My first Divine Liturgy experience.

[heavenlyboy34]

It was a really amazing experience and I’m still kind of taking it all in. I’ll fill in anything I forget later.
So, I arrived and a nice fellow helped me find a place to stand. In this church, there are pews, so I stood there, just following everyone’s lead. During prayer, we kneeled while the priest led the service. There are little speakers on the floor so he can be heard from every part of the church. The choir sang intermittently in gorgeous 4 part harmony that was better in tune than any church choir I’ve heard in person. (except perhaps the Phoenix Symphony’s choir)
Later on, everyone sat in the pews. I noticed priests carrying incense down the aisles. It was really beautiful, and didn’t bother my allergies at all.
Then there was the eucharist. Not being formally Orthodox yet, I didn’t take that, but I was given a piece of blessed bread.
Afterward was fellowship, and I met the priest and several of the deacons. We discussed my interest in the Orthodox faith, how I came to it, etc. I was then invited to the introduction to orthodoxy class (which I plan to attend). I was rather clumsy in speaking at that time though, as the new experience of liturgy was very vivid and fresh in my mind.
After that, I went for fellowship. I met a fellow named Phil at a table with his friends and his mother. During our get to know you chat, I mentioned my interest in Russian language and culture, and Phil told me he is Russian. Then his mother Ludmilla speaks up to introduce herself in a very thick, distinct Russian accent. We had a brief exchange in Russian, and Ludmilla left. I was left at the table with Phil and his friends. They’re very nice, but mostly talk about silly movies and such. lolz Phil was interested in my work, so I gave him my url. It’s nice to know some native speakers to practice with.

Special thanks to TER, eduardo, and others who have helped me along this path. ~hugs~

 

[RJB]

Awesome. I had to wait a few days to post my experience. Like you said, I also feel clumsy trying to put words to what the body, mind, and soul experience in the presence of the full Trinity, the Communion of Saints, and the Choirs of Angelic Hosts.

 

[TER]

Glory to God for all things!
I feel rejuvenated and spiritually recharged after each liturgy, and attending gives me the hope, courage, and strength to face the week ahead and all it's difficulties. I pray both of you find the same benefit in your attending and participation, and that the Holy Spirit fills you and guides you in all things.

 

[heavenlyboy34]

Glory to God for all things!
I feel rejuvenated and spiritually recharged after each liturgy, and attending gives me the hope, courage, and strength to face the week ahead and all it's difficulties. I pray both of you find the same benefit in your attending and participation, and that the Holy Spirit fills you and guides you in all things.

I do as well! The music, atmosphere, liturgical chant, etc-it's all very inspiring in a very unique way that I haven't experienced in even the most elaborate protestant churches.

 

[Deborah K]

Inspiring.

 

[heavenlyboy34]

Awesome. I had to wait a few days to post my experience. Like you said, I also feel clumsy trying to put words to what the body, mind, and soul experience in the presence of the full Trinity, the Communion of Saints, and the Choirs of Angelic Hosts.

Speaking of that, I am reminded of my conversation with deacon Abrahams (IIR his name properly). He asked about my current church and I called it "baptist" when I meant to say "non-denominational". lolz :/ It's funny now, but was quite embarrassing at the time.

 

[eduardo89]

If you ever get the chance you should also check out the Tridentine Mass, I think it's equally as powerful. There are quite a few churches that offer it in Phoenix:

St Thomas the Apostle Church
2312 E. Campbell Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85016

St. Catherine of Siena
6200 S. Central Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85042

Queen of the Holy Rosary Traditional Roman Catholic Church
2533 W. Myrtle Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85051

Our Lady of Quito Chapel
9009 S. 18th St.
Phoenix, AZ 85040

Our Lady of Sorrows Church & Retreat House (This church belongs to the Society of St. Puis X currently not in communion with Rome, but reconciliation talks are ongoing)
750 E. Baseline Rd.
Phoenix, AZ 85040

St Thomas the Apostle Church
2312 E. Campbell Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85016

 

[heavenlyboy34]

If you ever get the chance you should also check out the Tridentine Mass, I think it's equally as powerful. There are quite a few churches that offer it in Phoenix:

St Thomas the Apostle Church
2312 E. Campbell Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85016

