St Markella & Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church — Local services in Mary Esther

I was shocked by Fr. Thomas Manuel's conduct and incredibly disappointed.

I enthusiastically went to this church for the first time as a result of having been practicing the traditional Jesus prayer of hesychasm (silencing the mind) preserved by the Eastern Orthodox tradition. I've been having such profound result from the Jesus Prayer including miraculous healing. This formed a desire in me to find an join an Orthodox monastery with a focus on practicing the Jesus Prayer.

I seeked out Fr. Thomas Manuel's advice excitedly about my desire to join an orthodox monastery. As I was following the priest inside, I asked if I was to enter one of the rooms I saw to have my consultation. The Father rudely interrupted me, sternly saying "no, you are to follow me!" He then ordered me to be quiet, saying that if I were to become orthodox, I should first learn obedience. I was stunned and speechless for a minute, when I found my tongue, I thanked the Father for his brief lesson on what orthodoxy was about, telling him I want nothing to do with it. I quickly walked out of that church.

I had expected to find a compassionate father full of Jesus' love for all, but instead found a man full of male chauvinism and a big ego seizing an opportunity to put an enthusiastic parishioner under his full control in a manner that almost felt sadistic. I felt disgusted.

After having received my obedience training, I still wonder if it may be that, just like some phedophiles have been attracted to the Roman Catholic Church which requires unmarried priests, have some male chauvinists or perhaps even sadists been attracted to the orthodoxy?

Isn't ego the antithesis of love? Where is the love, where is God to be found in this world?

Is there really absolutely nothing pure in this world?

I've come to conclude that perhaps God was trying to teach me that his Kingdom can't be found anywhere other than within me (Luke 17:21, KJV), as the hesychasts believe.

I still know Jesus and Mother Mary are real, and that the Jesus prayer, when practiced with the eyes closed in a manner that lets the mind gradually become still, is absolutely profound.

I will continue to make my mind still to know that I am God (Psalm 46:10), which I believe will eventually uncover the Kingdom of God within me. Thankfully I don't need men such as Fr. Thomas Manuel to...

Haven't been to the church but we went to their annual greek fest this past Saturday and it was fun but the food portions was not worth the $17 a plate. The spanikopeta was frozen and not hand made. Two small ones were $5. I could've bout the same size frozen and gotten more. There was a fun bounce house for the kids along with games and a balloon person making balloon figures for the kids which was nice. A lot of vendors there as well. Overall nice but the food...

The liturgy was great. I had not ever been to this church before but I walked in and everyone was welcoming and friendly. The iconostasis was beautiful and the church is so nice looking. The cantors did a wonderful job and filled the church with great praise. I couldn't stay for hospitality since I had other plans but I hope to next time I come. If you're looking for a great liturgy and friendly people, stop by and join for...