That places the priest (a sinner) above the Church.
The biggest problem with Orthodoxy today is that far too many people become much like you seem to be recently
So, it's not your place to determine if the priest did something wrong by excommunicating a woman suspected of being "unclean" for three years. but it is your place to say that I am a problem?
What happens in life is that sometimes people make mistakes
Every day, MarMema, not just sometimes. Even when you don't think you are.
Some have had experiences in Orthodox churches which did not leave one with great feelings afterward
They must be far and few in between, and I certainly have not experienced anything like that. I have encountered some arrogance and pride, but then who is without it?
I personally see and hear priests who come out from the altar and bow to the parishioners asking forgiveness for their sins
That's very kind of him. My point. Perhaps he should include his as well?
Looking for perfection outside themselves but forgetting to glance occasionally in the mirror and see their own imperfections
I hold the Church and clergy to higher standards. You should too. I do not think the Body and Blood of Christ is an Orthodox prerogative. That's not asking for perfection, MarMema. When I say the Church doesn't save us, God does, I reiterate that we are not perfect lest we should forget and begin to act as if we are. The Church is good at preaching the word of God but not living it, and that goes for the clergy and laity.
We are hiding behind man-made rituals as if they were something holy. We are hiding behind physical signs as if they are something we own and others can't have. That's not what Jesus taught.
You need healing, imo, and badly
Wow! Exorcism no doubt? Thank you, doctor. Now I know. As long as you know that, should I quote you from above, "it is not my place to determine this anyway....nor is it yours, even if you think so," lest we misunderstand each other. You seem to be perfectly at home (aka it is your place) to determine what I lack.
I think you have never broken with you Catholic mindset, where pray, pay and obey is the rule. I am sorry, MarMema, it must be comforting to feel driven by someone else, but I prefer to do the driving myself. I question, because I believe. I see Christ on the one hand and the Church on the other. When the Church begins to live in Christ as much as it talks Christ, I am sure I will feel closer. I doubt that it will be any time soon.
But I do not. That would be clericalism.
How would you know? Which parish have you attended regularly over the last few years?
That's very kind of him. My point. Perhaps he should include his as well?
Um. Kosta. That is what they are doing. Asking the parishioners to forgive them for their sins. Have you not been to liturgy in a long time that you could follow?
The clergy come out and face the parishioners and say "Forgive me my brothers and sisters, and pray for me, a sinner".
In the Orthodox church I think we also do the driving ourselves. We just don't drive alone on empty roads. In the dark.
You cannot take the act of receiving the Mysteries out of the liturgy as if it were a lone thing. The entire service is an act of thanksgiving and worship - of a united community. Dissection is of a western mindset.
Your bitterness, anger, and accusations are, hmmm, of Christ? You think? Or do you not see those things in yourself?
Which physical signs are you referring to here, Kosta?