Into the Wardrobe

I recently watched a film about the C.S. Lewis.
This film is called "C.S. Lewis Beyond Narnia" (2005).
This film is very interesting to show his life and how C.S. Lewis became a Christian.
It is recommend for all to see this movie!

I agree with you, Exodus - I wouldn't dream of arguing with Catholics here - the make-up of membership of this site led me to adopt a "Mere Ortholicity (Cathlodoxy?)" policy - with an overwhelming majority of people who do not get, the way Catholics and we do, the full significance of the Eucharist and the impossibility of relying on Scripture alone (just as examples).

That said, I'll just say I also agree with your objection to the juridical attitude in the west.

I should probably have made clear that veneration involves a great level of respect - put simply, icons are windows into heaven - bowing before people who have run the course, fought a good fight and kept the faith, and in general did it far better than we do, and so, are worthy of that level of respect. And Mary did so more completely than anyone, making her the most honored human in the Church. I'm reminded of Lewis's comment in "The Weight of Glory" about our becoming creatures that one would want to fall down before (or the opposite). None of that adds up to worship or idolatry, though. We know Who God is in that sense and are not confused about it. (And while I think that Catholics do go farther, I don't think they are as idolatrous as you seem to think.)

This is a thorough and authoritative outlay (catechism, if you will), of the Orthodox faith from a canonical source:
http://www.oca.org/OCorthfaith.asp?SID=2

(Edit) Let me add a great podcast that addresses a lot of your thoughts - it's at Ancient Faith radio - absolutely the best internet radio site on the net. It's title: "Most Holy Theotokos, Save Us"
http://ancientfaith.com/podcasts/eastwest
here's the direct link: http://audio.ancientfaith.com/eastwest/ ... -04-04.mp3
The site:
http://ancientfaith.com/