Orthodox

Pain of Genocide Still Lingers for Armenians and their Church

Geoffrey Orens

March 1, 2004

Forgiveness is one of the central teachings of Christianity. Yet for Armenians, who hail from the oldest Christian nation in the world, it is not easy to turn the other cheek to the genocide perpetuated against their people by the Turks. According to many Armenians, forgiveness is hindered because the Turkish nation will not admit that the genocide took place.
more...

Greek Orthodox Christians Prepare for Lent

Geoffrey Orens

February 9, 2004

For communicants at the ornate Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, February brings the holy season of Lent -- a time of fasting, prayer, and self-reflection -- in preparation for Easter, when the church celebrates the resurrection of Jesus.
more...

Armenian Christians Celebrate Eucharist With Ornate and Ancient Ritual

Geoffrey Orens

February 2, 2004

A marriage of visual splendor, soaring choral harmonies and thick incense, the celebration of the Eucharist, or communion, in the Armenian Church is considered to be the most important portion of their weekly two-hour Sunday service.
more...

Religious Icons: Art, Idolatry or Aids for Prayer?

Deborah Pardo

December 1, 2003

The sanctuary of St. James chapel at Union Theological Seminary posed both as holy and secular space for a recent art exhibit. Icons, dabbed or drenched in 23-karat-gold leaf, hung on walls and glistened in candlelight. The ambience of the room called visitors to prayer and meditation, but the rows of paintings contributed to the feel of a typical gallery.
more...