The Church is our foundation for our Christian walk. Gathering together in its building as a family in God’s love creates a home where we can get to know Christ more deeply.
Growing up, my family lived away from extended family. All the grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins lived in Northern Illinois. We moved a handful of times to other midwestern locales until finally ending up in Woodinville in the beautiful state of Washington when I was twelve years old. My parents took us back to visit once a year. So, my siblings and I did make memories with the relatives and maintain family love. It was always so good to see them!
Returning Home to Family
We were out of town recently. I ended up missing four Sundays at Holy Apostles. The Sunday I returned, I felt like I was home! It was comforting to see all the beautiful people I recognize — even those who I have not spoken with personally. It may be good to know that you are seen, missed when absent, and joy is felt upon your return to church! I’m sure I’m not the only one who recognizes you. I realized that it’s because as a church we are family and that same joy I had visiting my relatives in Illinois is the same as I feel at church. :)
I also have memories of large get-togethers where second cousins and great aunts and uncles were in attendance. I have been involved in the Orthodox Church for eleven years now. I have now made more connections to several different Orthodox churches. They include my first parish church, the church in Scotland I attend when visiting my daughter and granddaughters, plus a few others I have attended while traveling — Alaska, Colorado, and even Greece! All of these hold special places in my heart and are often remembered in prayer and love. They are like visiting my extended family, those second cousins and greats. I may not see them often, but when I do there’s a sense of love, home and family.
Finding Home in the Church
Extended family have helped me formulate my sense of self and the history that is my family history. I believe our life in the church is similar. My early years were spent in Methodist churches. By age 13, we were established in the Lutheran church. Early parenthood found us at a Lutheran church, followed by a couple different evangelical protestant churches. All of these church families are precious to me. I remain connected to many friends — they are family.
Which brings me to parish life and my “home” church today - Holy Apostles. Due to some of the above listed travel, I find myself periodically absent from “home.” When departing, the thought of not being at Holy Apostles makes me a little sad. I find routine helpful and stepping into the temple, one I am familiar with, brings me security often associated with home — the icons, the altar, the people from whom love shines and the liturgy help to keep me connected to the love of God. This is the Church.
Love
And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
—Colossians 3:14
Family
Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!
—1 John 3:1
Home
Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
—Ephesians 2: 19-22
When we congregate in His House to worship and love God in all His Glory, together as a family of like-minded people, we create a home in the building of the Church.
In His Love,
Paisia
Originally published in the Holy Apostles E-bulletin. Subscribe here.
