I am right there with you. I LOVE Eastern Orthodox worship. It's an experience. Sights, sounds, smells, thoughts, theology... Maybe it's the pentecostal still in me; we like to "feel" things; or maybe it's just the Holy Spirit (probably a bit of both). Reed (from our blog, racarlson) and I snuck off to the midnight Easter vigil at the nearby Antiochean Orthodox church. Nobody, and I mean nobody, does Easter like the Easterners.

In college, I visited an Eastern Orthodox Church in Kiev, so the whole thing was in Russian and we couldn't understand a thing. It was beautiful, though, and I was moved by the devotion of the women who made the rounds, kissing the various icons.
I'd forgotten all about it--thanks for the reminder!

I've read your blog(s) for a long, long time, commenting rarely. But I needed to de-lurk to say that I LOVE your entries on the worship services you are visiting on your sabbatical. I'm in a similar place- I'm from a doctrine-heavy tradition and I'm feeling the need for *practice*, so your thoughts on worship services from outside your tradition are feeding me as well. Thank you. I hope you will continue to share them with us.

That pretty much sums up why I left my Baptist upbringing to become Orthodox almost two years ago.

The bread thing is very special. I had a similar response on my first visit, and it remained a very special connection to the community until the day I was received into the Church and could finally participate as part of the community.

God bless you on this journey.

RLP,

That extra bread you received was likely the antidoron. The priest starts with a loaf of bread (prosphora) and then cuts out the center. That is called the lamb and is what is consecrated to become the body of Christ, both the priest and Orthodox communicants receive this. Those who have not been baptized Orthodox may not receive this Eucharistic bread.

All worshipers, however, join in receiving the antidoron (what is left after the center part is cut out and consecrated). It is still blessed bread, and is received by all worshipers because it is similar to the Agape feast.

Wiki can help you with this (particularly if you're sending this on to the Christian Century). This article is also helpful: http://www.holytrinityasheville.com/index.cfm?page=parish_information_co...

Jared+

=================
"We are told by the Holy Fathers that we are supposed to see in everything something for our salvation. If you can do this, you can be saved." Father Seraphim Rose, His Life and Works

http://www.jaredcramer.com

I read it this afternoon and it really resonated for me. I have similar frustrations with the worship in my own congregation, and was preparing a post about that jumping off from yours, and now I have to wait. :-( But I understand trying to get paid for it first!

My priest really wants to read it, so get it posted somewhere soon! :)

I went to a few EO churches in Macedonia a few years ago. The services were in another language, but they were beautiful. I enjoyed it so much I bought several prayer ropes and icons for my own private worship.

We also got to see a baptism which was a little awkward. It was seven Americans and a Macedonian family in this tiny little room. It was like we were voyeurs looking in on their private family moment. But, the priest wanted us to get the full EO experience.

I'm curious about the pictures - was it at all awkward taking snapshots during worship?

Do you fear that a your girls took a negative impression from this that will taint their view of Orthodox Christianity?

I've been to Orthodox services also. They reminded me of the Latin High Mass in the Catholic churches in my youth. I felt I understood both of the a little bit, having served on the altar a significant number of times, with memorized Latin responses, cassock and surplice, and all. I've even carried the censor.

Father Canice required us to learn it all in English, also, so we would understand what we were saying. It's all in English, now, which removes most of the solemnity from it. One of the thousands of reasons I haven't attended since 1969.

Can't say I ever believed any of it, since I can't believe anything, but I was at least impressed by the solemnity of it.

I understand the logic behind the division of the altar from the worshippers. Some things are of God and not to be understood by mortal man, or so I have been told.

I distinctly recall my first time in an Orthodox service, because I didn't like it. It made no sense, felt medieval, and (to me) felt dry and unmoving.

Which is why I went back again and again. For the first time in my life, the worship wasn't about me or satisfying me. It was about God ALONE. It took a worship that very much denied my desires (I would call it "ascetic" worship) to make that happen.

I like that you said that it demanded something, beckoned for one to learn more, and challenged the worshipper. This was very well written. Thank you for sharing your experience with us!

In Christ,
Macarius

This Orthodox Christian thanks you for this wonderful essay! I hope you don't mind, but I cross posted (with a link) to my own blog.

I like your gentle eye for appreciating beauty :-)

Glory to God you participated in Liturgy with us! (And I mean with me - yes in Massachusetts, since the Time and Space dimensions in God are different).

I do hope you'll come back!

Rejoice in Christ! and may you have a blessed Feast of Pentecost (this coming Sunday!)

:-)

A friend of mine sent me a link to your post. I too read it with a smile, just as he had, understanding many of the sentiments you shared about your first visit. The Orthodox have a common saying to inquirers of all stripes-"Come and see". This directive that is spoken twice in the latter portion of the first chapter of the gospel of John is appropriate. The twelfth and thirteenth chapters of the epistle to the Hebrews may make more sense to you now that you have experienced the Divine Liturgy. May the Lord lead you into the fullness of His Truth.

the unworthy deacon Theophan

Wow!!!

I came to Orthodoxy from an Anglican background, so I was already liturgically oriented. I've met many who have come from non-liturgical backgrounds, including Baptists. Our now-retired Archbishop of Dallas was raised Baptist (you should visit St Seraphim Cathedral in Dallas - SOON - His Eminence isn't getting any younger). Your account, however, is very moving. Even after all these years, including five years at St. Vladimir's Seminary, I never ceased to be awed by the Divine Liturgy, and to hear the beautiful words of the hymn, "Only-begotten Son" with that one awesome word, "Theotokos." Why do I call it awesome? Because it says it all - God became man - just like you and me. He chose that, and allowed her - Mary - the choice of accepting to be the hallowed vessel - the cherubic throne, the Holy of Holies. Yeah, that one word somehow summarizes for me everything of what the Incarnation is all about: "The King of heaven, because of His love for man, appeared on earth and dwelt with men" (I'll let you discover where that came from and the next line too): And so, we sing, "Who would not bless You, O Virgin? Who would not sing of your most pure childbearing?"

Ancient school? Yeah! Not for lightweights? Absolutely! "A treasure in earthen vessels"? Truly - and as precious as the lost coin and the priceless pearl. There is no way to explain Orthodoxy. We can only say, "Come and see."

----

Only begotten Son and immortal Word of God, who for our salvation didst will to be incarnate of the holy Theotokos, and ever-virgin Mary, who without change didst become man; and was crucified, O Christ our God, trampling down death by death; who art one of the Holy Trinity, glorified together with the Father and the HOly Spirit: save us!

Welcome, friend.

Many of us were where you are right now not so long ago. It is a well worn path. And well worth it.

