So today was a completely different experience than yesterday! They still had all the same things going on, but add about 1000-1500 people and it gets crowded! Here are a couple pictures:
Just after we parked the car it was Mandy, Karen, and Kate's turn to get in a picture.While we were climbing up to the monastery, many people were coming down. It was a constant flow in and out the whole time. When we got there, we went into the church first and the priests and the bishop were singing. It just so happened that they finished and were going outside to conduct one of the three communion services. There was one in the church, one behind the church, and the one in the common area was the big one. Below are pictures of the people in the common area. The priest are the group of white robes in the middle. The ceremony was about one hour!
This last picture below is the soup tent which was being made the night before. After the communion service had finished, it was a race to the tent. They were serving hamburgers and sausage outside of the monastery on the road, but they were insistent that we eat some of the soup because it was made by the church and therefore it would be "for health"
Today was not much different than yesterday, but the line for the hole and the amount of candles was tremendously longer and bigger. It was good for Mandy and Karen because they got to see it for themselves as well. I was able to record this video which shows clearly what people try to do to receive blessing and health. I thought of this verse as I was watching it and decided to call the video "Praising the Bishop" instead of praising the King.
Matthew 14:35-36 (NKJV)
"And when the men of that place recognized Him, they sent out into all that surrounding region, brought to Him all who were sick, and begged Him that they might only touch the hem of His garment. And as many as touched it were made perfectly well."
Sorry about the shaky camera, but it gets settled.
2 comments:
This is really sad, my heart aches as I sit and read this. If only these wonderful souls could reach for Jesus and put faith in him, and not into tradtions and superstitions. The preist to me are portraying themselves as so holy, but they are leading their people straight to hell. I will continue to pray for these people and the work you are doing in Ohrid.Love and Prayers, Liz
Brian, Mandy and Team,
We thank God for you and for your hearts for the people lost in darkness in Macedonia. Our hearts ache for those who refuse to let go of that darkness and move into the saving grace and light of Christ. Continue to press on, for your reward is in heaven!
We thank God for you and your work! We love you.
Angela and Zoran Zaev
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