A few months ago, I had the opportunity to visit an Eastern Orthodox Church with two very good friends of mine. It was like nothing I’d experienced before, so different from the Protestant evangelicalism I’ve grown up with.

Yet, at the same time, parts of it were nostalgic (some aspects heartbreakingly beautiful) for me in fascinating ways. The sights, the sounds, and the smells made me feel as though I had been transported to another country, somewhere far east of here.

I was born and raised across the pond, east of the States, where I now reside. And while France isn’t so far east as Greece, Ukraine, or other traditionally Orthodox countries, it is still quite different to the United States.

In a sense, this post is meant to be more than a commentary on Orthodox theology and practice. It is also meant to serve as an invitation to anyone who struggles to find belonging in a new place – an invitation to find that belonging, that identity in Christ above all.

Our unique cultures and traditions are beautiful testaments to God’s creativity in making us, but ultimately there is one body in Christ – one holy, catholic, and apostolic Church. I believe that strongly. And I believe that there is Life in Jesus Christ, eternal life, for anyone who repents and puts their trust in him.

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One thing to know if you’re going to visit an Orthodox Church is that you should expect the smell of burning incense. This is meant to represent the prayers of God’s people.

“Let my prayer come before thee as incense, the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice…”

Psalm 141:2

The scent of incense as the priest walks around, waving around the censer, is strong and potent. I hear the clink, clink at every shake. But there was more to the sensuousness of this experience than incense.

My friend and I arrived earlier than the Divine Liturgy started. We walked in, somewhat confused, and thankfully the usher took us aside to give us a quick preparatory walkthrough. Neither of us had been in an Orthodox church before, and the newness of the experience made it daunting.

But we were encouraged to follow along in the booklets we were given as the liturgy progressed. We were reminded to cross ourselves often, always forehead to chest, right to left. And to stand when everyone else does as a sign of respect.

We sat through the remainder of the Matins liturgy (which comes before the Divine Liturgy), and paid attention to our surroundings as the priests and deacons chanted prayers to God. These chants went on throughout the Liturgy anytime anything was read or a prayer was offered.

And the choir. Throughout the Divine Liturgy, the choir would respond in a back-and-forth dialogue with the presiding priest of music. Heartbreakingly beautiful singing. “Lord, have mercy! Christ, have mercy!” was their repeated plea. It sounded like voices calling out in the desert, reminiscent of John the Baptist’s ministry in 1st century Israel.

Overall, the liturgy and worship of Eastern Orthodoxy is highly reverent and expresses praise to God in a beautiful way. There are certainly differences between Orthodox theology and that of Protestant or Roman Catholic churches, but this is no reason to think of our brothers and sisters as inferior. Explore different traditions, and critically examine how they align with Scripture.