God has His hand on you. Note that in the Orthodox worship service, the priest is facing the altar, as are the people.

A king sits. A priest stands. We're all doing the same thing, making our offering and prayers to the Living God.

Be assured of our prayers for you.

In Christ our Savior,
Fr. John

I converted to Orthodox Christian in 1993. You should make an opportunity to visit St. Tikhon's Monastery and Seminary in South Canaan, Pa., about 20 minutes NE of Scranton. Even after attending services for 1-1/2 years, I found out how little I really knew and understood when I started attending the Seminary and attending services in the Monastery parish.

The best way to understand the services is to live the the entire liturgical day for a week:
(sunrise) Matins and 1st Hour
(morning) 3rd Hour, 6th Hour, and Divine Liturgy
Breakfast and work day
(sunset) 9th Hour and Vespers
Dinner
(after-dinner) Compline
Retire to your room and read (midnight) Nocturns before going to sleep

Next week is Pentecost. After Divine Liturgy most parishes celebrate Kneeling Vespers. This is the first time we return to kneeling and prostrations since Pascha (Easter Sunday).

OUTLINE OF A TYPICAL SUNDAY SERVICE

At most parishes in the Greek tradition, a chanter sings an abridged Matins service before the Liturgy.

At most parishes in the Slavic tradition, a Reader reads 3rd Hour and 6th Hour for 30 minutes before the Liturgy. The outline for a typical Hours service is:

"Come let us worship ..."
3 Psalms
"Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Glory to Thee, O God." (3x)
"Troparia" (Dismissal from Vespers) hymns to feast or saint of the day and to Theotokos
Trinity prayers and Our Father
"Kontakion" (Collect from Matins) hymn to feast or saint of the day
Prayer of the Hours
Dismissal
Final prayer

DIVINE LITURGY PART 1 - LITURGY OF CATECHUMENS
(This half of the Liturgy focuses on the "Learners" of the faith)

The Great Litany (petitions and Lord, have mercies)
1st Antiphon (either a typical psalm or festal verses sung to Theotokos)
Small Litany
2nd Antiphon (either a typical psalm or festal verses sung to Son of God)
The hymn "Only-Begotten Son and immortal Word of God"
Small Litany
3rd Antiphon (either Beatitudes or festal verses sung with Troparia of feast)
Small Entrance - procession of priest with Gospel book
Introit
Thrice-Holy Hymn "Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us"
Prokeimenon (Gradual verses)
Reader proclaims the Apostolos - writing from the Apostles
Alleluiaria (Alleluia verses)
Priest proclaims the Evangelion - writing from the Evangelists

Homily - always on the Gospel message, Saint, or Feast of the day

Litany of Fervent Supplication
Litany for the Catechumens

(historically, the "Learners" would now move to the Narthex or Balcony)

DIVINE LITURGY PART 2 - LITURGY OF THE FAITHFUL
(This half of the Liturgy focuses on the "Practicers" of the faith)

Litany for the Faithful
Cherubic Hymn
Great Entrance - procession of priest with prepared bread and wine
Litany of Supplication
"The doors. The doors. In wisdom let us attend"

(historically, the nave doors are closed and guarded until after the Eucharist)

Faithful recite the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed
Anaphora (prayers when bread and wine mystically become Body and Blood of Christ)
Hymn to Theotokos
Prayers for the Bishop and the Church
Litany and Our Father
Communion Hymn - Choir sings while Priest prepares and partakes of Eucharist himself

(Faithful recite prayers before Communion and partake of the Eucharist)

Hymns of Thanksgiving - priest moves chalice back to preparation table
Litany of Thanksgiving
Prayer in front of the High Place
Psalm 33 (in some parishes)
Dismissal
Veneration of the Cross and sharing of antidoron bread
(Greek: an-DEE-though-run = "instead of the offering")

In the Sanctuary, the Reader recites prayers of Thanksgiving while priest consumes remaining Eucharist and cleans the chalice.

Looking at all of the pieces, it seems complicated and long. But if you analyze the whole outline, you see there is a structure and flow that makes sense. Once you learn the rhythm of the service, the Divine Liturgy won't seem so long. Also, singing with the choir takes your mind off the discomfort of standing.

As has been true for many others commenting here, a friend sent me the link to this article. Having made the journey to the Orthodox Church and Faith from the Episcopal Church, we were prepared in some ways, but not in others. Perhaps the hardest part of all -- once we had acquired our "Orthodox legs" and were able to stand through the services! -- was having to start all over again in learning what I thought I already knew from years of study and from seminary and time as an Episcopal priest. Having been Orthodox now for almost 15 years, and a priest for over 7, much of what one experiences for the first time has faded, as the "routine" has become very familiar. In reading what you have written, I got to see again the wonder and the mystery of the initial portion of our journey, to experience again the delight of recognizing what was taking place in the Divine Liturgy, and the struggle to learn the parts and practices that were new and unknown. Thank you for sharing this experience with us; and may God bless you and your family!

Thanks for being respectful of our communion practices. We Orthodox take the sacrament very seriously and only Orthodox who have prepared themselves by fasting, prayer, and confession are allowed to receive communion. It sometimes awkward when visitors from other traditions assume its ok to approach the chalice for communion, and the priest is forced to turn them away. Thanks for a great article

P.S. Orthodoxy is a small world, and my priest here in Willimantic Connecticut is the brother of the choir director at St. Anthony's

Thank you for this awesome story, made me laugh a few times too. It's always interesting reading outsiders' impressions of the Divine Liturgy.

“You don’t know what Theotokos means? Get a book and read about it. You have a hard time standing for 2 hours? Do some sit ups and get yourself into worship shape. It is the Lord our God we worship here, mortal. What made you think you could worship the Eternal One without pain?"

This really stuck out to me. We have made worship too easy. Yes, there are advantages to understanding that we can approach G-d at any time, but the risk that comes with that is the possibility of lack of understanding that G-d is holy and our worship should cost us something. Thanks Gordon.

joshua

Thank you so much for entering into the Divine Liturgy with open eyes and an open heart. So often people come into the services get overwhelmed by all the "smells & bells" and immediately shut down. Many, much wiser than myself, will tell you it takes a full month of Sundays to really begin to enter into the service. So my hat's off to you for taking that first brave step into the world of the unknown.

In many Orthodox churches you'll see people bowing after EVERY crossing of one's self. A Russian friend recently told me that this has a practical aspect, not just spiritual one, as each time you bow, it helps to stretch out your aching back! Believe me, those of us who have been Orthodox for a while still get tired backs and feet from time to time, but it is well worth it. It gets to a point where you wonder why you ever did it any other way.

