It's All Greek to Me

One of the most striking landmarks in our community is the beautiful Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church on Manchester in Encinitas. Many times as I have passed this sparkling white building with the golden dome, I have wished I knew more about the people that worship there. What does the Greek Orthodox church believe, and in what ways does it differ from the traditional Catholic Church? Do only Greek people belong? And how do they get that cross to appear when sunlight hits the dome? Since we had so much fun getting to know Rabbi Wright of the Temple Sol El, I thought it might be a good idea to go and meet Rev. Father Michael Sitaras, the Priest who leads this congregation. On a recent Sunday I attended the Divine Liturgy there, and it was fascinating. Father Michael is a third generation priest and has a great manner of connecting with his parishioners. (By the way, in case you are wondering how one becomes a third generation Priest, Orthodox priests are allowed to marry, and Father Sitaras and his wife, Presbytera Mary, are the parents of four children!)  Father Michael graciously accepted the invitation to teach our class last week. When I asked him what he would like to teach us, he suggested that we might be interested in learning how about the ancient music and iconography (painting of the altars) is used in their worship. Along with his divinity training, Father Michael also has a Master’s Degree in painting. He has been involved in creating works of art for the different congregations where he has served. The beautiful icons and mosaic dome of the church took my breath away, so I was anxious to know more about them.   Father Michael offered us a unique opportunity to peek inside a world of worship that is different than ours, but beautiful in its own way. Byzantine art is highly stylized and full of symbols that are meaningful to all Christians. I'd invite you to watch the YouTube lesson: It's All Greek to Me: Father Michael Teaches Us About Byzantine Art.