Working with heathen

[Natasha]

I agree with Tom (Tom are you shocked? ) -by so obviously setting yourself apart from the group, the claws are going to come out at you.

If I were you, I would just not get involved in their conversations, even when they asked for an opinion. Just excuse yourself and say you would rather not talk about it.

You sound a little too caught up in all the small details of Orthodoxy, I would talk to your Priest about your many concerns, so you can better concentrate on what is more important.

"There was a man who was leading an ascetic life and not eating bread. He went to visit an old man. It happened that pilgrims also dropped by, and the old man fixed a modest meal for them. When they sat together to eat, the brother who was fasting picked up a single pea and chewed it. When they arose from the table, the old man took the brother aside and said: Brother, when you go to visit somewhere, do not display your way of life, but if you want to keep it, stay in your cell and never come out. He accepted what the old man said, and after that behaved like the others whenever he met with them."-Desert Wisdom

[Theodora Elizabeth]

You sound a little too caught up in all the small details of Orthodoxy, I would talk to your Priest about your many concerns, so you can better concentrate on what is more important.

Natasha ~

Thank you. Yes, I guess I am a little too caught up in the details. Guess I can't totally shake my Roman Catholic upbringing!

Theodora Elizabeth

[TomS]

I agree with Tom (Tom are you shocked? )

Nah! I figure after 228 posts - I was bound to get something right!

[Justin2]

Being in the Army, I work with all kinds of people from pretty different corners of the debate ring. Fortunately, most of the people I work with seem to have some form of moral standard or another (there are no athiests in foxholes, OR basic training, since believing in God gets you out from under the Drill Sgt. for a couple of hours a week). Even the younger people in my class, while not perfect in their virtues are pretty decent kids (I say kids because I just turned 26 last month and most of these yonger types are 18-21).
Sometimes people talk about things that I wouldn't care to hear of, but I try to pay little attention to it. Of course, I've come from a very crazy background (spent a lot of time in the local punk rock scene as a kid) so it takes a lot to bother me. Nektarios and Tom had pretty good advice, and I'd say it's worth following. Especially the thing about St. Seraphim.
My biggest problem is trying to live The Faith instead of concerning myself with who's right and wrong all day. Put away your calendar, in fact, just use your calendar at home, it shouldn't be hard to remember the days and the special occasions (fish, wine, oil, etc.). If people are inquisitive, there's nothing wrong with letting them know about what you're up to (in terms of fasting and what not), but don't put out a signal, because it can draw the wrong kind of energy, not to mention put you in the position of the Pharissees, praying to be seen by men, instead of anointing your face and looking joyous during fasting periods (I think that Paul said that, but I'm no theologian).
I usually just make a quick, subtle cross before I eat, unless I'm at home, where I know I won't be drawing attention to myself (of course the situation dictates depending upon where one is...for instance, if I eat lunch with my Priest after doing some project at the parish, of course the food will be blessed, or if it's a bunch of friends from church, but you know what I mean). But anyway, I should stop carrying on. My best advice is to remember the classic phrase "Preach The Gospel often; speak only when necessary". (I need to work on that myself!)

[Justin Kissel]

Theodora Elizabeth,

I'm not sure what to post, other than to say what I've done in similar situations in the past. If possible, I would not say anything at all, but only smile. This left some people thinking I was a bit of an idiot, and some people thinking that I was just odd, but at least they hardly ever tried to drag me into their conversations Speaking in such situations--even if what you are saying is truthful or insightful--is rarely helpful. People have to be open to truth and insight for speaking to be beneficial. We are commanded by Christ to let our light shine, though sometimes the best way for that light to shine is to be meek and joyful and quiet and at peace. I think the quote given by St. Seraphim is a good one. Here's another: "Asceticism is Orthodoxy's only missionary school. And ascetics are Orthodoxy's only missionaries." (St. Justin Popovich)