07-11-2011, 12:18 AM
:
Today, the 10th of July, 2011.. I was blessed to experiance my 1st encounter with a gathering of the beloved Christians of the Church of the East. I attended at the Mar Yosip Parish, where Bishop Mar Awa presided and administered Holy Qurbana, of which I partook for the very 1st time. I was planning on attending when an English service would be in session, by Qasha Genard, but it was postponed this 2nd Sunday, because of a speacial service being held on this day to commemerate a Saint of God.
I wanted to say a few words here about my experiance.
When I 1st came in and looked around abit in the fore-area before the doors that lead into the Church, I was greeted by Brother Robert Khnanisho, who is visiting from Australia...and he helped me on a few matters and sat with me during the service, explaining a few things that was taking place. (thanks brother, if you read this).
Although the entire service was spoken/sung in Aramaic...(which I do not understand, but for a few words, I LOVED it all...it was very rewarding for me to hear this in the Aramaic tongue.
The Incense was incredible, the smell of which is still on my clothing as I type nearly 6 hours after I attended...and every once in awhile it will come up into my nose..and its just fantastic in smell. I have been to a number of Orthodox services, where they also wave the sensor of incense near the people at certain times...but this incense, is something beyond that which I have selled previously. Awesome.
The Songs/Hymns were very beautiful and moving, the sound of which I was somewhat aware of from Qasha Genard's recordings...and I one or two of the Sister's sang one of them today, very wonderful in sound. The Choir sang a number of them together too, then a few of them were sung by individuals, who did a wonderful job of it.
It was nice that they had the book available in the pews called "The Order of The Holy Qurbana" which has an English translation so I could follow along and say the Amen, when time came. I had seen this book on sale before and wanted to get it, but it was out of stock...so today it was one of the two books that I bought in the Fore-area of the Church. The other one was "The Book of Marganitha"...which I have been reading this afternoon...and its Awesome.
Wow...there is more to say...but I am probably sounding like a fanatic...lol so I better stop. I will most definatly be back soon...and can hardly await my 1st experiance of this Litugy in English, by Qasha Ganard.
You all have a wonderful Chruch tradition...and I know by The Holy Spirit, that Christ is among you. Glory to God.
I was pleased not to see the statues and icons in the Church building...nor the over adoration of the Mother of Christ or the Saints going on, as is found in among the Orthodox & Roman Catholic traditions, which has been disturbing to me, when I have attended their services.
Blessings,
Chuck
Today, the 10th of July, 2011.. I was blessed to experiance my 1st encounter with a gathering of the beloved Christians of the Church of the East. I attended at the Mar Yosip Parish, where Bishop Mar Awa presided and administered Holy Qurbana, of which I partook for the very 1st time. I was planning on attending when an English service would be in session, by Qasha Genard, but it was postponed this 2nd Sunday, because of a speacial service being held on this day to commemerate a Saint of God.
I wanted to say a few words here about my experiance.
When I 1st came in and looked around abit in the fore-area before the doors that lead into the Church, I was greeted by Brother Robert Khnanisho, who is visiting from Australia...and he helped me on a few matters and sat with me during the service, explaining a few things that was taking place. (thanks brother, if you read this).
Although the entire service was spoken/sung in Aramaic...(which I do not understand, but for a few words, I LOVED it all...it was very rewarding for me to hear this in the Aramaic tongue.
The Incense was incredible, the smell of which is still on my clothing as I type nearly 6 hours after I attended...and every once in awhile it will come up into my nose..and its just fantastic in smell. I have been to a number of Orthodox services, where they also wave the sensor of incense near the people at certain times...but this incense, is something beyond that which I have selled previously. Awesome.
The Songs/Hymns were very beautiful and moving, the sound of which I was somewhat aware of from Qasha Genard's recordings...and I one or two of the Sister's sang one of them today, very wonderful in sound. The Choir sang a number of them together too, then a few of them were sung by individuals, who did a wonderful job of it.
It was nice that they had the book available in the pews called "The Order of The Holy Qurbana" which has an English translation so I could follow along and say the Amen, when time came. I had seen this book on sale before and wanted to get it, but it was out of stock...so today it was one of the two books that I bought in the Fore-area of the Church. The other one was "The Book of Marganitha"...which I have been reading this afternoon...and its Awesome.
Wow...there is more to say...but I am probably sounding like a fanatic...lol so I better stop. I will most definatly be back soon...and can hardly await my 1st experiance of this Litugy in English, by Qasha Ganard.
You all have a wonderful Chruch tradition...and I know by The Holy Spirit, that Christ is among you. Glory to God.
I was pleased not to see the statues and icons in the Church building...nor the over adoration of the Mother of Christ or the Saints going on, as is found in among the Orthodox & Roman Catholic traditions, which has been disturbing to me, when I have attended their services.
Blessings,
Chuck