Why I L-O-V-E being Orthodox

[Nathan Powell]

Here is a list off the top of my head as to why I live my spiritual life:

1. My church has existed for 2000 years.

2. Not only do I see myself being made holy, but all of creation also.

3. I can mystically partake of the actual body and blood of Jesus Christ.

4. Real things (not just people) can become holy.

5. I have people praying for me who have devoted their lives to NOTHING but prayer and fasting.

6. I am never alone in worship or prayer.

7. My prayer life is not focused on me.

8. I don't have to deal with Calvinism or Arminianism.

9. I don't have to explain how all Christians can believe drastically different things, but still somehow be one body.

10. I can venerate the lives of the Saints and the new Eve, who said, "Yes" to God

11. I love the smell of incense

12. Miracles are not uncommon

13. I don't just worship Jesus. I worship the Trinity-blatantly

14. The miracle of the Holy Fire

15. Pascha!!!!!!

16. I get to use all 5 senses to worship

17. I have been blessed to venerate a relic of the True Cross

Since people are putting graphs and charts in their blogs...

[Craig Falvo]

I love the Orthodox tradition. Of all the congregations I've visited, the Orthodox was the friendliest and went out of their way to make me and my wife feel welcome. The priest even took 20 minutes out of his time to visit with us and answer any questions we had. Plus, they invited us to stay for lunch ;)

[joanne guarnieri]

Yes, Nathan, you have a lot of htings on your list that are worthy of thanks :o)

There are a few things about the Orthodx way of thinking that give me pause, but mostly I agree, it is a beautiful understanding of what it means to be raised into Christ.

The time line gave me a grin, and am glad you included it. Never seen anything like it before, and it is a sobering perspective. Thank you

[Nathan Powell]

Timeline taken from antiochian.org