My wife is Greek, born in Buffalo NY. My own wedding was your very Dutch Presbyterian equivalent sober wedding. All the other Greek family weddings, baptisms, funerals in Greece and in the US were Orthodox. Alien to me, but one has to be respectful and be a pallbearer when called upon.
For Zelensky to destroy the Orthodox Church in Ukraine, it is not Russian, just Orthodox, is beyond compare. There should be some circles of Hell for when he gets there.
The Uniate Church refers to Eastern Catholic churches that have been in communion with the Roman Catholic Church since the 16th century. These churches originated from Eastern Orthodox or Oriental Orthodox churches and have retained their own liturgy, discipline, and rite while acknowledging the authority of the Pope in matters of faith.
The more I see of Orthodox Christianity the more I like it. That said, coming from a Protestant tradition the iconology is difficult for me. Maybe I need someone to explain it properly. Still, I think there is a better, deeper connection with the first Church Fathers through the Orthodox Church than any other.
I tend to agree with your last sentence--The Orthodox is the "purer" Christian Church. IMO, one must imagine what a genuine movement promoting Jesus's message would look like and espouse, then compare it with the institutional church that was erected in his name. That was the line of discovery my US History prof put forth in his Western Civ classes in a subtle way to promote individual thought on the subject as he taught religious evolution as a continual process from pre-history onward.
i wish the orthodox christians all the best in their spiritual pursuits and practices...
as for your comment at the end regarding 'jesus' birthday being fixed, while easter always changes - easter is based off the lunar calendar as i understand it... first sunday after the first spring full moon - that is how it is arrived at in western christianity circles.. i don't know what the basis the orthodox christians use, but i suspect something similiar - lunar based... with regard to jesus's birth.. they latched onto the pagan ritual of saturnalia as i understand it... 4th day after the winter solstice or dec 25th - 4 being a number associated with a lot of things - foundations for buildings and directions and etc. etc.. but maybe someone can enlighten me on why the 4th day after winter solstice...
I'm of the same non religious disposition as you, but I did attend an Orthodox Easter mass in Romania many years ago that was also incredibly beautiful.
My wife is Greek, born in Buffalo NY. My own wedding was your very Dutch Presbyterian equivalent sober wedding. All the other Greek family weddings, baptisms, funerals in Greece and in the US were Orthodox. Alien to me, but one has to be respectful and be a pallbearer when called upon.
For Zelensky to destroy the Orthodox Church in Ukraine, it is not Russian, just Orthodox, is beyond compare. There should be some circles of Hell for when he gets there.
The religious war in that region of Europe's been ongoing for several centuries fueled by the Vatican's imperialism.
The Ukraine seems to have its own version of the Orthodox church. I may research that.
The Uniate Church.
Thanks, Karl.
The Uniate Church refers to Eastern Catholic churches that have been in communion with the Roman Catholic Church since the 16th century. These churches originated from Eastern Orthodox or Oriental Orthodox churches and have retained their own liturgy, discipline, and rite while acknowledging the authority of the Pope in matters of faith.
Yes, and there's been a very long feud between the Uniate and Russian Orthodox Churches.
The more I see of Orthodox Christianity the more I like it. That said, coming from a Protestant tradition the iconology is difficult for me. Maybe I need someone to explain it properly. Still, I think there is a better, deeper connection with the first Church Fathers through the Orthodox Church than any other.
I tend to agree with your last sentence--The Orthodox is the "purer" Christian Church. IMO, one must imagine what a genuine movement promoting Jesus's message would look like and espouse, then compare it with the institutional church that was erected in his name. That was the line of discovery my US History prof put forth in his Western Civ classes in a subtle way to promote individual thought on the subject as he taught religious evolution as a continual process from pre-history onward.
nice pics! thanks..
i wish the orthodox christians all the best in their spiritual pursuits and practices...
as for your comment at the end regarding 'jesus' birthday being fixed, while easter always changes - easter is based off the lunar calendar as i understand it... first sunday after the first spring full moon - that is how it is arrived at in western christianity circles.. i don't know what the basis the orthodox christians use, but i suspect something similiar - lunar based... with regard to jesus's birth.. they latched onto the pagan ritual of saturnalia as i understand it... 4th day after the winter solstice or dec 25th - 4 being a number associated with a lot of things - foundations for buildings and directions and etc. etc.. but maybe someone can enlighten me on why the 4th day after winter solstice...
There's a belief system known as numerology, but I haven't met any since University.
it is sometimes connected to astrology...
Orthodox Christianity made room for saints, while Roman Christianity persecuted them and erased all evidence of their continued existence.
Curious. I'd like to know what your thoughts are regarding my Longstanding Thought.
Don't forget the chocolate Easter bunnies!
I'm of the same non religious disposition as you, but I did attend an Orthodox Easter mass in Romania many years ago that was also incredibly beautiful.