Santa & the Easter Bunny, dehydrated kiddos, eating out with kids, feeding chickens, flies on cows, fish oil, thoughts on God, false emotions, wild foods, eating carnivore, and my latest health revelations.
Hi Tara, I hope that this comment isn't too forward, and because it is a touchy subject I'll keep it straightforward: you should look into the Eastern Orthodox Church. It is pre-denominational, has preserved the tradition of Christians for 2000 years, and has an element of mysticism that many modern Christian "branches" are missing. I truly believe that it holds what you are looking for. I have yet to find a philosophy or tradition or religion that has the breadth or depth or joy or challenge that this tradition holds. I have been attending Orthodox churches for five years, and was baptized a year ago. At the very least, please attend a Divine Liturgy before you rule it out. I say this not to "convert" you, but rather because you seem to be searching for Truth, and I believe it lays here. May God lead you to His Church!
I will take this as a sign. I have been researching the Orthodox Church for a couple of years. Not continuously, but in spurts. It calls me strongly. I'm so glad you wrote this to me, Tayla. Can I ask if you tried different churches and which you settled on? My husband, Troy, is really interested in Orthodoxy as well.
Do all of the Eastern Orthodox Churches have the same services and beliefs but are different "culturally" or in language? Like, what is the difference between say a Russian Orthodox Church and a Ukrainian one as an example?
This is not too forward! I'm excited by your comment, thank you! ❤️
There are a few "schismatic" churches, but all main Orthodox churches, regardless of language or culture, do the same services! So a Divine Liturgy in Russia will be identical to a Divine Liturgy in Canada :) The basic doctrine and dogma of the church has been ferociously defended by many saints and elders of the church across centuries, so yes, the beliefs are exactly the same. Some people get hung up on the "cultural" aspects of the Church, but truly I believe that it gets us out of our "America-centrism" that we in North America are so prone to. Many Orthodox churches today celebrate services in 90-100% English anyway. The largest branches are Russian, Greek, Antiochian, Serbian, Orthodox Church in America, and others that I am probably forgetting lol. Like I hinted at in my first comment, everything within this tradition is a radical inversion, purification, and the origin of everything you have probably heard before with regards to Christianity, and the only way to really get a full sense of this is to start submerging yourself in the participation in the Church's life. I grew up Evangelical, and there were many things I couldn't square away based on what I was taught. I dabbled in "spirituality" for a while, but could not answer to myself exactly what (or whom) I was serving. I liked the long history and tradition of the Catholic Church, but there were still some points of contention that I couldn't get past. When I landed in my first Orthodox service, I had the feeling I was home. I often tell people that Orthodox Christianity is the spiritual inheritance of all Christians, and it is there waiting for us to experience its richness! And the funniest thing is, the hardest things that Orthodox Christians believe are still easier to accept and understand than any points of contention that I encountered in other traditions. But most importantly, my walk with Christ has never been more clear or made more sense than now. I feel like I now am aware of what an insane task it is to actually become "like Christ," and I am both humbled and invigorated to imagine what God may make of me if I decide to be obedient to Him. If I may recommend a few books to get a glimpse into the "mind" of the Church:
- Bread & Wine, Water & Oil by Archmandrite Meletios Webber (basic but rich overview of the foundational dogmas)
- Wounded by Love by St. Porphyrios ( a memoir of St. Porphyrios, a modern saint, that demonstrates what a Christian walk looks like in practice , and one witness among millions of saints that shows how struggling to become Christlike makes us human beings beyond beautiful and wise)
Podcasts: Ek Nekron, Lord of Spirits, Search the Scriptures
A fabulous essay that I think you particularly would enjoy is linked here:
This is profoundly helpful. I have read your, and everyone else's, comments to Troy. What a wonderful explanation and some great book recommendations. I am getting them all.
I'm a longtime fan of Paul Kingsnorth, but I was always a little uncomfortable with his pagan rituals. It warms me and encourages me to see how open hearted and willing he has been to the calling of God. He's very courageous and genuine and I respect him greatly.