For anyone who is coming to visit the Orthodox church for the first time, I usually send them to Frederica Mathewes-Green's site, where she has the very helpful "12 things I wish I'd known." A great primer on what to expect. http://www.frederica.com/12-things/

Thanks again for writing such a great piece and my God bless you on your path (and on your sabbatical).

In Christ,
Zenaida

A fellow Orthodox friend shared this with me and other Orthodox (I'm Greek Orthodox), and we enjoyed your blog! Your experiences were both funny and endearing. :) I do have to say, I go to a Greek Orthodox Church (My mom is Greek :)), and we don't stand for the whole service, but maybe 80% of it. ;-)

I just wanted to say, as someone with ADD, Orthodox worship is a dream come true. Every movement, every action gathers my thoughts back toward the offering of our hearts to God.

Fr. Stephen Freeman often talks about the distinction between linear and non-linear worship, which you may find interesting: http://fatherstephen.wordpress.com/2008/04/11/the-problem-with-history/

Thank you for this beautiful post! I just came across your blog today. I'm Orthodox, and like every Christian, I could use a little reminder of how blessed I am by my church. Your description of Orthodoxy was moving. As for your kids, I understand! When my parents first converted to Orthodoxy, I was in 2nd grade and spent the liturgy counting down how many pages left. I left the OC while I was in college until I found myself really needing to pray. And I can't pray anywhere better than in the Orthodox Church. May God bless your sabbatical of worshipping in new places!

...RLP, I used to read your blog some time ago, but lost touch over the years. My family and I converted to EO 5 years ago. It definitely is different and one of my first impressions of Orthodox worship was that it was, "not about me," but about God...definitely different from my more recent experience worshipping at a more POMO like church. I am glad you were touched and pray that God will continue to bless you on your journey, wherever it might lead.

I have been to St Anthony's in San Antonio, though it has been a few years.

The link below shows the interior of St. Seraphim Orthodox Cathedral, my home parish in Dallas, Texas. It is an excellent example of a properly decorated Orthodox temple.

http://www.iconsexplained.com/iec/iec_idb4c_special_features_vladimir_g.htm

The dark wood wall you see separates the nave, where the people stand, from the area we call the Altar.

In the Altar stands the Holy Table or Throne (what you would call an altar).

On the Table rest a copy of the Gospels and other items. Behind the Table stands a seven branched candle stand. To the right side stands a censor. To the left is the table on which the bread and wine are prepared which will be used in Communion.

The wall is called an "iconostasis" or icon stand. Though there are variations, the icons follow a general pattern.

The center (royal) doors, used only at certain times by the Bishop, Priests, and Deacons, are decorated with five icons. The top icon, in two panels, shows the Annunciation, the Angel telling Mary that she will bear a son.

Below on the doors are icons of the four Evangelists, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

To your left of the royal doors is an icon many would call "Mother and Child." But it is really an icon of the first coming of Christ, as a child in His mother's arms.

To your right of the royal doors is an icon of the (anticipated) second coming of Christ, as King and Judge.

The side doors, called the Deacons' doors, are decorated with icons of two Deacons of the early Church. The door on the left bears the image of St Stephen, first Deacon and martyr. The door on the right bears the image of St Lawrence of Rome.

Above the first row is one long icon in several panels. It represents the whole Church bowing to Christ in worship. Christ sits in the heavens, enthroned on a rainbow. At the four corners are the traditional symbols of the Evangelists, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. These are the angel, the eagle, the lion, and the bull.

As we stand in that temple and ask, "Where am I?" the iconostasis gives the Church's reply. We stand between the first and second coming of Christ. We stand at the footstool of His throne. We join with the whole Church in worshiping Him. We enter into His presence by the miracle of His incarnation, as revealed in the four Gospels.

Your wonderful article gave me chills - to experience this with such an open mind and heart is truly a blessing. FYI - it has been 2000 years since the worship service began and I pray it will never change. I am humbled by the opportunity to experience this every day of my life as an Orthodox Christian. Thank you and God Bless you on your journey.

Thanks everyone for the kind and affirming words. It's been really fun to read the comments. Almost like the old days when I used to get a lot of them.

RLP,

I've been within the OC for just over a year now and can remember well my first experience of the Divine Liturgy. I too got a service book and then got thoroughly lost! The Deacon came over to me and said, 'you didn't come here to read a book did you? Try and just absorb what's going on!'. The sense of being 'held' by the worship is marvelous and your comment of it being 'bigger' than us is soooo true!

Worship of God is going on 24/7 and we just 'plug in' to what is already happening in the heavenlies. The fact that stuff is already going on when we arrive for the Liturgy really helps me understand this.

Thanks again for your fresh, honest, and really funny take on the Liturgy.

May God grant you many years!!

RLP, thanks for the kind words. I am glad it was a positive experience for you. It's getting some circulation in the online Orthodox world. I am glad you enjoyed our services--although that's not my parish. I've been reading your blog off and on for a while--I started reading while you were still covert about your identity. I've always enjoyed your writing because it comes from the heart. Enjoy the rest of your sabbatical.

A Serbian Orthodox friend, Patty, from Edmonton, Canada, sent your blog to me. I enjoyed it very much seeing how very moved you were by the beautiful icons that welcome you to heaven on earth and the very fulfilling Orthodox service/and listening to the words about the cherabim and seraphim.

Each Sunday I feel like I've been given a fine gift. Our church service in Aliquippa, PA is a perfect blend of harmony between our priest, Fr. Stepanov with his incredible operatic voice, the dozen or so altar boys we have who are so attentive in their duties, the magnificent choir we have that sings such beautiful responses, our tutors (men who help in the altar and church office) and the truly dedicated parishioners who arrive early to church to make sure they're there on time, and who afterwards warmly kiss and hug you in greeting. A great way to spend Sunday morning!

Please visit my www.babamim.com website to read more about some of the things I've mentioned above.

http://www.babamim.com/orthodoxy will help you learn more about Orthodoxy.
http://www.babamim.com/prayers_for_you has some prayers.
http://www.babamim.com/easterdates explains Easter/Pascha a little more...

Better yet, bring those girls of yours with you to St. Elijah Serbian Orthodox Church in Aliquippa, PA (near Pittsburgh) to participate once again and see for themselves again that its so worth the effort.

Believe me, I remember being a child and clapping to myself when I heard the "Budim ime" part of the service at the end. ("It's almost OVER!") It's all a learning experience. And sometimes when my legs are real tired, I still recall the joy in hearing that same song again. But the real joy is in just being able to attend. For that I'm so very grateful. I don't think there's a more beautiful service anywhere!

