Identification
Christ is Risen!
Our identity is significant, knowing who we are and to whom we belong is important. A royal visitor came to the school where I taught some years ago. One of the retinue seeing a decorative Pectoral Cross I was wearing asked:
“Are these jewels real?”
“No” I replied “I believe they are paste, but the faith is real!”
When I passed through an airport security check more recently wearing my cross I was just about to remove it when the security officer said “you can leave it on, that is your identity!”
The Cross worn around the neck is not an ornament or jewelry for Christians but is the Sign of their identity and signifies to Whom they belong.
Identification
John 17:22-24
22 And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: 23 I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.
24 “Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.
The sighs of present, future, past
On holy limbs were laid
What price redeemed the groaning earth
In flowing crimson paid?
We greet our smaller Golgothas
Christ’s scenes become our own
Sprinkled by dry orient dust
From Zion’s fortress blown.
Each insult that Our Lord received
The Suffering He endured
Transfers to us in Union;
By His pure Body cured.
We live His life, we share His death
By Perfection we’re appraised
By mercy saved, by grace forgiven
By Holy power we’re raised.
“I in them, and You in me”
From Jordan to the Tree
We travel, grow in faith and find
Our true Identity.
Suffering is an indication of another Kingdom which we look to. If being Christian meant being “happy” in this life, we wouldn’t need the Kingdom of Heaven.
ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN FAITH AND LIFE 
Beautiful ! Yes, the faith is real !
Several years ago, I went to Mexico, alone, to pray.
On the way home, at the airport, security noted that I was wearing black, wore a gold crucifix, and was carrying my Bible to read on the plane.
I was waved right through security !
The photo you posted is fantastic.
Thanks ! 🤗
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Thank you. What I think is fantastic is the prayer rope beads effect of the video. Could you share a bit more about “Several years ago, I went to Mexico, alone, to pray.”? Thank you. 🤗
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Happy to share. I went to Mexico with the full intention of praying for that country, because it has many social ills.
I am unsure why I feel the desire to pray for certain people, or certain countries. However, I know that the Holy Spirit inspires us all to pray.
There were security guards everywhere at the place I stayed, confirming my thoughts that this is a dangerous country.
Today is the anniversary of the appearance of Mary at Fatima. Does the Orthodox faith tradition revere the appearances of Mary ?
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Thank you for sharing. I do not think that the Orthodox faith tradition revere the appearances of Mary, but I could be wrong; I am not an expert in this. What is your opinion? I discovered this which might be of some use: http://orthodoxinfo.com/inquirers/marian_apparitions.aspx
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Hi !
Thanks for your response, and for this link.
I am also unsure about Marion apparitions.
However, three years ago, on this day, I was having a prayer vigil, and using my rosary beads to pray.
I received a telephone call .
My husband had passed out behind the wheel of his car, and his car came to a stop just a few centimeters from a telephone pole.
This was caused because of a heart issue, which was successfully repaired.
I do believe though, that it was because I was praying that my husband was unhurt. 🤗
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