Coptic Orthodox Part 2

When I was first looking into churches with English Liturgy near me; Google showed me 3 results. One in North LA, one in Torrance and one in South OC. Which left me with only 2 churches because Torrance was not an option.

Next, I had to decide what weekend to make my visit. I didn't want to visit during a holiday weekend because I was/ am scared of this whole entire journey so the expected date was October 12; this weekend. However, God had other plans. Like he always does. It was the weekend of The Feast of the Cross (September 27-29) when I received a ton of text messages from friends just checking up on me. And I knew that was God's way of encouraging me to go.

Before I go further, I'll explain The Feast of the Cross. It is a celebration of the Holy Cross being found underneath the rubbles of Golgotha by Queen Helen, mother of Roman Emperor, Constantine. Constantine, as you may know from history, was the first Roman Emperor to be a Christian. This is celebrated on September 27 (Thout 17) and is a 3 day celebration. But because the Holy Cross was somehow lost and then found again during the 7th Century; a second celebration is had on March 19 (Paramhotep 10). To be honest, the Egyptians just want to turn up. JK.

Other side note: I'll explain the origins of the calendar at a later date because this entry alone is going to be insane. 

So back to the story...on Sunday, September 29, I dragged Jessica with me at 6 in the morning to attend a 2 hour church service. We got there super early and were sitting in the car as I was shitting a brick because I was nervous as hell. Thoughts that were running through my head were... What the hell am I doing here? They are going to take one look at my Asian ass and kick me out. Is my curiosity sooooo insanely strong that I must subject both, me and Jessica, through this service?

When the time came for us to go in, I manage to muster up just enough courage to get through the entrance of the church and then I was stuck. I had no clue where the English Liturgy service was so I looked rather frantic till a little old Egyptian lady who spoke little English guided me down stairs. She was kind and welcomed us to the church after she asked me my ethnicity. Lol. (I'm getting a hot flash just recounting the day right now as I'm writing)

Moving further along, we were there early so we were able to see the Father, Deacons, and Alter boys perform Vespers. Vespers is a ceremony where incense are burnt and a cloud of smoke fills the chapel. It is a way to open up the gates to God and allow for his blessing prior to a service. Also, for those attending, it is to bring back into memory Christ's sacrifice on the cross to save mankind. This might sound archaic but it is actually really beautiful; it is almost synonymous to singing worship prior to service beginning.  It is a way to ask for God's presence.

I'm not going to explain anymore in this entry because it is a lot of information for anyone to digest in one reading. I'll explain a little bit more each entry.

Overall, the service was nice. It was the first time in a VERY long time; that I felt God. It might have been the smoke, but it was very moving. I didn't get many stares from the women until the Holy Kisses happened during service. For right now, think of the Holy Kisses as a handshake. From then on, the stares were strong and piercing. I knew going to a Coptic Church this was going to happen. However, I wasn't really sure how I would react under this situation.

As Christians we are suppose to welcome those who are curious about Christ but the humanistic aspect of ourselves comes out and create barriers. I know the stares were not meant to malice but purely out of shock. What Asian person would step into an Egyptian Church? Cultural normalities confine us to what we know and what is familiar. It is sad to not step beyond and take a leap of faith. I know that God is by my side as I take this journey, so its not too scary. I just need to get over the initial stage freights.

Until next time. I hope my entries give light to this very beautiful religion. I promise to devote the next entry solely on the practices and ceremonial meanings that are found during services...also, the calendar.

Many Blessings.
Linda