Orthodox churches are not supposed to have pews. The fact that many do in the US and some other Western countries is due to influence of the Protestant and Catholic churches - the false belief that \"we need to have that too.\"
When I attend a service in an Orthodox church with pews, I feel restricted - people can\'t go around and venerate the icons or light candles in various places. During Lent, when the Prayer of St. Eprhaim is said, you need to go into the aisles to make a metanoia, as you certainly can\'t do that in a pew.
Besides, attending church, i.e. coming in direct contact with the One Living God, is not supposed to be comfy. It\'s not a show for the laity to sit back and enjoy.
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