If you’re considering relocating to an Orthodox parish, you may wonder what it’s like to be an Orthodox Christian. Here are some things to consider:
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Mary Magdalene is the risen Christ
Mary Magdalene is a popular figure in Christianity. She was one of Jesus’s earliest followers and saw him after his resurrection. Some early Christian texts portray her as his wife or his trusted companion. Other texts mention her as an apostle or disciple.
In addition to her role in the Resurrection, Mary Magdalene was a crucial part of Jesus’s ministry. Her name appears more often in the canonical gospels than in any other woman’s.
She is mentioned several times by name in Gnostic and other early Christian texts. One of these is the Gospel of Thomas. This was written about two centuries after Jesus’s death. It contains 114 sayings attributed to Jesus. Many scholars believe that the sayings may authenticate back to historical Jesus.
Mary Magdalene was the first person to see the resurrected Christ. Her reaction was a mixture of joy and fear. Upon her discovery of the empty tomb, she rushed to her disciples. The Apostles had doubts about her account of what had happened. But she reassured them that Jesus had risen.
Orthodox Christians hold unanimity to Christian doctrines
If you are an Orthodox Christian, you hold unanimity with the basic doctrines of Christianity on Holy Thursday. That means that you are following the Church Fathers’ doctrine, not Catholic or Protestant doctrine. Those churches differ on a few issues, such as whether or not the Son of God was created. However, they share the belief that Christ is the divine Son of God united with the human Jesus born of the Virgin Mary.
There are two types of worship in the Orthodox Church: rites and rituals and personal prayer. During the service, the priest is at the altar for over three hours.
Unlike Protestants, the Orthodox church believes that salvation is more than just a formal membership in a Christian body. It also believes in the eternal existence of the soul, the resurrection of the body and the real history of events.
Various ecumenical councils condemned some ancient doctrines as erroneous. The Arian doctrine argued that the Son of God was created. Others claimed that the Holy Spirit had no independent personality. This teaching was condemned by the Second Ecumenical Council.
Worship services are preceded by a morning prayer service
Orthodox worship is different from the Protestant or Catholic way of doing things. The Orthodox approach to worship incorporates all the senses to remind us of the heavenly state.
The best example of this would be the Holy Week sacraments. The Eucharist is a celebration of the Body and Blood of Christ. It is offered as a gift of hospitality and growing unity.
The same can be said for the other sacraments. While we may not receive communion every day, there are a few other services we might. For example, there are special memorial services where Koliva, or the Blessed Sacrament, is served.
Besides the feasts, there are many other rituals that take place throughout the year. In the Slavic tradition, we have a dinner after the Divine Liturgy. We also offer the blessed bread as a token of hospitality.
The most important and notable of the liturgies is the one that most Christians probably don’t see. It is a ritual that has been passed down through the centuries.
Visiting an Orthodox parish can help you learn where you’re most comfortable
If you are thinking of attending an Orthodox Church on Holy Thursday, you might wonder where to sit. A little bit of research will help you figure out what to do before you even arrive.
Most churches have an iconostasis, which is a simple wall adorned with icons. The word “icon” means “image.” It’s not uncommon to see a picture of the Virgin and Child on the left side of the altar. Occasionally, the altar will have an image of a person or other object on the right.
You’ll also notice benches along the walls. These are usually reserved for the elderly. They allow people to sit in comfort while they are worshiping.
During worship, you’ll probably see a group of women wearing dresses. Women usually lead the singing in most Orthodox churches. Men typically wear pants or collared shirts.
If you are coming to an Orthodox church for the first time, it’s best to be prepared. Make sure you have comfortable, supportive shoes. Also, remember to bring a copy of the Bible, your hymn book, or other religious literature.