Folk Orthodoxy

[Not David]

I was reading about Folk Catholicism (there is a lot of that here in Latin America), and I was curious if there was something like that in Orthodoxy. Cultural practices? Folk saints?

Thanks for your time.

 

[archer75]

Broad topic.

How do you mean "cultural practices"?

 

[ArmyMatt]

yes. as an example, in the US and Canada, the Church has added the movable parts for the most religious of secular holidays: Thanksgiving, basically Orthodoxizing the holiday.

 

[Not David]

Broad topic.

How do you mean "cultural practices"?

I don't know what you guys know about it so I had to expand it.

A cultural example: Catholics burry statues of St. Joseph in order to sell their houses, I believe quinceañeras started as part of a folk Catholic tradition.

 

[Not David]

yes. as an example, in the US and Canada, the Church has added the movable parts for the most religious of secular holidays: Thanksgiving, basically Orthodoxizing the holiday.

What do you mean by movable parts Father?

 

[HoleyHermit]

I once heard a talk that mentioned folk magic practices among the Orthodox. When informed by their priests that they were practicing forbidden magic the response was “No! My granny taught me this and my granny wouldn’t steer me wrong. This is Orthodox.” Making it very difficult to stamp out.

 

[Not David]

I once heard a talk that mentioned folk magic practices among the Orthodox. When informed by their priests that they were practicing forbidden magic the response was “No! My granny taught me this and my granny wouldn’t steer me wrong. This is Orthodox.” Making it very difficult to stamp out.

Like bad eye?

 

[~Anastasia~]

The evil eye charms are exactly what came to mind for me. Our parish has a lot of Greek immigrants who grew up under Turkish persecution and largely learned the faith from their yia-yias. The evil eye is a common superstition. So are extremely rigorous rules for preparation for Holy Communion, going back to the situation where many could only receive once (or at most a few times) per year. Their piety wishing to really prepare for such a special opportunity kind of overshadowed real preparation rules. And similar things.

Our priest has been working to educate them. I think most know the actual Church doctrine now. But a few still wear the mati sometimes, and I don't know how they might prepare.

 

[bèlla]

The term we use here is syncretic. It is popular in Catholicism for some to blend magical traditions that are hidden in its imagery. Practitioners usually frequent botanicas. At first glance they appear like stores selling religious goods. But in the U.S. its much more and they should be avoided.

 

[ArmyMatt]

What do you mean by movable parts Father?

Epistle, Gospel, hymns, etc.

 

[Not David]

The term we use here is syncretic. It is popular in Catholicism for some to blend magical traditions that are hidden in its imagery. Practitioners usually frequent botanicas. At first glance they appear like stores selling religious goods. But in the U.S. its much more and they should be avoided.

I suppose syncretism is a good term. I got my term from Wikipedia :
Folk Catholicism - Wikipedia

 

[Not David]

The evil eye charms are exactly what came to mind for me. Our parish has a lot of Greek immigrants who grew up under Turkish persecution and largely learned the faith from their yia-yias. The evil eye is a common superstition. So are extremely rigorous rules for preparation for Holy Communion, going back to the situation where many could only receive once (or at most a few times) per year. Their piety wishing to really prepare for such a special opportunity kind of overshadowed real preparation rules. And similar things.

Our priest has been working to educate them. I think most know the actual Church doctrine now. But a few still wear the mati sometimes, and I don't know how they might prepare.

I read that practice has its origin in Judaism and then it was introduced in Islam.

 

[RobNJ]

First "Greek Festival" AT the local GOARCH cathedral, I went to.. I'm seeing Pre-Christian Greek Anti-Evil Eye voodoo charms, being sold next to crosses

At least the baklava was fantastic

 

[Not David]

First "Greek Festival" AT the local GOARCH cathedral, I went to.. I'm seeing Pre-Christian Greek Anti-Evil Eye voodoo charms, being sold next to crosses

At least the baklava was fantastic

Is it true that they sell Greek gods idols in those festivals?

 

[~Anastasia~]

Epistle, Gospel, hymns, etc.

We changed the lectionaries, etc. for Thanksgiving!?

I guess it seems like a good idea. I'm just surprised. Interesting.

 

[RobNJ]

Is it true that they sell Greek gods idols in those festivals?

Now, THAT , I have NOT seen!

 

[ArmyMatt]

We changed the lectionaries, etc. for Thanksgiving!?

I guess it seems like a good idea. I'm just surprised. Interesting.

yeah, but it's counted as a lesser feast, so the only real noticeable difference is the readings for Thanksgiving are the second readings if you do the Liturgy for that Thursday.

 

[~Anastasia~]

I read that practice has its origin in Judaism and then it was introduced in Islam.

Hmmmm. I never looked into it. I only know the older generations of Greeks know all about it.

First "Greek Festival" AT the local GOARCH cathedral, I went to.. I'm seeing Pre-Christian Greek Anti-Evil Eye voodoo charms, being sold next to crosses

Really??? I'm actually kind of shocked.

Is it true that they sell Greek gods idols in those festivals?

Lord have mercy, not at ours! Father would - ah - have words about that. What is sold at ours is TIGHTLY controlled. We actually sell very very little - mostly food. And we don't allow vendors just for the reason they might sell something that could cause confusion or conflict with our values or beliefs.

 

[~Anastasia~]

yeah, but it's counted as a lesser feast, so the only real noticeable difference is the readings for Thanksgiving are the second readings if you do the Liturgy for that Thursday.

Interesting. We don't have a Liturgy for Thanksgiving. It's generally celebrated - usually with a luncheon scheduled before the fast starts.

I'll have to try to remember to read for that day.

Thank you.

 

[bèlla]

I suppose syncretism is a good term. I got my term from Wikipedia

It isn’t really Catholicism. The practice is derived from slavery and its the method they used to shelter their true beliefs in the new religion. Those systems derive from religions practiced in the areas of origin. Some know its blended and others don’t realize the root of their customs.