Ben Norton - Church Visit #2

Church name: St. Mark's Coptic Orthodox Church 

Church address: 455 79th Street, Burr Ridge, IL

Date attended: 11/1/15

Church category: Different racial demographic (Egyptian)

Describe the worship service you attended. How was it similar to or different from your regular context?

Upon entering the church sanctuary, members gave the sign of the cross. The worship service opened with burning of incense and a blessing. As a regular attendee of Rez, this was nothing unfamiliar. The service was given in three languages--English, Coptic, and Arabic--by the priest, Abuna (Father) Samuel. Languages were used interchangeably with no apparent pattern. While the liturgical style presented was familiar, they sang or chanted the liturgy rather than reading it communally. This replaced the typical congregational singing. Vocals (performed by the priests) were accompanied by the clanging of symbols. While the service was conducted in a rigid manner, at several points the priest interrupted the ceremony, at one time during the Eucharist. Commotion in the foyer caused him to pause communion and scold the congregation for disrespecting the Eucharist. This is something I have never once seen in a church setting. The sermon was about Halloween--the Celtic history, the change to All Saints Eve, and the return to "demonic" practices. Father Samuel condemned Christian celebration of Halloween. In our culture, it is highly unlikely the church would take this stance, as Halloween has become a part of American culture. He raised fair points, and I am inclined to believe most of what he said. The length of the service was another fundamental difference. While the sermon was brief--probably no more than twenty minutes--the orthodox mass was about four hours.

What did you find most interesting or appealing about the worship service?

I really enjoyed the use of liturgy--they drew a lot from Basil of Caesarea. Reading of the Orthodox Creed, which largely resembled the Nicene Creed, was repeatedly performed. I also really appreciated the symbolism. As expected in an Eastern orthodox church, symbolism was critical in everything they did. For instance, while reading liturgy, actions near the center altar took place, such as covering the bread with a cloth and placing a smaller cloth on the top. This was representative of Christ's body being separated from us upon crucifixion, and the seal being placed on His tomb. Toward the end of the mass, the cloth was removed, representing His resurrection. Numbers were also key: three alters = Trinity, five holes in bread = Gospel of Luke, seven loaves of bread = Gospel of Matthew, yeast in the bread = pervasiveness of sin. I really appreciated the traditional aspects of the service. It all pointed to God's Divinity and Sovereignty. 

What did you find most disorienting or challenging about the worship service?

The language barrier and deep rooted Orthodox traditions and practices were very disorienting. Thankfully, a woman named Sally approached us within five minutes (we stuck out) and offered to interpret for us. She brought us to the front row and walked us through everything. Still, a lack of understanding limited what I could take away from the liturgy, which lasted about two hours. The liturgy also had no apparent rhythm, so even when parts were read in English, I could not follow along. It was also confusing as to when one should stand and sit. Even with some direction from Sally, it did not seem obvious. Throughout the service, men and children of the congregation were on the stage near the alter, but women were not allowed. Similarly, women were required to wear head coverings during the Eucharist. This seems more backwards than it does traditional. chanting liturgy. Throughout the service incense was burned and spread throughout the church. While I am accustomed to some incense at Rez, this was intoxicating. At times it was nauseating and very disorienting. Also, their use of Theotokos and use of Marry as an intermediary at times was alarming. 

What aspects of Scripture or theology did the worship service illuminate for you that you had not perceived as clearly in your regular context?

Unquestionably, all aspects of the service stressed God's Divinity and Sovereignty. The white garb and standing of the congregation as the priest stepped away from the alter toward the pews stressed God's holiness. The gorgeous stained glass, solid gold plate for bread, immaculate carvings, and liberal use of incense honored God's Divinity. The congregation clearly realized that our God is worth our seemingly exorbitant charities. During the Eucharist, the women's covered heads revealed a reverance for God that is absent in most Protestant churches. Similarly, men and women bowed--faces, hands, and knees on the ground during prayer. This experience also revealed that churches which I have attended often get things right, most notably the humanity of Christ. Christ would not require such ritualistic worship. He would probably appreciate the lavish gifts like incense, but condemn the teaching that some of the altar rituals were necessary. The Halloween message was also elucidated in this context. Our culture is so caught up in being politically correct and giving everyone the freedom to act as they please, that we miss out on what God has commanded us to do. He calls us to condone actions that promote love, and condemn actions that promote evil and violence.