Exploring Orthodoxy?

Date: 27 January 2008 04:23:15

Despite the title of this blog, explorations of, and even mentions of, Orthodoxy have been missing for a while. I am still in the Orthodox church, still happy there: though I feel this is one of those 'dry patches' which seem a frequent occurrence in my spiritual life: or what passes as a spiritual life.

I have been gaining much from the wondrous Wounded by Love - The Life and the Wisdom of Elder Porphyrios book, which I am slowly making my way through: a great deal of wisdom, though many parts where I find myself confused or not fully understanding. I will need to speak to my priest about those. I am currently reading the section on Repentance: I hope to put up some quotes in the following days. I am, also slowly, reading through Job in the Navarre Bible: Wisdom Books; and have found myself identifying with Job:

"Why is light given to him who is in misery,
    and life to the bitter in soul,
who long for death, but it comes not,
    and dig for it more than for hidden treasures,
who rejoice exceedingly
    and are glad when they find the grave?
Why is light given to a man whose way is hidden,
    whom God has hedged in?
For my sighing comes instead of my bread,
    and my groanings are poured out like water.
For the thing that I fear comes upon me,
    and what I dread befalls me.
I am not at ease, nor am I quiet;
    I have no rest, but trouble comes."

Job 3:20-26, English Standard Version

All seems like an effort. And I constantly fail in any form of Christian example. Oh, I am not looking for sympathy: and I know we all struggle. Am I struggling enough? Do I give in too easily? I do wonder at times what Jesus' answer to me at Judgement Day will be -- "Well done good and faithful servant" is looking a bit far off currently.

It was good to be back at church today though; I had not been for two weeks. Today we celebrated the Translation of the relics of St John Chrysostom the Archbishop of Constantinople. Relics are an important aspect of Orthodox thought and worship: St Cyril of Jerusalem wrote of them, "Though the soul is not present a power resides in the bodies of the saints because of the righteous soul which has for so many years dwelt in it, or used it as its minister." On each altar in an Orthodox church, a decorated rectangular piece of cloth called an antimension is placed on the altar: it contains, sewn within it, a relic. Thus relics are indeed central to the liturgical services of the Orthodox church and thus her life.

On this feast of St John Chrysostom, one of the most loved and well-known Church fathers and Archbishops, and one well-known for his eloquence in speaking [Chrysostom translates as golden-mouthed], we remembered him and his teachings in hymns:

Troparion - Tone 8:
Grace shining forth from your lips like a beacon has enlightened the universe;
It has shone to the world the riches of poverty;
It has revealed to us the heights of humility.
Teaching us by your words, O Father John Chrysostom,
Intercede before the Word, Christ our God, to save our souls.

Kontakion - Tone 6:
Having received divine grace from heaven,
You teach all men to adore the one God in three persons.
O all-blessed John Chrysostom, we rightly praise you,
For you are our teacher, revealing things divine!

A blessed Feast Day to all.