Please listen to our graduating high school teen-ager, George Milosh, sing his solo "Oce Nas" (OUR FATHER) on the Aliquippa, PA page of my website. It's such a super present and good medicine for all of us! Enjoy! Mim Bizic, Moon Township, (PGH) PA.
http://www.babamim.com/aliquippa_church_history

i am delighted to hear that you enjoyed your worship experience in an Orthodox Church! I made my journey into Orthodoxy 3 years ago and it certainly took some time to get used to, but by God's grace may you continue to grow nearer to Him!

If you think worship on Sunday in a church with no pews is painful, you should try one of our Lenten weekday services. If you really want a workout, try toe Matins of the Great Canon (Thursday of the 5th week in Lent). The Great Canon surveys the whole of salvation history, relating it to autnor. Two hundred fifty strophes, with threwe great prostrations after each.

BTW, we were doing prostrations long before the Muslims adopted the practice.

As everyone else has mentioned, props to you for entering the service with the mentality you did. Having been raised strictly Greek Orthodox (I'm 19 and I still practice) it's interesting to see what a service looks like to someone with no experience of it. 2 hour liturgies are par for the course, and when it comes to times like Holy Week, it's not unusual to be in church for 3 hours at a time, but the services can be so beautiful that you honestly don't mind. I remember being very young and napping under the stasidia (the narrow seats along the side of the church, like these http://tinyurl.com/opco2l)...it really is an experience, and part of your life.

If you ever get the opportunity to attend the Holy Friday night service (lamentations), the resurrection service (Easter midnight) or August 15 (The Dormition of the Virgin Mary) the chants are just beautiful. Just a note though, avoid churches with choirs, because as much as I love them with the right kind of music, they take the life out of Byzantine chanting - the beauty is in the details and the way the chanter "plays with" the notes.

Also, I would suggest visiting the Holy Archangels Greek Orthodox Monastery in Kendalia Texas http://www.holyarchangels.org/ and St. Anthony's in Florence, AZ http://www.stanthonysmonastery.org/index.php if you ever get the chance...there is something about monastery church services that you just can't get in a parish.

Everyone tells me just to go ahead and sit when it gets too much. It's OK for the kids to park themselves for a bit, though there are places (the Creed, and after the Great Entrance) when they should stand.

Had to smile when I read of their asking, "How long will this be?" Reminded me of a tale I read about a guy who went into an Orthodox church in Russia. Stood for a bit, looked around, stood some more, listened, stood some more, then he began looking at his watch. Every 15 minutes, then every 10 minutes, finally every 5 minutes. Then he asked one of the old ladies, "How long does this take?!" And she snapped, "You're with God, what do you care how long it takes?!"

And the moral of the story is, *Never* mess with an old Russian babushka. Hang in there--"resistance is futile!" -)

I was Chrismated Orthodox Christian April 18, 2009. I had been dragged to protestant churches all my life, which eventually turned me into an athiest, or deist during those times I would admit God actually existed. Now, for the first time in my life, the world makes sense...nothing I know or have experienced contradicts anything I learn from the Church... not to say that all questions are answered, more are raised. It is such an intellectual, mystical, indescribable experience. Come and see. It is a wonderful, life-changing experience.

Thank you for your thoughts! As an Orthodox Christian it's good to hear the impressions of someone not used to going to the services regularly. Our services stun me with their beauty and depth, but so many of my non-Orthodox friends who have visited over the years have never see past the smoke from the censor (so to speak). God bless you!

I liked your comment that "pews are so 14th century" but my guess is that in fact they're so 16th (or perhaps 17th)century. Pure guess, but probably pews came into churches in the West following the Reformation as a way for people to listen to much longer sermons. But these days, especially in the US, you sometimes find them in Orthodox churches. If an Orthodox congregation has purchased a church that had pews, it often decides to keep the pews. And there are Orthodox congregations that build new churches with pews, picking up on the "standards" of most Christian churches in the West.

But there’s a lot to be said for the older Christian tradition of standing for worship. It takes some getting used to but, once that adjustment is made, most people find it keeps them more awake, more alert, more present. Standing up is the posture of the resurrection.

Jim Forest
http://incommunion.org/forest-flier/

PS My wife and I belong to the Orthodox parish of St Nicholas of Myra in Amsterdam, Holland.
* * *

Here's a link to an article on the history of pews written by someone in marketing at "Chairs4Worship," a company that sells chairs and pews:
http://www.articlesbase.com/spirituality-articles/church-pews-history-an...

And here is a link to an article at another vendor's web site:
http://www.ukarchitecturalantiques.com/reviews.aspx?id=29

Here's an 1844 treatise (that I find amazing) titled, "Church Pews, Their Origin and Legal Incidents with Some Observations on the Propriety of Abolishing Them, in Three Chapters":
http://anglicanhistory.org/misc/freechurch/fowler_pews1844.html

The texts in this timeline also give an interesting view of the often mercenery and divisive use of pews:
http://www.google.com/search?q=history+of+church+pews&hl=en&rlz=1T4GWYA_...

The Library of Congress lists a volume titled, "A History of Church Pews, with Notes on obsolete Church Usages," by J. M. Toner, M. D. 1895. 1 vol. 4° 239 pp. (I have not been able to locate a copy outside the Library of Congress.)

Otherwise, try old-fashioned research at a library with the help of a reference librarian. A university library, espeically one with a school of architecture, might be the most helpful.

That standing through a two- or three- or sometimes four-hour worship service is difficult for us is a sign, I think, of just how soft and pampered we have allowed ourselves to become (and generally hope to be!).

There are people the world over who stand in hours-long lines every day for food, for water, for gas and other life necessities.

We might stand in line for hours to get on a coveted ride at a Disney park or to get tickets to a sports event or a concert by a sell-out band.

Yet in our indulge-me society we can complain about standing on our feet for a couple hours in order to meet God and the saints where Heaven meets Earth.

It's as though Sunday morning has become: I'll sit here with my Starbucks latte and organic canberries and walnut muffin and, God, you and your Son and the Holy Spirit; the great cloud of witnesses, the saints; the cherubim and the seraphim; and all the company of Heaven, you can come to me. And make it quick.

Jim Forest is right; you do find pews in some Orthodox churches in the West for all the reasons he mentioned and maybe a couple more.

Nevertheless you will find few people applying their bottoms to them throughout worship. As with the pews at the side wall of Saint Anthony the Great, the pews are for the comfort of the very young, the elderly, the sick, the disabled or the infirm, and for visitors or convert catechumens who can't yet muster the standing.

