My first Divine Liturgy experience.

Matthew5 said:
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! :)
Click to expand...

I agree with this. I watched a great youtube video about this sort of thing, not just about doing the sign of the cross slowly, deliberately, and with reverence, but also talking about the Catholic custom of genuflecting when in front of the Tabernacle. I'll try and find it because it explained why we shouldn't rush things.

You gain nothing from robotically doing actions, you should slow down and contemplate them. Not just when doing the sign of the cross or genuflecting, but importantly during prayer, while following the Mass/Divine Liturgy, when confessing your sins, etc.
 
eduardo89 said:
I agree with this. I watched a great youtube video about this sort of thing, not just about doing the sign of the cross slowly, deliberately, and with reverence, but also talking about the Catholic custom of genuflecting when in front of the Tabernacle. I'll try and find it because it explained why we shouldn't rush things.

You gain nothing from robotically doing actions, you should slow down and contemplate them. Not just when doing the sign of the cross or genuflecting, but importantly during prayer, while following the Mass/Divine Liturgy, when confessing your sins, etc.
Click to expand...

+rep (I wish) and all good points. One of the things I try to do is remember when passing in front of the altar or royal doors any time I'm in the nave. I even feel weird turning my back to it...not out of some religious obligation, but I try to do that to remind me of the holiness of the space.

Bless those elderly parishioners, but I'm not one for sitting and chatting much when in the nave either. I'd much rather do it in the narthex. Again, just my personal method of remembrance. :)

All that we do in our lives and while at the temple are not some meaningless filler that has been added, we all know mass/divine liturgy is long enough. :D Everything has meaning and it's important not to lose that meaning.
 
eduardo89 said:
I agree with this. I watched a great youtube video about this sort of thing, not just about doing the sign of the cross slowly, deliberately, and with reverence, but also talking about the Catholic custom of genuflecting when in front of the Tabernacle. I'll try and find it because it explained why we shouldn't rush things.

You gain nothing from robotically doing actions, you should slow down and contemplate them. Not just when doing the sign of the cross or genuflecting, but importantly during prayer, while following the Mass/Divine Liturgy, when confessing your sins, etc.
Click to expand...
You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to eduardo89 again.
Click to expand...
:/ :( ~hugs~ Спасибо.
 
Things went more smoothly this week. Nothing new to add except that my ride was on time this week :) so I heard all of Dr Salamy's sermon. Made sure to be more thoughtful and deliberate in prayer and crossing myself as others above have mentioned^^. If y'all are interested in what happens in the future, I'll keep this updated. If not and it's boring or whatever, let me know and I'll just keep it in my blog until something major happens. :) ~hugs~

ETA: adding more per RJB's request. This week's epistle text was Gallations 2:16-20 and the gospel was Luke 12:16-21 .Chris discussed it from the Orthodox perspective. I always get the sense that the Orthodox take scripture much more seriously than my previous non-denominational ministers. :cool:
It seems that the choir was even better this week. Definitely the most in-tune choir I've heard in person except perhaps the Phoenix Symphony chorus. The lack of instruments seems to make the text more powerful. :)
Chris has started a challenge to read the New Testament from Matthew 1-Revelation 22 a bit at a time. I decided I will do it. :cool:
ETA 2: The likes of FF would've been horrified that I kiss the icons along with my fellow parishoners ;) :D ...but too bad. :P
(more to come if I can think of anything worth noting)
ETA 3: Forgot to mention that a big part of the sermon was the orthodox view of the Trinity. Rather reminded me of Augustine's efforts to teach the subject to the Pelagians. It seems quite basic to me, but it's always good to reflect on these things from different POVs.
 
Last edited:
heavenlyboy34 said:
If y'all are interested in what happens in the future, I'll keep this updated. If not and it's boring or whatever, let me know and I'll just keep it in my blog until something major happens. :) ~hugs~
Click to expand...

This is good. This is actual experience vs opinion. You're further along than me, but it reminds me of the excitement I had going from atheist to not just the realization that God exist, but that he loves me! Keep posting.
 
Please do post! Your journey is inspirational to those who have walked in similar steps before as well as those who are just beginning. :)
 
This is rather off-topic, but pretty neat IMO. Dr Salamy published this short piece 3 months ago. Nice to have such a pro-peace spiritual father! :D

I am writing this to you with a heavy heart after listening to Secretary of State Kerry's speech regarding American military action against Syria. Though nothing definitive has been announced, it appears that the United States is leaning heavily towards military action against Syria at this time. I am writing to ask each of you to pray for the peace from above, for peace in our world and peace for all the people of Syria.
Click to expand...

Whatever one's political leanings may be, we as Antiochian Orthodox Christians must always remember that our spiritual roots are in Syria. According to Acts 11:26, the disciples were for the first time called Christians in Antioch. Our patriarch, His Beatitude JOHN X lives in Syria. The Antiochian Patriarchate has many archdioceses in Syria, which include Aleppo, Homs, Hama and others. The churches, monasteries, bishops, priests, monks and nuns living in Syria safeguard some of the most ancient Christian relics and holy sites that the world has ever known. There are hundreds of thousands of our Orthodox brothers and sisters who live in Syria, some who have been killed during this conflict and others having been displaced from their homes becoming refugees. Many of our parishioners from St. George are from Syria and many still have family who live there. And of course, we all know of our two beloved bishops who were kidnapped many months ago and still remain missing. If ever there was a time for prayer, today is the day.
Click to expand...

