White Angel is a detail of a fresco
from the Mileševa monastery circa
1230 AD in Serbia. It is also one
of the most famous
frescoes in Serbian culture.

One day, in late 1996, I went to an estate sale on a side street in Ironwood, Michigan. When I came out, I noticed this funny, little Church in the middle of the block. I walked over to read the sign, "St. Simon's Orthodox Church." I was stunned and once again, felt the hand of God moving me.

For several years, I had been searching for a truth, although not necessarily a religion. My search had been inspired by a young, evangelical man who had challenged me about the Bible. I had to admit I didn’t know much despite my Roman Catholic upbringing. At that time I considered myself Agnostic. I didn’t even know if I believed in a Jesus. So, I thought I’d figure Him out first – was he real? I read as many books as I could put my hands on – even books about the Dead Sea Scrolls.

After I discovered there were actual historical records about Jesus, I began looking for His Church – I was looking for whatever Church was formed in the aftermath of Christ’s death. And here, I had finally found this one in a tiny town in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula!

I pestered them with questions, which they said they couldn't really answer. Mary did tell me, however, the one thing I was waiting to hear - that the service was the same as had been served for almost 1700 years! That really impressed me and I knew I had found something important. They also told me where to find Gertie and Tony Michaels, who lived around the block. Tony's father had helped build this Church in 1914. Tony was the son of Lebanese immigrants and Gertie's parents were Serbian. They were a couple of the oldest members and still maintained the tiny building.

Gertie greeted me at her door and it was the only time for the rest of her life she ever refused me entry into her home.  I quickly explained who I was and what I wanted to know. She told me she was busy as she had family in from out of town but she promised she’d call me as soon as she knew when the next service would be. I never even had a chance to give her my phone number. Yet, true to her word, she called me at work the next week and invited me to a prayer service (Typika). Her son. Rick, was a graduate seminarian and would be conducting this in the Priest’s absence.

My first entry into this little Church was most interesting. It had been many years since I had seen any Church decorated in a traditional style. As a child, I was used to statues but these were now rapidly disappearing from many Catholic Churches.  Here, there were "icons" – two dimensional, Byzantine paintings representing Jesus or His Mother or a Saint. People were actually kissing these as they entered the Church!  Rick referred to Mary as the "Theotokos," literally, the "Mother of God," in Greek. I could see a very traditional altar and Chalice and altar adornments. This was unabashed Christianity.

The prayer service itself was short, consisting of psalms, hymns, and other readings from the Bible.  Afterwards, Rick told me this was the Church that actually assembled and gave the Bible to the world! He confirmed the history of this original Church. It was all I needed to hear as I already felt at home. I became Rick’s student and Gertie and Tony became my friends even before Fr. Paul returned the following month.

Gertie teaching her beloved
granddaughter, Rebecca,
how to make the U.P.'s famous pasties.

The actual learning about Orthodoxy was a matter of un-learning many inaccuracies about the history of Christianity. I discovered a loving Father God – not the "Gotcha God" I was raised with. I came to look forward to confessions as a counseling session / spiritual tune up to help me stay on the road towards His perfection. The lives of the Saints became my road maps. Sacraments became my fuel for life. But most of all, the rhythm of the Church year – fasting and feasts – organized my life’s journey as nothing else ever has.

Over the years, I celebrated many feast days with my new Church family. We were especially jubilant and proud when Rick Michaels became Father Anthony Michaels. He now serves the St. John Chrysostom Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Orthodoxy can bring out the best in a Christian. It is self-governing. No one is counting your sins. You become aware of these yourself – the unique and persistent passions that keep turning you off God’s narrow way. This is an optimistic, celebratory religion. Orthodox know God IS real. That Jesus IS the way. The Bible IS His Word. That His Kingdom IS all around and present in us. That everything IS available to those who will commit themselves to His service. I have found a great security in all of this.

On Christmas Eve this year, my dearest friend and second mother, Gertie Michaels, left this world. We are all heart-broken at the thought of remaining here without her physical presence. Yet, we are all of us certain of her eternity and our ability to join her. She was the essence of Orthodoxy. She exuded Jesus’ "new" Commandment – "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13:34-35) .  (Gertie loved singing this particular hymn, too.)

Gertie was buried with the icon of the White Angel (c.1230 from a fresco at a Serbian Monastery). A gift I had given her some years ago as she really was a Serbian Angel to all of us. The icon is of the angel that announced Jesus’ resurrection to the myrrh-bearing women. Gertie announced the presence of God in all of our lives. May her memory be eternal as Orthodoxy is eternal!