Garvey McKee - Church Visit #1

Church Name: St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church

Church Address: 893 Church Rd, Elmhurst, IL 60126

Date Attended: October 9^th, 2016

Church Category: Orthodox

1.        

As I entered St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, I realized that this church experience was going to be far different from what I had grown up with. I watched as many of the members kissed the feet of Jesus, and then proceeded to make the sign of the cross (noting, interestingly, that they started with the right shoulder, rather than the left). On the speakers, I heard the somewhat eerie sound of a priest singing in the Greek language.

About half of the liturgy was in English, so during those parts I was able to follow along in the guide book that was provided. However, during the Greek portions of the liturgy, I found myself getting lost observing the beautiful art around the sanctuary. Following the service, my classmates and I were invited into the gymnasium to engage in fellowship with the church members. Everyone was so welcoming and kind, and took the time to learn more about us. We even got to visit for a few minutes with the priest.

            I grew up in a very contemporary non-denominational church, so this experience was unlike anything I had ever seen. From start to finish, there were almost no similarities between this church and my church back home.

2.

           

As I noted previously, my classmates and I got the opportunity to speak with the priest for a few minutes following the liturgy. Throughout our conversation, he made sure that we knew that the orthodox church is the oldest church in Christian history. As I thought about it, I began to realize that he was correct, and that what I just witnessed was a glimpse into the past two thousand years of Christian worship.

            One of the most captivating aspects of the liturgy was the use of the Greek language. Although I could not understand or read any of it, I really enjoyed listening to them speak and sing in the ancient tongue. That was something I had never experienced before, and something I will never forget.

3.

            When I first entered the church, I felt very uncomfortable and out of place. I felt as though the people there were upset by my presence and saw me as an imposter. As the service advanced, however, I began to feel more and more comfortable and welcome. What surprised me the most was how friendly everyone was. The same people who I thought were judging me for my presence went out of their way after the service to talk to me and learn more about my life. This is something that I, unfortunately, have never experienced in a church. I have been in churches where people try to make me feel welcome, however I have always seen it as a shallow half-hearted way of reaching out. The people at St. Demetrios, however, were the most genuine, welcoming people I have ever met. They exemplified true Christian community and provided me with a standard that I now hold all churches to. Through this experience, I got to witness what true unity in the body of Christ looks like, and how Christians should treat those who might see themselves as outsiders.