You Are Always Welcome Back
Perhaps it has been a few months. Perhaps it has been ten, twenty or even thirty years.
Maybe life became busy. Maybe you slowly drifted away. Maybe you were hurt by something that happened in the Church. Maybe you have questions or doubts. Maybe you simply stopped coming and, as the years passed, returning began to feel more difficult.
Whatever the reason, please know this:
You are always welcome back.
You do not need to explain yourself at the door. You do not need to have everything in your life sorted out before coming to Church. You do not need to know all the prayers, remember when to stand or sit, or worry about what other people might think.
Just come.
The Church is not a community of perfect people. It is a spiritual hospital for all of us who need the mercy, healing and love of God.
God Has Not Forgotten You
Sometimes when we have been away from the Church for a long time, we can begin to think that we have also been away from God.
But God has never stopped loving you.
In the Parable of the Prodigal Son, the son leaves his father’s house and travels far away. When he finally decides to return, his father does not stand at the door demanding an explanation.
He sees his son coming from a distance and runs to meet him.
This is the image Christ gives us of God.
No matter how far we may have travelled, the Father is waiting for us with open arms.
Returning to Church is therefore not about being punished for where we have been. It is about rediscovering where we belong.
Where Do I Start?
Start simply.
Come to the Divine Liturgy one Sunday.
You do not need to make an appointment beforehand. You do not need to introduce yourself immediately. You can simply come into the church, light a candle, find somewhere to stand or sit, and pray.
Do not worry if you have forgotten what to do. Follow along as much as you can and allow yourself simply to be present before God.
After the service, if you feel comfortable, introduce yourself to our Parish Priest, Fr Panteleimon.
You can simply say:
“Father, I haven’t been to Church for a long time, and I would like to come back.”
That is enough.
What About Confession?
If you have been away from the Church for a significant period, one of the most beautiful steps you can take is to come to the Mystery of Confession.
Confession is not an interrogation and it is not about being judged or humiliated.
It is an encounter with the mercy of Christ.
You do not need to know exactly what to say or how Confession works. Simply tell the priest that it has been a long time. He will help guide you through it.
Confession gives us an opportunity to place the past before God, receive His forgiveness and begin again.
There is no sin greater than God’s mercy.
Can I Receive Holy Communion?
If you are an Orthodox Christian who has been away from the sacramental life of the Church for a significant period, it is best to speak with the priest before returning to Holy Communion.
This is not because the Church wants to keep you away from Christ. Quite the opposite. Holy Communion is the deepest expression of our union with Christ and His Church, and the priest can help you prepare to receive the Holy Gifts with peace, faith and a clear conscience.
Depending on your circumstances, this may involve Confession, prayer, fasting and a conversation about returning to the regular spiritual life of the Church.
Do not be anxious about this. Simply speak with the priest and he will guide you.
What If My Life Isn’t Perfect?
Then you will fit right in.
None of us comes to Church because we have already become holy.
We come because we need Christ.
You may be carrying mistakes from the past. Your family situation may be complicated. You may have habits you are struggling to overcome. You may have questions about the Faith. You may not even be sure exactly what you believe anymore.
Do not wait until everything is perfect before returning to God.
Come as you are and begin the journey.
The Christian life is not about changing everything overnight. It is about taking one step toward Christ, and then another.
What Will People Think?
Probably much less than you imagine.
And if someone does recognise you after many years, hopefully the only thing they will think is:
“It’s wonderful to see them again.”
The Church should never be a place where someone feels ashamed for returning.
There is joy when someone comes home.
Christ Himself tells us that “there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents” (Luke 15:10).
Your return is something to celebrate.
Begin Again
One of the great gifts of the Orthodox Christian life is that with Christ we can always begin again.
You have not missed your opportunity.
You are not too old.
You have not been away too long.
Your questions do not disqualify you.
Your past does not prevent you from returning.
The door is open.
Come to the Divine Liturgy. Light a candle. Make the sign of the Cross. Stand quietly before Christ. Speak with the priest when you are ready.
You do not have to work everything out today.
Simply take the first step.
Come home. We would be very happy to see you.