I gave an interview yesterday to KFYI radio (550 AM) denouncing any violence from any of the parties involved, asking rather that a peaceable solution be sought to resolve the crisis in Syria. In fairness to KFYI, they were forthright in replaying my comments not taking them out of context and keeping the quotes as whole as their time allotments allowed. It is a good witness for Antiochian Christians here in Phoenix and throughout our nation of the United States of America.
Click to expand...

With that being said, we will say special prayers for Syria this Sunday at Divine Liturgy. I encourage you all to attend this week, and to encourage others to join us for these prayers. Do not be afraid to use your social media outlets to spread this news. Facebook, Twitter and others have a powerful ability to advertise information freely. Take advantage of that and help us get the word out.
Click to expand...

And most importantly, please remember all of the people of Syria in your God-pleasing prayers. There is no solution to any conflict without God's help; we must ask Him to send His grace upon us all, upon our leaders and upon the international community to do what is right: morally and ethically. Peace only comes from God, and in a world that is suffering so greatly, we will come together as an Antiochian Orthodox parish family and beseech Him to grant that peace to us and to all mankind.
Click to expand...
Your father in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the King of Peace,

Fr. Chris Salamy
Click to expand...
 
Kind of minor thing...it was my understanding that Orthodox hug and kiss a lot, but I rarely see that done at my church. I am disappoint. :/
 
heavenlyboy34 said:
Kind of minor thing...it was my understanding that Orthodox hug and kiss a lot, but I rarely see that done at my church. I am disappoint. :/
Click to expand...

Our parish does, both formally and informally. We're Russian-based though, maybe it's cultural?
 
heavenlyboy34 said:
Perhaps. :o My parish is Antiochian (Byzantine rite is the correct term, IIRC).
Click to expand...

Well, I'm no cultural authority on these matters. Most of our parishes seem to really be connected that way, giving the kiss of peace whenever possible. Or in my case, getting my face squished and lips kissed by a 93 year old Eastern European woman. haha
 
Matthew5 said:
Well, I'm no cultural authority on these matters. Most of our parishes seem to really be connected that way, giving the kiss of peace whenever possible. Or in my case, getting my face squished and lips kissed by a 93 year old Eastern European woman. haha
Click to expand...
lolz :D
 
Tonight was intro to orthodoxy class again. First we discussed Icons. (that thing that so many non-orthodox so despise for various irrational reasons :P ) In particular the distinction between "veneration" and "worship" of them. Also the meanings of some of the imagery. Then we discussed Theotokos at pretty good length. Then martyrs and saints. Neat stuff, IMO. :D :cool: Chris promises he will teach me about liturgical music ASAP. :)
 
heavenlyboy34 said:
Tonight was intro to orthodoxy class again. First we discussed Icons. (that thing that so many non-orthodox so despise for various irrational reasons :P ) In particular the distinction between "veneration" and "worship" of them. Also the meanings of some of the imagery. Then we discussed Theotokos at pretty good length. Then martyrs and saints. Neat stuff, IMO. :D :cool: Chris promises he will teach me about liturgical music ASAP. :)
Click to expand...

Good stuff! There's tons of meaning in iconography. Nothing in Orthodoxy is done without meaning. I don't remember who it was but they called icons theology for the illiterate. Pictures are universal and transcend language barriers. One could understand the entire Gospel in iconography alone. The Resurrection icon is my favorite. :)

Liturgical music is also fascinating stuff. I enjoy both the Byzantine and Russian styles!
 
Matthew5 said:
Good stuff! There's tons of meaning in iconography. Nothing in Orthodoxy is done without meaning. I don't remember who it was but they called icons theology for the illiterate. Pictures are universal and transcend language barriers. One could understand the entire Gospel in iconography alone. The Resurrection icon is my favorite. :)

Liturgical music is also fascinating stuff. I enjoy both the Byzantine and Russian styles!
Click to expand...
Did you find that missing 1 or more intro to orthodoxy classes affected your progress? Just curious in case I'm too busy, can't get a ride, etc. and have to miss some class time.
 
heavenlyboy34 said:
Did you find that missing 1 or more intro to orthodoxy classes affected your progress? Just curious in case I'm too busy, can't get a ride, etc. and have to miss some class time.
Click to expand...

Not terribly. But then again, my wife and I were personally taught by our priest in individual sessions. So we chose the time that worked for us. :)

However, there's such a wealth of podcast and books (as approved by your priest) that it's easy to catch up.

This book is a stellar introduction and easy to read (plus plenty of Scripture references)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

ClaytonB
Yes, the church of Jesus is the extreme right-wing
Replies
5
Views
226
ClaytonB
ClaytonB
mtr1979
Can women be pastors?
Replies
6
Views
238
Anti Globalist
Anti Globalist
fisharmor
An Orthodox Christian sermon on voting
Replies
1
Views
838
wizardwatson
wizardwatson
Anti Federalist
Goundhog Day 2025 - Six more weeks of winter
Replies
5
Views
379
Anti Federalist
Anti Federalist
ClaytonB
I don't care anymore
Replies
0
Views
130
ClaytonB
ClaytonB
Back
Top