The Way

'One of the most ancient names for Christianity is simply "the Way". "About that time", it is said in the acts of the Apostles, "there rose no little stir concerning the Way" (19:23); Felix the Roman governor of Caesarea, had "a rather accurate knowledge of the Way" (24:22). It is a name that emphasizes the practical character of the Christian faith. Christianity is more than a theory about the universe, more than teachings written down on paper; it is a path along which we journey- in the deepest and reichest sense, the way of life.

There is only one means of discovering the true nature of Christianity. We must step out upon this path, commit ourselves to this way of life, and then we shall begin to see for ourselves. So long as we remain outside, we cannot properly understand. Certainly we need to be given directions before we start; we need to be told what sighnpost to look out for; and we need to have companions. Indeed, without guidance from others it is scarcely possible to begin the journey. But directions given by other can never convey to us what the way is actually like; they cannot be a substitute for direct, personal experience. Each is called to verify for himself what he has been taught, each is required to re-live the Tradition he has received. "The Creed", said Metropolitan Philaret of Moscow, "does not belong to you unless you have lived it." No one can be an armchair traveller on this all-important journey. No one can be a Christian at second hand. God has children, but he has no grandchildren.'

~The Orthodox Way by Bishop Kallistos Ware

Blessings

~Elizabeth