[astonmartinrx371]

Hello Everyone,
Please forgive the slightly mundane nature of my question. However, it is a very real question for me at present and has been for some time.

Born in England, I have spent the past 30 years of my life living, with my wife and family, here in Australia.

Whilst Christianity was the religion of my childhood (C of E), I spent many years of my life studying Eastern religions, primarily Hinduism and Buddhism.

It was about 4 years ago I was drawn back to our beloved Lord Jesus Christ through the writings of Archimandrite Sophrony and Saint Silouan.

Early last year I paid a visit to England and was fortunate enough to spend a few sublime days at Saint John the Baptist Monastery, Essex.

Before arriving, I requested I might receive Chrismation or Baptism at the monastery, but was told this was inappropriate and that I should seek entry into the Orthodox Church here in Australia.

Having investigated both the Russian and Greek Orthodox Churches, I must confess to feeling mildly uncomfortable and slightly out of place at both of them. Perhaps it is a cultural thing, I am really not too sure.

I enjoyed very much the church services in the monastery in England and feel kind of lonely (or at least alone) here in Australia. I sometimes wish we could move back to England and live close to the monastery, but I know that is impractical.

I so love Orthodoxy and studying the Holy Fathers and great Saints of the Orthodox Church.

Can someone please give me some advice on this matter?

Yours in Christ
peter