by Talene Kelegian
Arriving at a retreat center full of complete strangers sounded like a nightmare for me, but there was an immediate sense of light and belonging shining on all of us. Here were women who found joy in serving Christ. Here was one who was born into Orthodoxy and dedicated to furthering the Good News. Here was one with no family history of Orthodoxy but felt called after a visit to an Orthodox country. Here was one who was not brought up in the church but felt the calling her ancestors had felt. Here were some who volunteered regularly in their community to increase joy in the lives of others. Here were some who had dedicated their lives to teaching others. Here were some who were rooted in their parish for their whole lives with a deep understanding of their church families. Here were some who were nomads, moving from place to place; bringing and finding Christ’s love everywhere.
One woman lives near a farm where ice cream is made. One just had a baby. One just had surgery. Some of us have children. Some of us mother the “church kids” in our parishes. Some have given what you want to call “sermons” but have to call “messages” in church. One is teaching many how to do that. Some of us can sing songs from the 60’s. Some of us are too young for that.
Through the presentations on Christ’s life in Jerusalem and Galilee, we came to realize that we were learning from women with their own beautiful journeys, histories, and missions. How did one come to Christ in Galilee? How does one come to Christ now? How did we each find Christ? How do we find Christ in each other? These questions were answered and asked again. We shared our own experiences of pilgrimage. We shared our fears and insecurities and knowledge and confidence. We shared our desires for being together and for solitary prayer.
On the big screen on the first evening of the first session were the words: Meet the Myrrhbearing Women.
We did. We met each other.