www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life The Christian East & West Archbishop in waiting becomes druid

Yes, Alex, it rings fine with me. If I wasn't a Christian, or if God told me it was alright to opt for something else, I would become a Hindu. They're awesome. All the ones I know are better Christians than I am.

I am not sure about any hard-and-fast rules regarding washing hands before prayer. I know I always do, and I'm sure other people do, and it's probably just good cleanliness, but if you're already clean, I don't think anyone would do it. Traditionally, in church, we'll take off our shoes, and most people take off their shoes during private prayers as well. There isn't any prayer garment, except maybe when ladies wear a veil or shawl.

I've always admired the ascetic methods of all those religions from the East (hinduism, budhism).
However I think that the Judaism, Zoroastrism, and other religions of the Midle East are closer vto chrsitianity than hinduism.

Quite true, Remie, but for me it's a cultural thing as well as a religion thing. Before Saint Thomas the Apostle converted my ancestors in India, we were Hindus. If I were not a Christian, I would probably want to go back. Besides, not only is it ascetic and serious, it's a fun religion too!

Some Greek Christians believe that Alexander is a protoevangelist and precursor of Christ.

www.forthnet.gr/EAAN/alxgreat.htm [forthnet.gr]

Of course, Alexander--Dhu al Qarnayn--is considered to be a prophet by Islam. (Surah 18.)

Abdur

Dear Catholicos and Remie,

There were Russian Orthodox theologians way back when who studied the Tibetan Buddhists and their pagan "Bon" tradition.

I attended a lecture on this some years back and it was reported that these scholars held that, in terms of form, Tibetan Buddhism was very close to Orthodoxy indeed!

That sort of went over my head, but I've never forgotten it.

The Tibetans do have a rich liturgical tradition.

Some have postulated that they borrowed from the Assyrian Christian Church that, in the 9th century AD, had two Archbishops and 20 Bishops in Tibet!

Alex

Dear Abdur,

Salaam Alekum!

I"ll definitely read that article, Friend!

May the prayers of Nabi Iskander be with us both!

Alex

Hi Alex,
When did you have a Nabi called Iskander? Was he canonized by the Pope? You see the Muslim prophet Mohammed had a role model in the person of Alexander the Great. Moe knew about Alex. That's why he is recorded in the Quran. Conquer and control were two common words that were in fashion as they are in many Islamic countries. Praying for the intercession of a non-Christian, non-saint is an interesting phenomena not found in the Church. By the way which church do you belong to? I'm just joking. LOL

Dear Rum Orthodox,

I've been told the Ethiopian Orthodox SOMETIMES honour Alexander the Great, at least the Muslim converts do.

And I certainly have no problem with that as a private thing

There are iconic representations of Alexander the Great, Plato, Socrates and others in Orthodox Churches, esp. the rotunda Churches of Roumania that I've seen.

They don't have haloes and they aren't liturgically venerated of course!

But anyone, even he or she wasn't Christian, who has reposed and whose life example reflects, even in some way, Christian values, is fair game for private veneration by Christians.

Alexander the Great was just that in so many ways, as the article posted by Abdur celebrates.

And I'm NOT kidding!

Alex