Growing up in a Greek community in a small town in BC called Penticton, I was exposed to a lot of my Greek culture; but what I wasn't exposed to was Greek Church. I always assumed that there was no such thing as a Greek Church service outside of Baptisms, Weddings & Funerals. Reason being, Penticton was such a small town that we only had a priest visit from Vancouver for those specific occasions. Since my father converted from Orthodox to Baptist, I was used to going to church on Sunday and never got the chance to learn about Greek Orthodox Religion. This year I have learned that it has a history like no other and traditions that actually bring families together.
So far I have learned the basics, The Greek Orthodox Church is not a solely representation of God's house, but as the centre of the community for all Greeks to connect, Greek Orthodox is a part of our culture and is a part of who we are. Sophie Dikeakos in Anika Syskakis' short film/documentary, "Greek enough", said it so well; The "religion is a way of embracing all of our roots and celebrating them".
Thats not all that it is... History and present controversial experiences has been teaching me more. Its about Love, not just any love, but love without judgement. Love with acceptance and Love with righteousness. From a religious perspective, it also teaches Christians that God is the greatest love and the greatest Level of acceptance.
Although the Greek Orthodox does not condone certain actions and persons who live in "sin", they don't cut them off or say no to them; they act in the complete opposite. The Greek Orthodox care and provide Pastorally for those who aren't baptized or those who live in sin, "in the belief that no sinner who has failed himself and God should be allowed to deteriorate morally and spiritually..."* Although this quote was in the context of homosexuality, I strongly believe its applicable to heterosexuals and everyone who isn't hurting anyone.
On March 11, 2015; I walked into St. George's Greek Orthodox Church, in Vancouver, BC. I can't remember the last time I have been in a church for anything other than a baptism, a wedding or a funeral. I thought I would be judged, because, what non-baptized Greek goes to the Church? Seriously? With a loving push from my Mitera who texted me, while I was on the bus full of nerves... I was able to open those big beautiful doors and take it for what it was. When I arrived, a lovely woman by the name of Kathy who not only took me under her wing, she persisted I meet the new priest.So I did and although I was honest with him about who I am religiously, as a Greek; you know what he said to me? "Lauren, this is your home, come here as you wish, this is forever your home", If you want to be baptized don't hesitate to contact me we can discuss it, but if you don't, no pressure."
In my head, I'm thinking, "excuse me?, my home? I'm not baptized I'm only half Greek, I am not even named after a saint,are you kidding me, how can you be so loving & accepting?".
Thats the thing though, when have you met a non-loving Greek, I don't mean surface love, I mean in-depth-want-to-get-to-know-you-accept-you-stuff-your-belly-with-food-share-their-home-with-you-love?
This journey isn't over, but neither is my Swedish or my Ukrainian journey, but for now its good to know that I have a loving home only a short bus ride away and a priest who is open to discussion about a faith I know so little about, but a faith that makes sense to me in this world of so much hatred.
From the words of Robert F. Kennedy, "Lets dedicate ourselves to what the ancient greeks wrote so many years ago, to tame the savageness of man and make gentle the life of this world. Let us dedicate ourselves to that”
PS. If you ever get a chance, go see Anika Syskakis's Greek Enough short/film documentary Playing March 22, 2015 click on this button
So far I have learned the basics, The Greek Orthodox Church is not a solely representation of God's house, but as the centre of the community for all Greeks to connect, Greek Orthodox is a part of our culture and is a part of who we are. Sophie Dikeakos in Anika Syskakis' short film/documentary, "Greek enough", said it so well; The "religion is a way of embracing all of our roots and celebrating them".
Thats not all that it is... History and present controversial experiences has been teaching me more. Its about Love, not just any love, but love without judgement. Love with acceptance and Love with righteousness. From a religious perspective, it also teaches Christians that God is the greatest love and the greatest Level of acceptance.
Although the Greek Orthodox does not condone certain actions and persons who live in "sin", they don't cut them off or say no to them; they act in the complete opposite. The Greek Orthodox care and provide Pastorally for those who aren't baptized or those who live in sin, "in the belief that no sinner who has failed himself and God should be allowed to deteriorate morally and spiritually..."* Although this quote was in the context of homosexuality, I strongly believe its applicable to heterosexuals and everyone who isn't hurting anyone.
On March 11, 2015; I walked into St. George's Greek Orthodox Church, in Vancouver, BC. I can't remember the last time I have been in a church for anything other than a baptism, a wedding or a funeral. I thought I would be judged, because, what non-baptized Greek goes to the Church? Seriously? With a loving push from my Mitera who texted me, while I was on the bus full of nerves... I was able to open those big beautiful doors and take it for what it was. When I arrived, a lovely woman by the name of Kathy who not only took me under her wing, she persisted I meet the new priest.So I did and although I was honest with him about who I am religiously, as a Greek; you know what he said to me? "Lauren, this is your home, come here as you wish, this is forever your home", If you want to be baptized don't hesitate to contact me we can discuss it, but if you don't, no pressure."
In my head, I'm thinking, "excuse me?, my home? I'm not baptized I'm only half Greek, I am not even named after a saint,are you kidding me, how can you be so loving & accepting?".
Thats the thing though, when have you met a non-loving Greek, I don't mean surface love, I mean in-depth-want-to-get-to-know-you-accept-you-stuff-your-belly-with-food-share-their-home-with-you-love?
This journey isn't over, but neither is my Swedish or my Ukrainian journey, but for now its good to know that I have a loving home only a short bus ride away and a priest who is open to discussion about a faith I know so little about, but a faith that makes sense to me in this world of so much hatred.
From the words of Robert F. Kennedy, "Lets dedicate ourselves to what the ancient greeks wrote so many years ago, to tame the savageness of man and make gentle the life of this world. Let us dedicate ourselves to that”
PS. If you ever get a chance, go see Anika Syskakis's Greek Enough short/film documentary Playing March 22, 2015 click on this button
*Citation: "http://www.goarch.org/ourfaith/controversialissues