It’s not for lightweights.
In a day when user-friendly is the byword of everything from churches to software, here was worship that asked something of me. No, DEMANDED something of me.
“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?”
See, I get that. That makes sense to me. I had a hard time following the words of the chants and liturgy, but even my lack of understanding had something to teach me.
“There is so much for you to learn. There is more here than a person could master in a lifetime. THIS IS BIGGER THAN YOU ARE. Your understanding is not central here. These are ancient rites of the church. Stand with us, brother, and you will learn in time. Or go and find your way to an easier place if you must. God bless you on that journey. We understand, but this is the way we do church.”
St. Anthony’s isn’t my church, but the orthodox church is the orthodox church. My eight year old and I found this post as we were poking around looking for icons of her saint. It really nails it on the head. Read the comments, too.
2 Comments
My, aren’t we boastful?
Not only is there no indication anywhere in tne Bible that “Orthorobics” has *anything* to do with the essence of the Christian faith, but even many Orthodox ascetics would warn against the prideful mentality exhibited in the blog entty you’ve linked here.
For instance:
http://kiev-orthodox.org/site/english/722/
A separate question: what possible relevance does Orthodoxy have — whether what it is in its truest form or what it is in your mind — to the dull mission of the Rocky Mountain Alliance 2.0? Do you imagine that any member of that blog is actually listening to you?
Waht’s your goal as a blogger, Richie D? And do you really think you will achieve it through RMA 2.0?
Tell Michelle Smith I said, “Hey!”
I’ll try not to think of you as judgemental if you’ll try not to think of me as boastful.