I am RC - but studying icon writing. My second session - the Heiromonk I am studying with invited me to Vespers after the lesson...
Has anyone read that lovely children's book The Wind in Willows? When Ratty unpacks the picnic basket by the river....and Moley - who has lived underground all his life and has certainly never been on a picnic - and sees the marvelous spread laid out before him....all he can say is "Oh My- Oh My!"
Well - that was what it was like for me....
It is light, incense, black robes, glowing icons, candles, bowing, crossing, icons, bowing, angels, Theotokos, Christ, ST Michael, crossing, bowing, light, roses, chanting, alleluia alleluia alleluia, blessings, robed in majesty, kissing, reverences, worship, light again, icons glowing and shining and shining, Father Bless
Now I go every week. I'm afraid to go to the Liturgy though....