What is the best way to talk to young people (I'm in my late 30s) that movie nights (even at home), loud gatherings, etc., are not the way to spend Saturday evening after Vigil/Vespers? My priest will occasionally mention this to the parish at large, but one young woman (early 20s) whom I regularly chant with, seems to be having difficulty with the concept.
Vespers at my parish ends late - after 8 pm. Last Saturday evening the young lady in question as well as one of the young men came over to my place for a light meal after Vespers. After discussing various movies, she had the idea to have a few folks over for a movie night after Vespers tonight. I declined. After she kept pushing, I ventured that Saturday night was probably not a good time for this. I had to explain further that this was due to taking Holy Communion in the morning. She looked at me like I had three heads! :shock:
Sunday afternoon I and many of the other younger folks in the parish received a "Saturday Night Fun" email from her, inviting us over for a movie or two, and lots of food. I daresay the 50ish couple (also in our parish) that she rents a room from were not privy to this beforehand. I said no more to her, but I did email our priest, detailing the situation and simply asking if he thought it might be time for the whole parish reminder (during announcements) of how to spend Saturday evening after Vespers. Later in the week I received an email from her that she will no longer be attending our parish, at least not for a good long time. I had to speak to Fr. about the situation, as this seriously impacts chanting of some services. He told me he did not speak with the young lady. I pray she finds another Orthodox parish, and just doesn't stop going to church. I daresay there were probably other issues I don't know about in this situation.
I'm pretty much the oldest single woman in my parish (the others are college students!), and I've been told by various others that I've become something of a role model for the young unmarried women. apparently due to my lifestyle (no television, no "modern music," pretty much NO popular culture at all). I'm not the best with explaining things. How should I explain this next time? My priest has told me his response if it came up - that he will not give Communion to someone he knows has been partying on Saturday night, and that those who've been partying shouldn't partake of the Body & Blood of Christ, in any case - but what's a bit more of the WHY? Any resources (maybe online?) might be nice to have to point someone to.
Thanks!
P.S. I should give a bit of an intro - I've been a lurker for a good while, and finally decided to register. I converted several years ago to Orthodoxy, and am I ever thankful I found the Church! 