St. Catherine of Siena
6200 S. Central Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85042

Queen of the Holy Rosary Traditional Roman Catholic Church
2533 W. Myrtle Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85051

Our Lady of Quito Chapel
9009 S. 18th St.
Phoenix, AZ 85040

Our Lady of Sorrows Church & Retreat House (This church belongs to the Society of St. Puis X currently not in communion with Rome, but reconciliation talks are ongoing)
750 E. Baseline Rd.
Phoenix, AZ 85040

St Thomas the Apostle Church
2312 E. Campbell Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85016

+rep ~hugs~

 

[RJB]

If you ever get the chance you should also check out the Tridentine Mass, I think it's equally as powerful. There are quite a few churches that offer it in Phoenix:

The Byzantine Catholic rite I hear is really good as well. I've never attended, but the friends I know fell in love.

 

[eduardo89]

The Byzantine Catholic rite I hear is really good as well. I've never attended, but the friends I know fell in love.

I went to a Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church for Christmas Mass a few years with my family when I was younger. They use the Byzantine Rite Divine Liturgy. It's very similar to the Eastern Orthodox Divine Liturgy.

 

[Matthew5]

It gladdens me to hear of your experience! Mine was very similar and it can be very overwhelming at first. I came from working at a non denominational church to my first Divine Liturgy and I was in awe the whole time. I was afraid I wouldn't connect with the people, but I quickly found out how "normal" everyone is. I expected a bunch of fundamental monastics, but found nothing but love...the Holy Spirit is certainly present!

Keep us abreast of your journey, sounds like you're on "the right path" (sorry, bad Orthodox pun lol).

 

[heavenlyboy34]

It gladdens me to hear of your experience! Mine was very similar and it can be very overwhelming at first. I came from working at a non denominational church to my first Divine Liturgy and I was in awe the whole time. I was afraid I wouldn't connect with the people, but I quickly found out how "normal" everyone is. I expected a bunch of fundamental monastics, but found nothing but love...the Holy Spirit is certainly present!

Keep us abreast of your journey, sounds like you're on "the right path" (sorry, bad Orthodox pun lol).

Okay. I plan on beginning catechumen this week-which my parish calls "introduction to Orthodoxy". As I understand it, the conversion process takes about a year-varying on the various factors involved in any individual's journey. (you're right, that was a bad pun but I appreciate your positive attitude ~hugs~)

 

[Matthew5]

Okay. I plan on beginning catechumen this week-which my parish calls "introduction to Orthodoxy". As I understand it, the conversion process takes about a year-varying on the various factors involved in any individual's journey. (you're right, that was a bad pun but I appreciate your positive attitude ~hugs~)

Yes, most Bishops prefer an Inquirer to go through the entire liturgical cycle of the church year. However, depending on what experience you bring and your knowledge of "the basics", they will shorten it some times. Our Bishop shortened it to 7 months, but we had a lot of one-on-one time with our priest as we were the only two students.

 

[heavenlyboy34]

Yes, most Bishops prefer an Inquirer to go through the entire liturgical cycle of the church year. However, depending on what experience you bring and your knowledge of "the basics", they will shorten it some times. Our Bishop shortened it to 7 months, but we had a lot of one-on-one time with our priest as we were the only two students.

Well, tonight was my first class. Pretty interesting, and only a few other students. A lot of comparing/contrasting Orthodoxy/Economia and Catholic Scholasticism. Also dealt with salvation, Grace, and a few other basics. Reading assignment-Romans 5&6.

ETA: I noticed the old ladies who have been in the church a long time can cross themselves after prayer much quicker than I. Totally jealous. :/ lolz...I'll get it eventually.

 

[TER]

The Holy Eucharist


Rev. Thomas Fitzgerald


"We knew not whether we were in heaven or on earth, for surely there is no such splendor or beauty anywhere on earth. We cannot describe it to you; we only know that God dwells there among men and that their Service surpasses the worship of all other places..."


In the latter part of the tenth century, Vladimir the Prince of Kiev sent envoys to various Christian centers to study their form of worship. These are the words the envoys uttered when they reported their presence at the celebration of the Eucharist in the Great Church of Holy Wisdom in Constantinople. The profound experience expressed by the Russian envoys has been one shared by many throughout the centuries who have witnessed for the first time the beautiful and inspiring Divine Liturgy of the Orthodox Church.

