u/Melodic-Sound-6235

I have an extensive collection of music on Spotify I have over 70 playlists and over 11,000 songs in my library and just recently as of this month started collecting vinyl and cds from some of my favorite artists and Bands such as Tool, Joji, and Tatsuro Yamashita for example. My goal is have a huge collection one day so I can share my love of music with those around me in a more meaningful way and also so I can deepen my relationship with music.

My only problem is I have no idea on where to start on sound equipment to play my music on. Any advice on what to buy or where to look will be greatly appreciated and maybe some tips on where to find the best deals on cds and vinyl too. I don’t know how to end this so I will say thank you in advance as it is truly greatly appreciated.

I’ve noticed I’ve been getting distracted and lazy when praying and in all matters to do with my faith. And before I would pray everyday on my knees with a cross in my hand now I just do it laying down in my bed. A lot of the time I don’t even get a full prayer out and fall asleep in the middle of my prayer without saying amen.

I’ve noticed that when I talk trash about someone with friends or family I’m close with it kinda becomes a bonding experience and we bond over our disdain for this persons actions or attitude and sometimes how they look. Why do you think that is?what pushes us as humans to talk smack?assuming everyone does it and I’m not the only person in the world who’s done it.

I was thinking about my experience yesterday at the Greek Orthodox church I went to and I got to thinking. Why are non orthodox not allowed to take communion is it because it’s something that is thought to be earned instead of given freely? My friend proposed a question to me when I told him that I was not allowed to take communion he said “how can you become orthodox if you don’t take communion”. And it’s been stuck in my head. Is because He is Ethiopian orthodox. Please read my previous post before answering as I believe it holds a bit of context. I was given answers in my previous post but it still bothers me a bit about. I don’t feel bad about not being able to receive communion as I know someday I’ll be able too I’m just wondering.

For my first time ever going to a Greek Orthodox Church I legit felt right at home. I felt very relaxed all throughout the service and the way the hymns were sung calmed me down a lot and got rid of all of the nervousness I previously had going into it. I’m literally getting giddy thinking back on it now. It was amazing. It sucked when it ended I really wanted to keep hearing them sing and just enjoy it. And when they brought out the bell thing with the incense the sound of the bell ringing and the singing felt otherworldly. It sucks I couldn’t partake in holy communion but I will when I start going through the motions of becoming orthodox. My friend said I was able too partake but the people who greeted me when I came in said I was not allowed when I asked. He said if I don’t do it he won’t So I didn’t end up going up there. During and after I immediately wanted to bring my friends and family so they could experience what I did. It was a truly beautiful experience and I’m glad God allowed me to live long enough and gave me an able body to be able to experience something so holy and beautiful. Thank you to all those who responded to my other post about what to wear and what to do. Please pray for me that one day soon I’ll be able to become orthodox.

So I’m going to an Orthodox Church for the first time tomorrow with my friend who agreed to go with me. I’ve been to scared to go by myself as I get nervous around new people and environments. My friend going with me is exactly what I needed until I get comfortable there. And what’s even better is that he grew up orthodox which I didn’t know about because he drifted away from the church and never mentioned it to me. He is Ethiopian orthodox. Enough yap my question is do you have any advice on what to wear or bring or what to do. It’s a Greek Orthodox Church. (Edit: I have a ear piercing in my left ear lobe it’s a small stud if that matters)

My brother said something to me the other day that’s left me a little puzzled. He said people are made in Gods image and therefore are perfect so how can we be imperfect. Idk where he got his doctrine from was my response but it’s left me puzzled all the same. What are your thoughts on the matter?

What’s the difference between the Coptic Orthodox Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church?