The Alexanderians wrote:Constantinopolis wrote:Never say never, my friend...
But as for being tonsured a reader, I'd say go for it. It's a good way to increase your commitment to God and the Church without making any sort of major decision about your life.
Becoming a deacon is another matter, of course. That would mean actually getting ordained into the major orders of the clergy, and permanently committing yourself to a special role in the Church. I still think it may be your calling, and I advise you to consider it - not "go for it", but consider it. Talk to people about it. Ask your priest, or other priests, or deacons that you know.
The only reason I'm not considering it myself is because it's not proper for ordained clergy to be involved in political matters. Ordained clergy speak for the Church, and that means they need to maintain political neutrality in their public capacity (though they may, of course, hold strong political opinions in private). So, to be ordained, I would need to commit myself to political neutrality in my public life. And I cannot do that. Not at this stage in my life, at least. I strongly feel that my calling is political. But perhaps some day, when I approach the age of retirement, I will be ready to give up politics, and at that time I may consider pursuing ordination.
Yeah...for similar reasons as you as well as a few others. I'm too...how to put it..."vulgar and profane" to be a priest. I have a foul mouth and I wouldn't have the necessary discipline for it.
If God is calling you to be a priest, He will ensure you gain the discipline for it.