other weird practices show that they are not practicing the Ancient Faith. They use the name Orthodox, but if you look at their websites, they are not in communion with us. These are the guys who have more clergy than laity and allow for gay unions, etc. Watch out for them.

I agree re same-sex issues. However, the fact that some people have told Keith this shows that at least some people are under that impression. One more reason to carefully evaluate the advice of anyone speaking about the differences in the Catholic and Orthodox Churches. There are a lot of people out there with misinformation regarding one or both churches.

I am also a former protestant, now an Orthodox priest.

I am a former fallen away Latin Catholic, turned Protestant, returned Latin Catholic and now very grateful Eastern Catholic.

And I'm a Roman Catholic, who once flirted with Evangelicalism and Pentecostalism, returned Roman Catholic and now waiting to make a move to the East. It stops there for me. Really.

John this is not always true. I have an Orthodox catechism right here on my book shelf and it advocates abortion and artificial birth control (some of which are abortificiants) in certain cases.
I would say it isnt always consistent.
Stephanos I
PS This is not meant in a provocative spirit but just to point to a fact.

as one who is quite familiar with Evangelicalism, methinks you are prolife. if so, EC churches are in concert with the Holy See as far as prolife issues are concerned. that is not to say that Orthodox people (or churches) are not prolife, (I know better), but if you want to be certain on this important issue, give us a look.
Much Love,
Jonn