Commemoration of Anniversary of Birth

[shadowfox4089]

are orthodox belivers like a branch of the catholic religion?

[Lanie]

are orthodox belivers like a branch of the catholic religion?

No.  Orthodoxy is a seperate branch of Christianity, like Catholicism, Protestantism, etc.

[shadowfox4089]

please excuse me i feel very stupid in confusing the 2 religions

[Georgiy]

However we Orthodox would not say we are a branch. The Orthodox Church is the original Church in its fullness preserving all that the Apostles taught us unaltered. Other Christianities have fallen away from orthodoxy (such as Rome in 1054), but Orthodoxy remains, like Christ Jesus, the same yesterday today and tomorrow forever.
Please forgive me if I have unintentionally offended any non-Orthodox believers out there, but for us, Orthodoxy is like the precious jewel that was buried in the field, that one sold all they had to possess - it (Orthodoxy) is the pearl of great price.

[Robert_Hall]

The Catholic church actually has 3 St. Alexi's [Alexius]. One of which has a day of 17 July for his memorial. None of these are, however Romanov princes.
Also, I try to keep reminding people that the Catholic Church also has Eastern Rite Uniates. These are quite similiar to the Orthodox Christian Churches. You may have seen them participating in the funeral ceremonies for the late Pope John Paul II.
[btw, I have studied with all 3 of these, Roman, Uniate and Orthodox]

[Georgiy]

Yes, Western Saints from before 1054 AD are common to both the Orthodox and Catholic Churches.
The Uniates are Catholic, but their style of Liturgy is the same or very similar to the Orthodox Church.

[Lanie]

However we Orthodox would not say we are a branch. The Orthodox Church is the original Church in its fullness preserving all that the Apostles taught us unaltered. Other Christianities have fallen away from orthodoxy (such as Rome in 1054), but Orthodoxy remains, like Christ Jesus, the same yesterday today and tomorrow forever.
Please forgive me if I have unintentionally offended any non-Orthodox believers out there, but for us, Orthodoxy is like the precious jewel that was buried in the field, that one sold all they had to possess - it (Orthodoxy) is the pearl of great price.

Sorry if I might have offended you in some way, Georgiy, with saying it's a branch.  Since I'm not Orthodox that's how I think of it, though I quite understand you!

[Georgiy]

No offence taken Lanie
It's not surprising many people look at it that way, considering the plethora of Churches there are these days.

[Georgiy]

do yall celebrate alexei´s birthday on july 30 or on august 12?

You should celebrate it on August 12, if you are using the Western calendar. August 12 is July 30, usisng the Orthodox calendar. If you celebrated on July 30 using the western calendar, that is the same as celebrating his birthday on 17 July Old Calendar. Which leads me to mention that 17 July new Calendar is 4 July Old Calendar.

[Robert_Hall]

Excellent explanation, Georgiy. I have been trying to do the same, myself [expalining the dates] but just ended up making a bigger mess of it  confusing even me !
Simple and precise, why did I not think of that years ago ?
Cheers !
Robert

[Georgiy]

  You're welcome! It can take a wee while to get use to using two calendars. We had a similar situation when my wife and I went on honeymoon, and crossed the dateline. Her birthday was during our holiday, and we ended up celebrating it twice: Once on the date in New Zealand, and then the following day once again, which was her birthday on Cook Islands time! - This isn't a recommended way of remembering Romanov birthdays though!

[Robert_Hall]

It can be particulalry confusing to those new to the subject, especially when author's do not specify which calendar they are using or do not make a simple [ideally, like yours !] definition of the dates.
And the dateline ! That must have been fun ! Recently returned to SF from China- arriving home several hours before we left !

[shadowfox4089]

cool so me and alexei have something in common we were both born on august

[shadowfox4089]

Alexeis birthday is just 2 months and 10 days away what are yall gona do to remember him?

Im going to build him a little monument of stones outside

[RissiaSunbeam1918]

Lol, I made one of those, it was a new experiance, although I did get a bit frustrated at times.  

I guess I'll buy him a cake (I can't bake) have a party (with my sisters and brother, who are not fond of Alexei...but they will come if theres cake.) and buy a new Romanov book. I can never plan what I do, I'll probably just improv.