What Flavor Church Is It?

Sep 02, 2009 by Fr Luke Palumbis

As a child, one of my favorite occasions was a trip to the Baskin & Robbins ice cream store. Whether with the entire family or simply ‘running in’ while my mom or dad waited in the car — the mere vision of 31 flavors was a beautiful thing, and warranted my full attention! For myself, I was never too adventurous and remained with a few trusted flavors; chocolate chip, root beer, and good old fashion vanilla!

Baskin & Robbins teaches a profound lesson in an American principle, the ability to differentiate and choose from multiple options. Whether we attach a fancy title to that process, such as ‘market options, diversification, or competitive field,’ it simply comes down to what we learned as kids in front of those windows, staring at 31 delicious flavors.

This process works tremendously in the free-market system, developing higher quality products as a result of competition. However, when it has been applied to Christianity, such as in the case of Christian churches in America, a dangerous and common process of watering-down of substance takes place with each new ‘innovative flavor.’ Yet once we find it, even before we are able to absolutely commit ourselves to Christ’s Holy and Orthodox Church, we must first have an understanding and experience of ‘what flavor it is.’
Many ‘church flavors’ exist; youth, senior, programs, hall rentals, community center, ethnic, etc. . . however, in Orthodoxy, without denying any of the above, or other applicable dynamics, first and foremost:

THE ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN CHURCH IS A WORSHIPING CHURCH!

Through liturgical and individualized prayer, the Church provides an opportunity for the faithful to experience God. With the experience of God, healing and authentic purpose enters into the lives of the faithful as we progress through the life we have been blessed with; whether, old or young, man or woman, rich or poor! Through a dedication to the worshipping life of Christ’s Church, the Christian pilgrimage becomes a blessed lifestyle that journeys through the highs and lows of life, not promising easy times, but affirming a foundation that will withstand any challenge that this life may encounter!

September 1 marks the Ecclesiastical New Year once again beginning the cycle of liturgical services in Christ’s Holy Church. You are invited to journey and be edified by the worshipping life of the Orthodox Church as it is prayed at Saint Basil’s and in conjunction with the millions of other Orthodox Christians world-wide!

“What flavor is the Orthodox Church?” “The worshipping kind.” Take a bite!

+Fr Luke Palumbis