Samantha Ernest- Church Visit No. 1

Church name: St. Basil The Great Greek Orthodox Church 
Church Address: 6430 Bose Lane, San Jose, CA 95120 
Date Attended: 10.16.16
Church Category: Greek Orthodox 

1. The service I attended was almost operatic. There was far more singing than any Protestant liturgical service I have ever attended. At times, it felt as though I was in an eastern-tonal version of Les Miserables. I went in s lightly before the liturgy started, and there was one female singer, with very few members of the congregation singing with her. Then, the liturgy started and the congregation began to take part in call and response with the priest. As someone from a non-liturgical background but limited liturgical experience, this seemed to be very different than my liturgical experiences. Beyond the singing, I probably wouldn't agree with their continued supplication for forgiveness and mercy, because I believe it has been done on the cross, and repentance only needs to be done once. Th children in my service were also not engaged in any way with the service, nor did they offer anything before the last ten minutes or so of service for the children. I liked how everyone greeted each other throughout the service, though we would never do that during my typical church services. 
2. I deeply appreciated my heightened understanding of the service due to my historical background. When they appealed to Theotokos, it brought me joy to understand who they were referring to, and why they were asking her to pray on their behalf. Thus, I had a great appreciation for the phrase, because I known how controversial it is, and how much the church split over that phrase. I also knew who all but two of the saints on the wall were, Saint Anna and Joachim. I took my mother with me,and it was very fun to explain to her who each of the saints on the walls were, and why they were worshiped. I still don't understand why they would oppose me taking communion, but even their communion illuminated how the early communion must have looked. I liked how they took multiple pieces on bread,and shared them with everyone, and then after the services they all came together to eat the leftovers. It seemed as though they were truly sharing a meal. 
3. I felt more affirmed as a protestant Christian more than anything. Though I disagree with a bit of the orthodox’s theology,I still recognize them as my brothers and sisters in the body of Christ. That being said, I still deeply disagree with their worship of the saints, and praying to Mary and st. Basil. But, I also realized how old Christianity really is and it was really stirring to feel as if I had gone back to the early Christian days. It felts as though I was getting in touch with my roots and a believer. I still prefer a Protestant contemporary service though, and I missed the charismatic elements of my Wheaton church. Though I agree that we should have reverence for God, I still think there should be joy and energy in church, because we were made to dance before the Lord in the joy of the work of the cross, but that's just personal preference.