Parenthood Thread

[R3bauer]

It's surprising to hear that so many of you do not celebrate Christmas, or at least do not do Santa Claus. I absolutely respect it, as I do think the consumerism of Christmas has gotten out of hand, but it's just that pretty much everyone I know celebrates. It's nice to hear other viewpoints. I honestly want to start pivoting my Christmases toward giving in the form of charity and good deeds. I think it would be nicer to give the gift of volunteering or helping a friend with something, rather than just buying something. I think it's fun for children to get a few gifts, but as adults maybe it would be more meaningful to give in other ways. Children could join in on this as well and learn how to be more charitable. It's just a thought.

THESE ARE MY THOUGHTS. I mean no disrespect to anyone's beliefs. I went from Catholic to not believing in anything to Evangelical/Non Demonational.
I am now for lack of a better term, a Druid as much as one can be in today's world.
I felt that the judgment and fear that is the basis of many mainstream faiths is not for ME.
I feel closer to a creator (whomever that is for you) when in the woods on my own. When I harvest the animal or fish, I thank it for giving its life for me.
I respect nature and leave no trace.
I study the natural world, the ins and outs of my impact on the environment when in the woods so I can do what I can to mitigate it.
I dislike the holiday season because why should an arbitrary date on the calendar dictate when we give gifts to people we care about? I dislike receiving birthday gifts for the same reason. I love giving gifts throughout the year.
I volunteer at a senior wellness center and used to volunteer with my fellow veterans.
I am not trying to say I am better or worse than anyone else. Just trying to give my answer to the above response.

 

[SunriseChickers]

May I ask which Orthodox denomination you belong to? I know people who are from the Russian, Ukrainian, and Serbian Orthodox churches. I know each is a little different.

They are all the same! (Save Jewish Orthodox, which is not Orthodoxy, and a couple other niche ones) We all have the same doctrines, specific beliefs, etc. The only difference is that they originated in different regions of the world, so they speak different languages and have different melodies in their chants. We go to a Greek Orthodox parish, but my husband was baptized American Orthodox. The distinction is purely regional/ethnic, and there aren't actually "denominations" in the Orthodox Church.

 

[HenriettaPizzaNolan]

They are all the same! (Save Jewish Orthodox, which is not Orthodoxy, and a couple other niche ones) We all have the same doctrines, specific beliefs, etc. The only difference is that they originated in different regions of the world, so they speak different languages and have different melodies in their chants. We go to a Greek Orthodox parish, but my husband was baptized American Orthodox. The distinction is purely regional/ethnic, and there aren't actually "denominations" in the Orthodox Church.

Good to know! Thanks for educating me on that. I wasn't aware it was all the same belief system, because they always seemed slightly different in the way they worship, but of course that doesn't mean their belief system has to be different.

 

[SunriseChickers]

Good to know! Thanks for educating me on that. I wasn't aware it was all the same belief system, because they always seemed slightly different in the way they worship, but of course that doesn't mean their belief system has to be different.

Of course! It's something I love about the Orthodox Church - no matter where we go, it's the same Church. Many of the variations come down to the preference of the priest, such as, which exact prayers are said aloud vs said quietly, if the homily (sermon) is after the scripture reading or saved for the very end of the service, etc. And some churches have pews, some don't. Some have you sit more frequently, some are intended for you to stand the entire time. I'll also note that I have been to three Greek parishes, and the chanting was different in every single one. Fortunately for me, my home parish is my favorite, lol.