For those who are able and accustomed to Orthodox worship, pews and chairs get in the way of the prostrations and the metanias (deep bows) that are part of worship.

Jim Forest is right to connect the prevalence of pews to the Reformation, with its focus on education, or "re-education," delivered through a sermon from a pulpit. This was not found even in Western churches until that time, as one discovers when visiting Roman Catholic and Reformed churches throughout Europe.

Early Christian (and Judeo) worship was, and Orthodox Christian (and Judiac) worship still is, multi-sensory and kinetic. We can grasp God and become like Him only with all of our senses.

I've never met an Orthodox Christian who feels deprived of pews. I've met many who, when forced to worship from them, feel hog-tied.

But Orthodox Chritians are, as you noted, very empathetic about the challenge the worship presents to newcomers. For no matter how long one has been in the faith, it challenges our strength and our self-control. It reveals to us how feeble we are: that it is only by the grace of God that we can do all things necessary to our Christian lives.

Glory to God for his grace, for his mercy, for his forgiveness and for the compassion and forgiveness of our brothers and sisters. Glory to God in all things.

I'm guessing that Jim Forest, who wrote one of the comments above, is the Orthodox author of several books that I've read and also the editor of the journal "In Communion," the quarterly publication of the Orthodox Peace Fellowship

His work and the OPF might be of interest to some reading here.

http://incommunion.org

In the worship of the Old Covenant, there was a clear connection between serving in priestly ministry and "standing". Literally, a priest was appointed or consecrated to stand in the Tabernacle to serve before YHWH. In the New Covenant, the "sacrifice of praise" is offered both by the priests who are appointed to stand before the Altar Table and the priesthood of the faithful who stand in union with them before a renewed Holy of Holies.

Standing has always the primary posture of the priest.

God bless you in your journey of discovery of the true heart of worship!

Fr. Deacon Daniel
Greek-Catholic Deacon

I read your excellent articles over on the Byzantine Forum. There is a discussion there in Forum 2 - Faith and Worship. www.byzcath.org

http://www.byzcath.org/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/324094/A%20Baptist%2...

Couple of things. I was raised Southern Baptist and converted nearly 14 years ago now.

The Iconostas can be seen as separation (most view it that way) but it also gives a sense of connectedness, of joining the heavenly to the earthly.

As for the kids, I find it easier to break things (especially worship) into chunks. You have the liturgy of the Word, which "concludes" with the reading of the Gospel and the sermon. Then you begin the Eucharistic liturgy. These are broken down further - the liturgy of the word breaks to three hymns, prayers, reading and preaching (reminds me of my days as a Baptist!). You throw in the little Entrance - which finds origins in the Great Church of Constantinople, where the bread and wine and worship tools were kept in a building on the northeast corner of the property, and the servers had to go and retrieve them. Christians been doing that for 1700 years or so. Toss in the Cherubic hymn for good measure.

Then see the liturgy of the Eucharist for what it is - the ascension of all of us to the realm of heaven, where we ask God to forgive us, to consecrate our offerings. We say what we have received (the Creed), we pray as Jesus taught (the Lord's Prayer). We receive Christ - offer thanks - and go into the world.

It can (and perhaps should) be the busiest 2 hours of the week!

In Christ,
Deacon Marty Watt
St. Paul the Apostle Orthodox Church
Dayton, Ohio

Pastor,

A blogging friend linked to this entry and I was nodding my head and smiling through your account. It almost mirrors my family's own first experience at an Orthodox church. I remember coming out and that stunned feeling of "Whew - what was that??!!", and then during the week that creeping "I need to do that again" thoughts came over me. 6 years later I became Orthodox with my once *very* reluctant children (funny how things change with time).

God bless your during your sabbatical.

In college, I visited an Eastern Orthodox Church in Kiev , so the whole thing was in Russian and we couldn't understand a thing. It was beautiful, though, and I was moved by the devotion of the women who made the rounds, kissing the various icons.
I'd forgotten all about it--thanks for the reminder!

As a former evangelical pastor, my first experience was very similar. The thing that I could not get away from was that I found myself singing the hymns non-stop throughout the week. Thankfully, that wonderful experience hasn't changed after all these years. :) It was hard to go back to my evangelical worship music after singing about the incarnation and sending glory and worship to the Holy Trinity. Even the "old" hymns of classical Protestantism weren't much refuge and tip-toed around issues rather than hitting them head on.

Before I converted I was told by several people who loved me and knew my love for music said, "You'll miss Western music." I found that to be false, it made me appreciate what was good in Western music even more: various forms of Western Chant, Bach, Poulenc and even Luther and Charles Wesley among others are far more meaningful now.

I agree with those above who suggested visiting an Orthodox monastery. http://www.holyarchangels.org (Greek speaking) is near you. However, if you have any interest in travelling, http://www.holycross-hermitage.com is, IMHO, the finest English speaking monastery in the country. They have also produced a DVD about the Orthodox monastic life which is well worth the money. You can see a trailer and order it here: http://www.holycross-hermitage.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&ke...

I don't live far from the Monastery and, if you have interest in going, I'd be glad to meet you there and give you a tour.

First off thank you for taking the time to experience and write about the Orthodox Church. As the grandson of Serbian Orthodox priest, and long time altar boy I have to say that you've hit the nail on the head. Although many Orthodox churches now include pews, the liturgy and architecture are generally the same. I hope you continue to have an enjoyable experience with your newly found orthodox brothers and sisters.

I have never posted a response to anything I have ever read on the internet, this is a first. Thank you for your kind words about an Orthodox Service - your narrative made me laugh and cry at the same time. I am cradle Orthodox (one born into the Faith), and at every service I am moved by the words of the prayers which are sung or the canons that are read. Saturday evening services are also beautiful, but as many have expressed before me, Holy Week and Pascha are indescribable. God Bless you and your family.

Thank you for your kind words. I am so happy that you met Christ in our liturgy and we hope you come back! I am a member of St Anthony's Orthodox Church in San Antonio, and I apologize I do not remember meeting you when you were there, possibly next time...

I grew up Orthodox in the United States (which is rather uncommon in "protestant America") and it is encouraging to be reminded of our beautiful orthodox Christian faith that, sadly, many of us Orthodox take for granted after a while. And yes, even after all these years, standing for 1.5+ hour liturgies can still be difficult (as Rebecca said above and as anyone in the military would tell you, don't lock the knees).

Anytime Orthodoxy seems too much I try to remember those wonderful, powerful midnight Pascha/Easter celebrations -- with Christ is Risen proclaimed for hours on end! I remember my own sinfulness and God's overwhelming love.

