Church Name: St. Athanasios
Church address: 1855 5th Ave. Aurora, IL
Date attended: October 11, 2015
Church category: Greek Orthodox
Describe the worship service you attended. How was it similar to or different from your regular context?
My church background has not consisted of one nor a series related denominations which are related. I have been in congregations for an extended period of time that were Methodist to Charismatic to Anglican and currently attend the Orthodox Presbyterian Church. Needless to say I came in ready to experience something different from even the Order of Worship, which is the closest I have come to continued participation in the liturgy with a congregation—albeit for attending an Anglican church for a few months two years ago and going to a Mass with my Grandmother this summer.
The first encounter I had with a Greek Orthodox congregation began with of course the entrance into the place of worship. Even leading to the sanctuary the way was marked by iconography, of true followers of Christ. Such an arrangement of images reminding the onlooker of devotion to the faith, the Church, and God was truly inspiring. Arranging the building in this way, for me, most certainly helped me inter into a focused and contemplative mindset, excited to participate in the ancient liturgy of St. John of Chrysostom.
Choir singing. Incense burning—these in combination with the images of the saints saturated the sanctuary with true beauty in worship. Beauty that reflects the character of God, which character we were present to celebrate. It was truly surreal to hear the Nicene Creed—albeit without the filioque—and to reflect upon the many others who have gone before me and will come after in the faith and interacted or will interact with the Creed. Indeed, it was truly a blessing to be amongst that congregation.
How did the worship service illuminate for you the history and contours of global Christianity?
Just as a reflected upon above, it was wonderful to worship in a way that has been, more or less, unchanged since the composition of that liturgy. Hearing the Greek sung, and so beautifully as well, in eastern tones as the priest proceeded through the liturgy with the utmost attention and care definitely, I think, was accentuated by the difference with the vary western post-enlightenment structure of and celebration of the traditions I have taken part in hitherto. Personally, I love and am inspired by facets ancient western—inclusive of hellenistic culture—culture: the language, socio-political, economic aspects and namely the practice of the faith. Participating in the liturgy continues the heritage, hope, dedication, and, in a figurative sense, their spirit. On account of placing myself in something that is quite different from the congregations I have been a part of in the past, I think that I was able to increase in appreciation for the roots of Christianity and those who were—and still are—a part of the inception of our faith.
How did the worship service illuminate for you your personal identity as a Christian?
I most definitely felt in joyful to be participating in such an ancient tradition that has continued without much mutation since the composition of the early ecumenical creeds and the liturgy of St. John Chrysostom. Seeing all of the iconography and the utmost care towards intention and symbol in worship communicated a sense of reverence and awe of the holiness and majesty of God. There also, was a stronger sense of community for me, understanding that I did participate, as I mentioned above, in this tradition. Indeed, I wish to continue to seek understanding concerning the worship and adoration of God, and in appreciation for the heritage and fellowship of which I am a part. Participating in worship like this does, in some inexplicable sense, make me feel closer to God, and more certainly, more mindful of his character, his grace, and the blessing of Christian fellowship.
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