There are many Orthodox practices to be embraced after baptism. Orthodox Christianity offers a rich tapestry of practices that deepen one’s spiritual connection. In this blog post, we will explore several key practices my family has incorporated into our daily lives, including the establishment of an Icon Corner, fasting on Wednesdays and Fridays, attending church regularly, listening to stories of the Saints, saying morning prayers, and making the sign of the cross. These practices have not only enhanced our spiritual journey but have also helped us cultivate discipline and strength in a society driven by instant gratification.

1. Establishing an Icon Corner

Orthodox families typically have a designated space in their homes known as the Icon Corner, where they display Icons for prayer. While most Icon Corners face East, we discovered that this isn’t always the case. Finding the perfect location for our Icon Corner posed a challenge initially, but we managed to create a sacred space where we keep our icons, baptismal crosses, candles, incense burner, holy water, and a prayer book (although we currently rely on our phones for prayers, using The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America website. Eventually, we plan to acquire a physical prayer book to enhance our spiritual practice.

2. Fasting on Wednesdays and Fridays

Fasting holds great significance in the Orthodox Church, and we have embraced this practice on most Wednesdays and Fridays. During these days, we refrain from consuming meat, dairy, olive oil, and wine. Additionally, there are extended fasting periods such as The Nativity Fast and Great Lent. To support our fasting days, we always keep an ample supply of rice and beans on hand, which has become our go-to meal. Other fasting alternatives include peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, veggies with hummus, veggie sandwiches, and cereal with almond milk. Fasting serves as a means of discipline, strengthening our ability to resist the temptations of instant gratification prevalent in today’s society. While we’ve encountered some slip-ups along the way, over time, we have become more proficient in our fasting practice, having embarked on this journey two years ago.

3 Regular Church Attendance

Attending church every Sunday has become an integral part of our spiritual routine. On occasion, we also make an effort to attend weekday services. Among the notable celebrations is Great and Holy Pascha (Easter), where a transformative service commences on Saturday night at 11 pm, extending into the early morning hours. The Divine Liturgy provides an otherworldly experience, unlike sitting through lectures for hours on end. Instead, it transports us to a spiritual realm through the captivating icons, enchanting music, and the aromatic fragrance of incense.

4. Stories of the Saints

Each morning during breakfast, we open up the Patristic Nectar App, immersing ourselves in the Synaxarion. The app provides audio stories about the Saint commemorated on that particular day. These captivating stories, although brief, offer insights into the lives of the Saints and inspire us on our spiritual journey. To access this app, you won’t find it in the app store; instead, you can download it from the website.

5. Morning Prayers and the Sign of the Cross

Upon rising in the morning, we begin our day by lighting the candle and incense burner in our Icon Corner. Taking a moment to appreciate the fragrance and allow our minds to settle, we then recite our morning prayers out loud from The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America website. While we are currently working towards incorporating evening and midday prayers into our routine, starting the day with these sacred rituals sets a contemplative tone for the hours ahead.
In the Orthodox Church, the sign of the cross holds great significance and is performed multiple times throughout the day. We make the sign upon awakening and before bed, prior to specific activities, during prayer sessions, and repeatedly during church services. It is worth noting that Orthodox Christians perform the sign of the cross in the following sequence: forehead, belly button, right shoulder, and left shoulder, distinguishing it from the practice observed in most Western churches.

There are Many More Orthodox Practices Still…

There are many other orthodox practices we will be embracing in the future. Incorporating Orthodox practices into our daily lives has allowed us to foster a deeper spiritual connection and develop discipline amidst a culture that thrives on instant gratification. From establishing an Icon Corner to fasting, attending church, listening to stories of the Saints, saying morning prayers, and making the sign of the cross, these practices have enriched our journey and brought us closer to the core of our faith. As we continue to grow and refine our spiritual path, we encourage others to explore these transformative practices and experience their profound impact firsthand.