www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life Faith & Theology True Catholic Orthodoxy. Help...? ;)

Slava Isusu Chrystu!

As I told some of you before, I am a Byzantine Celtic Christian who attends a Ukrainian Catholic parish in the Eparchy of Chicago. I have numerous questions about numerous things, but I will try to keep them short so that some of you won't be too put off to help me out with answering them.

I went to a Serbian Orthodox Church this past weekend (not for liturgy this time - although I had been before) for a festival called "Serb Fest" that they have in my area. I went to a local Greek Orthodox parish today to see the inside of it and to see what kinds of Icons and books they had to offer. I bought a book on preparing for Holy Communion. It is good so far. I am very interested in Orthodox practices and spirituality, so I am really trying to invest some time in reading and experiencing those things.

I wanted to know more about the "Jesus Prayer." Can anyone offer me some information about it? My priest said he had a book, but he hasn't been able to track it down yet, so...

I also had questions about fasting. I know that tomorrow (or today, depending on where you are) we are to fast, but when does the fast end? after Liturgy? Should we go without food on Friday as well? I know that fasting is about more than food (prayer, etc), but I wasn't sure about the particulars. Some pointers...?

I had questions about fellowship with Orthodox Christians too. I am interested in going to a Bible study that is lead by the priest at the local Greek Orthodox parish. I wanted to know if that was a good idea. I don't see why not, but... (oh, should I get an Orthodox Study Bible too? They sell them at the Greek and Serb parishes)

Okay... one more question.

While at the Serb Church a man showed me a book called "The Law of God." I cannot recall the name of it, but I think that the author may have been Russian. Anyone know the book? If so... any thoughts? Should I pick it up?

That's long-winded enough!

Have a blessed day tomorrow.

IC XC
Crios
<'(((><

Christ is in our midst!

Hi Criostoir,
The Orthodox Study Bible is an excellent book. Actually, it was the third book I purchased after I purchased the books,"The Orthodox Church" and "Becoming Orthodox" in rediscovering my historical roots. I am what one might say a "reconvert" despite the fact I was baptised Orthodox in the Middle East and raised Roman Catholic in good old USA.

You know I live in Chicago. Which Serb Church did you visit? Holy Resurrection Cathedral on the Northwest side? In fact I am going there on Wednesday and Thursday(August 21 & 22) at 7PM. They are sponsoring a Church Education Seminar. Call them to register at 773-693-3367 or 773-227-1018. There is no charge for admission.

As for the "Jesus Prayer" there are some fine books you can purchase from www.light-n-life.com [light-n-life.com]
The one that comes to mind is the one written by Bishop Kallistos Ware. He is also the author of "The Orthodox Church". Better yet, visit the Serbian Monastary in Grayslake,IL and ask to speak to the monk-priest that is in charge. It's a beautiful, iconographed Church they have patterned from a 13th century Kosovo church.

As for fasting, seek a spiritual Father to guide you and to answer your questions. Wednesdays and Fridays are days of fasting without the meat, dairy, and alcohol.

You are more than welcomed to visit my Church in Cicero, IL. It's the home of the Weeping Icon of Blessed Virgin Mary www.stgeorgecicero.org [stgeorgecicero.org]
Unfortunately, the website is not updated and I had to release the webmaster from his duty. Take care.

Yours in Christ,
Rum Orthodox a.k.a. Robert Sweiss

Greetings Rum Orthodox (a.k.a. Robert Sweiss),

I wanted to thank you for responding to my post... I hope other offer their thoughts as well.

You wrote:
"You know I live in Chicago. Which Serb Church did you visit? Holy Resurrection Cathedral on the Northwest side? In fact I am going there on Wednesday and Thursday(August 21 & 22) at 7PM. They are sponsoring a Church Education Seminar. Call them to register at 773-693-3367 or 773-227-1018. There is no charge for admission."

Sounds really good, but I don't live in Chicago. I live near South Bend, IN. My parish is just within the Eparchy of Chicago, for Ukrainian Catholics (www.stnicholaseparchy.org [stnicholaseparchy.org]).

I went to Serb Fest in South Bend last weekend t Sts. Peter and Paul Serbian Orthodox Church. Their bishop is in Chicago too.

I wanted to thank you for your insights and adice on the Jesus Prayer, fasting, and Orthodox Bibles/other books. The information is very helpful!

