Maybe you all can help me sort out my mess of things

[fluttershy]

I list my religion as Anglican Catholic because I go an Episcopalian parish right now that I’ve come to love. Before that though, I was baptized and chrismated Antiochian Orthodox. To make it even more complicated, I go to daily mass at a Roman Catholic Church near my home and commune there, since Orthodox Christians are welcome to.

I guess I’m asking is what am I? I posted here because if I were to join the RCC, I would be Melkite. At least I know that much.

I have been discerning whether I should just make the plunge and officially become Roman Catholic, but I struggle with a lot of issues. Some are how the RCC handles social issues, but one is more important than even that: I have bipolar disorder. I believe I joined the Orthodox Church in a mixed state (both mania and depression). When I am stable, I’m perfectly fine with my life. In a manic/mixed state like I’m in now (I’m not sure yet exactly), I become scrupulous and I get anxiety about where I am spiritually. In those times I can’t think of anything else. It’s not a very edifying feeling. Like now, I usually study, but I can’t concentrate on any of my projects. I just don’t want to make this decision in a compromised frame of mind.

I guess I’m looking for a little guidance. I feel like I’m one of those people that slip through the cracks…

 

[BillyT926]

I list my religion as Anglican Catholic because I go an Episcopalian parish right now that I’ve come to love. Before that though, I was baptized and chrismated Antiochian Orthodox. To make it even more complicated, I go to daily mass at a Roman Catholic Church near my home and commune there, since Orthodox Christians are welcome to.

I guess I’m asking is what am I? I posted here because if I were to join the RCC, I would be Melkite. At least I know that much.

I have been discerning whether I should just make the plunge and officially become Roman Catholic, but I struggle with a lot of issues. Some are how the RCC handles social issues, but one is more important than even that: I have bipolar disorder. I believe I joined the Orthodox Church in a mixed state (both mania and depression). When I am stable, I’m perfectly fine with my life. In a manic/mixed state like I’m in now (I’m not sure yet exactly), I become scrupulous and I get anxiety about where I am spiritually. In those times I can’t think of anything else. It’s not a very edifying feeling. Like now, I usually study, but I can’t concentrate on any of my projects. I just don’t want to make this decision in a compromised frame of mind.

I guess I’m looking for a little guidance. I feel like I’m one of those people that slip through the cracks…

I’ll pray for you. Come to the Church and embrace her. Either an Eastern Catholic Church or a Latin. Meet with the pastor who can help you to the best of his abilities. We’re welcoming and caring.

 

[rafael76]

Hello,

Having a good friend who suffers from bipolar disorder, I think I can at least start to understand your concerns. The earlier advice, to seek guidance from a priest, is the best advice you can get. Until you manage to talk to a priest, I suggest - purely based on my experience with my aforementioned friend, I am neither a priest nor a psychologist nor a psychiatrist - to stay calm. That is easier said than done, I realize that. But God will guide you, just don’t expect big letters in the sky telling you what to do (how many of us have wished for such clear signs? I certainly have done so often enough). Be still and wait, talk to a priest, pray - and most of all, trust in God. He has plans for you which are good for you. Even if you cannot see them today.

I will be praying for you.

R.

 

[WetCatechumen]

Canonically you’re Antiochian Greek Orthodox.

If you converted to Catholicism, canonically, you’d be Melkite Greek Catholic.

Practically, you’re Episcopalian. I don’t mean you’re almost Episcopalian but not, but that you are living as an Episcopalian. So, basically, that’s what you are. While in the Catholic Church it is allowed for Orthodox to receive sacraments, we also admonish that they follow what their own bishop instructs them. I’m guessing that your Antiochian bishop does not want you communing at an Episcopal parish. As far as your receiving communion at a Roman Catholic parish on the grounds that you’re Orthodox? Canonically that’s right, however, you’re still receiving sacraments from an ecclesial community with invalid holy orders and failing to live your Christian life in a non-heretical church. Hence, it’s a little legalistic to claim that you’re canonically Antiochian, therefore, you can receive sacraments at a Roman Catholic parish.

