Praying with Eastern Christians,
It means understanding and respecting their faith, which has only grown stronger through the trials of history.
A faith as solid as granite, for which many have shed their blood, and many continue to do so.
A simple yet strong faith that is not afraid to assert itself and speak out, without fanfare or violence.
A faith that is proudly passed down from generation to generation through these prayers, even to the youngest members of the community.
A faith that unites an entire Christian people.
A faith that celebrates Mass with lavish liturgies, where the faithful don't check their watches if the homily runs a little long.
A liturgy that expresses and supports the whole of Christian life and the life of the community.
A life that would have no meaning without the celebration of the liturgy.
But it also includes personal and family prayer, whether at home or at shrines.
Prayer still echoes in the monasteries nestled in the mountain valleys, where the monks’ chanting seems to carry out across the world.
The faith of Eastern Christians is a faith that takes action in the name of Christ and the Gospel.
This is put into practice through charitable works, often carried out by priests and men and women religious who care for and educate others, pushing themselves to the limits of their strength.
