But I must say that even with those annoying things, the feeling is more of family, a little messy, but family. Kind of like life.
Thanks for all your feedback
I think that you hit it right on the button, dear Stavroula!
I have heard that for Greeks, Church is like your parents home..you can come and go as you please, and visit for a short time or a long time, but either way, you are always welcome. I suppose that is how it was in Byzantium as well, and also in Russia where many Liturgies can last hours.
Order and obligation can be a very northern European standard, and as you probably noticed-- moreso when you visited Greece than in a Greek church in the U.S.-- there isn't much order!! LOL!
On the other hand, I have noticed that the majority of people on Sundays are, infact there for the whole Liturgy. At vespers, I have noticed more drifters there...those who stop in to light a candle and venerate the icons, stay for a few minutes and go on their busy ways. Considering the time of day, it is understandable.
In Christ,
Alice