You’re a lapsed Antiochian Greek Orthodox Christian who is a practicing Episcopalian Christian. As such, you should not be receiving sacraments in either the Catholic Church or the Orthodox Church except confession (which you should seek as soon as possible).

That’s the harsh answer.

The pastoral answer?

In terms of where you were when you became Orthodox? Instability is bad for you, I’m guessing. So I’d say avoid that. You don’t want to make these changes too quickly. That’s bad for you. Switching willy nilly is something that everyone needs to avoid (I’m not saying that you’ve done this, just that this is something which we all should avoid in general).

I would say that if you are comfortable where you are now, don’t make any hasty decisions about changing. I would say that it’s best that you not commune at the Roman Catholic parish when you go there for daily mass out of respect for the fact that we prefer that non-Catholic Christians from a church which does not have the sacraments and believe in them the same way we do not attempt to receive them from our church. You are practically Episcopalian, after all. Keep going to daily mass there - just don’t commune. A quick conversion back to Orthodoxy or a new one to Catholicism will probably not help you in the long run.

So, relax, don’t worry about going to hell or choosing the wrong Church. God is merciful and wants you to make it to Heaven to be with him forever. He’s going to judge you on what you did know, not what you didn’t know (like which Church was the right it - hint, it’s the Catholic Church). Don’t stress over that. That’s not God trying to lead you to the right church - that’s Satan trying to confuse you.

Try to do what’s best with the knowledge that you have and do what works.

Yes, the Catholic Church is the true faith. You SHOULD be Catholic. That’s what I believe. But I’d rather you be Catholic in a way which results in you dying a Catholic in a state of grace than be a Catholic in a way that results in you being an agnostic three years from now.

So, be still and know that he is God. Don’t worry as much about screwing up. You know about the parable of the talents, I’m guessing. Don’t be the guy with one talent. For now, be Episcopalian and be full-hearted at doing it.

Keep trying and things will turn out well for your soul.

(And become Catholic).

 

[fluttershy]

I’ll pray for you. Come to the Church and embrace her. Either an Eastern Catholic Church or a Latin. Meet with the pastor who can help you to the best of his abilities. We’re welcoming and caring.

I happen to have a Byzantine Catholic Church nearby my house and I joined them for the Liturgy of the Pre-Sanctified Gifts tonight. I plan to meet with their actual priest this weekend.

Thank you for your prayers.

 

[fluttershy]

Hello,

Having a good friend who suffers from bipolar disorder, I think I can at least start to understand your concerns. The earlier advice, to seek guidance from a priest, is the best advice you can get. Until you manage to talk to a priest, I suggest - purely based on my experience with my aforementioned friend, I am neither a priest nor a psychologist nor a psychiatrist - to stay calm. That is easier said than done, I realize that. But God will guide you, just don’t expect big letters in the sky telling you what to do (how many of us have wished for such clear signs? I certainly have done so often enough). Be still and wait, talk to a priest, pray - and most of all, trust in God. He has plans for you which are good for you. Even if you cannot see them today.

I will be praying for you.

R.

Thank you. I feel like God has more love for me than I do for myself when I’m in a mixed state. I’m trying to turst in God’s mercy.

 

[fluttershy]

Canonically you’re Antiochian Greek Orthodox.

If you converted to Catholicism, canonically, you’d be Melkite Greek Catholic.

Practically, you’re Episcopalian. I don’t mean you’re almost Episcopalian but not, but that you are living as an Episcopalian. So, basically, that’s what you are. While in the Catholic Church it is allowed for Orthodox to receive sacraments, we also admonish that they follow what their own bishop instructs them. I’m guessing that your Antiochian bishop does not want you communing at an Episcopal parish. As far as your receiving communion at a Roman Catholic parish on the grounds that you’re Orthodox? Canonically that’s right, however, you’re still receiving sacraments from an ecclesial community with invalid holy orders and failing to live your Christian life in a non-heretical church. Hence, it’s a little legalistic to claim that you’re canonically Antiochian, therefore, you can receive sacraments at a Roman Catholic parish.