Thank you so much for taking the time to write this Tayla.
I think perhaps Troy would like to read some of the writing of St Ignatius Brianchaninov. His writings have been collected in a book called The Arena
And finally, I am not trying to denigrate other Christian traditions. They too hold some truth. My parents are not Orthodox, but their faith helped me cling to Christ and eventually find His Church. But the best way that I have heard someone describe the difference between them and the Orthodox Church can be summed up here:
Imagine you go into a room and in that room is the most incredible perfect turkey sandwich you have ever eaten. But in the next room over, there is an entire Thanksgiving feast. Why stop at the first room?
I'll try to not get too over my skis here as I am a baby Orthodox myself.
Eastern Orthodox Churches are autocephalous, but share the same fundamental beliefs and liturgical practices. In Canada, an ethnic church may do a portion of the Liturgy in the traditional language of its community. Administrative structure differs as well-, for example The Russian Orthodox Church (ROCOR- Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia) is headed by the Patriarch of Moscow, where as the OCA (Orthodox Church of America) has it's own independent leadership.
Attending any Orthodox Church or mission closest to you, regardless of jurisdiction would have a beautiful Devine Liturgy consistent in structure and content, with a focus on the Eucharist as the centre of worship. I hope you can go!
Hi Tara, I attend Catholic mass right now but my husband and I are both very interested in Orthodox theology as well. There is a little retreat near Madoc that is run by an Orthodox community based in Toronto. They do organic farming, host retreats, camps, programs for refugees, holiday events and more. They also have Orthodox services there one days when the priests are there. Super lovely and welcoming—they are called St. Mary of Egypt Refuge and the community is made of of truly wonderful people who truly practice what they profess. They have a lots of events going on this summer that you and Troy may want to check out https://www.stmarysrefuge.org/
Thank you, Rebecca. It's so inspiring just to read about these places. Intersecting spirituality with the natural world is so profoundly important to my heart. It's where I feel closest to God. This is truly exciting. Thank you, thank you ❤️
Another similar community nearby is Madonna House in Barry’s Bay. They are a biritual community (Catholic and Orthodox) of lay men, lay women, and priests, who live and work in community, growing most of their own food, running retreats and family camps among other things. And you should see their chapel in the woods—absolutely breathtaking!! This community truly helps deeply nourish my spiritual life and they were one of the only faith communities I am aware of in our area that navigated the pandemic with faith, humility, boldness, common sense, and remained cohesive and unified. https://madonnahouse.org/
Lastly, one more recommendation—have you ever read Pope John Paul II’s ‘Theology of the Body’. Absolutely amazing and paradigm shifting theological and anthropological work. Having listened to you speak about marriage and relationships on here for a while now, I feel like the original works would really resonate with you (and Troy)! A lovely thing to study together and read to one another over a drink :) I am happy to lend you the book, as we are not too far away.
So intriguing - both the book and the community at Madonna House. I'm going to dig into this. Wow, that sounds breathtaking! Thank you so much, Rebecca. I'm happy to buy the book on your recommendation. Never can have too many books! :)
@Tara, we attend the Orthodox mission of St. Porphyrios in Lanark county: https://www.stporthodox.com/. In the grand scheme of country living, its not too far from you I believe.
Father Peter Bowers is a wonderful priest and the mission parish has a very down-to-earth flavour combined with the traditions of the ancient church. Lots of converts but also many cradle Orthodox from different languages (Romanian, Greek, Arabic, etc). If you want more information, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Thank you so much, Jesse. I think we'll start with a local one and then travel to get a feel. I didn't know about this church so I'm grateful you shared it with me. We're going to attend a mass sometime soon. Thank you ❤️
Just giggling a little on the struggle with our name 😄. It's pronounced "smaa-vol-lan". I wish I could let you hear, but the end you said right already. It's just the å is pronounced as double a. 😊 It's the Norwegian name for our farm or the specific location where it's located. Literally translated it means little ridge. We are situated right on a relatively steep ridge above a small river. 😊 Here in Norway every little valley, hill and mountain has its own name. To share a giggle, there's a valley nearby it's literally translated to ass-crack valley. It also kind of looks like it from afar. 😆
I didn’t ask any questions this round but I simply love your Q&As. I re-listened to a few during your winter sabbatical. I hope you stay encouraged knowing how wonderfully wise and useful these sessions are.
