What Did We Get Ourselves Into?

The Answer: A Greek Orthodox Mass

No I am not going to write about some crazy shenanigans. I am going to write about going to a Church and doing homework. I promise it's more interesting than it sounds.

This morning, Shannon, Jesika, Kate, Michelle, Missy, Erin, and I ventured to complete one of our Theology assignments: "Observe an Orthodox Divine Liturgy." Our professor told us to get there around 8:30 and stay until 10 and then write a paper about our reactions. I wont copy and paste my whole paper, just give you some of the highlights.

The Profitis Ilias Church

The Profitis Ilias Church is absolutely beautiful. Icons, paintings, candles, chandeliers. When we arrived there was already much activity around the alter. WE quietly sat on the left (traditionally women sit on the left and men on the right, although at this Church there was a bit of overlap), but we were directly behind a pillar and ended up standing in the back. Thank goodness for that because the thing I was most worried about was crossing my legs (a big no-no in Orthodox Masses). Plus, it was impossible to know when you were supposed to be sitting vs standing. It was nice to just stand and not fret about it.

There also is not "starting time"to these services (something I know would drive my Dad insane). People were arriving 15 minutes before the end of the service! No wonder 95% of Greeks say they have attended Mass! The service in a nutshell: chanting and chaos. The priests (yes plural) were behind this wall and only came out to address the people every once in a while (once to distribute incense, once to chant something, once for what seemed to be a homily, and once for what I think were announcements). There was continuos and sometimes overlapping chanting from the 7-9 song leaders which was terribly confusing. I feel like I would have been lost even if I knew Greek!

The most interesting part in my opinion was watching the people. Unlike a Catholic Mass, these people did very little in unison. There was very little audience participation, but some would sing along quietly every once in a while. Some people would sit, others would stand, some would walk around venerating icons and lighting candles. Mostly they made the sign of the cross. They did this frequently and rapidly two or three times in a row, but rarely at the same time as the person next to them. Communion was a massive mob. There was constant movement and constant confusion.

At 10:00 exactly, after an hour and a half of feel utterly lost, one of the priest gave what seemed to be a final blessing and everyone flooded out. Just like that it was over. It was an awesome thing to do once and I am so glad we did.  I don't think I could handle another go. I was getting quite overwhelmed!