You’re a lapsed Antiochian Greek Orthodox Christian who is a practicing Episcopalian Christian. As such, you should not be receiving sacraments in either the Catholic Church or the Orthodox Church except confession (which you should seek as soon as possible).

That’s the harsh answer.

The pastoral answer?

In terms of where you were when you became Orthodox? Instability is bad for you, I’m guessing. So I’d say avoid that. You don’t want to make these changes too quickly. That’s bad for you. Switching willy nilly is something that everyone needs to avoid (I’m not saying that you’ve done this, just that this is something which we all should avoid in general).

I would say that if you are comfortable where you are now, don’t make any hasty decisions about changing. I would say that it’s best that you not commune at the Roman Catholic parish when you go there for daily mass out of respect for the fact that** we prefer that non-Catholic Christians from a church which does not have the sacraments and believe in them the same way we do not attempt to receive them from our church**. You are practically Episcopalian, after all. Keep going to daily mass there - just don’t commune. A quick conversion back to Orthodoxy or a new one to Catholicism will probably not help you in the long run.

So, relax, don’t worry about going to hell or choosing the wrong Church. God is merciful and wants you to make it to Heaven to be with him forever. He’s going to judge you on what you did know, not what you didn’t know (like which Church was the right it - hint, it’s the Catholic Church). Don’t stress over that. That’s not God trying to lead you to the right church - that’s Satan trying to confuse you.

Try to do what’s best with the knowledge that you have and do what works.

Yes, the Catholic Church is the true faith. You SHOULD be Catholic. That’s what I believe. But I’d rather you be Catholic in a way which results in you dying a Catholic in a state of grace than be a Catholic in a way that results in you being an agnostic three years from now.

So, be still and know that he is God. Don’t worry as much about screwing up. You know about the parable of the talents, I’m guessing. Don’t be the guy with one talent. For now, be Episcopalian and be full-hearted at doing it.

Keep trying and things will turn out well for your soul.

(And become Catholic).

Thank you for this thorough answer. I do want to clarify one thing though. I’ve never doubted that the Blessed Sacrament is our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ. This is an area in which I do not disagree with the Catholic Church. But I understand your position as well.

And a question for you: What should I confess? Sorry if that’s a stupid question.

 

[Tomdstone]

I plan to meet with their actual priest this weekend.

Good idea. It is best to discuss your situation with a priest.

 

[Zekariya]

And a question for you: What should I confess? Sorry if that’s a stupid question.

Whether you are Eastern Orthodox or Catholic, it is a sin to miss the Divine Liturgy/Mass and it is a sin to partake of non-Orthodox/non-Catholic sacraments.

Also, the Episcopal denomination does not have a valid priesthood and they do not have a valid Eucharist. It remains bread and wine.

 

[fluttershy]

Whether you are Eastern Orthodox or Catholic, it is a sin to miss the Divine Liturgy/Mass and it is a sin to partake of non-Orthodox/non-Catholic sacraments.

Also, the Episcopal denomination does not have a valid priesthood and they do not have a valid Eucharist. It remains bread and wine.

I went ahead and confessed this yesterday. That’s what I thought. Thanks.

 

[Vico]

I list my religion as Anglican Catholic because I go an Episcopalian parish right now that I’ve come to love. Before that though, I was baptized and chrismated Antiochian Orthodox. To make it even more complicated, I go to daily mass at a Roman Catholic Church near my home and commune there, since Orthodox Christians are welcome to.

I guess I’m asking is what am I? I posted here because if I were to join the RCC, I would be Melkite. At least I know that much.

I have been discerning whether I should just make the plunge and officially become Roman Catholic, but I struggle with a lot of issues. Some are how the RCC handles social issues, but one is more important than even that: I have bipolar disorder. I believe I joined the Orthodox Church in a mixed state (both mania and depression). When I am stable, I’m perfectly fine with my life. In a manic/mixed state like I’m in now (I’m not sure yet exactly), I become scrupulous and I get anxiety about where I am spiritually. In those times I can’t think of anything else. It’s not a very edifying feeling. Like now, I usually study, but I can’t concentrate on any of my projects. I just don’t want to make this decision in a compromised frame of mind.

