I have been away again to the Ionian Islands. Comments awaiting moderation since Sunday last have now been published. A friend suggested that I might go to be Baptised by the Greeks, in Greece. The thought had crossed my mind but something held me back. More on that when I write an account of my trip. I did, however, in token of Baptism, buy an Icon (not a lithographic print on plywood) of Christ's Baptism in the Jordan in a monastery. It now hangs in my bedroom, pride of place, where that old Spanish crucifix (the one I gave away) once was.
Now to catch up on everything...
have a good trip, Goda ferth, as they say in icelandic!
ReplyDeletewhatever happens, You will still be a christian in my book!
Jim of Olym
Aren't you already a baptized Christian? Baptism can not be repeated despite what some Orthodox erroneously believe.
ReplyDeleteAnthony
I was "baptised" following neo-Modernist Roman rites when I was a month old, yes. My mother often says it was with water blessed by John Paul II, a pope for whom I have an especial contempt, following his "pastoral visit" to England in 1982, which, to me, is more than enough reason to be baptised again but whether that story is true or not I have no way of knowing. The Greeks would baptise me in Greece, but not in London. Sourozh would receive me by Chrismation too, whereas ROCOR would baptise me. And since I consider entry into the Church by Baptism as of necessity, whatever one's background, Chrismation alone isn't good enough.
DeleteI have written half a score of draft posts on this, only to delete them unfinished. It's the subject of a treatise or a cri de cœur. I can put it no better than by saying that, contrary to the opinion of some of my detractors, I do not treat my (possible) entry into the Orthodox Church as like a tour of Vanity Fair. Unless my goal is Christ Himself then what religion I profess is just a worthless, ostentatious fancy; a system of ideas and not Grace at all. And I currently don't think I'm ready. Perhaps I'll never be ready and I am already doomed to Hell. It's frightening.
Your caution is commendable; do take your time, and go down whatever path you feel you cannot live without, but only in a positive sense, such that the daily pull is one towards joy and anticipation; but if you should feel the need to denigrate the path you will not take, then perhaps it's best to wait some more.
DeleteOn a more congenial note, which Ionian islands did you visit? I would love to visit Greece one day.
ReplyDeleteAnthony
I went to Kefalonia and Ithaka. I am presently collating the notes I took with pen and paper and am on day three out of seven. I have uploaded the photos I took to my computer and am selecting some of the best. Stay posted!
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