Join a church that has fallen for the corona narrative

[Magnus Stout]

Sorry to hear that. My local ROCOR (& OCA) churches both follow the evil, lying CDC as well. I agree with @Vasily Martian.

I would consider finding a monastery or smaller church via this listing.

 

[Viktor Zeegelaar]

Hi Viktor, can you please answer some of those questions posted above:

1) Have you actually been to this church? One thing I've noticed about this whole thing is that there are basically parallel realities forming. The "book reality" which is communicated on the internet, and the real reality. Case and point, if you read the website for the local zoo, you'd think it was COVID crazy, but when I actually went there, nobody was wearing a mask, all the indoor places (reptiles etc) were full of people not social distancing, etc. I see this also with restaurants and other things, basically they need to say they are doing stuff to stay out of trouble.

2) If these things are actually going on, is this due to local mandates or the church's choice? Do they need to do this or get shut down? Although I know of small parishes that just started meeting in the priest's house, house churches would be all but impossible with large metropolitan congregations. I'd be really suprised if a ROCOR church cucked voluntarily. Assuming it is ROCOR.

Also, regarding masking being an attempt to deface the image of God, yes I have considered this many times and see the obvious symbolic meaning. This could also be why masking is so enjoyed by those who are determined to erase God's image from themselves and our society.

Thanks for the response everybody! Appreciate it. There are no mask mandates from our gov besides public transport now. And I haven't been there yet, so I'll get in touch and see how it goes from there. Indeed practicality can be different than theory, but it remains disturbing to me that so many churches fall heads on for this. It's more a moral principle I guess when you know that it's nonsense and the people behind it often worship Satan. I may have to develop some more understanding for normies who just don't have the understanding of the situation we have and try to let people who are willing to hear go into the right direction and see what's going on.

 

[4600_fan]

Thanks for the response everybody! Appreciate it. There are no mask mandates from our gov besides public transport now. And I haven't been there yet, so I'll get in touch and see how it goes from there. Indeed practicality can be different than theory, but it remains disturbing to me that so many churches fall heads on for this. It's more a moral principle I guess when you know that it's nonsense and the people behind it often worship Satan. I may have to develop some more understanding for normies who just don't have the understanding of the situation we have and try to let people who are willing to hear go into the right direction and see what's going on.

Rgr that. Just check it out and see how it goes.

 

[Grow Bag]

I had the same concerns, especially after the appalling and heinous move by the pastor of a Pentecostal church, where I'd attended for prayers one time, to open the church up as a vaccination centre. I wrote that pastor an email to warn him of such, with references to accomplished scientists and doctors. His reply was that of a stereotypical, middle-class, arrogant progressive. May God help him.

Anyhow, in the Orthodox church I've been attending, only a couple of females wore masks and nobody appeared at all concerned with social distancing or hand sanitation. In the newsletters it's apparent that they've been following government guidelines, but as soon as restrictions were lifted they carried on as normal. This gives me a good feeling about the clergy and congregation, that they're not living in fear, but worshipping and trusting in God.

 

[doctorweedmd]

Did the priest actually force you to wear one? Maybe you can attend maskless, and tell the priest you have a medical exemption. Also explain to him why you find them to be evil and how they actually don't even work at all.

While this church may try to enforce these mandates, I'm sure they would be more willing to respect your noncompliance than say all of the godless retail stores out there.

 

[4600_fan]

Did the priest actually force you to wear one? Maybe you can attend maskless, and tell the priest you have a medical exemption. Also explain to him why you find them to be evil and how they actually don't even work at all.

While this church may try to enforce these mandates, I'm sure they would be more willing to respect your noncompliance than say all of the godless retail stores out there.

If the church requires masking without a state mandate, then find another church. ROCOR or not. I haven't heard of cucked ROCOR, but that's not to say they can't exist.

 

[lskdfjldsf]

Maybe you can attend maskless, and tell the priest you have a medical exemption.

Lying is a sin in itself, lying to a priest in church is even worse.

 

[Magnus Stout]

Follow up. We've been watching the Chosen upon the recommendation of a friend. Here is clip from a scene that is pertinent to our discussions:



As Christians--Christ followers--we should always be asking: What would Jesus do?

 

[4600_fan]

Follow up. We've been watching the Chosen upon the recommendation of a friend. Here is clip from a scene that is pertinent to our discussions:



As Christians--Christ followers--we should always be asking: What would Jesus do?

Thanks for sharing, that show looks pretty interesting.

 

[Max'B]

As much as I despise the 'Rona narrative, I chose to attend the liturgy when masks were still required(up until March this year). I believe it would be too costly not to attend, although Im honestly not sure about Vaxx mandates however.

 

[Magnus Stout]

Hi @4600_fan, The Chosen series is worth watching. The director follows Scripture, but is open about using imagination to provide context. Despite some flaws here and there, his heart is in the right place.

Just as the Pharisees in Jesus' day mostly turned their back on Him, we seem to be witnessing a similar phenomena among our major religious leaders in supporting the scientism behind coronadoom and ecodoom. And, just as the rejection of Christ lead those religious leaders into a kind of madness, I predict a similar madness will afflict the major "Christian" leaders who openly support the evil behind coronadoom.

That's why your personal walk with Christ should be paramount. Pray and ask the Spirit for discernment. I believe God will give direction and provide us what we need (but not always what we want).

 

[doctorweedmd]

Lying is a sin in itself, lying to a priest in church is even worse.

It's not a lie. Everybody has a medical exemption. Are saying masks have no negative effect at all on one's health?

 

[MichaelWitcoff]

If the church requires masking without a state mandate, then find another church. ROCOR or not. I haven't heard of cucked ROCOR, but that's not to say they can't exist.