We hope to see you back at our beautiful, yet humble little church here in San Antonio very soon.

Thanks for your beautiful, humorous account of Things Divine. I'm Roman Catholic; we do the pew-thing, but one could forego the kneelers and just use the stone floor during the Liturgy. God is blessing you and us through your eyes. Ora et labora, brother.

A few months ago we had a group of "emerging church" visitors visit our Orthodox Church for Vespers, and they met members of the parish for discussion afterwards.

If you're interested, you can read about it here:

http://khanya.wordpress.com/2009/02/09/orthodox-emerging-missional-dialo...

One of the reasons for inviting them was to try to bridge a gap of understanding and experience. They kept saying that "attractional" was opposed to "missional", yet it is a distiction that makes little sense in the context of Orthodox worshio, and I think your post helps to explain why, so I'll be referring them to it!

So thank you very much for posting this.

Your openhearted encounter with Orthodoxy was wonderful to read about.

The bread that you were given at the end of the Divine Liturgy is called prosphora. Only part of the loaf is actually consecrated and becomes the Body of Christ during the liturgy; it is a square that is cut from the center and put aside for the consecration, and is called "the Lamb." The unconsecrated remainder of the prosphora is distributed after the Divine Liturgy to people in attendance, both for themselves and to carry to others who were not in attendance. This bread is blessed, but it is not the Body of Christ.

You remind me a bit of St. John, awestruck and at a loss at the beginning of the Book of Revelation. I think that if you read Revelation again, you will appreciate its liturgical aspects much more. Orthodoxy stresses that the Divine Liturgy on Sunday reflects the eternal liturgy in heaven.

I was raised the son of a Baptist preacher. I was a very stereotypical PK. I attended a Lenten service when I was 17 at a Greek church. 90% in Greek. Darkened nave. I meet the priest the next day and started catechism. That was 16 (and a few wrong turns) years ago. Now all 4 of were born into the Church and I'm chairman of the parish council and a church school teacher.

This is such a nice blog

god Bless

jill xx

RLP, I was very impressed and pleased to read of your first experience in an Orthodox church. I have been, a few times, to Greek Catholic (specifically Ukrainian) churches before - they likewise follow the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, as do most Gk. Orthodox. I have also attended Vespers in the chapel of the patriarchate of Constantinople, in the presence of His All Holiness, Patriarch Bartholomew - that was a beautiful experience as well.

My I suggest that you take one of your sabbatical Sundays and attend a Traditional Roman Mass in (what is now called) "the Extraordinary Form" of the Roman Rite? I think you will find it a likewise uplifting experience of the Divine Mysteries. If you should choose to do so, you may wish to experience a "low Mass" which is very quiet and provides much time for reflection, or a "Sung Mass" or "Solemn High Mass" with a great deal more solemnity. I am not sure what is offered in San Antonio in this regard, but I think you might likewise benefit from such an experience.

I am a Catholic priest in a fairly standard parish. I celebrate Mass in the ordinary form (in the vernacular, which in our neighborhood is English) but I also offer Mass in the extraordinary form [the Ancient Roman Liturgy].

May God bless you with many such blessings during your sabbatical.

Peace

Fr. Totton

This is a great post. Thank you.

This is bigger than all of us for it is God whom we worship. I am thankful that your experience is hitting the net in such a truthful way. May the Lord bless you on your journey because it has now truly begun. Take the time and read about others who took similar paths like Dr. Scott Hahn, Marcus Grodi, Tim Staples and more. When we finally begin to really listen to Christ's call for us to come home, it is like an insatiable thirst that only He can quench. This has been the case for me once I acknowledged that fact. My marriage is rocky because of it but the Lord comes first.

I will pray for you and your family. Please pray for mine, especially my wife. She has family in San Antonio and some may even go to your church.

I lived in San Antonio,TX for 4 years, and I will never forget the awesome experience of attending Our Lady of the Atonement Church out on 1604 west of I-10....and it's in English. Traditional worship is amazing.

Regarding your essay: Lovedit, lovedit, lovedit, lovedit!!!!

I'm a graduate of Philadelphia College of Bible, with a B.S. in Bible and Church Music Minor. I first attended an Orthodox Liturgy 12 years ago. I had been reading the Ante-Nicene Fathers for about a year, and so I showed up intellectually "resigned" that I would eventually have to join this Church. On a Saturday night, I stopped after Vespers to ask about the time of the Liturgy, and to see if there was anything I could do to prepare for it. The Priest sighed, paused, then said, "No. Just show up at 11:30, and the Liturgy will happen to you." In response to my puzzled expression, he added, "I can't explain it. You'll know what I mean tomorrow."

As a "bible-thumper" and musician, I was completely overwhelmed with the sheer amount of Scripture and music in the service (my knees were, thankfully, ALMOST overwhelmed). The hair on my arms was standing up, I was fighting back tears, and was racing to keep up with the flood of thoughts coursing through my brain. I left fairly quickly, because I was rendered speechless. I went home and catatonically sat on my couch for about an hour before the Priest called. He gently asked how I was doing, and offered to drop by to counsel me. I declined his offer, saying I felt the need to be alone to repent. I knew the door to my previous life was forever sealed shut. The unknown was at once frightening and exhilarating.

Twelve years later, the fright is gone (as far as "can I make a life here"), but I can't shake the exhilaration! Thanks be to God.

Thank you for triggering these memories. I have no regrets.

Warmest Regards,

A Sinner

I minister to the Catholic Youth in the Midwest from 6th grade to college age. My goal...is to get them to appreciate the liturgy. If only they were as open as you were my job would be complete.

Please always remember this about your experience. Use it in your ministry and live it! Joseph Ratzinger (now Pope Benedict XVI) wrote a book called "Spirit and Liturgy" about what the liturgy is. You will find that it is an explanation of everything you experienced at the Eastern Liturgy. Congrats! Dont forget to live this experience, remember, reflect and live.

I agree with Fr. Totton (Sacerdos in Aeternum - 6/9/09 - 8:44) try the Traditional Latin Mass (Extraordinary Form) as well. In San Antonio, try Sunday 12pm at:

St. Pius X
3303 Urban Crest
San Antonio, TX 78209
210-824-0139

You should also check out Our Lady of the Atonement at 9 or 11am:

15415 Red Robin Road
San Antonio, TX 78255
210-695-2944

The Solemn High Mass at Our Lady of the Atonement is in a high English and the liturgy is absolutely beautiful.

Hey!! I'm Antiochian Orthodox and proud of it!!! I know it's hard the first few times but you get used to it and soon it seems like half an hour even when you're tired.

