on December 27, 2012 322 views
Last summer, not long after I started attending an Eastern Orthodox Church the previous Spring, was when I wrote this poem/song in an effort to share my experiences. My spiritual history is quite diverse: I was baptised and raised as a Roman Catholic and throughout my life had studied about and explored a number of world religions and faith communities... both in and out of Christianity. However, I really felt in my heart God has lead me to Orthodoxy, a very beautiful and ancient expression of Christianity. It's the place where I finally felt like all the puzzle pieces fit, and where I've found a sense of family/community and where I can best serve Him fully.I began the process for conversion by attending Inquirer's Classes over the summer of 2010, and by February, 2011 I was officially announced and recognized in church as a catechum. More preparation ensued and then finally on April 23, 2011, two months after my 50th birthday, I was officially received into the Church via the Sacrament of Chrismation (Confirmation.) That day without a doubt was the happiest day of my life! For me, it's a blessing and a comfort to know that I will be an Eastern Orthodox Christian all the remaining days of my life! My days as an inquirer and catechum are over, but of course, this isn't the end of the spiritual journey...it's merely the beginning of a new jouney...that of a newly illumined Orthodox Christian seeking theosis (unity with God.)This is a revised version of the original video I had uploaded. I added some pictures of my Chrismation to share my special day with others. The other pictures in the video slideshow are of my parish, St. Anne's, and of other Orthodox churches in Oregon and throughout the world.Lyrics:I go to temple each Sundayfeel a sense of blisscross myselfvenerate the icons with a kisslight a candlefor all those who went before methen prayerfully await the startof Divine LiturgychorusI've been searching so longand now I'm right where I belongand I know that I'm not wrongwhen I say the Lord's mercy and loveis what has kept the Orthodox Christians strongChurch militant and triumphantare my familytogether we celebratethe holy mysterysounds of bells, smells of incensefill the airit's a timeless moment! Free...of all earthly care(chorus)this church was foundedback in 33 ADIt'll last foreverthrough EternityIt's based on Holy Scriptureand Sacred TraditionIt's where you'll hear the voice of GodIf you'll only listenWe honor the Theotokosand the undivided Trinitywe taste the fountainof immortalitywhen we receivethe body of Christin the Eucharistic feastmakes me feel so gladI chose to look Eastchose to look Eastchose to look Eastchose to look East .
Categories: Conversions
Be the first person to like this.