Church in Your Life: Why do we go to Church?

Jul 01, 2011 by Dan Triant

Saint John Chrysostom once referred to the Church as “a hospital.” This understanding of practical spirituality is supported in prayers offered by the Church for individual health, when Jesus Christ is called upon as “The Physician of our souls and bodies…” Truly, the Orthodox Christian Church has always maintained Her understanding and experience as a place of healing, where people may come to find wellness in Jesus Christ.

Recognizing Christ as the Physician, when active in the Church, we witness and experience His priests as agents commissioned to shepherd and administer His health and wellness to individuals who seek soundness of body and soul. Who goes to a hospital and follows doctor’s orders? Those who are sick,and those who are proactive against sickness. As Christians we recognize that by default we all have sickness when we allow even a hint of sin into our daily lives. Furthermore, as we address our health through Christ’s Hospital (the Church) we also continually focus on proactive thoughts and behaviors good for our soul.

Perhaps the question has entered your mind: ‘Why am I supposed to go to Church?’ But it is impossible to adequately answer that question without first understanding what we encounter at Church, and why we need it. We encounter an experience of Jesus Christ, and we need that experience in order to bring health into our individual lives, and the world around us.

Yes, your prayerful presence and participation in the Church has an effect on the entire world! In the Divine Liturgy, each Sunday, we pray for the peace and reconciliation of the entire world, and all her people.This includes those across the globe, the country, and the dinner table. Yes, your participation in the Church affects them all!

Why should you make a continued commitment to an active participation in Christ’s Church? For the health of your soul, and the world around it!

Summer Hours: Divine Liturgy each Sunday at 9:00 AM.