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This whole discussion is why I became an Orthodox Christian. The whole Catholic vs. Protestant "discussion" is so divisive.

1. Pray for me. (is that me "worshipping you for asking you to pray for me?)
2. Quoting scripture to "prove" theology. The Bible is a product of the church, not vice versa. The theology was around centuries before people started quoting Bible verses.
3. Mary is the ultimate example of obedience to God. She gave birth to God!!! To completely throw her out of the picture is an insult, while saying she was born without sin is deification. Our respect for her is a Christological statement. (BTW, the Orthodox do not accept the Roman teaching of Original Sin...that's another friendly discussion)

I just had to weigh in on this, because I want people to know there is another historic, ancient church that has not ever changed its teachings, nor will it ever.

The second we start "knowing" other people's salvation or God's plan for them, that is when our OWN salvation is in jeopardy...

God Bless us and pray for me.

I come from a long line of "crazy Catholics"!! So does my husband. However, I also come from a long line of "crazy Baptists"! I think it's truly important to celebrate our "mere Christianity" other than arguing. My parents did all the arguing on who's "right" and who's "wrong"...that's how we ended up Orthodox! Blessings to you this holy season.

"While fasting people must avoid conflict situations or contradictory discussions." WOW!~

Thanks for this wonderful reminder! I don't see most of my Orthodox brothers and sisters around me (including myself!!!) remembering this part of the Christmas fast.

This is yet another stark reminder of the differences between conservatives and liberals--the group that gives its stamp of approval for this mass slaughter. They would place a higer regard for their government social programs above the destruction of babies, while telling us "Democrats Care". Utterly repulsive!

Everyone really needs to keep in mind that there are still thousands of Christian Palestinians in Palestine. Don't lump them into the same group as the Muslims.

Case in point---the priest of our church is a 9th generation priest, and his family's home was literally taken and dozed. The home and the property were in his family for many centuries.

This isn't simply Muslims vs. Jews. Think about all of the Christian holy sites (some of the first Christian churches) that have been destroyed. The people who attended those churches were Christian Arabs. Pray for them!

What ever happened to the day-after-the-election W? Remember that guy who had been given a mandate by the people? We might have a conservative nominee, if only he would return to us!

I am a wife, mother, educator, productive member of my community, tax payer, AND was born to a teenage mother. I am pretty glad I didn't fall into the "acceptable instances" of abortion.....even if I did, wouldn't I be the exact same PERSON?