I have long been interested in learning more about EO and attending services, but waited nearly two years because I am a wuss with bad feet. I first went on mothers day this year and only missed last week since my daughter was graduating. I am going to inquirers classes since the first service.

I am inches away from committing to being a catechumen.

The services were the first time I felt I was truly in a church worshiping God. Not just learning or praying or teaching about him. Just worshiping. And the teachings-God makes sense, he is logical and consistent in the Orthodox teaching-and when it is one of the things that are kind of 'spiritual', they simply accept that God's ways are different than ours, and we don't HAVE to 'get' everything to obey him and serve him. It was kind of amazing:) I love it. And I sit when I need to, and no one condemns me. It is a converted church, they understand.

I just had to write a brief comment. My wife and I have been Orthodox now for 13 years (she came from a Pentecostal/Word-Faith background and I came from a Fundamentalist and, later, Charismatic Evangelical background), and your description reminded me so much of my initial impression. It was a stunning combination of "What IS this??!" and "Wow!!" and "I love it because it's not about me!" It made me remember my initial feeling when I experience Orthodox worship, and it also matches my wife's first impression when I later brought her along. She loved that the priest barely looked at us. It convinced her that he was worshipping with us, before us, and not paying much attention to whether it was seeker-sensitive for the people in the pews (yup, some churches have pews). Thank you for the smile you gave me, and I pray you continue to dig more deeply into the ancient church. After all, I know of an entire congregation of Foursquare Gospel Christians and another congregation from the Vineyard who entered the Orthodox church en masse. It can happen to you too!

Thank you for sharing your experience! I remember well the first time I walked into my Cathedral - shadows of incense greeting me at the door. I am a convert Orthodox, christmated in 2005, and you capture the sensory assault so well.

I love your comment, "It was like they were ripping raw chunks of theology out of ancient creeds and throwing them by the handfuls into the congregation." I did not have the wit nor the education to phrase it that way, but that is so right.

I think the Liturgy is overload when one is new, I often suggest that folks start out by attending Great Vespers which usually runs about 45 minutes on Wednesdays at St. Seraphim Orthodox Cathedral, where I am worshipping.

As has been stated above, our Bishop Dimitri, now 85, was a Baptist convert to Orthodoxy, and our new Metropolitan Jonah (Metropolitan is the "first among equals" among the bishops) is a convert as well. Orthodoxy, at least in the South, seems to be an interesting mish-mosh of ethnic backgrounds and well-read, earnest converts at least in the OCA (Orthodox Church of America). And Dallas being what it is, we have a good representation of former Baptists in our midst.

The night before my Christmation, I went to a Roman Catholic funeral mass as my friend's mother had died. If you lay the structure of the RC Mass along side the Divine Liturgy, you can see the common roots. While I would in no way discourage you from visiting the Latin mass, I was struck at that time by the amount of truncation in the Mass vs. the Liturgy. I felt like it was the "readers digest" version, and so stripped down as to almost destroy its meaning. (This may not be true of the Latin Masses now, I haven't seen one in that format since 1962, and I was pretty small then.) But the English version of the Mass did not compare, for me, with the Liturgy.

Of course, that was after I hardened up to the standing.

You might enjoy Frederica Mathewes-Green's book, Facing East. It detailed her journey into Orthodoxy, and outlines a liturgical year in sketches of her mission church. It has been said that she is the "Erma Bombeck" of Orthodoxy, and I know that she paints the picture of parish life with accuracy, warmth, and humor. She speaks to the people side very well, including, or maybe especially, issues of sore feet and backs...

Happy sabbatical to you!

There's a lot to be said for Miracle, Mystery and Authority!

Your post is a wonderful witness to the reality of God's work in the Divine Liturgy.

Please, please, please, don't stop your exploration, but continue!

Visit these too:

a Byzantine Catholic Liturgy

a Melkite Liturgy

a Syro-Malabar Liturgy (traces back to St. Thomas)

an Etheopian Liturgy

and of course, a Traditional Latin Rite, the extraordinary form of the Liturgy (not the Novus Ordo)

What you will find is how these rites are in essence all the same, but beautifully (and legitimately) diverse.

When you are all done, go then to an Orthodox Jewish Liturgy and prepare to be amazed at how similar these rites are to their Jewish origins!

God deeper my friend, go deeper!

About tired legs:
Someone mentioned shifting your weight frequently. Very helpful. In addition, making the sign of the cross frequently and bowing improves circulation and stretches the legs!

Though it has been rightly mentioned that icons are regarded by Orthodox as "windows to heaven," icons are locked doors for many Christians in the west. The word "idolatry" is often mentioned. Let me share with those interested in the topic this brief extract a chapter on the history and theology of icons from my book "Praying With Icons".

Jim Forest
www.incommunion.org/forest-fler/

* * *

In the age of iconoclasm, the theologian who best defended the use of icons in Christian life was Saint John of Damascus (676-749), a monk and poet kept safe from the power of the iconoclastic emperor through ironic circumstances — his monastery, Mar Saba, in the desert southeast of Jerusalem, was in an area under Islamic rule, thus out of reach of imperial edicts. Here he wrote his essay “On the Divine Images” in which he reasoned:

"If we made an image of the invisible God, we would certainly be in error ... but we do not do anything of the kind; we do not err, in fact, if we make the image of God incarnate who appeared on earth in the flesh, who in his ineffable goodness, lived with men and assumed the nature, the volume, the form, and the color of the flesh..."

Saint John also responded to the arguments of those who regarded Old Testament prohibitions of religious imagery as also applying to the Church:

"Since the invisible One became visible by taking on flesh, you can fashion the image of him whom you saw. Since he who has neither body nor form nor quantity nor quality, who goes beyond all grandeur by the excellence of his nature, he, being of divine nature, took on the condition of a slave and reduced himself to quantity and quality by clothing himself in human features. Therefore, paint on wood and present for contemplation him who desired to become visible."

Saint Theodore the Studite (758-826), another defender of icons in the time of iconoclasm, links Gospel and icon with the senses of hearing and seeing:

"Imprint Christ onto your heart, where he already dwells. Whether you read about him the Gospels, or behold him in an icon, may he inspire your thoughts, as you come to know him twofold through the twofold experience of your senses. Thus you will see through your eyes what you have learned through the words you have heard. He who in this way hears and sees will fill his entire being with the praise of God."

The first iconoclastic period lasted until 780. Seven years later, at the Seventh Ecumenical Council, the bishops rose in defense of the icon. The Council affirmed that it is not the icon itself which is venerated but the prototype whose image is represented in the icon. Iconoclasm was condemned.