I was raised Catholic and am still a practicing Catholic but I resonate so much with your thoughts on the church and God right now. I’m going through my own reframing of what God is and isn’t and what I do and don’t believe anymore about what I have been told all these years. I too can’t stand the hypocrisy and just straight up judgment that so often comes out of the Catholic Church. My husband and I are starting to find out we don’t believe all the things those in the church seem to proclaim as gospel (things like using NFP for example). We are part of an amazing Catholic Church here in Santa Monica CA that is the most warm and welcoming community that has been so healing for me. We are moving back to Mn this summer however and will need to find a new church and I’ve decided im not just going to go to any church just to fulfill an obligation to go to mass. It gets tricky because I have young kids to figuring this all out and trying to also teach them things is proving complicated but I am finally in a place I feel like I would consider going to another denomination and that feels so freeing. I often hate the restriction and us vs them mentality of so much of the Catholic Church. It’s definitely hard to navigate but hoping one day to feel more settled in my spirituality. Thank you for sharing😊
Maybe part of the angst is purposeful. I always find it hard to find a good church community when our kids were small because of how much we moved around. Often we were in obscure locations and we felt like we would just be getting comfortable and then we would move again. I wish I had been more consistent with church when they were younger despite this. My great issue is the fear displayed by churches, or maybe it was just complicity, when they should have stood up as leaders. But I am flawed too. Trying to remember that in my own judgments. I hope you find a church community to settle in. 💕
Many months later, but as I was listening I was thinking about commenting about Eastern Orthodoxy too. What a joy to see people beat me to it!
I grew up Catholic and converted in 2022, and now attend a lovely Russian church in rural North Carolina. There are good, open-eyed people everywhere, but I will say that Orthodoxy tends to attract folks who are particularly aware of the state of everything and the resulting importance of having a strong grasp on Truth. You can tell by the growing number of hit pieces on the terrors of conservative Orthodoxy that the powers that be don't like that, which is always indicative.
Anyway, this was posted on my birthday and my baby girl and I just listened as hurricane Debby storms around us. Would also recommend The Law of God by Daniel Sysoev as a denser introduction to Orthodoxy, and Everyday Saints by Archimandrite Tikhon for lovely vignettes into the quotidian things of the Church.
Dear Tara, I deeply enjoyed and loved your talking about God. It opened my heart towards you once more. Maybe/probably befassen you shared so close from your heart. Thank you 🧡.
Hi Tara, I can’t remember if my questions was in part one or part two but I had asked for your recommendation on fermenting and vinegaring books you said you would put them in the notes. Where can I find the notes section? I bounced around and even checked road maps to see if maybe thats there I would find it but don’t think I am looking in the right places?
Hi! I’m wondering - is your audio no longer available on Apple Podcasts?? In the past, I would download and listen when I could to avoid streaming but I’m not seeing that option now.
We did once, but I caught the hawk mid attack and not since then. Coyotes, raccoons, and foxes are more the going concern here. Our birds also have continuous tree line to hide in when they hear the hawk calling.
Hi Tara, I hope that this comment isn't too forward, and because it is a touchy subject I'll keep it straightforward: you should look into the Eastern Orthodox Church. It is pre-denominational, has preserved the tradition of Christians for 2000 years, and has an element of mysticism that many modern Christian "branches" are missing. I truly believe that it holds what you are looking for. I have yet to find a philosophy or tradition or religion that has the breadth or depth or joy or challenge that this tradition holds. I have been attending Orthodox churches for five years, and was baptized a year ago. At the very least, please attend a Divine Liturgy before you rule it out. I say this not to "convert" you, but rather because you seem to be searching for Truth, and I believe it lays here. May God lead you to His Church!
