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Almost 33 years ago and after marriage, I chose to join my husband at his Lutheran church so that we would worship as a family.  As an American of Ukrainian descent whose life revolved around ethnic traditions and Ukrainian Orthodox church life the change was like day to night.

Along with the change to an almost foreign style of worship, was the companionship of those who either knew nothing of my faith beliefs and customs, or thought that my former practices would surely keep me out of heaven.

I was amazed at how quickly people (including myself) judge others’ beliefs outside of their own denominational teachings.  I decided that knowledge was the key to self-discovery, understanding others, and the best weapon in discussions where I disagreed.  Since that time many years ago, I have been on a quest to discover what Christians believe and why.

My quest has including extensive reading and study, meditation, and time at a seminary.  Among the conclusions drawn for myself is that I no longer am a Lutheran, or a Baptist, or a Methodist, or Ukrainian Orthodox.  What I am is a Christian whose knowledge is far surpassed by what I do not know.  The following statements come from this perspective.

Some Basic Knowledge on the Ukrainian Eastern Orthodox Faith

• Icons : The pictures, from simple to elaborate, are not graven images or idols.  When the Orthodox pray before an icon, they are praying to Jesus Christ through the representation of God within the saint that the picture represents.  Icons within the home are visual reminders that our lives are to be lived in every aspect as though through the eyes of Christ.  Remember that the Orthodox mostly could not read, the same as others in days past.  Catholics and many Protestants used Biblical scenes in church windows.  Though not the same, it is similar in the idea of representation.  To view icons Click Here
• The Idea of Assured Salvation : Though for many Protestants it seems natural to think that salvation is assured by experience and Bible teachings, for the Orthodox it is totally unnatural.  The Orthodox would never presume to know the mind of God or to judge themselves in His place.  Neither would they presume to feel worthy enough to be confident to make the statement.  Now…wait!!  Before you begin to judge and say this is completely wrong, read on …

Just as there are Christians who believe the only way to salvation is by Baptism of the Holy Spirit, or by non-infant Baptism, or other salvation criteria, so the Orthodox believe what they think is truth.  It is what has been taught, and is their way of life.

“Well,” you may say, “it’s all in the Bible.”  Yes, it is.  The Orthodox have no doubt that the Word of God in the Holy Bible is true.  Consider that the Eastern Church has worshipped as it does now for almost 2,000 years.  Then who is wrong and who is right?  Why does it have to be one or the other?  Who is holding the contest?

Scripture from BibleGateway KJV
Consider Matthew 19:24   24 And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.  You may reply that you are not rich.  Are you so sure?  America is the richest country in the world.  Even many American poor are rich by many country’s standards.

Consider Matthew 7 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?   23And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity

Yes, of course, you may come back with verses that prove what you think — because these are individual verses, often out of context.  Even so, does God speak to us with wisdom from Scripture?  Does He convict us with individual verses?  Yes, He does both.

• Growing Closer to Jesus Christ : Because we are not God, many Christians put forth effort to grow closer to Him through study, prayer and worship.  By having the mind of Christ always with us, it pulls us away from sin.  The Orthodox feel the same but with different wording.  It is called striving for perfection; or, becoming little Christs  — not to be Christ, but more and more Christ-like.
• The Divine Liturgy :  The Divine Liturgy is not a short, one-hour service.  At a minimum it lasts 1-1/2 hours.  There is repetition of prayers between the Scripture texts taken from the Holy Bible.  Again, though not a Protestant custom, it is the norm for Orthodox Christians.  There is nothing wrong with feeling the depth of one’s sinfulness.  It could be said that there is danger in not remember how sinful one is.
• The Catholic - Orthodox Split : Who Split from Whom?  Did you know that the Catholics say that the Orthodox split away and that the Orthodox say it is the other way around?  Who then, is right?  In 2007 does it truly matter?  An explanation of Church history from that time would be too lengthy for here, and will have to be left for another time.
• Tradition in the Orthodox Church : There is a lot of tradition accompanying worship and practices in the Orthodox Church.  Some traditions are national by a believer’s country or heritage, some are from the Jewish faith, and some are more of a man-made origin.  For most, these do not take the place of faith practices.  Rather, they enhance the entire worship experience.

Think of going to a place where you could leave the world behind and be united with others in a common bond with God, and nothing else mattered but that relationship. This is the Orthodox Divine Liturgy in its truest sense.  The service is responsorialy chanted between the priest and choir or choir and congregation.  Bible texts, still relevant today, are prayerfully verbalized with nothing other than the human voice.

The Cherubim Hymn (from the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom)
( Click to view a site with the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, source of the Cherumbim Hymn printed here. )
We who mystically represent the Cherubim, and sing to the life-giving Trinity the thrice-holy hymn, let us now lay aside all earthly care: that we may receive the King of all, who comes invisibly upborne by the Angelic Hosts. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

In conclusion, I put forth a brief summary of Eastern Orthodox practices for your consideration.  I invite Christians to present articles on Orthodoxy and other Christian denominations for reading by all Christians to develop a deeper understanding and respect of the many faith practices pleasing to God.

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   … babamarusia