There is a Serbian Orthodox Church in the county that has sent out a open invitation to the community: *************************************************Our Serbian Orthodox Parish, The Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos, is having the first Serb Fest on May 13th on the parish property. I am hoping that some of you can enjoy traditional Serbian food, live music, and more. Here is Facebook link with more details: https://www.facebook.com/people/SERB-FEST-Virginia/100090190026102/ *************************************************(Theotokos is a Greek title of Mary, mother of Jesus.). I am thinking of attending (10AM-10PM with a soccer tournament), but want to get my self up to speed as best I can on their version of Eastern Orthodoxy in particular, and Eastern Orthodoxy in general. Not much of their website is in English.
I don't know a lot about the Serbian Church, but the Russian Orthodox Church is big in Alaska. I don't know what specifically you want to know. The Orthodox Church split with Catholics in 1054 over some theological issues (Filioque controversy) and the power of the Pope. Before that there was only one version of Christianity and many "rites" within it. Orthodoxy considers itself to be the true Church, and many of the practices are similar in nature to Catholicism, although they follow a different calendar, as they didn't make the switch to the Gregorian version. I wasn't aware that they celebrated the Nativity of Mary in May; Catholics celebrate it in September, but, of course, nobody knows when it was. If it is open to the community, I would suggest you go to explore what they offer and believe. Russian Orthodox Priests can marry, but they are they locked into the parish level and cannot advance to other offices within the church. I assume the same is true of the Serbian Church.
I have found all Orthodox churches to be very welcoming to non-members. There will usually be a tour of the church, quite often a film or slide show, and always someone who will be glad to answer your questions.
@Don Alaska I may go. I believe the full name of the church is Most Holy Theotokos Serbian Orthodox Mission Parish Virginia. This event does not celebrate Mary...it seems to be an annual community outreach called Serb Fest. Apparently they celebrate Lazarus Saturday in April, but their website events page has not been updated since last year...and not much of it is in English. @Mary Robi Is this garb typical of Orthodox churches:
Yes, the priests wear the round hat called the Kalimavkion and also the veil at the more formal events. Almost all will have beards.
I don't remember the specifics but this is what I came up with when I assembled the directory for the Serbian Orthodox Church as a part of my job.
In Instanbul, we occasionally attended an Orthodox church of the rite of St. John Crysostom. "Modern" Turkey has been tolerant of Christian churches (except for Armenian churches and that's a subject for another discussion). They can have crosses on the churches, but only wooden ones, not gold or silver color. Most Orthodox churches there are hard to locate. You'll see a undistinguished gate to a courtyard. Cross the courtyard to the church, go in and WOW! you're in another world. Gold, silver, beautiful hangings and crystal chandeliers. Outside subdued, inside a spectacle.
The holiest place I have ever experienced was an Orthodox Church that I believe was in St. Augustine, Florida.
The St. Photios shrine? It's a lovely place. Very peaceful in the middle of the hustle-bustle of the historic district. Or Holy Trinity? I've been to a Greek festival there.
I can't remember the name as it has been 35+ years ago, but the sensation has certainly stayed with me.
So what's the source of money for these apparently ostentatious churches? Is there an emphasis on tithing? I recall reading that the church I commented about is 100 families strong. I have no idea how many members they have. And I had no idea there was such a strong Serb presence here.
I suspect, like many small churches, the older members do most of the supporting to maintain what they have found to be important in their lives and support its continuance. There may be some form of "recommended tithing" as well.