I will take this as a sign. I have been researching the Orthodox Church for a couple of years. Not continuously, but in spurts. It calls me strongly. I'm so glad you wrote this to me, Tayla. Can I ask if you tried different churches and which you settled on? My husband, Troy, is really interested in Orthodoxy as well.
Do all of the Eastern Orthodox Churches have the same services and beliefs but are different "culturally" or in language? Like, what is the difference between say a Russian Orthodox Church and a Ukrainian one as an example?
This is not too forward! I'm excited by your comment, thank you! ❤️
There are a few "schismatic" churches, but all main Orthodox churches, regardless of language or culture, do the same services! So a Divine Liturgy in Russia will be identical to a Divine Liturgy in Canada :) The basic doctrine and dogma of the church has been ferociously defended by many saints and elders of the church across centuries, so yes, the beliefs are exactly the same. Some people get hung up on the "cultural" aspects of the Church, but truly I believe that it gets us out of our "America-centrism" that we in North America are so prone to. Many Orthodox churches today celebrate services in 90-100% English anyway. The largest branches are Russian, Greek, Antiochian, Serbian, Orthodox Church in America, and others that I am probably forgetting lol. Like I hinted at in my first comment, everything within this tradition is a radical inversion, purification, and the origin of everything you have probably heard before with regards to Christianity, and the only way to really get a full sense of this is to start submerging yourself in the participation in the Church's life. I grew up Evangelical, and there were many things I couldn't square away based on what I was taught. I dabbled in "spirituality" for a while, but could not answer to myself exactly what (or whom) I was serving. I liked the long history and tradition of the Catholic Church, but there were still some points of contention that I couldn't get past. When I landed in my first Orthodox service, I had the feeling I was home. I often tell people that Orthodox Christianity is the spiritual inheritance of all Christians, and it is there waiting for us to experience its richness! And the funniest thing is, the hardest things that Orthodox Christians believe are still easier to accept and understand than any points of contention that I encountered in other traditions. But most importantly, my walk with Christ has never been more clear or made more sense than now. I feel like I now am aware of what an insane task it is to actually become "like Christ," and I am both humbled and invigorated to imagine what God may make of me if I decide to be obedient to Him. If I may recommend a few books to get a glimpse into the "mind" of the Church:
- Bread & Wine, Water & Oil by Archmandrite Meletios Webber (basic but rich overview of the foundational dogmas)
- Wounded by Love by St. Porphyrios ( a memoir of St. Porphyrios, a modern saint, that demonstrates what a Christian walk looks like in practice , and one witness among millions of saints that shows how struggling to become Christlike makes us human beings beyond beautiful and wise)
Podcasts: Ek Nekron, Lord of Spirits, Search the Scriptures
A fabulous essay that I think you particularly would enjoy is linked here:
https://www.paulkingsnorth.net/cross
I am so excited for you Tara, and I hope you find what you are looking for!!!
This is profoundly helpful. I have read your, and everyone else's, comments to Troy. What a wonderful explanation and some great book recommendations. I am getting them all.
I'm a longtime fan of Paul Kingsnorth, but I was always a little uncomfortable with his pagan rituals. It warms me and encourages me to see how open hearted and willing he has been to the calling of God. He's very courageous and genuine and I respect him greatly.
Thank you so much for taking the time to write this Tayla.
I would also throw in there any books or podcasts by Fr. Thomas Hopko of Blessed memory.
Thinking Orthodox by Dr. Jeannie Constantinou is a really good one, too 🙂
Wonderful, thank you so much, Acacia!
Sorry, two more things:
I think perhaps Troy would like to read some of the writing of St Ignatius Brianchaninov. His writings have been collected in a book called The Arena
And finally, I am not trying to denigrate other Christian traditions. They too hold some truth. My parents are not Orthodox, but their faith helped me cling to Christ and eventually find His Church. But the best way that I have heard someone describe the difference between them and the Orthodox Church can be summed up here:
Imagine you go into a room and in that room is the most incredible perfect turkey sandwich you have ever eaten. But in the next room over, there is an entire Thanksgiving feast. Why stop at the first room?
