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Pentecostal in Assyrian Church
#1
Most of you know about my Pentecostal belief system, which isn't what I am talking about here. I am fascinated by the Church of the East and obviously their New Testament which I hold as authoritative. I would definitely love to come to a Mass next time I find myself in Chicago, which would most likely be me going with my father on a business trip. I thought the services seemed very Catholic in style until I read that it came from Judaism. I am really wondering what my dad ( who is also my Pastor) would think about it.
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#2
It will depend on a number of things. If you've been to an old-world service (Latin Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, Lutheran, etc) you'll find much of the worship service familiar. Outwardly the service is very similar, with notable exceptions being the lack or ornate decorations, statues or imagery in the sanctuary of the CoE.

All of the old-world services have components that are derived from temple Judaism and other aspects from synagogue worship, as is expected. The study of the history and symbolism behind certain things are intense and beyond the scope of this post. Theologians can specialize in that area.

Four of the five "parishes" are Aramaic only services. The liturgy is usually classical Aramaic, and the readings and sermon are usually in Neo-Aramaic koine. The fifth church, St. John, is a missionary parish and has a mixed Classical/Neo/English service. The "priest" says the sermon in both Neo-Aramaic and in English, repeating each sentence while alternating. Parts of the liturgy are in classical Aramaic, and parts are in Neo-Aramaic, while other parts are "targummed" into English.

As a American Pentecostal, you'll find very little that is familiar. I'm literally talking the other end of the spectrum. Women are quiet, other than to sing in the choir. Their hair is covered with a scarf. It's very solemn. Incense continually fills the area. There are about a hundred times that the sign of the Cross is made during service. There is the "Eucharist" with the Bread and the Chalice of wine. There's a lot of prostrating that might remind you of Islamic worship. No one is flipping pages of the bible during the sermon, as the purpose of the service isn't a bible study. Etc.

I think Akhan Chuck can attest to the above, having first hand experience <!-- sWink --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/wink1.gif" alt="Wink" title="Wink" /><!-- sWink -->

Having set your expectation properly, you are always welcome. Baptized Christians are welcome to participate fully, including the reception of the Communion, if they so desire. The "priest" may ask if you are baptized before offering the Communion bread, if it's the first time he sees you in line.

That's about it. <!-- sSmile --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/smile.gif" alt="Smile" title="Smile" /><!-- sSmile -->

+Shamasha
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#3
I know the Church of the East baptizes in the Trinitarian formula. Do you all accept baptism in the name of the Messiah as legitimate? I was baptized under both the Trinitarian formula (around 2001 and 2002) and the Jesus's name formula (2010), so I hope I'm safe! I think going to a very formal and organized service would be a very rewarding experience.

I find the churches and the liturgies to be very beautiful. I love the diversity in our Christian faith, I just wish people would learn to agree to disagree. I don't view alcoholic beverages as sinful at all (I don't see how you can conclude that from Sciripture), but I'd be very nervous to take wine if I am able to make it. My family seems to have a genetic susceptibility to alcoholism, so I've turned myself into a teetotaler, I hope this wouldn't offend anyone, as I most likely wouldn't be able to take communion. I would have no problems with making the sign of the cross or prostrating in the presence of the Holy One of Israel! I'd love to participate in the service as much as possible and not merely act like a tourist. A Ginger from Kentucky walking into a Church service fool of Assyrians would definitely be an interesting sight <!-- s:lol: --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/laugh.gif" alt=":lol:" title="Laugh" /><!-- s:lol: -->
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#4
Well, at St. John there are all sorts of people so don't worry about standing out (Caucasians, Indians, African Americans, etc.) <!-- sSmile --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/smile.gif" alt="Smile" title="Smile" /><!-- sSmile -->

The communion Wine is heavily diluted with water, and alternatively there are portions of the Bread that are dipped in Wine, for people who wish to not drink from the chalice. (this helps with those struggling with any former alcoholism, or who generally dislike drinking alcoholic beverages.)

+Shamasha
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#5
That definitely helps. Thanks for your information, Brother!
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#6
Shalama,
Mr Younan said that the the requirment to partake in Holy Qarbuna is baptized Christians, By that term, Ya'll even accept protestant baptisms? Or does the CoE only accept baptism done by "Apostolic Churches" (aka. the CoE, Anglicans, Catholicism, and Eastern Orthodox)? Even though the Oriental Orthodox are an "Apostolic Church" I excluded them because I am assuming that only Diaphysite Trinitarians are considered Christian by your church
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#7
Matthew Wrote:Shalama,
Mr Younan said that the the requirment to partake in Holy Qarbuna is baptized Christians, By that term, Ya'll even accept protestant baptisms? Or does the CoE only accept baptism done by "Apostolic Churches" (aka. the CoE, Anglicans, Catholicism, and Eastern Orthodox)? Even though the Oriental Orthodox are an "Apostolic Church" I excluded them because I am assuming that only Diaphysite Trinitarians are considered Christian by your church

Hi Matthew.

Any person who is baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

+Shamasha
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#8
Paul you may not remember but Penny and I visited St. John's with you about 10-12 years ago. We are both Pentecostal and felt wholly at home in that setting. Of course, you prepped us beforehand. I wonder how we would have felt if you hadn't prepped us.

Scorpio, I would warn you though that the CoE is entirely orthodox and it's teachings are orthodox. If one is United Pentecostal (UP), unitarian (Jesus Only), or holds to those beliefs one might feel a little out of place.

Paul, as a side note the funniest thing that happened at St. John's that Sunday morning was the communion. We are Assembly of God but attend a Southern Baptist church, both of which have very ardent opinions about alcohol (including wine). When we have communion it is with a wafer and unfermented grape juice. When Penny puts her lips to the chalice and your deacon tipped it up she got a mouthful and nearly choked. I don't think you noticed but I cracked up. When we got back to the pew she told me that the wine was "smoooooooth, real smooth."

Keith
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#9
Hi Akh Keith,

I do remember vividly that day. I am now the deacon who serves the wine chalice. I'm not a big fan of wine, but My Lord, Penny is spot on: that wine is smooth.

One thing that the congregation normally doesn't see (because the scarlet curtain is drawn closed at the end of the service): the deacons must finish the wine from the chalice, as it's not allowed to be emptied on the ground or down the drain. So, I am thankful that it's mixed with water, because some days the chalice is quite full of left over wine.

Your ears must've been ringing last week. Donna and I were driving downtown and passed the steak house where we had dinner with you guys, and Donna reminded me of that night.

Take care
+Shamasha
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#10
We haven't been to Chicago since that visit but we sure did enjoy seeing you and Donna and I think you guys had just had a baby. The next time we are up there we'd like to duplicate what we did. Tell Donna we said hey.

Keith
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