Two weeks ago I had the pleasure of participating in the Divine Liturgy of St. James in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. The setting of this service is actually a church within a church. The Greek Orthodox "chapel" (larger than many free standing churches) is found within the cavernous Church of the Holy Sepulchre between Golgotha and the Empty Tomb. A mark in
the floor of the nave actually marks the equidistant point. When a priest stands behind the altar he is actually looking out and can see into the empty
tomb. One receives the Body and Blood of Christ between the Cross and the Tomb. One is surrounded by beautiful icons on all the walls, and even above in the high domed ceiling. The choir voices filled the great space. There were perhaps a dozen men who served in and around the sanctuary as the Archbishop sat in the nave with the congregation.
This is the city where the church
began, this is the place where Christ's earthly ministry came to fruition. To be in that place for a Liturgy is unique, and extra special. I will never forget the experience.
One of those who accompanied me that day was Fr. Maximus Tatum. Yesterday, I had the pleasure of being in Portsmouth, Virginia at his first Divine
Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom for the new mission, Holy Myrrhbearers Orthodox Church. The service was
held in a borrowed chapel of another church, with few icons, a low ceiling, two other men in attendance and a small choir with a small congregation.
Portsmouth is a long way from Jerusalem, geographically and spiritually. To be in that place yesterday for a Liturgy was unique and special, and I will never forget the experience. You see, the Orthodox Church believes that whenever a Liturgy is held all of the saints are present, and that we are surrounded by the heavenly host. The same Body and Blood of Christ is partaken of regardless of where the service is held.
The words of the Cherubic Hymn are sung:
"We, who mystically represent the Cherubim,
And chant the thrice holy hymn to the Life-giving Trinity,
Let us set aside all earthly cares,
That we may raise on high the King of all,
Who comes invisibly escorted by the angelic hosts."
And, in addition, that service yesterday signaled the beginning of a new ministry as well as the work of a new minister. My thoughts and prayers are with Father Maximus as he begins this new work. May God bless all those who are a part of that ministry.
I was one of the men in attendance at the Liturgy in Portsmouth that day, and it was also my First Divine Liturgy as an Orthodox Christian. I can't put into words the joy that I felt that day. I was raised in a cult, and to finally find the True Church after years of wandering in darkness is a joy that's indescribable in words. I asked my family to be there for my Chrismation and for the Liturgy, but they all refused. I pray that God will bring them into the Orthodox Church one day before it's too late. Even though my earthly family wasn't there, I know that the Saints and Christ were present and were rejoicing. Father Maximus has been good to me, and I'm optimistic about the future of Holy Myrrhbearers Mission. I pray that God will use me to help Father Maximus, and to help the mission, in any way possible.
ReplyDelete--Michael Marius