This article is an attempt by me to make my thoughts about the Orthodox Church clear to myself. I hope it will be a blessing to the younger generation Orthodox, especially those whom I have taught in Sunday School. I hope it will help them to understand their church and its practices better.
The Orthodox Church is the oldest Christian church in the world founded by Jesus Christ. It came into being on the day of the Pentecost. ( Ref. Acts 2 ). No other Christian church can claim such antiquity.
It traces its succession to the Holy Apostles and Christ Himself. St. Thomas, an apostle of Jesus Christ brought Christianity to the shores of Kerala ( India ) around A.D. 52 – a full 800 years before King Alfred the Great burnt the cakes and brought Christianity to Britain !
However the Orthodox Church today, faces many allegations – that it is not progressive in doctrine, worship and church practices; it is a stuffy museum, not a living church.
True, orthodoxy has sought to remain true to ancient Christianity. At the same time it is not true that everything that has been practiced for long is stale, boring and useless.
The sun has been there for billions of years. Yet it is definitely not stale, boring or useless. Is Jesus Christ also to be rejected because He belongs to the past ?
One must understand that he/she goes to church to worship God and not to be entertained, express oneself or hear good orators. The church is not in the world, to follow the world, but to lead it to heaven.
The church need not change with times because God is unchanging. If the church changes, it cannot change us. When we change worship to feel entertained, we are forming a church in our own image.
When I was young, I attended the Malankara Orthodox Church of Kerala. I found it difficult to understand its worship and practices, especially because I could not read or write Malayalam. I could only speak and understand it.
However, I continued to attend the church services because my parents were strict about it. In time the Holy Spirit led me, from being a mere spectator to a participant.
When we attend worship, together with others in church, we are in the presence of God. ( Refer to Mathew 18:20 ). If we stand before Him in reverence, humility and a deep longing for Him, our eyes and ears are opened to the realm and grace of God.
We begin to perceive, discern and understand things that are holy, good, pure and lovely. Thus the church shapes individuals and through individuals entire congregations and even society.
An individual enters the church, which is the body of Christ, through baptism. Through baptism he becomes a part of the community of God. This is the beginning step.
Then, it is within this body, this community that his salvation is worked out. In this body/community he gets the opportunity to live out the interconnections (through Christ ) between him and other members.
In spite of the flaws and peculiarities of particular members, he learns to love everyone, forgive everyone and accept everyone. This is possible only if he sees himself as a member of the community and Christ as his head.
So the first step towards understanding the Orthodox Church is to participate in its worship. It cannot be understood by mere reading or hearing.
The Orthodox Christian way of life cannot be rushed. It takes time to develop a meaningful relationship with God.
Ascetism is an integral part of Orthodox worship. Among other things it involves standing for long periods, the cycle of fasts and feasts, giving alms, confession, receiving sacraments, daily reading of scripture, prayers etc.
They are all prescribed by the church. It may seem stupid and boring and it does not have the effect of rock music or catchy songs.
However those who immerse themselves in this culture of the church surely do feel nourished, transformed, purified and detoxified.
Found this post useful? You might like reading these as well:
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Why are Church traditions as important as the Bible?
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Hi! My name is Rubitah. I’m a Content Writer certified Life Coach, Counselor, Social Work professional and the Founder of Being Rubitah. Over the years through my professional and personal life, I have realized that prayers and love can do wonders to family life once you come to terms with yourself and surrender to God. Do you relate to me? Then you may like what I post here! Read more about me
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