Really enjoyed this Abi, resonating with me on many levels , the most moving part of the whole Holy Week experience for me is the Maundy Thursday Eucharist in our Church in Wales parish, celebrating the last supper then the whole of the altar and sanctuary area are stripped bare, everything removed and the elements are removed to a side chapel where a garden of remembrance is set up and the watch begins. The sharing of the Eucharist, then the starkness of the altar and finally the watch moves me completely, even more so than the Good Friday events and the joy of Easter Day. Your description of the Russian Orthodox service brought me to tears, something that has been happening in services ever since the covid. Bless you and Keep up the good work 🫶🏼🤲🏼
I'm sad that I no longer feel the need to go to mass every week.I was brought up Catholic and went to mass every Sunday for decades.I was schooled at an all girls Convent school and used to do the readings in my local village Catholic church as a teenager. The whole family were good friends with the priest and other parishioners.Sadly, since the covid years though I no longer feel that connection to my local church and that community. However, it's still great to go to mass when visiting other towns or countries.
I have to be honest on this one because ever since Primary, and Sunday, school I've been about as sceptical of religion as I was with the covid fear and reward theme.
As for the Catholic Church, I just wish they'd throw open the vatican library to public scrutiny. What's the big secret? Would they make redactions, using the obligatory black felt tipped pen, on ancient scrolls? Maybe God was a spaceman and lives in the cloud. I could go on about the virgin birth, miracles, resurrection etc. but suffice to say whenever I hear Christ as factual, I think 'oh Christ here we go again'.
But for levity I also think Dave Allen - and maybe he'd have had a monks in church sketch based on the theme from the monkeys with the lyrics 'here we go walking down the aisle, can you guess which one of us is a paedophile, hey hey we're the monkees - followed by a burst of I'm a believer.
Believing in someone, or something, good is a haven in these dark times - as is humour and putting two fingers up to the overlords wherever possible. It has all been said before regarding beliefs, differences and manufactured injustices, being accentuated to further conflict but, sadly, nothing changes.
It was ironic hearing, When I survey the wondrous cross ✝️ in the context of an R.C. service. We used to sing it as part of a degree in a Protestant organisation I was in, in a past life. That was a favourite. And an accurate rendition ma'am. 😃
What a wonderful pod and I’m so happy for you .
I don’t know why, but everytime I hear you speak of Father Alexander, I Feel emotional.
🥰
Oh thanks, Trudi!! It was quite a weekend. I’m sure Father A would love to have met you. ❤️
💙💙💙
Really enjoyed this Abi, resonating with me on many levels , the most moving part of the whole Holy Week experience for me is the Maundy Thursday Eucharist in our Church in Wales parish, celebrating the last supper then the whole of the altar and sanctuary area are stripped bare, everything removed and the elements are removed to a side chapel where a garden of remembrance is set up and the watch begins. The sharing of the Eucharist, then the starkness of the altar and finally the watch moves me completely, even more so than the Good Friday events and the joy of Easter Day. Your description of the Russian Orthodox service brought me to tears, something that has been happening in services ever since the covid. Bless you and Keep up the good work 🫶🏼🤲🏼
Thank you, Cheryl. What a wonderful post to read xx
Very uplifting and spiritual podcast, I felt I was there with you, experiencing the Easter worship in those wonderful Christian churches
Thank you, Penelope! That’s good to hear x
I'm sad that I no longer feel the need to go to mass every week.I was brought up Catholic and went to mass every Sunday for decades.I was schooled at an all girls Convent school and used to do the readings in my local village Catholic church as a teenager. The whole family were good friends with the priest and other parishioners.Sadly, since the covid years though I no longer feel that connection to my local church and that community. However, it's still great to go to mass when visiting other towns or countries.
I have to be honest on this one because ever since Primary, and Sunday, school I've been about as sceptical of religion as I was with the covid fear and reward theme.
As for the Catholic Church, I just wish they'd throw open the vatican library to public scrutiny. What's the big secret? Would they make redactions, using the obligatory black felt tipped pen, on ancient scrolls? Maybe God was a spaceman and lives in the cloud. I could go on about the virgin birth, miracles, resurrection etc. but suffice to say whenever I hear Christ as factual, I think 'oh Christ here we go again'.
But for levity I also think Dave Allen - and maybe he'd have had a monks in church sketch based on the theme from the monkeys with the lyrics 'here we go walking down the aisle, can you guess which one of us is a paedophile, hey hey we're the monkees - followed by a burst of I'm a believer.
Sorry but it's the way I feel.
No need to apologise Brian! Your experiences are as valid as anyone’s. Thanks for your honest post. x
Very kind Abi.
Believing in someone, or something, good is a haven in these dark times - as is humour and putting two fingers up to the overlords wherever possible. It has all been said before regarding beliefs, differences and manufactured injustices, being accentuated to further conflict but, sadly, nothing changes.
Still the future's orange with a hint of musk.
Dave Allen was my favourite comedian ❤️👌
And back home after a few days away for Easter..
It was ironic hearing, When I survey the wondrous cross ✝️ in the context of an R.C. service. We used to sing it as part of a degree in a Protestant organisation I was in, in a past life. That was a favourite. And an accurate rendition ma'am. 😃