We would like it to be black and white. We would prefer our knowledge
of the Church to be simple and uncomplicated, something like it
seemed, at least, when we were growing up. But as soon as we have
put our understanding of God and the Church into words, even if
they represent our best efforts to find words "adequate to
God," we realize how limited our language remains. Orthodoxy
presented in words, in prose, in a question and answer catechism-like
form somehow seems stilted and ineffective.
How can just plain words help us to explain the kind of definition
of Orthodoxy given to us by Fr. Alexander Elchaninov; that is,
of Orthodoxy as "Christianity understood as supreme Beauty"?
Perhaps a look at our worship will help.
The Psalms come to us as songs. What we believe is prayed in our
hymnography. Our theology, iconographically speaking, appears
in form and color. When trying to describe the beauty, joy, and
simply the experience of being in God’s presence the Church invites
us to utilize ways and language that encourage wonder, reflection,
and a "growth in life, and faith, and spiritual understanding."
In the expression of Christos Yannaras, "From the liturgical
cycle of the Church’s services (vespers, matins, the Liturgy,
the hours) theology became a poem and a song -- experienced more
than thought out by syllogistic inferences."
This is the invitation we make as well in this issue of Jacob’s
Well: to see how our knowledge of God, the Church, and
ourselves is experienced in a "melody of theology."
Fr. Alexis Vinogradov helps us re-examine the significance of
such musical terms as "rhythm, tone, and key" commonly
found in the theological writings of Fr. Alexander Schmemann.
The "melody" needs words and Archbishop Peter and Elizabeth
Theokritoff reflect on the problems of translation and the vocation
of the one who translates. How the "melody" is heard
by those who have converted to Orthodoxy is the message of Fr.
John Garvey’s article, while Fr. Michael Plekon examines this
question and the related spiritual hunger found throughout our
society on a broader level. Professor David Drillock presents
the valuable introduction to Orthodox worship and liturgical music
which he has shared with our Diocesan singers, choir directors,
and clergy at the three workshops he has led over the past year.
Robert Flanagan connects the "groaning" of creation
(Romans 8:22) to mankind’s ability or inability to be thankful.
Peter Mikuliak, in his "Letter from Sarajevo," gives
us some insights into the problems and hopes of that troubled
area.
Finally, in the spirit of Schleiermacher’s expression, "The
virtuosity (or special calling) of a person ... is the melody
of that person’s life," we offer this "melody"
as heard throughout our Diocesan and parish life, highlighting
the areas of education, mission, and youth while featuring the
poetry of Dianna Vagianos Miller.
Fr. John
Shimchick is the pastor of Church of the Holy Cross, Medford, NJ and editor of Jacob's
Well, the Newspaper of the Diocese of New York and New Jersey,
Orthodox Church in America.
From Jacob's Well
Newspaper of the Diocese of New York and New Jersey
Orthodox Church in America
Fall 1996
