[Kolokotronis]

"In fact, when we attended the lovely ceremony when my nephew was brought into the Orthodox Church... I saw that sentence written in a bulletin type paper that was given us"

For years we never saw a Roman Catholic present themselves for communion at our Orthodox Church but over the past 18 months it has happened several times, always with women and once one of the women made quite a scene when the priest explained, very quietly that he couldn't give her communion. Since that Sunday, the priest has had to announce before communion that only Orthodox Christians, properly prepared by fasting and confession and living their lives in accord with the teachings of the Church (which means among other things, if you are living with your paramour, don't come up) may receive.

Frankly we've all been very surprised that Romans would approach for communion since we certainly wouldn't in a Roman Church. Perhaps if the day ever comes that we are in communion we will, but before that its simply wrong to pretend we have a unity which just doesn't exist, however much we might wish it did. And of course, we're in America, not Lebanon! :)

[Lion in Winter]

Thanks for the reply. I imagine just the fact that somebody would come into a Church... any Church and make a scene or a fuss... would simply preclude that person from Communion anyway.

Why, do you suppose these women come to your Church?? Has it happened since the Priest has had to make such announcements?

[workerbee]

For years we never saw a Roman Catholic present themselves for communion at our Orthodox Church but over the past 18 months it has happened several times, always with women

Pardon my ignorance, but I'm curious how you knew they were Roman Catholics and not Orthodox. Did they say so and then present anyway, or is there a particular "way" Orthodox present for Communion that you knew right away they weren't following?

[jb6]

Our priests have made similar statements. Usually it's with visiting protestants that just don't know the rules.