The Holy Eucharist is the oldest experience of Christian Worship as well as the most distinctive. Eucharist comes from the Greek word which means thanksgiving. In a particular sense, the word describes the most important form of the Church's attitude toward all of life. The origin of the Eucharist is traced to the Last Supper at which Christ instructed His disciples to offer bread and wine in His memory. The Eucharist is the most distinctive event of Orthodox worship because in it the Church gathers to remember and celebrate the Life, Death, and Resurrection of Christ and, thereby, to participate in the mystery of Salvation.

In the Orthodox Church, the Eucharist is also known as the Divine Liturgy. The word liturgy means people's work; this description serves to emphasize the corporate character of the Eucharist. When an Orthodox attends the Divine Liturgy, it is not as an isolated person who comes simply to hear a sermon.

Rather, he comes as a member of the Community of Faith who participates in the very purpose of the Church, which is the Worship of the Holy Trinity. Therefore, the Eucharist is truly the center of the life of the Church and the principal means of spiritual development, both for the individual Christian and the Church as a whole. Not only does the Eucharist embody and express the Christian faith in a unique way, but it also enhances and deepens our faith in the Trinity. This sacrament-mystery is the experience toward which all the other activities of the Church are directed and from which they receive their direction.

The Eucharist, the principal sacrament mystery of the Orthodox Church, is not so much a text to be studied, but rather an experience of communion with the Living God in which prayer , music, gestures, the material creation, art and architecture come into full orchestration. The Eucharist is a celebration of faith which touches not only the mind but also the emotions and the senses.

Throughout the centuries, Christians have seen many dimensions in the Eucharist. The various titles which have come to describe the rite bear witness to the richness of its meaning. The Eucharist has been known as the Holy offering, the Holy Mysteries, the Mystic Supper, and the Holy Communion. The Orthodox Church recognizes the many facets of the Eucharist and wisely refuses to over-emphasize one element to the detirement of the others. In so doing, Orthodoxy has clearly avoided reducing the Eucharist to a simple memorial of the Last Supper which is only occasionally observed. Following the teachings of both Scripture and Tradition, the Orthodox Church believes that Christ is truly present with His people in the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. The Eucharistic gifts of bread and wine become for us His Body and His Blood. We affirm that these Holy Gifts are transfigured into the first fruits of the New Creation in which ultimately God will be "all in all".

As it is celebrated today, the Divine Liturgy is a product of historical development. The fundamental core of the liturgy dates from the time of Christ and the Apostles. To this, prayers, hymns, and gestures have been added throughout the centuries. The liturgy achieved a basic framework by the ninth century.

There are three forms of the Eucharist presently in use in the Orthodox Church: (more at link)

 

[TER]

Well, tonight was my first class. Pretty interesting, and only a few other students. A lot of comparing/contrasting Orthodoxy/Economia and Catholic Scholasticism. Also dealt with salvation, Grace, and a few other basics. Reading assignment-Romans 5&6.

ETA: I noticed the old ladies who have been in the church a long time can cross themselves after prayer much quicker than I. Totally jealous. :/ lolz...I'll get it eventually.

lol! in their old age, they probably feel like they have little time left and have to get in any as many prayers and prostations they can! As for you, don't rush!

 

[TER]

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[TER]

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[Matthew5]

ETA: I noticed the old ladies who have been in the church a long time can cross themselves after prayer much quicker than I. Totally jealous. :/ lolz...I'll get it eventually.

Don't be jealous, slowly shows much more reverence for the action than robotically rushing through it. You'll notice many priest do it slowly and our priest encouraged us to do the same. May you always be thinking when you make the sign of the cross!

 

[heavenlyboy34]

Don't be jealous, slowly shows much more reverence for the action than robotically rushing through it. You'll notice many priest do it slowly and our priest encouraged us to do the same. May you always be thinking when you make the sign of the cross!

Thanks. I was half joking when I said I was jealous. I'm not naturally patient-especially with myself, so this whole process is trying but rewarding. I have a somewhat similar relationship to my karate-I feel that my technique tends to be poor and my progress slow, but my sempais disagree.