I guess I’m looking for a little guidance. I feel like I’m one of those people that slip through the cracks…

The Christian church membership (per the Catholic Church) is based upon baptism as an adult. For eastern Catholic infants, is it the norm to be baptized in the Church of the Father. You were first baptized in the Antiochian Orthodox Church as an adult, therefore if you are received into the Catholic Church you would be enrolled in the Melkite Church sui iuris as the corresponding church, as you said.

So you are Antiochian Orthodox.

 

[andrewstx]

I am confused and curious. Why would he be sent to a melkite church?

I am Antiochian Orthodox and we serve the Liturgy of St John Chrysistom which is very different from the Melkite liturgy.

 

[Vico]

I am confused and curious. Why would he be sent to a melkite church?

I am Antiochian Orthodox and we serve the Liturgy of St John Chrysistom which is very different from the Melkite liturgy.

The Catholic Melkites originated from the Orthodox that came into full communion with the Catholic Church in 1724, from the (Eastern Orthodox) Patriarchate of Antioch. (The Orthodox Holy Synod of Antioch still appoints the bishop of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America.) The Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom varies depending on the jurisdiciton and language used.

 

[WetCatechumen]

The Catholic Melkites originated from the Orthodox that came into full communion with the Catholic Church in 1724, from the (Eastern Orthodox) Patriarchate of Antioch. (The Orthodox Holy Synod of Antioch still appoints the bishop of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America.) The Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom varies depending on the jurisdiciton and language used.

Seeing as the Patriarch of Antioch and the majority of bishops voted for union, it would be more appropriate to say that the Antiochian Orthodox originated from the Melkites.

 

[theistgal]

I would just like to reiterate what I have said many, many times - talk to the priest of the church you wish to join.

Since he will be your primary confessor, he is in the best position to help you sort everything out, tell you exactly what steps you need to take, and help you get the ball rolling.

No one on an Internet forum can do this for you.

And as for always being required to join X or X rite of the Church - again - talk to your priest. There are ways to deal with things like this pastorally, on a one-person-at-a-time basis (rather than the “one size fits all” advice you are going to get on forums like this).

God bless and good luck!

 

[LarryM0616]

I am happy you will be meeting with a Byzantine Catholic priest. I know several, and am confident you will get great counsel. I would also advise medical/psychiatric help, and I’m surprised nobody has suggested this before now. Glory Be to Jesus Christ!

 

[fluttershy]

I am confused and curious. Why would he be sent to a melkite church?

I am Antiochian Orthodox and we serve the Liturgy of St John Chrysistom which is very different from the Melkite liturgy.

I’m a “she”

 

[fluttershy]

I would just like to reiterate what I have said many, many times - talk to the priest of the church you wish to join.

Since he will be your primary confessor, he is in the best position to help you sort everything out, tell you exactly what steps you need to take, and help you get the ball rolling.

No one on an Internet forum can do this for you.

And as for always being required to join X or X rite of the Church - again - talk to your priest. There are ways to deal with things like this pastorally, on a one-person-at-a-time basis (rather than the “one size fits all” advice you are going to get on forums like this).

God bless and good luck!

Thanks. I didn’t get a chance to really talk to him last weekend, but I am this week. I wouldn’t mind being Melkite really. I live near a Ruthenian Catholic Church, and eastern liturgies are more familiar to me.

 

[fluttershy]

I am happy you will be meeting with a Byzantine Catholic priest. I know several, and am confident you will get great counsel. I would also advise medical/psychiatric help, and I’m surprised nobody has suggested this before now. Glory Be to Jesus Christ!

I’m also getting professional help, but episodes can still happen anyway. Having bipolar comes with having sensitive brain chemistry. There are some days meds are effective and some days not so much.

 

[Peter_J]

Hi fluttershy. Just read this thread for the first time.

As you rightly point out, Catholic priests are permitted to give communion to Orthodox Christians if they request it. But (for whatever it’s worth) I personally wouldn’t receive communion from a Catholic priest, if I were Orthodox, since most Orthodox bishop are against it.