[MarMema]

but that's not the purpose of the believers, is it?

Kosta, I found it interesting that you used the word "believers" in your post. This is the word used in Georgia by most Orthodox. And there it means "Orthodox" and is synonomous with being actively involved in the church. Is this a word you have found in use elsewhere?

Pardon my ignorance. I had not encountered it prior to visiting Georgia.

[kosta50]

This is the word used in Georgia by most Orthodox. And there it means "Orthodox" and is synonomous with being actively involved in the church. Is this a word you have found in use elsewhere?

In Serbia, and it is used synonimously in the exact fashion as in Georgia. A "believer" (vernik or vyernik) is always involved in the church -- physically or spiritually. It doesn't mean someone who just believes but someone who lives the faith.