They do. The local ROCOR parish served Communion off a tray during the “pandemic.”

 

[tractor]

My goal in joining the Orthodox is salvation. I am actively searching for another parish. I am willing to travel if necessary.

I tend to think that masking up (or not) has literally zero effect on your salvation.

---

Titus 3:5 - Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

Ephesians 2:8-9 - For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

Romans 10:9 - That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

Ephesians 2:8 - For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

Matthew 7:21 - Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

John 14:6 - Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Acts 4:12 - Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

John 6:44 - No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.

John 15:1-27 - I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.

Acts 16:30-33 - And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?

Psalms 3:8 - Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.

Psalms 37:39 - But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD: he is their strength in the time of trouble.

Psalms 62:1 - (To the chief Musician, to Jeduthun, A Psalm of David.) Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation.

Acts 28:28 - Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.

Romans 6:14 - For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

John 3:16-18 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Psalms 60:5 - That thy beloved may be delivered; save with thy right hand, and hear me.

Galatians 2:21 - I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

John 3:17-21 - For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

Acts 2:1-47 - And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

Acts 2:36-41 - Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

 

[tractor]

As much as I despise the 'Rona narrative, I chose to attend the liturgy when masks were still required(up until March this year). I believe it would be too costly not to attend, although Im honestly not sure about Vaxx mandates however.

It is indeed costly not to attend (for your soul). I believe back then, those who skipped three liturgies in a row were excommunicated. Imagine, the excommunicated would try to justify their absense "but, see... I kinda find this piece of cloth on my face annoying".

If there's a clear ruling or canon of the Church that face masks are not allowed under any circumstances, then let's hold the priests accountable. Otherwise, you put yourself above the Church. Something a protestant would do.

 

[Black Ortho Acolyte]

If the church requires masking without a state mandate, then find another church. ROCOR or not. I haven't heard of cucked ROCOR, but that's not to say they can't exist.

"Based" ROCOR has been the stuff of internet legend for me. From my LOCAL experience Antioch is easy the Best in their Covid response (low key almost no restrictions), followed by wait for it... GOARCH, then a very very distant 3rd OCA ( venerating banned, temp checks upon entering, floor markers to stand for social distancing etc) and absolutely worst being ROCOR who TO THIS DAY has banned visitors. From their website


A

TTENTION: Due to the second wave of COVID-19 and per health guidelines we are limited on the capacity of people that can enter the church. At this time the church is open for Parish members only. NO visitors or guests until further notice.
Reminder: The other Stage 2 restrictions and rules are still in force:

1. A limited amount of member worshipers, as per current Colorado State mandate, will be allowed in the church per service.
2. Parishioners must ensure 6-foot distancing and use of face coverings.
3. Church Attendance: Please attend church by staggering your attendance. For example; come every 2nd or 3rd week. This allows everyone the opportunity to attend church while staying safe.
4. In the church, we will refrain from venerating and kissing icons, the chalice, and the priest’s hand. A simple bow will be appropriate. This will be the practice until the pandemic passes.
5. Confession will be done during vigil. You must wear a mask. Do not use masks with an exhale valve.
6. If you are sick or have any respiratory symptoms or fever please stay home and do not come to any services until you have fully recovered."

 

[DanielH]

"Based" ROCOR has been the stuff of internet legend for me. From my LOCAL experience Antioch is easy the Best in their Covid response (low key almost no restrictions), followed by wait for it... GOARCH, then a very very distant 3rd OCA ( venerating banned, temp checks upon entering, floor markers to stand for social distancing etc) and absolutely worst being ROCOR who TO THIS DAY has banned visitors. From their website


A

TTENTION: Due to the second wave of COVID-19 and per health guidelines we are limited on the capacity of people that can enter the church. At this time the church is open for Parish members only. NO visitors or guests until further notice.
Reminder: The other Stage 2 restrictions and rules are still in force:

1. A limited amount of member worshipers, as per current Colorado State mandate, will be allowed in the church per service.
2. Parishioners must ensure 6-foot distancing and use of face coverings.
3. Church Attendance: Please attend church by staggering your attendance. For example; come every 2nd or 3rd week. This allows everyone the opportunity to attend church while staying safe.
4. In the church, we will refrain from venerating and kissing icons, the chalice, and the priest’s hand. A simple bow will be appropriate. This will be the practice until the pandemic passes.
5. Confession will be done during vigil. You must wear a mask. Do not use masks with an exhale valve.
6. If you are sick or have any respiratory symptoms or fever please stay home and do not come to any services until you have fully recovered."

I would legitimately report that parish to their hierarch. That's unacceptable - not permitting visitors.

 

[Penitent]

I would legitimately report that parish to their hierarch.

He shouldn't bother. ROCOR's Western American Diocese decided to leave the Covid response up to each individual parish and the discretion of the priest. Our parish (same diocese, same hierarch) had a similar response to the pandemic.

 

[doctorweedmd]

It is indeed costly not to attend (for your soul). I believe back then, those who skipped three liturgies in a row were excommunicated. Imagine, the excommunicated would try to justify their absense "but, see... I kinda find this piece of cloth on my face annoying".

If there's a clear ruling or canon of the Church that face masks are not allowed under any circumstances, then let's hold the priests accountable. Otherwise, you put yourself above the Church. Something a protestant would do.

I think this is a slippery slope. If a priest of a local parish decides to mandate PCR testing to attend liturgy in-person, should we comply? What about a vax mandate?

In reality I would hope the priest could be talked into honoring a parishioner's deep-seated choice not to obey such guidelines, which actually have zero scientific grounding and many have argued through scripture and quotes of saints and bishops are heretical.