Love this and wholeheartedly agree. I want the feast. Thank you, again, Tayla. You guys are so darn wonderful! I'm blessed ❤️
Thanks for sharing that essay. It was really great. I had not heard of Paul Kingsnorth but now I am curious to read more.
Yea he's a great writer, very interested in practical (rather than fantastical) solutions to environmental issues.
I'll try to not get too over my skis here as I am a baby Orthodox myself.
Eastern Orthodox Churches are autocephalous, but share the same fundamental beliefs and liturgical practices. In Canada, an ethnic church may do a portion of the Liturgy in the traditional language of its community. Administrative structure differs as well-, for example The Russian Orthodox Church (ROCOR- Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia) is headed by the Patriarch of Moscow, where as the OCA (Orthodox Church of America) has it's own independent leadership.
Attending any Orthodox Church or mission closest to you, regardless of jurisdiction would have a beautiful Devine Liturgy consistent in structure and content, with a focus on the Eucharist as the centre of worship. I hope you can go!
Hi Tara, I attend Catholic mass right now but my husband and I are both very interested in Orthodox theology as well. There is a little retreat near Madoc that is run by an Orthodox community based in Toronto. They do organic farming, host retreats, camps, programs for refugees, holiday events and more. They also have Orthodox services there one days when the priests are there. Super lovely and welcoming—they are called St. Mary of Egypt Refuge and the community is made of of truly wonderful people who truly practice what they profess. They have a lots of events going on this summer that you and Troy may want to check out https://www.stmarysrefuge.org/
Thank you, Rebecca. It's so inspiring just to read about these places. Intersecting spirituality with the natural world is so profoundly important to my heart. It's where I feel closest to God. This is truly exciting. Thank you, thank you ❤️
Another similar community nearby is Madonna House in Barry’s Bay. They are a biritual community (Catholic and Orthodox) of lay men, lay women, and priests, who live and work in community, growing most of their own food, running retreats and family camps among other things. And you should see their chapel in the woods—absolutely breathtaking!! This community truly helps deeply nourish my spiritual life and they were one of the only faith communities I am aware of in our area that navigated the pandemic with faith, humility, boldness, common sense, and remained cohesive and unified. https://madonnahouse.org/
Lastly, one more recommendation—have you ever read Pope John Paul II’s ‘Theology of the Body’. Absolutely amazing and paradigm shifting theological and anthropological work. Having listened to you speak about marriage and relationships on here for a while now, I feel like the original works would really resonate with you (and Troy)! A lovely thing to study together and read to one another over a drink :) I am happy to lend you the book, as we are not too far away.
So intriguing - both the book and the community at Madonna House. I'm going to dig into this. Wow, that sounds breathtaking! Thank you so much, Rebecca. I'm happy to buy the book on your recommendation. Never can have too many books! :)
Acacia, well said! :)
@Tara, we attend the Orthodox mission of St. Porphyrios in Lanark county: https://www.stporthodox.com/. In the grand scheme of country living, its not too far from you I believe.
Father Peter Bowers is a wonderful priest and the mission parish has a very down-to-earth flavour combined with the traditions of the ancient church. Lots of converts but also many cradle Orthodox from different languages (Romanian, Greek, Arabic, etc). If you want more information, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Thank you so much, Jesse. I think we'll start with a local one and then travel to get a feel. I didn't know about this church so I'm grateful you shared it with me. We're going to attend a mass sometime soon. Thank you ❤️
I’ve thought for years that you would love the Orthodox Church, Tara!!
