My Greek Orthodox Adventure - a podcast by Christopher Stephens

from 2022-03-28T01:34:50

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Last week I had the opportunity to spend time with five other men pursuing their MDiv. On Friday we had the opportunity to visit a Greek Orthodox Church in Austin. Now, I have been in other environments and observed worship from different perspectives. I have been in a Mosque and observed their dedication, friendliness, and consumed their amazing coffee and sweets. I have observed the worship of a Buddhist Temple and had their amazing healthy food! But when we were taken to this church I was not ready for what was there.













































































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Don’t fall asleep here!


















As we came near the door I smelled this smell or aroma that was pleasing and kind of made me perk up at 8 AM in the morning. It was incense. As I walked in I immediately noticed the pictures and icons along with the candles all over the place. But then I walked into what I would call the sanctuary. I looked up and I was stuck! My class kept walking but I was standing in the aisle looking up at the ceiling It was Jesus! Not really Him but a depiction of Him. Can you imagine falling asleep in worship as a kid in this place? Your head goes back, you drool, and when your neck snaps you awake you see JESUS!









































































































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But seriously, I was taken in by these images. I was able to recognize some of the people because I remembered some of their names in Greek. We had the opportunity to get an explanation of the church and it was explained that the distorted images of the apostles and Jesus was intentional. We were told that what they actually looked like did not matter as much and that art style was done to point that out. I also learned that Jesus’ hand signal was intentional by the artists as well. I will let you look it up but here is a picture to help your search.
































Next, we had the opportunity to experience the prayer for their holiday, the Annunciation of the Theotokos. It is the day, 9 months before December 25th, in which they celebrate the giving of news to Mary from the angel Gabriel. I really enjoyed the prayer. They read scripture and prayed but the sung the whole time! It was cool. I am rambling at this point but if you are interested in knowing more, let me know.













































































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