[TOD4wDTQ]

Is anyone familiar with this particular church? How much Greek to English? Convert and ethnic diversity ratio? I'm asking for someone that I know in that area. Thank you

[SkatrySkith]

Why do not you call the priest there and ask? Or have your priest get that info for you? Also by asking the Father in that parish you can bring the newcomer to his attention.

[Joesred]

Okay, Nina, I finally did (the first time I tried, no one answered). Apparently they are almost totally in English (except for some particular kind of responses, can't remember) and the congregation is mostly, or at least 50/50, converts. The lady that answered the phone about busted a gut laughing when I asked about the diversity LOL! THAT was my answer to just about everything! Sis should love this church!

[TyncTyncSah]

May I also recommend that your sister visit Holy Ascension Church (OCA) in Mount Pleasant. It's a young, growing congregation with a faithful, committed pastor, Fr John Parker.

[Cucoulkrory]

That's a bit further than the GOC, but I'll mention it to her. She has children and I'm not seeing anything on the OCA page for children compared to the GOC page.

[Sensbachtal]

Okay, Nina, I finally did (the first time I tried, no one answered). Apparently they are almost totally in English (except for some particular kind of responses, can't remember) and the congregation is mostly, or at least 50/50, converts. The lady that answered the phone about busted a gut laughing when I asked about the diversity LOL! THAT was my answer to just about everything! Sis should love this church!

To Etsi: You go girl! See this is the best that you called and asked. Did you get the name of this lady? Maybe you can have her welcome your sister and help her in this totally new environment (an Orthodox church)?

To all: Some words in Greek as answers in Liturgy are ok I think - I mean I visited a Protestant church in my neighborhood for historical purposes (since in that spot passed away the writer of the American anthem) and looked around their church and at their worship books, and I was so stunned to see they had hymns with Greek words!!! In the book of their Liturgy!!!
Not to mention the RC who do the same (Kyrie Eleison lPavaroti style anyone?). So if these non-Orthodox do it why shouldn't we? We have the name of this website in Greek too Ooops lol

In Albania it is forbidden in some areas (like in the capital city) to have Orthodox services in the Greek language due to political, nationalistic and other sensitivities (imagine the country was 70% Muslim and mostly brainwashed by communist propaganda). So there (not in areas with mostly Greek-speaking minority) people even today can pay dearly even with their life, if they have services in Greek. However the Archbishop says now and then some responses in Greek during Liturgy and that is OK even there, where people are mostly Muslim and some are ex/current communists. So you can hear in the Cathedral responses like 'Irene Pasi. - Peace be unto all'. etc during the Liturgy.

I think we can all deal with some foreign element in our lives It makes life more diverse and interesting. Hi hi hi I am foreign too :P

[Mjxhnapi]

Oh she'll be perfectly fine with some Greek! Not a problem! I'm embarrassed to say that I did not catch the lady's name. She was so nice.

More good news: sis showed the website to her husband and he's interested as well. So it looks like one sister, her family and a stepsister.

[Larisochka]

No, do not be embarrased. Maybe you can call back and ask for her name and tell her the time when they plan to visit so the priest, or greeters can meet them.

Glory to God for them and prayers for wonderful news soon!

[DavidQD]

Thing is, I never know WHEN exactly they will visit. Her schedule is crazy.

[6ZCo3xuK]

Ok, when they are ready you can always call back and ask for the lady. Probably she is the church secretary there.