Nonetheless, a second iconoclastic period, less severe than the first, was initiated by Emperor Leo V in 813. Orthodox resistance included an impressive act of civil disobedience — an icon-bearing procession in Constantinople by a thousand monks. With the death of the Emperor Theophilus in 842, imperial objections to icons ended. In 843, Theodora, widow of the former Emperor, convened a Council which reaffirmed the teaching of the Seven Ecumenical Councils and confirmed the place of the icon in Christian life. Henceforth the first Sunday of Great Lent was set aside to celebrate the Triumph of Orthodoxy, a custom maintained to the present day in the Orthodox world when the faithful bring at least one of their home icons to the church. A text sung on the Sunday of Orthodoxy declares:

"The indefinable Word of the Father made Himself definable, having taken flesh of thee, O Mother of God, and having refashioned the soiled image of man to its former estate, has suffused it with Divine beauty. Confessing salvation, we show it forth in deed and word."

* * *

Your blog post is making the rounds it seems! I know how it feels, I will be celebrating my one year anniversary of reception into the Byzantine Rite of the Catholic Church this week. :) I love the Divine Liturgy because it is so reverent! I'm not there to fellowship, I'm there to worship! :D

Very impressive story. It didn't make me cry but gave me a real spiritual joy. Yes, it's an Orthodox worship. It's such.
Do you know the story, how Rus' was baptized? Prince Vladimir sent ambassodors to different countries to study which faith was better. When they visited a divine liturgy in Konstantinopol's Saint Sophia Cathedral they told: "We don't know if we were on earth or in heaven"
Eastern Orthodox worship makes unforgettable impression, of course. But it is not always so good. Yeah, it's difficult, it involves you into theology, but not everybody is ready for it like your friends.
Somebody writes here that Holy Week and Pascha are undescribable. They are very deep and beautiful, festive. But to my mind the best services are evening ones in weekdays, without big festivals. There are not very many worshippers, not very much singing and you can understand every deep word of prayer.
Asking yjur prayers. God bless you.

It's great that you have found Orthodox Christianity! It's a process but well worth it! The more you learn, the more is opened to you, and the more special it becomes - life itself. May God continue guide you in your journey.
P.S. It will not take long to get used to standing, will be easier later on. For me the exciting part is to concentrate on prayer all throughout and try to understand as much as possible. What a great thing is, when you do understand, pieces by pieces yet each one is like a small blessing. Praise to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit!

If you ever get the opportunity to attend the Holy Friday night service (lamentations), the resurrection service (Easter midnight) or August 15 (The Dormition of the Virgin Mary) the chants are just beautiful. Just a note though, avoid churches with choirs, because as much as I love them with the right kind of music, they take the life out of Byzantine chanting - the beauty is in the details and the way the chanter "plays with" the notes.

I am an Orthodox convert (about a decade) I grew up as an United Methodist. We don't debate about the basics of faith; I left the Episcopal Church when I realized I was in communion with Bishops and Clergy that questioned the virgin birth and the resurection. "Pascha" "Easter" ect what ever you call it, Christ is risen indeed! We Orthodox seem to argue about details, and whether or not they are details. There is an old red-neck carpenters cliche that explains what we believe, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." Too many Protestant churches have taken on acutriments of a honky-tonk. And don't go to an Orthodox temple if your squimish about words such as "sin" You won't find many discussions about minimum requirments to be saved here. Just think, if tomarrow morning Gabriel shows up at you door saying that you have been blessed with a personal audence with Christ Jesus and you have a choice between 30min or a hour would you say "Oh, my busy day.. I've only got 30min for Him"? Church is not for comfort or convieniance, but worship. I went to a school once where the students would go to the chairman of the department to complain when the teacher didn't show for class. It is then that you know your in the right school. When you go to Europe to the great old Cathedrals (even in the west) notice they were not built with pews. The oldest form of Christian prayer is bare-headed standing. Becomming a Christian isn't the end of the journey but the beginning and St Paul likened it to being an athlete. I think it was Bonhoffer who said that Grace was available to anyone but it is not Cheap, in fact, he continued, it calls us to our deaths. Christ said "take up you cross, and follow me" "he who would save his life will loose it" We are not here to change God, to get Him to change the "Laws of Nature" to make our lifes go well, but to be changed (metanoia) by God, as a potter shapes clay. There is nothing wrong with fearing God, it is the beginning of wisdom. You will be taught to love, kiss, and prostrate, in Orthodoxy.

I just read this blog post, and I absolutely resonated with it. Coming from a Presbyterian background, I too uncomfortably stumbled into the church, and made myself partake in worship.
I continue to now.
I married into a Russian family, and my wife's father is a Priest, so I sort of lived the "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" movie, but in Russian.
Anyway - we have a small mission in Golden Colorado - I saw in a recent post that you had been in Creed, and wanted you to know that if you find yourself anywhere near Denver there are lots of beautiful Orthodox churches. There is also our small mission in Golden, which isn't pretty or big - but is what I picture when I picture church - community.
Thank you very much for sharing your experiences with us. It makes me feel full of joy to hear that someone has walked into liturgy, and so quickly "gets it."
It makes me even happier when they come back to do it again.

I married into a Russian family, and my wife's father is a Priest, so I sort of lived the "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" movie, but in Russian.
Anyway - we have a small mission in Golden Colorado - I saw in a recent post that you had been in Creed, and wanted you to know that if you find yourself anywhere near Denver there are lots of beautiful Orthodox churches. There is also our small mission in Golden, which isn't pretty or big - but is what I picture when I picture church - community.film izle
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What a great story. I heard it from the pulpit at my Unitarian Universalist Church this past Sunday, and had to find it to read it again.

I loved reading about your experience of the Divine Liturgy at St. Anthony's. You resonated with the service far better than I did on my first visit to an Orthodox Church! I would be interested to hear any follow up to this story. Was this your first encounter of any kind with Orthodox Christianity? Have you gone back at all? Have you gotten to know the pastor or anyone else at St. Anthony's? Have you pursued any study of the Orthodox Christian Faith?

For you and any other readers interested in learning more about the road to ancient Christianity, I'd like to suggest an excellent book: "Becoming Orthodox". It's written by Fr. Peter Gillquist, a former leader in Campus Crusade for Christ, who for the last two decades has been an Orthodox Christian priest, missionary, and evangelist. "Becoming Orthodox" recounts the nearly 20-year journey of 2,000 Evangelical Protestants across the United States and Canada to find the ancient Christian Faith. Their road took them to the doors of the Orthodox Church in 1987. You probably could find the book on the shelf at your local Orthodox Christian Church, or you could order it on-line from the publisher, Conciliar Press.

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