This blog is a snapshot – or rather, a collection of snapshots – of my learning and understanding, as I strive to discover and experience the fullness of the one Holy, Catholic and Apostolic faith.
I am a convert from protestant evangelicalism, living in the U.S., and so most of my posts and perspective are significantly influenced by that background and experience. If you are looking for a solid overview or “objective” discourse of Orthodox Christianity, this is probably not the place for you. At times, many of my posts are reflections on post-evangelical/protestant Christianity as a (now) Orthodox Christian, while others are dealing with the inner life of the Orthodox Church. In other words, expect a mixed bag, and expect to even be confused at times.
As a result, many of my posts and words may seem confrontational, arrogant or polemical in nature. They are not meant to be so, and are simply reflections of my own personal experience of salvation. If anyone is having a finger pointed at themselves in anything I say, it is myself – and Lord, have mercy on me the chief of sinners.
Please forgive me for any offense these words cause.
In peace, the servant of God,
Vincent
Note: All Scriptural citations or references on this blog are taken from the Septuagint (LXX) and the Greek Orthodox New Testament, unless otherwise noted.
Thanks for your sweet spirit. As a person who would be considered protestant I can say “no offense taken.”
Grace & Shalom,
Steve Kenney
Indianapolis, IN
Hi,
I am enjoying your blog spot. Up until Christmas 2011 I was the pastor of an Evangelical Church. Over the Christmas holiday the leadership of the Church fired me. I have been exploring Orthodoxy for about two years, the result of a growing dissatisfaction with Protestantism. Question for you: What does an Orthodox Christian do when the nearest Church (Greek) is hours away?
Sincerely,
Patrick Halferty
I would encourage you to reach out to the nearest priest and arrange some time to speak with him both over the phone and then in person. Try to travel and visit some services as you can, and ask the priest how you can pray and supplement your life spiritually when at home and away from the parish.
If you live in a community where there are many people interested in Orthodoxy, it is always possible to attempt and start a mission.
I wish you well in your journey. It is never easy.
Dear Vincent,
Thank you for your blog and also for the beautiful icons and art work. I am entranced by the eucharistic icon that use use in your header behind the words “On Behalf of All.” Can you identify that icon?
Blessings,
Fr. Stephen Stanley+
It is an icon of the Mystical Supper, but I do not know who wrote it.
Fr. Stephen,
This icon (apparently) was painted by one Fentas Dionisios.
Please see:
http://www.iconsexplained.com/iec/lib3/03428.htm#
Hope that helps…
I like your blog. I am a new convert, too, after having been a Roman Catholic for decennies. Deo gratias! Gott bless you.
Thank you, and welcome home.
Vincent, I notice that you are using an image of St. Vincent whose physical origin is the icon on our iconostasis here in Saskatoon. If you wish to check it out here is our website: stvincentoflerins.net Blessings to you!
Thank you!