I am so excited, because I just recently found your church.
I have been trying to decide what to do, because I was at this point of indecision. I was trying to make up my mind between converting to the Catholic Church or to Eastern Orthodoxy. But I was uncomfortable with both. I tend towards pacifism and I believe in the power of fasting. (I regularly fast for world peace, etc.) Also, I am uncomfortable with the church cozying up to political power. Both the EO and the Catholic churches thus made me a little uncomfortable, although I liked the grandeur of both, as well as the Apostolic origin and the sacramental nature of the Churches.
Then I discovered the Coptic Church. I should say I rediscovered it, because I had heard of the Coptic Church before, but because it was "Coptic Orthodox Church" I thought that it was a church in communion with the Eastern Orthodox Churches; I did not realize that the Church was separate, and much closer to the simplicity of the Church that I am comfortable with.
My question is, what should I expect upon converting? How long will the process take? Is there a similar rite to the Catholic Rite of Initiation? Also, I am gay, but I am celibate (I do not have sex, but I cannot control attraction). Is this something that would cause me to be rejected by the Church?
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[quote author=calebjohnson77 link=topic=6816.msg91317#msg91317 date=1214099284]My question is, what should I expect upon converting? How long will the process take?
This is really something for the priest who supervises you to decide in consideration of the particulars of your case. So the first thing you need to do is visit your nearest Coptic parish and see the parish priest on the matter. He will generally suggest you take some time to experience the worship of the Coptic Church, to study her beliefs and practices etc. and will determine a date for baptism when he feels you're sufficiently prepared. I assume you are referring to baptism? The Coptic Church's baptismal rituals and theology are quite different to that of Roman Catholicism, and more in line with the practice of the early Coptic Church. One of the most frequently noted differences is that we baptise by full immersion--which was the practice of the early Church and which has significant theological implications. The sacrament of baptism is typically followed by the Sacrament of Chrismation by which the gifts of the Holy Spirit are sealed. What kind of hospital rejects patients on account of the fact they suffer from illness? As long as you do not contend the idea that homosexuality is indeed one of many spiritual illnesses, and as long as you are determined to overcome it by the Grace of God that flows through the Life of the Church, then there is no problem whatsoever.
The Parish priest gave me like 8 books to read already. :) I am beginning to read, but obviously I feel that there is much, much similarity to the Eastern Orthodox beliefs that I have already studied, so theologically, I hope that he will let me progress really rapidly. Mainly, I hope he gives me a mentor, or someone to watch over me and show me how the faith is lived.
I was baptized before, but it was a Protestant baptism, so he says they will rebaptize me. :)
Thank you! I already visited the parish today, and was struck by the beauty of the Church building. I wanted to stay inside and meditate all day!
The Parish priest gave me like 8 books to read already. :) I am beginning to read, but obviously I feel that there is much, much similarity to the Eastern Orthodox beliefs that I have already studied, so theologically, I hope that he will let me progress really rapidly. Mainly, I hope he gives me a mentor, or someone to watch over me and show me how the faith is lived.
I was baptized before, but it was a Protestant baptism, so he says they will rebaptize me. :)
welcome Caleb. May God bless and open your heart for His mercies.
i wanted to ask, which Coptic church have you visited.
also, with all do respect, what's with "Also, I am gay, but I am celibate (I do not have sex, but I cannot control attraction."
the word "homosexual" refers to the act. if you do not commit the act, does the word mean anything to you. mental attraction is not the same as acting upon it. am not saying it's not a sin, it's dieffernt.
pray for me
joe
May God bless and guide you always