by rusmeister » August 17th, 2007, 4:31 pm
I actually think that a hyper-intellectual approach is not the best introduction to Orthodoxy. It is not merely an intellectual religion; it must also be experienced.
(What?? I have to (gulp!) visit a church?)
Never fear! There are no 'invitations' or pressure to join. In fact, unless you phone the church or priest in advance, it's possible that you might go unnoticed! You'll find that people don't pay attention to you much at all - their attention is focused on what's happening in the Liturgy.
In any event, services are not social affairs; don't be surprised if even close friends only nod their heads to you once instead of greeting while the Liturgy is in progress. For sociality, many churches have some kind of 'coffee hour' after the service in an adjacent building (as those who partook of the Eucharist do not eat or drink on that morning before the service).
Things you might wish you had known before you visited an Orthodox church...
"Eh? Two views? There are a dozen views about everything until you know the answer. Then there's never more than one."
Bill "The Blizzard" Hingest - That Hideous Strength