TO ALL OF OUR ORTHODOX FRIENDS: A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS

http://216.239.37.100/search?q=cache:WIk8fnsEbWkC:www.collegebaptist.org/sermon/12.23.01.html ^ | Matthew 2:1-12.

[a_Turk]

Should rebuild asap..

[Liz]

Thanks for the post. All of the Byzantine rites are quite meaningful as is this celebration of Christ's baptism.

[tarator]

Young Bulgarians dive to retrieve a crucifix cast by priest into the icy water of a lake in an old ritual marking the feast of Epiphany Monday, Jan. 6, 2003 in Sofia, Bulgaria. By tradition, a crucifix is cast into the waters of a lake or river and it is believed that the person who retrieves it will be freed from evil spirits that might have troubled him. (AP Photo/Dimitar Deinov)

[MarMema]

Wow. And I was hesitant to approach the priest after services yesterday when I saw he had just dipped his brush into the water. I did get wet but these EO's put me to shame.

Thank you, Turk! What a delightful thing - to see your fellow EO's braving the cold to retrieve a cross. I am most grateful to you!

[MarMema]

Not too late to suggest an Orthodox ping from you?
This is becoming such a nice thread....

[quebecois]

I'm planning on attending an orthodox service....and I need to know what to expect and what to avoid. Any advice would be appreciated.

[Incorrigible]

Do they know it's Christmastime in the Balkans?

[drew]

Well, there's really nothing to avoid, but prepare yourself for a lengthy service, with lots of standing. Depending upon the type of service (Russian, Greek, Serbian, etc.) there will be some ritual that will seem incomprehensible, as will some of the language. Dress nice, Orthodox Christians dress up for church, especially on Christmas. Also, I know it sounds weird, but a lot of incense is used and I know that some people find the smell of incense stifling. Since the service is long (2 hours) and the church will be packed, if you have an aversion to incense or have any claustrophobia issues, I suggest you take a break and get some air. Sit (likely stand) at the back of the church if you feel you may need to duck out. Liturgical books are always supplied at Orthodox churches, so you can follow along with the service. The service is beautiful, with a choir singing responses to the clergy, and no musical instruments are used. It really gives you a sense of mystery and otherworldliness. A lot of the action takes place behind closed doors, where the altar is located (unlike in Catholic churches where it is out in the open). This is due to Orthodox belief that lay people are not priveleged to see the great mysteries of God, especially the turning of the communion wine and bread into the flesh and blood of Christ. At the end of the service, the congregation goes to the front of the church to kiss an icon of Christ and the patron saint of the church, and a cross that the priest holds. If you'd rather not participate, just go out the back. If you want to, just do what the others do. Also, the congregation usually gathers at the priest's house after the service. If you feel comfortable enough, by all means go. You'll be more than welcome and it would be a good opportunity to familiarize yourself with the faith. Priests are a wealth of information about church history and Christianity in general. Hope this helps, and I hope you find the service interesting and fulfilling.

[FormerLib]

By request, an Orthodox ping.

[FormerLib]

Here is the definitive article on what to expect at an Orthodox service.

[drew]

This is great. Thanks for posting.

[Liz]

Not knowing the exact nature of the service you plan to attend, I would say that generally the services are lengthy and congregants usually stand for long periods to watch the very ornate and music-filled processions and ceremonies.

[Liz]

I'd like to believe in their heart of hearts they know.

[wildandcrazyrussian]

May you also share in the joy of the Holyday of the Nativity of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

To our fellow Russian Orthodox:
Christos Razhdajetsja! Slavite Jeho!
(Christ is Born! Glorify Him!)

To our fellow Serbian Orthodox:
Christos se Rodi! Voistinnu se rodi!

I am, unfortunately, here at the keyboard since the road conditions were so bad here in the mountains of WV that -- with traffic at 28 mph on the interstate and lots of cars sliding on slick roadways -- we had to turn back a few minutes ago from getting to church for the beautiful Christmas Eve compline service. But we'll definitely make it in the morning for Liturgy.

[visualops]

I was gonna say, it's the 7th.
And, not just Russian but old calendar Greek Orthodox celebrate on the 7th too.

[Siobhan]

A holy and blessed Christmas to you and to all.

[Liz]

This is becoming such a nice thread....

Was thinking the exact same thing. The warmth and devotion of Orthodox Christians is wonderful to behold. They are truly an asset to our troubled world of non-believers.

[Liz]

I guess God wanted you at the keyboard to share your faith with all of us. Thank you.

[visualops]

In addition to what drew posted, I'll add that depending on the church, you should have your arms (long sleeves but can be 'sheer') and head covered (scarf or similar), and women should not wear slacks. At least that was my experience.
drew is right, ceremonies are long, but interesting.
The Greek churches I was in, usually the priest has a helper or some senior person who helps direct people. I think you'll find folks very helpful when they see you are unfamiliar with the routine.
Are you going to an old calendar church in Montreal? I'm making a guess because of your nickname.

[MarMema]

A lot of the action takes place behind closed doors, where the altar is located...This is due to Orthodox belief that lay people are not priveleged to see the great mysteries of God

Actually this is untrue. At least once a year they hold it "out in the open".

But we have a saying for this way of doing things ---

"When the priest disappears, God appears".

In the Orthodox church our priests are not to be the center of the action and focus. They are not performing the liturgy after all, we all perform it together.