Just giggling a little on the struggle with our name 😄. It's pronounced "smaa-vol-lan". I wish I could let you hear, but the end you said right already. It's just the å is pronounced as double a. 😊 It's the Norwegian name for our farm or the specific location where it's located. Literally translated it means little ridge. We are situated right on a relatively steep ridge above a small river. 😊 Here in Norway every little valley, hill and mountain has its own name. To share a giggle, there's a valley nearby it's literally translated to ass-crack valley. It also kind of looks like it from afar. 😆
Ha! Ass crack valley! I want to live there just to say it! Thanks for the clarification. We'll see if I can get it right next time :)
I didn’t ask any questions this round but I simply love your Q&As. I re-listened to a few during your winter sabbatical. I hope you stay encouraged knowing how wonderfully wise and useful these sessions are.
Thank you, Megan. I never am sure so that's good to hear. :)
I was raised Catholic and am still a practicing Catholic but I resonate so much with your thoughts on the church and God right now. I’m going through my own reframing of what God is and isn’t and what I do and don’t believe anymore about what I have been told all these years. I too can’t stand the hypocrisy and just straight up judgment that so often comes out of the Catholic Church. My husband and I are starting to find out we don’t believe all the things those in the church seem to proclaim as gospel (things like using NFP for example). We are part of an amazing Catholic Church here in Santa Monica CA that is the most warm and welcoming community that has been so healing for me. We are moving back to Mn this summer however and will need to find a new church and I’ve decided im not just going to go to any church just to fulfill an obligation to go to mass. It gets tricky because I have young kids to figuring this all out and trying to also teach them things is proving complicated but I am finally in a place I feel like I would consider going to another denomination and that feels so freeing. I often hate the restriction and us vs them mentality of so much of the Catholic Church. It’s definitely hard to navigate but hoping one day to feel more settled in my spirituality. Thank you for sharing😊
Maybe part of the angst is purposeful. I always find it hard to find a good church community when our kids were small because of how much we moved around. Often we were in obscure locations and we felt like we would just be getting comfortable and then we would move again. I wish I had been more consistent with church when they were younger despite this. My great issue is the fear displayed by churches, or maybe it was just complicity, when they should have stood up as leaders. But I am flawed too. Trying to remember that in my own judgments. I hope you find a church community to settle in. 💕
Many months later, but as I was listening I was thinking about commenting about Eastern Orthodoxy too. What a joy to see people beat me to it!
I grew up Catholic and converted in 2022, and now attend a lovely Russian church in rural North Carolina. There are good, open-eyed people everywhere, but I will say that Orthodoxy tends to attract folks who are particularly aware of the state of everything and the resulting importance of having a strong grasp on Truth. You can tell by the growing number of hit pieces on the terrors of conservative Orthodoxy that the powers that be don't like that, which is always indicative.
Anyway, this was posted on my birthday and my baby girl and I just listened as hurricane Debby storms around us. Would also recommend The Law of God by Daniel Sysoev as a denser introduction to Orthodoxy, and Everyday Saints by Archimandrite Tikhon for lovely vignettes into the quotidian things of the Church.
Dear Tara, I deeply enjoyed and loved your talking about God. It opened my heart towards you once more. Maybe/probably befassen you shared so close from your heart. Thank you 🧡.
Hi Tara, I can’t remember if my questions was in part one or part two but I had asked for your recommendation on fermenting and vinegaring books you said you would put them in the notes. Where can I find the notes section? I bounced around and even checked road maps to see if maybe thats there I would find it but don’t think I am looking in the right places?
Sorry I forgot to add that to the notes, Bodewell. My two favourite vinegar books are by the Shockeys and Pascal Bauder.
I had to listen twice to this one because the God piece struck some deep chords. Appreciate you taking time to answer these 🙏
Hi! I’m wondering - is your audio no longer available on Apple Podcasts?? In the past, I would download and listen when I could to avoid streaming but I’m not seeing that option now.
I haven't changed anything. Should still be there to download, Emily.
Hi Tara, you mentioned you let your chickens roam free without fencing. Have you had issues with hawks? I just brought home our first hens last week
We did once, but I caught the hawk mid attack and not since then. Coyotes, raccoons, and foxes are more the going concern here. Our birds also have continuous tree line to hide in when they hear the hawk calling.
Thank you! Also random thought I don’t remember hearing you discuss, do your chickens get salt?
No.