IC XC
Criostoir
<'(((><

p.s.
Thanks for the invite to your parish. I will see about it when I get to Chicago next.

[While at the Serb Church a man showed me a book called "The Law of God." I cannot recall the name of it, but I think that the author may have been Russian. Anyone know the book? If so... any thoughts? Should I pick it up? ]

Excellent book. I highly recommend it. Contains a wealth of infomation from the basics all the way up.
You won't be sorry if you buy it.

OrthoMan

Criostoir,

With regard to the Jesus prayer, there's a little booklet called The Jesus Prayer: A Gift From the Fathers by Fr. David Hester that is published by the Conciliar Press in Ben Lomand, CA that covers the history and usage of this prayer. It might be what you are looking for. You can order it by phone at (800) 967-7377.

Edward, deacon and sinner

[ 08-15-2002: Message edited by: FrDeaconEd ]

Dear Criostoir,

So you are a Cele De, a Celtic Friend of God!

Welcome!

I hope that you also drink from the waters of Celtic Spirituality.

Here is a site, if you haven't already come across it, that has the old Celtic Breviary: Celticchristianity.org

They also have a Celtic Rosary using the Jesus Prayer 33 times.

The Jesus Prayer is also a part of the Celtic spiritual patrimony as is the praying of the Psalms, the Beatitudes, the "Shrine of Piety" and other Celtic religious gems that you'll find on that site.

The "Cross Vigil" is the praying of Psalm 118 with a prostration every two verses . . .

That site also has the Rule of Life of the Celtic monastic order of the Cele De and a Celtic Calendar.

There are many things shared in common by Celtic and Byzantine Christianity.

You might wish to try St Ignatius Brianchaninov's book on the Jesus Prayer as it is eminently practical. The "Way of the Pilgrim" by Paulist Press is an excellent translation with great explanatory notes.

The book you mention is excellent as well.

May the road rise to meet you, and may the wind be ever at your back, and until we meet again, may God hold you in the hollow of His Hand!

Alex

Christ is in our midst!

Hi Criostoir,
You live probably a good hour and half a way. My work office is in St. John, IN. I do know of some of the Serbian Churches in Indiana not far from the Illinois borders. Have you ever met Metropolitan CHRISTOPHER? He is a great and blessed person.

Anytime your in my neck of the woods let me know.

Yours in Christ

Orthoman,

The Law of God - compiled by Archpriest Seraphim Slobodskoy

Printshop of St. Job of Pochaev, Jordanville, N.Y. 1996

The Law of God [holycross-hermitage.com]

Good suggestion, this is a great book for reference and the basics of Orthodoxy.


And hello to Robert, got stranded in the Holy Land on vacation?

Dear OOD,

An interesting aside here, the "Law of God" is the Orthodox title for "Religious Studies" as used in the West.

This title is used to indicate that what we are studying is not "objective" in the sense that we can be removed from it as we study other subjects or even other religions.

When we study our religion, it is something that has a direct hold over us, a true command to obey what is the "Law of God" as contained in the Scriptures and Fathers.

(How's that?)

Alex

Slava Isusu Chrystu!

I wanted to thank you all for your wonderful help and advice. This place is a wonderful opportunity for people to come and share their questions, answers, and faith.

God Bless you all!

IC XC
Crios

Greetings OrthodoxyorDeath,

I wish I was in the Holy Land but not near the action. God-willing next year.

How are you doing? It's been some time old chum since we communicated. I had to take a break. Fasting whether voluntary or involuntary from an internet forum is good for the soul. When are we going to have a pint of Guiness? I can wait until your fast ends.

Robert,

Pint of Guiness?? I'll have to check if I have any left after changing the oil in my car and if I need anymore hair on my chest or rear end.

Sometime after the 28th (15th os), perhaps we could see if the food is still good at Stevie's on 63rd St.?

Alex,

Very good! That's the kind of attitude I like to see.

And how true.

OoD,
LOL. You got me laughing. Guiness is good beer. You can have a black-n-tan which is a combined with Harp. I don't mind Stevey's on 63rd. Let me know.

Black and Tans are WONDERFUL but such an unfortunate name to give it (to an Irishman!)


Brian

P.S. Give me Peppered Vodka and several Black and Tans at a Pascha Party and i am good to go!