What's an Orthodox to Say?

Chrysostomos · Post by **Chrysostomos** » Wed 18 February 2004 3:36 pm

Justin,

Frankly, if a family member asks: "Why can't you go to your
"old church" so that all the family could attend. I think your
response could be: "We could have the baby baptized there,
but we no longer go there. That is not where we attend, and
it is important to us to go to our current Church, that is where
our priest (spiritual father)is , our church family is , and we
more than welcome all of you to come and see the baptism
there. It would bring much joy to us if all of you could make
an attempt to attend." (And leave it at that) If they press
the issue, I would say: "I don't know what more explanation
is needed? I told you the reasons why, and if you chose
not to attend, we understand, but would more than welcome
you to attend."

I don't think it is necessary to go into the reasons about why
you no longer attend the "old church". They wouldn't
understand anyway.

With humble bow,

Rd. Chrysostomos

Anastasios · Post by **Anastasios** » Wed 18 February 2004 4:50 pm

Instead of going on about the errors of Monophysitism as Nicholas suggested, you should just say, "because they do things differently there." That will go a lot farther than talking about heresies and schisms with a RC.

anastasios

bogoliubtsy · Post by **bogoliubtsy** » Wed 18 February 2004 5:22 pm

I think it might be helpful to point out that you have an established relationship with the priest and parishioners at your current parish. Related to this, maybe let your family know that Baptism is a corporate event which should include the participation of the members of the community where you worship. You receive communion with this body of believers, fast with this body, feast with this body, and struggle together week after week together to move closer to God- it seems only natural that if you're receiving the sacraments at a particular place, you should have your child baptised there in the presense of this same body who can share in the joy of the baptism.

I wouldn't start throwing around terms like "monophysite" in this situation.

CGW · Post by **CGW** » Wed 18 February 2004 5:23 pm

Well, I think preists and ministers of all churches and denominations would object to the notion that a baptism is a travelling show to be held at the convenience of the onlookers. It should be done in your home parish-- heck, that's probably what their own priest(s) would prefer.

I'm wondering about this word "can't". Is there some issue of distance, or is there some religious reason why they won't enter your church building?

Natasha · Post by **Natasha** » Wed 18 February 2004 5:36 pm

I agree with Anastasios & Chrysostomos-keep it simple and stand your ground.

Liudmilla · Post by **Liudmilla** » Wed 18 February 2004 6:24 pm

First, understand that you will not be able to satisfy everyone, no matter what you say. Every family member will have something to say, some of it very inflamatory, disheartening and hurtful. Ignore them. It your baby and you are the parents. They don't approve .... well tough and they don't have to come. Make the invitation.....that's all you are responsible for.

Second, be prepared for a fight over Godparents. It's inevitable if there are siblings. You will talk yourself blue in the face and they will never understand why a non-Orthodox sibling can't be a Godparent! Believe me it gets ugly....stand FIRM..it is after all YOUR choice.

Most Orthodox prefer not to have to travel far with an unbaptised baby so use that as an excuse....it's true and it works!

Good Luck....don't forget you are the parents and it's your decision.

Milla

Justin Kissel · Post by **Justin Kissel** » Mon 23 February 2004 3:00 pm

I'd like to thank you all for your responses